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Book Review of The Queen's Lover

The Queen's Lover
kdurham2813 avatar reviewed on + 753 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


An interesting take on life behind the scenes in the palace of Louise XVI and Marie Antoinette. As a reader that limits her historical fiction intake, the "story" must grab me to make me forget that it takes place beyond our current times. From the summary, I was intrigued by the look at the French side of history, as I often read about the English kings. The addition of an affair and Marie Antoinette's obvious fame were definitely points to pull me in.

Written from both the perspective of Axel, the queen's mister and his sister who is said in the prologue to have her chapters fill in the gaps, I loved hearing her take on her brother's life.

I even learned a thing or two! Beyond learning what went on in the marriage between Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, I was excited to read about France's role on the Revolutionary War and what a Swedish man's input was on behalf of the French in the war. The chapter written by his sister including letters he wrote from the states, including my home town of Williamsburg, VA, were informative and entertaining.

A fan of historical fiction and those who love a little behind the royal scenes would enjoy this book.