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stephaniesteen73's review
5.0
Another first-rate effort from Michelle Moran. She has such a gift for writing gripping, yet very educational historical fiction. This was a heartbreaking portrayal of the French Revolution. While I learned all the "facts" in school, this explored the heart and the emotions behind the aptly named Reign of Terror.
nicolel0922's review
5.0
So good! I don’t think I even knew Madam Tussaud was more than a novelty shop in Hollywood. Brought the French Revolution to a more personal light than reading of it dry history books!
mthompson22's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoy this author and her writing. She does a good job of placing you in the time period and events. It’s a pretty easy read historical fiction with a nice mix of facts and fiction.
stefs1974's review
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
goodem9199's review
5.0
Ohmy...I am currently EATING this book...so, so super!
Finished and have returned to the present century. Oh, what a book. My obsession with the French Revolution is now getting out of control.
Finished and have returned to the present century. Oh, what a book. My obsession with the French Revolution is now getting out of control.
stephwiesman's review against another edition
4.0
I can't speak to the historical accuracy of this book, because I don't know enough about the French Revolution. However, it was a very entertaining read, and not dry at all like I was afraid it would be. I had no idea how influential Tussaud was during that time, and I am definitely going to pick up more of Michelle Moran's books!
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review
5.0
"Madame Tussaud" is a great read! I devoured it with gusto, sneaking it out at every opportunity to chomp down a few more pages. This is a well-written,compelling historical novel with that wonderful facet that you will learn lots of new things.
Okay, here's Marie Grosholtz, a young Swiss woman living in Paris with her family. Their business is a salon of wax figures known for their realism and their relevance--they sculpt the latest newsmakers and spend a great deal of time and money to dress them properly and place them in realistic environments. When the book opens, they've got Benjamin Franklin, Madame DuBarry, and the royal family drawing crowds. Marie Antoinette and family come to visit, and even though the Grosholtz family has potential revolutionaries dropping by to talk and plot several times a week, Marie likes the royals and accepts the offer to teach wax sculpting to the king's sister, Madame Elisabeth. She will be in a very awkward position when the revolution begins. I'm avoiding spoilers, so let me say that you will be surprised, and shocked.
Michelle Moran's descriptions of how subjects are measured and how Marie makes them perfectly realistic are compelling. She is an engaging writer who creates characters with depth, flaws, and beauty. I wish the publisher had put as much historical effort into the book jacket as Moran did into her novel. It's a mini-gripe. Take the cover off and get reading!
Okay, here's Marie Grosholtz, a young Swiss woman living in Paris with her family. Their business is a salon of wax figures known for their realism and their relevance--they sculpt the latest newsmakers and spend a great deal of time and money to dress them properly and place them in realistic environments. When the book opens, they've got Benjamin Franklin, Madame DuBarry, and the royal family drawing crowds. Marie Antoinette and family come to visit, and even though the Grosholtz family has potential revolutionaries dropping by to talk and plot several times a week, Marie likes the royals and accepts the offer to teach wax sculpting to the king's sister, Madame Elisabeth. She will be in a very awkward position when the revolution begins. I'm avoiding spoilers, so let me say that you will be surprised, and shocked.
Michelle Moran's descriptions of how subjects are measured and how Marie makes them perfectly realistic are compelling. She is an engaging writer who creates characters with depth, flaws, and beauty. I wish the publisher had put as much historical effort into the book jacket as Moran did into her novel. It's a mini-gripe. Take the cover off and get reading!
kiminindy's review
1.0
had to give up. very dry...just couldn't really get into the characters and life is too short to spend your time on "bad" books.
caro1uk's review against another edition
dark
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0