Monday, March 9, 2009

Book Review: Trianon a Novel of Royal France




Trianon, a Novel of Royal France, by Elena Maria Vidal.

‘It is the story of the martyred King Louis XVl and his Queen.’ P. ix


Be prepared for a re-introduction to two remarkable human beings whose fate can only be compared to that of the holiest martyrs. You will forever banish any previous perceptions or accounts for which you believed to be true. Be prepared to learn history as it should have been told. You will experience their life, their love, their faith, for you have never known them as you will after reading this book…Be prepared to be moved beyond belief.


This absolutely beautifully written novel details the life of the Royal couple by capturing the very essence of their being. Faith is the fiber that binds them to a relentless love for eachother and their country. The book is filled with magnificent scripture that is there not for the embellishment of the story, but rather as an ever present part of their daily life. The story is told in minute details and the love, the hardship, the loyalty and the suffering are all equally intense. There isn’t a part of the book that can be read lightly. It is extremely deep in terms of love, sorrow, faith and revelation.


Both Marie Antoinette and Louis XVl were deeply religious and this is clear throughout the book. They lived their lives in accordance to the Roman Catholic religion and dedicated their lives to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The book highlights this important aspect of their lives; which was essential for sustaining them through their infinite struggles and tragedies.


I had always liked Louis XVl, but after reading Trianon, I began to see him in a way that I had never seen him before. He was now grander, nobler, stronger and of the kindest heart ever imaginable. I now adore this king more than ever. Marie Antoinette is clearly portrayed as a loving soul who was doomed from the very beginning. She was branded and never given a chance. ALL those who knew her though, loved her and saw the simplicity and the extent of her forever- giving nature. She truly is ‘La reine martyre.’


I was also fascinated by the lives and encounters of the other characters seen in the book, such as; Madame Royale, a young daughter who was exposed to way too much tragedy at such an impressionable age; Madame Louise of France and her piety and love and understanding of the royal couple; and of course, Madame Elizabeth and her tender ways; the Abbé, who helped give great strength to the king. His role was immense in a time of inconceivable tragedy. I got to learn so much about all the other characters as well.


I particularly enjoyed the way Elena Maria Vidal takes us through the royal couple’s lives by weaving in details of past, and blending them perfectly within the story. The intricate details pertaining to the time, place and person are what made it so real and indisputably accurate in the historical sense as well. So, for me this book was more than a glimpse into the lives of historical figures by means of a novel. This was a reliving of history as it should have been told.


Now, although I could not put this book down because I was totally enveloped by it; it was by no means an easy read. This book wrenched my heart out as I relived their tragedy, page by page. It touched me so deeply that all I wanted to do was to keep on reading.

This magnificent book is enlightening, as well as elevating; the perfect blend of history and spirituality within the realm of compassion and truth…Mesmerizing.

An absolute must read.


* At the beginning of the book, a detailed list of characters is included along with the family tree of the Royal House of Bourbon.


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15 comments:

Ingrid Mida said...

How fascinating. I'll definitely look for the book. Thanks Lucy.

May said...

Lucy - what an incredibly beautiful review! Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Such a great, heartfelt review! You've successfully added it to my TBR list.

elena maria vidal said...

Thank you for the wonderful review! What an angel you are!

Lucy said...

Hi Ingrid- This book will inspire you- I hope you get to read it.

Thank you Matterhorn. It's easy to write a good review when the book is excellent.

Hey Arleigh- I just know that you will love this one for sure.


Hi Elena- Thank you for writing such a splendid book. I'm still mesmerized.

Cynthia Pittmann said...

Hi Ms. Lucy, another great review! I thought all of the Kings were caught with their hands in the cookie jar! What a surprise that here was a worthy king. Enjoyed the inspiration to read this book.
What a pretty background design you added...excellent detail!
Also---
Please come over to Oasis blog and collect your award. <3

Lucy said...

Hello Cynthia- What wonderful comments, you're too kind:) And-Thank you so much for the award!

Unknown said...

Hi Lucy! I can't wait to get my hands on this one! You always find the best reading and give the most fabulous reviews! I had no idea that Elena Maria Vidal had a book out there! I have visited her blog before but I din't know! How fun :) Thank you so much for your sweet words and lovely well wishes! You are a great friend!
xoxo
Judith~

Lucy said...

Oh Judith! You're always so nice to me! You're a wonderful friend too:)
Yes, this book is exquisite and I know that you would love it. Thanks!

Hugs,
Lucy

elena maria vidal said...

You are all so sweet! Amazon has discount copies of both of my books, here:
http://astore.amazon.com/httpteaattria-20/detail/0911845968

And here:
http://astore.amazon.com/httpteaattria-20/detail/0911845976

Lucy, I have been meaning to tell you that I love your new blog background, especially the diamonds~ Josephine would have loved it, too!

Lucy said...

Thanks for posting these links, Elena, I'm sure everyone appreciates it.

(I'm glad you like the new look...like you, I also think it's Josephine approved;)

Anonymous said...

Enthusiasts of the films of Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski (Blind Chance, Dekalog, The Double Life of Véronique, Three Colours Trilogy, etc) are invited to drop by my chatroom at the Brasserie Alizé on the anniversary of the director’s death, this coming Friday evening, 13 March 2009, from around 1800 GMT. Please pass on the invitation to others and hopefully see you there!

Marlene Eilers Koenig said...

Nice blog. You may be interested in my blog, Royal Musings
http://royalmusingsblogspotcom.blogspot.com/

Lucy said...

Hello Alexandre and Marlene. Thank you for visiting my blog.

Lucy said...

Thank you for visiting Martinha!