Sunday, August 21, 2011

Book Review: The Secret Diary of a Princess...

 Let me begin by saying that I am so glad Melanie Clegg (Erzibet) wrote this novel about the young Marie Antoinette. The reason I say this is because it’s not often that we get such a tender look at what lay at the basis of this martyred queen. Marie Antoinette is probably one of the most maligned queens in history and perhaps by looking into her young life we can get a better sense of what she was really all about.

Melanie Clegg’s novel is written (as the title suggests) in diary format and is a delight to read. From the very first page you get the sense of how genuine Maria Antonia (as she was then called) comes forth. There is such a tenderness, refreshing naiveté and true wanting to please in this young archduchess.

Her diary entries are filled with her love of family, her light mischievousness and free-spirited attitude. As you read this enchanting novel you sense how kind Maria Antonia genuinely was. She is always looking on the positive side and being hopeful for something better.

It is also refreshing to read about her in this light since it brings about a realization that the young royal was not brought up to be pompous, wanting and forever spoiled. Quite the contrary, Maria Antonia was seemingly raised for the ultimate sacrifice of self-Always doing for others, and as she was expected. This is probably something that is difficult to imagine for a member of the Hapsburg family and yet it was simplicity, obedience and piety that, for the greater part, shaped the young Maria Antonia.

Although I would classify this primarily as a YA novel, I am certain that both young and older can enjoy and revel in the dreaminess of this book. Notably, the historical details pertaining to both people and surroundings are impeccable.

Loved it!


9 comments:

May said...

How lovely! I'll have to look out for this one!

By the way, I have a new v-log, on a sensitive topic, but you are welcome to visit:

prolifetestimonials.blogspot.com

Madame Guillotine said...

Thanks so much! :D

I'm really glad that you mention the piety of the young Marie Antoinette. I was raised as a Catholic myself and took great pleasure in writing about that element of her youth. :)

xx

Lucy said...

Hi Matterhorn! I'm going to check that out now:)

Hi Melanie! Loved your book- and yes, MA was very pious. I think that's another thing many people don't really know about her. Thanks for writing this lovely book:)

elena maria vidal said...

Thanks for lovely review of Melanie's book, Lucy! I'll be linking to this!!

BurtonReview said...

Great Review, Lucy. Thanks for putting this book on my radar!

Meg @ A Bookish Affair said...

This looks like a good one! I love just about any book about Marie Antoinette!

Ingrid Mida said...

I like this new cover! It's true that Marie Antoinette is still much maligned. I still get emails from people suggesting that she was the cause of the French Revolution!

Violet said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Violet said...
This comment has been removed by the author.