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peter_gagne's review against another edition
1.0
This novel does an immense disservice to the Filles du Roi and to all those of French-Canadian heritage. It is full of the worst lies, myths, and misconceptions about these women and their time. The writing is one-dimensional, uninspired and uninformed, often including inaccuracies, anachronisms, and inventions. This is not historical fiction, it is pure fiction, taking modern values and viewpoints and transposing them into an imagined and incorrect view of New France. As someone who actually studied the history of this period, it was excruciating and infuriating to read.
lsparrow's review against another edition
3.0
I did enjoy this view into a part of history that is often overlooked - I like to hear the stories that are untold by history. However I found the main character seemed out of place with her time and place - it felt like too many modern ideals and sensitivities were put on her.
constantine2020's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Historical Fiction
This is a story that follows a young woman who was raised in an orphanage in Paris. Laure Beausejour then finds herself taken to Canada and to be married there (New France) as the King’s daughter with the mission to populate the new colony.
The book focuses a lot on the struggles of the colonists and how they adapted to life in their new colony. I don’t know why, but I felt that the author tried hard to get the readers to be compassionate toward the colonists by making the main protagonist a colonist who was forced into such a situation and then abandoned by her husband.
I appreciate the historical details the author has put into this novel, and she must’ve gone through extensive research to incorporate them into the story. However, I feel the characters were not that compelling to keep the story interesting. I feel the part about the orphanage was the most interesting portion of the story.
This is one of those books that is not bad by any means, but it is not a good one either. Have you ever felt indifferent about a story? Not caring for the main characters because you can’t connect to them or their situation? Well, this is one of those.
kathieboucher's review against another edition
4.0
This book gets four stars from me because of its subject matter. I'm descended from more than one fille du roi, and I loved the opportunity to read about the early settlement of Quebec. My ancestors were arriving just at the time this book is set, so the story had some resonance for me.
That said, the plot is a bit uneven and the main character was flat. It's as though the symbolism of the character was more important than the character herself. But the historical detail was so absorbing that I didn't really mind.
That said, the plot is a bit uneven and the main character was flat. It's as though the symbolism of the character was more important than the character herself. But the historical detail was so absorbing that I didn't really mind.
wellyreads's review against another edition
2.0
I recieved this as a good reads giveaway.
It's about a young girl Laure who lives in a poor house in Paris during the 1600's and is taught to make fine clothing and lace. When she is exciled to New France to become a bride of one of the settlers.
I liked the book in that it didn't romantize the story of what these people went through, I found Laure to be a bit selfish, but at the same time during the harsh conditions of Canada, she still found the beauty in the small freedoms that she did not get to experience back in Paris.
Overall I thought it was quite an interesting book, on a topic that I hadn't previously read much about.
It's about a young girl Laure who lives in a poor house in Paris during the 1600's and is taught to make fine clothing and lace. When she is exciled to New France to become a bride of one of the settlers.
I liked the book in that it didn't romantize the story of what these people went through, I found Laure to be a bit selfish, but at the same time during the harsh conditions of Canada, she still found the beauty in the small freedoms that she did not get to experience back in Paris.
Overall I thought it was quite an interesting book, on a topic that I hadn't previously read much about.
melsuz84's review against another edition
5.0
Really enjoyed reading this book. The main character does come off as a bit of a brat for much of the book, but that didn't put me off at all. Heartbreaking and haunting.
rocketbride's review against another edition
3.0
This book was beautifully researched and blessedly unsentimental about life in New France. The problem I had with this book was that the main character is awful and boring and unsympathetic.
melledotca's review against another edition
3.0
I recall reading another novel about the filles du roi a million years ago, and it was definitely more romanticized than this. In a way this one was a bit of a downer, but at the same time, being older now, I also appreciate the stab at historical accuracy.
Absolutely mind-boggling what these women would have had to go through. There aren't a lot of "comparable" adventures in our world anymore.
Absolutely mind-boggling what these women would have had to go through. There aren't a lot of "comparable" adventures in our world anymore.
byashleylamar's review against another edition
2.0
This book is a national bestseller and I expected it to blow me away. I wanted to love it but instead it comes up at the bottom of my reading list this month. It took me over two weeks to finish it and when I finally turned the last page my first thought was, “Well, I’m glad that’s over”. The characters were so flat and there was just no reason to be attached to any of them. Can I spoil something here for you? No? Well I’m going to anyway – everyone dies. Everyone but Laure and her “savage” friend (and the father of her baby) anyway. The thing is that I didn’t care when anyone died. We barely get to know them so it’s not like they are really missed. It’s dry and boring. Don’t bother with it.