Marie Antoinette was a child of fourteen when her mother, the Empress of Austria, arranged for her to leave her family and her country to become the wife of the fifteen-year-old Dauphin, the future King of France. Coming of age in the most public of arenas—eager to be a good wife and strong queen—she warmly embraces her adopted nation and its citizens. She shows her new husband nothing but love and encouragement, though he repeatedly fails to consummate their marriage and in so doing is unable to give what she and the people of France desire most: a child and an heir to the throne. Deeply disappointed and isolated in her own intimate circle, and apart from the social life of the court, she allows herself to remain ignorant of the country's growing economic and political crises, even as poor harvests, bitter winters, war debts, and poverty precipitate rebellion and revenge. The young queen, once beloved by the common folk, becomes a target of scorn, cruelty, and hatred as she, the court's nobles, and the rest of the royal family are caught up in the nightmarish violence of a murderous time called "the Terror."
My Take:
"Abundance" could also be called "Adequate", as that is how I felt about the book. It was not the best, nor the worst historical fiction I've read. The characters were quite vivid, and you did feel for them, but sometimes, I felt as if the author herself was not sure if she liked Marie or not, but was trying to write the book as if she did like her. The result was a little confusing at times. Sometimes it felt as if Marie's thoughts did not line up with her actions. Aside from all that I enjoyed the book and I felt it properly demonstrated the fact that she was mostly just a scapegoat. Yes, she wasn't the best queen, but she was simply following in the footsteps of those that came before her. If you like historical fiction, I'd recommend you read this book, if historical fiction just isn't really your thing, just skip it. Overall, I would rate "Abundance" a 3, Find a Used Book Store.
Need more Historical Fiction? The Perfect Royal Mistress, Too Great a Lady,
Pride and Prejudice, Nefertiti, Abundance, Witch Child
Looking for some love that's a little more modern? Its About Your Husband
Do you agree with my review? Do you think I'm totally off base? I'd love to hear about it either way! Be sure to comment and tell me how you feel!
If this book were a movie it would likely be rated PG, there are slight sexual references and references to violence.
My Take:
"Abundance" could also be called "Adequate", as that is how I felt about the book. It was not the best, nor the worst historical fiction I've read. The characters were quite vivid, and you did feel for them, but sometimes, I felt as if the author herself was not sure if she liked Marie or not, but was trying to write the book as if she did like her. The result was a little confusing at times. Sometimes it felt as if Marie's thoughts did not line up with her actions. Aside from all that I enjoyed the book and I felt it properly demonstrated the fact that she was mostly just a scapegoat. Yes, she wasn't the best queen, but she was simply following in the footsteps of those that came before her. If you like historical fiction, I'd recommend you read this book, if historical fiction just isn't really your thing, just skip it. Overall, I would rate "Abundance" a 3, Find a Used Book Store.
Need more Historical Fiction? The Perfect Royal Mistress, Too Great a Lady,
Pride and Prejudice, Nefertiti, Abundance, Witch Child
Looking for some love that's a little more modern? Its About Your Husband
Do you agree with my review? Do you think I'm totally off base? I'd love to hear about it either way! Be sure to comment and tell me how you feel!
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