Due to partiality towards my favourite Queen, Marie
Antoinette, I have to admit that I was very reluctant to read this novel. I knew right off the bat that some things in
this book would definitely rub me the wrong way…so let’s see how that turned
out;)
Written as a memoir, Count Axel von Fersen’s story is presented to us as an
edited version published by Sophie, his sister.
Hence, there are passages and chapters interjected by Sophie’s account of
what happened as well as those by Axel himself. The historical details are
incredibly palpable bringing you a sense of actually being there.
Despite the title, I found The Queen’s Lover though to be
mostly about the Queen’s life rather than about her alleged lover. Many of the events that occurred are true to
the history as can be attested by similar written works already seen on Marie
Antoinette. That being said, there are
no big surprises here when it comes to Marie Antoinette’s story.
As for the Count’s
extraordinary life, it seemed that it was mostly his flagrant sexual encounters
that were rendered the most descriptive.
His insatiable ravaging of almost any female he encountered rendered his
adulterous affairs hard to comprehend the undying love he claimed for his queen…Go
figure! In contrast, his great accomplishments read
more like facts that happened as these were presented through many quotes and
mostly letters to his father.
One thing that pleased me about this novel was that Axel was
always portrayed as respectful and caring to both the Queen and Louis XVI. Throughout the book there is not one passage
that tears down the character of these two royals. The immense respect and love is felt
throughout. I also appreciated the fact
that there were no vulgar descriptions or any graphics at all when mentioning the
suggestive of Axel and the Queen’s more than friendly relationship (surprising
considering the overly descriptive info with his other flings!).
This fact-filled memoir of Count Axel von Fersen’s chapter
in Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI’s life is an interesting read.
I reviewed the Queen's Lover as part of the TLC Book Tours
Here are more reviews of this book- on tour:
Monday, April 16th: Diary of a Stay at Home MomMonday, April 16th: Twisting the Lens
Wednesday, April 18th: Life in Review
Monday, April 23rd: Kritters Ramblings
Wednesday, April 25th: Peeking Between the Pages
Thursday, April 26th: Broken Teepee
Friday, April 27th: Unabridged Chick
Tuesday, May 1st: Amused By Books
Wednesday, May 2nd: Life is Short. Read Fast.
Saturday, May 5th: Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile
Wednesday, May 9th: Historical Tapestry
Thursday, May 10th: A Bookish Affair
Monday, May 14th: Scandalous Women
Wednesday, May 16th: Enchanted by Josephine
.png)
4 comments:
I love books that transport you back in time. However, those are the books that make me the most annoyed at other people when I get interrupted!
Thanks for being on the tour!
Thank you for the review of this book, Lucy, which I know I am not going to have time to read. I trust your impressions!!
Gret review Lucy! I knew you would have a keen eye on the details and presentation of this one. Is this book as sexed-up as I think it is?
If so, I will pass.
I have heard good things about this book, and it is on my TBR, however not too high because French HF is not my favorite genre - but I would love to know more about the Count!
Post a Comment