Scan barcode
ur_best_dream_girl's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.25
callmeren's review against another edition
4.0
This was the first book I grabbed off the shelves during my visit to Shakespeare and Co. (Whoot!) As the kind of person who reads mainly fantasy and fiction, reading this dry non-fiction biography was slow going for me. But I learned a lot and I enjoyed learning it in the end. It's very thorough and balances this sympathetic eye opener view of Marie Antoinette with a neutral tone very well. Not recommended for those looking for a story on her life. But I do recommend it for those who want to know more about France's most famous (infamous?) queen.
labunnywtf's review against another edition
3.0
This is a really long book. It didn't take me as long as I thought it did, but to be fair, my brain wandered a lot. The trouble is, there's so much I don't know about the French revolution, so when they start listing names and places and dates and everyone is a Marie Teresa or a Louis the Number, or a King/Prince/Emperor from somewhere, they all kind of run together.
That being said, I learned a hell of a lot about this period of time, stuff I've never understood before, and it makes me want to read more about the revolution and these historical characters. Including Robespierre, I need to get my hands on a book that isn't dry.
The one thing I'm taking away is that Marie Antoinette didn't deserve what history has done to her. She had her flaws, and she wasn't any kind of icon, but she was vilified within an inch of her life, by a world that already hated women.
Last note: maybe I could've paid more attention if certain pop culture references
would've just left my brain alone.
That being said, I learned a hell of a lot about this period of time, stuff I've never understood before, and it makes me want to read more about the revolution and these historical characters. Including Robespierre, I need to get my hands on a book that isn't dry.
The one thing I'm taking away is that Marie Antoinette didn't deserve what history has done to her. She had her flaws, and she wasn't any kind of icon, but she was vilified within an inch of her life, by a world that already hated women.
Last note: maybe I could've paid more attention if certain pop culture references
would've just left my brain alone.
misterythemermaid's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
underwaterlily's review against another edition
5.0
Though oblivious to the plight of the people and known for her extravagance, Marie Antoinette wasn’t a malicious woman. She was vivacious, sweet, and kind-hearted—a true victim of circumstance. Fraser’s biography is beautifully written and sympathetic.
readingaroundthehouse's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.5
cozyandfluffy's review against another edition
1.0
I'm sorry, but I couldn't finish it. This book really needed a great editor to give it a better structure. There are so many unnecessary details and name droppings. Very chaotic and confusing.