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The Disenchantment
This radiant and thrilling debut follows a passionate love affair between two noblewomen who wish to free themselves from their repressive society, whatever the cost.
“Propel[s] us into the epicentre of a 17th century Paris where breaking out of the prison of arranged marriage is only one of the many challenges confronting women.” —Lisa Appignanesi, author of Everyday Madness
In 17th century Paris, everyone has something to hide. The noblemen and women and writers consort with fortune tellers in the confines of their homes, servants practice witchcraft and black magic, and the titled poison family members to obtain inheritance. But for the Baroness Marie Catherine, the only thing she wishes to hide is how unhappy she is in her marriage, and the pleasures she seeks outside of it.
When her husband is present, the Baroness spends her days tending to her children and telling them elaborate fairy tales, but when he’s gone, Marie Catherine indulges in a more liberated existence, one of forward-thinking discussions with female scholars in the salons of grand houses, and at the center of her freedom: Victoire Rose de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Conti, the androgynous, self-assured countess who steals Marie Catherine’s heart and becomes her lover.
Victoire possesses everything Marie Catherine does not—confidence in her love, and a brazen fearlessness in all that she’s willing to do for it. But when a shocking and unexpected murder occurs, Marie Catherine must escape. And what she discovers is the dark underbelly of a city full of people who have secrets they would kill to keep.
The Disenchantment is a stunning debut that conjures an unexpected world of passion, crime, intrigue, and black magic.
“Propel[s] us into the epicentre of a 17th century Paris where breaking out of the prison of arranged marriage is only one of the many challenges confronting women.” —Lisa Appignanesi, author of Everyday Madness
In 17th century Paris, everyone has something to hide. The noblemen and women and writers consort with fortune tellers in the confines of their homes, servants practice witchcraft and black magic, and the titled poison family members to obtain inheritance. But for the Baroness Marie Catherine, the only thing she wishes to hide is how unhappy she is in her marriage, and the pleasures she seeks outside of it.
When her husband is present, the Baroness spends her days tending to her children and telling them elaborate fairy tales, but when he’s gone, Marie Catherine indulges in a more liberated existence, one of forward-thinking discussions with female scholars in the salons of grand houses, and at the center of her freedom: Victoire Rose de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Conti, the androgynous, self-assured countess who steals Marie Catherine’s heart and becomes her lover.
Victoire possesses everything Marie Catherine does not—confidence in her love, and a brazen fearlessness in all that she’s willing to do for it. But when a shocking and unexpected murder occurs, Marie Catherine must escape. And what she discovers is the dark underbelly of a city full of people who have secrets they would kill to keep.
The Disenchantment is a stunning debut that conjures an unexpected world of passion, crime, intrigue, and black magic.
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First published February 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
June 17, 2023
Celia Bell’s debut historical fiction novel, The Disenchantment, is somewhat aptly titled, seeing as it describes how I feel now that I’ve finished it – disappointed and dissatisfied.
The concept of the story is fascinating. Set during the Affair of the Poisons in 17th century Paris, in a time when the city is rife with fear of poisonings, black magic, and witchcraft, Baroness Marie Catherine is unhappy in her marriage and secretly in love with Countess Victoire. The two women steal time together at scholarly discussions and the theater, disguising their love affair as an intimate friendship while dreaming of a day when they can run away. That is, until Victoire commits a deadly act of passion, forcing them to play a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the police.
But no matter how intrigued I was by the historical backdrop of the novel, Bell could never hold my attention. The story is messy in its telling, oftentimes meandering to the point of boredom, and when Bell did manage to pull me back into the narrative it was short-lived. The characters, too, are underdeveloped, and there are random appearances of ghosts, and a white cat, that seem to carry importance but end up serving no real purpose. It’s all very irritating.
I did finish the book, so there’s that. But it’s a rough debut and not one that I can recommend.
My sincerest appreciation to Celia Bell, Pantheon, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
The concept of the story is fascinating. Set during the Affair of the Poisons in 17th century Paris, in a time when the city is rife with fear of poisonings, black magic, and witchcraft, Baroness Marie Catherine is unhappy in her marriage and secretly in love with Countess Victoire. The two women steal time together at scholarly discussions and the theater, disguising their love affair as an intimate friendship while dreaming of a day when they can run away. That is, until Victoire commits a deadly act of passion, forcing them to play a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with the police.
But no matter how intrigued I was by the historical backdrop of the novel, Bell could never hold my attention. The story is messy in its telling, oftentimes meandering to the point of boredom, and when Bell did manage to pull me back into the narrative it was short-lived. The characters, too, are underdeveloped, and there are random appearances of ghosts, and a white cat, that seem to carry importance but end up serving no real purpose. It’s all very irritating.
I did finish the book, so there’s that. But it’s a rough debut and not one that I can recommend.
My sincerest appreciation to Celia Bell, Pantheon, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.
July 7, 2023
kill your husband. embrace your lesbian identity. now.
December 10, 2022
4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for this ARC (my first ever!) in exchange for an honest review!
What a fantastic debut! One thing that I don't like about books set in the 17th or 18th century is all the social expectations and pleasantries that the characters have to adhere to, so of course I loved The Disenchantment and how all of the characters broke free from the guise of Parisian propriety.
It had a slow beginning, but now, looking back, I feel that it was the perfect way to start such a novel. However, it began picking up around Part II. Celia Bell did a remarkable job of describing the details of everyday life in Paris during the 17th century - there were so many vivid details used that I felt as though I was in the room with Jeanne and Marie Catherine at points. This attention to detail and historical facts is why I love reading historical fiction. You get the carriages, the chamberpots (and the accompanying chambermaid), the ranks of nobility, and the gender norms and social expectations, of course. The characters were all believable, and I especially loved Victoire. One thing I would have liked to see was more of her character throughout since she was the character least concerned with social pleasantries and expectations.
It is known (probably from my review of The Empty Room) that I'm not the biggest fan of omniscient POV in novels. This was no different, though obviously, I liked this novel a lot more. Marie Catherine is an interesting character, but I feel that the omniscient perspective made it difficult for the reader to know her on a deeper level. Though, perhaps using the omniscient POV is actually quite clever, as it seems that Marie Catherine does not give her full self to anyone. Another character I really liked and sympathized with was Jeanne. If the POV just flipped between the two of them, it would have been a lot more focused, though I understand that other characters' POVs (I will not name names in case of spoilers) are important and even necessary to the story.
Overall, 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, who is queer, and who likes a little bit of poison on the side, as a treat.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for this ARC (my first ever!) in exchange for an honest review!
What a fantastic debut! One thing that I don't like about books set in the 17th or 18th century is all the social expectations and pleasantries that the characters have to adhere to, so of course I loved The Disenchantment and how all of the characters broke free from the guise of Parisian propriety.
It had a slow beginning, but now, looking back, I feel that it was the perfect way to start such a novel. However, it began picking up around Part II. Celia Bell did a remarkable job of describing the details of everyday life in Paris during the 17th century - there were so many vivid details used that I felt as though I was in the room with Jeanne and Marie Catherine at points. This attention to detail and historical facts is why I love reading historical fiction. You get the carriages, the chamberpots (and the accompanying chambermaid), the ranks of nobility, and the gender norms and social expectations, of course. The characters were all believable, and I especially loved Victoire. One thing I would have liked to see was more of her character throughout since she was the character least concerned with social pleasantries and expectations.
It is known (probably from my review of The Empty Room) that I'm not the biggest fan of omniscient POV in novels. This was no different, though obviously, I liked this novel a lot more. Marie Catherine is an interesting character, but I feel that the omniscient perspective made it difficult for the reader to know her on a deeper level. Though, perhaps using the omniscient POV is actually quite clever, as it seems that Marie Catherine does not give her full self to anyone. Another character I really liked and sympathized with was Jeanne. If the POV just flipped between the two of them, it would have been a lot more focused, though I understand that other characters' POVs (I will not name names in case of spoilers) are important and even necessary to the story.
Overall, 4 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction, who is queer, and who likes a little bit of poison on the side, as a treat.
August 6, 2023
I took me FOREVER to finish this book. From the premise I expected this to be a detailed, complex, crime/mystery narrative, but no part of it surprised me. Its a whole lot of words for so few twists and turns. I also feel like the main romance needed more depth. The thing I apprciated most was its interesting historical background, and the fact that it taught me about a part of French history I’d never heard of before.
May 26, 2023
First a thank you to Pantheon and Schocken for a netgalley copy of this book for review!
One thing about me, is that I love some historical fiction. I especially love when historical fiction is targeting very specific events or weird phenomenons and that is exactly what this book did. It also commingles some sapphic love with mystery and superstitious intrigue.
Things that I really loved about this book, one was the atmospheric writing. I feel if this sort of vibe and atmosphere is one you enjoy you can just sink into it because the writing was spot on. Conversely if you’re not that interested it could get tedious. Fortunately I was into it. Also as I mentioned, I loved the historical context and also that were focusing on the characters that are usually sidelined. We followed women, servants, an aspiring artist, and a run down police officer. There were a lot of shifting perspectives which was great.
On the weaker side, I don’t think all of the characters or their motives were fully developed to me. The romance between the two main women was what I was most excited for but turned into the least interesting perspective overall. It also felt like a lot of really cool elements of sapphic love, a murder investigation, witches, and different power dynamics, but it just didn’t seem to all come together. Despite life and death being literally on the line, the stakes never fully sunk in.
Overall I did really like this. I loved the themes and I enjoyed the overall atmosphere, and I’m more than intrigued to see what else this author has to offer!
One thing about me, is that I love some historical fiction. I especially love when historical fiction is targeting very specific events or weird phenomenons and that is exactly what this book did. It also commingles some sapphic love with mystery and superstitious intrigue.
Things that I really loved about this book, one was the atmospheric writing. I feel if this sort of vibe and atmosphere is one you enjoy you can just sink into it because the writing was spot on. Conversely if you’re not that interested it could get tedious. Fortunately I was into it. Also as I mentioned, I loved the historical context and also that were focusing on the characters that are usually sidelined. We followed women, servants, an aspiring artist, and a run down police officer. There were a lot of shifting perspectives which was great.
On the weaker side, I don’t think all of the characters or their motives were fully developed to me. The romance between the two main women was what I was most excited for but turned into the least interesting perspective overall. It also felt like a lot of really cool elements of sapphic love, a murder investigation, witches, and different power dynamics, but it just didn’t seem to all come together. Despite life and death being literally on the line, the stakes never fully sunk in.
Overall I did really like this. I loved the themes and I enjoyed the overall atmosphere, and I’m more than intrigued to see what else this author has to offer!
April 22, 2023
3.5*
even though i was extremely excited by this premise, i found myself really struggling to stay engaged with this book in the first half. something about the prose being a little too overwritten in some moments... but i'm glad i pushed through. it picks up more in the second half and i really enjoyed the different perspectives - especially jeanne's. the extended scene with the children's illness was really vivid and well-paced. relatedly, i also loved the stories-in-stories.
one thing i really would have wanted more of was the fleshing out of victoire's character. she's only ever really shown in relation to marie catherine. even if her storyline had to end in the way it did, i just wish we'd gotten a more nuanced look at her. the ending in general definitely felt a little abrupt, and i don't actually think we needed the epilogue at all. also, despite all its promises, this story was ultimately not as sexy as i'd hoped. it could have done much more with the lesbianism and the court intrigues and the thrill of danger and discovery. ultimately, its attempt to depict passion is nowhere near as successful as the parts where it depicts marie catherine as shrewd and manipulative.
even though i was extremely excited by this premise, i found myself really struggling to stay engaged with this book in the first half. something about the prose being a little too overwritten in some moments... but i'm glad i pushed through. it picks up more in the second half and i really enjoyed the different perspectives - especially jeanne's. the extended scene with the children's illness was really vivid and well-paced. relatedly, i also loved the stories-in-stories.
one thing i really would have wanted more of was the fleshing out of victoire's character. she's only ever really shown in relation to marie catherine. even if her storyline had to end in the way it did, i just wish we'd gotten a more nuanced look at her. the ending in general definitely felt a little abrupt, and i don't actually think we needed the epilogue at all. also, despite all its promises, this story was ultimately not as sexy as i'd hoped. it could have done much more with the lesbianism and the court intrigues and the thrill of danger and discovery. ultimately, its attempt to depict passion is nowhere near as successful as the parts where it depicts marie catherine as shrewd and manipulative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
4 ⭐️ This was really well written. Celia Bell instilled feelings of anger within me as I read about the injustices of 17th century wealthy Parisian women, perpetrated by men. Very good writing! I learned a great deal about a part of French history that I was not aware of. I look forward to Celia Bell's next historical fiction.
June 14, 2023
I liked this book! But I think if I was interested in 1700s France it would have appealed more to me. I don’t really like historical fiction, but thought I’d try this out for Pride month (the main character is in a lesbian/sapphic relationship/situationship), but I would have liked to have seen more time spent on their relationship apart from how it related to the crime aspect. The perspectives often jump around between characters within the same chapter, which confused me at times, and the number of people we heard from (at least 5?) I think limited the amount I related to each one. I enjoyed it! But was glad to be finished.
September 5, 2023
I went back and forth on this book a few times, but I ended up on the side of really enjoying it. One thing I found mildly irritating was the omniscient narrator who popped into the head of whoever happened to be the focus of the scene. It felt like a very Novel Writing 101 thing to NOT DO, and it irked me every time I realized we'd popped into someone else's POV without a scene change. Not enough to make me stop reading, but if that's a no-no for you, worth noting.
May 31, 2023
needs more lesbianism and less children's stories
2023
June 5, 2024📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Pantheon
January 30, 2023
The Disenchantment, is exactly that. The novel starts out strong by introducing Baroness Marie Catherine, a wife you begin to sympathize with. Haven't we all had a less than perfect relationship that made you think of what life could be like if you could just escape it? In that, we soon learn of Victoire Rose de Bourbon, Mademoiselle de Conti, a free-spirited woman with a lack experience in the realm of maturity, with whom society allows to roam feral. So what happens naturally, is exactly what we would expect from Victoire. A couple of other major characters in this story is the painter Lavoie, and policeman Gabriel Nicolas de le Reynie and the Lady's Maid Jeanne.
I so wanted to love this story. I really liked the way the perspective switched and changed in a way that felt like you were watching a movie (and it wasn't confusing at all). I also appreciated the storytelling that took place throughout the novel, as it shows you exactly how the Baroness and Victoire could have gotten into the situation they found themselves in. Of course a woman that spent so much time in a make-believe land would find herself facing very real perils of her actual life. And of course she could easily pretend that it wasn't as bad as it actually was.
The reason I call this book a disenchantment, in itself, is because though the story is very slow, it does tug you through the emotions of the Marie Catherine and Victoire. You find yourself starting to become disenchanted with the story, you already know how it's going to end. You can taste the way the deed as tainted an otherwise exciting experience and just how fragile the concept of their love was.
I also find it disenchanting that the end of the story is a loose end. This must be because the author is going to write a sequel to the story-- otherwise, it's a very poor attempt at tying loose ends. What of Victoire after her talk with King's favored Mistress? What about Lavoie and Reynie after the chase? And Marie Catherine and her children? How did that play out on the night of her departure? And of course you cannot forget Jeanne and Henri. Was Henri ever punished? Did Jeanne make it to a better place with her treasure? I'm hoping the ending is not just a sloppy tie together.
Because of the slow read, the loose plotline ending, and the general wanderings that happen throughout the story (which sometimes feel like they're there to take up space on the page to further the page count), I give this book 3 stars out of 5. It definitely was not my favorite read in 2023.
I so wanted to love this story. I really liked the way the perspective switched and changed in a way that felt like you were watching a movie (and it wasn't confusing at all). I also appreciated the storytelling that took place throughout the novel, as it shows you exactly how the Baroness and Victoire could have gotten into the situation they found themselves in. Of course a woman that spent so much time in a make-believe land would find herself facing very real perils of her actual life. And of course she could easily pretend that it wasn't as bad as it actually was.
The reason I call this book a disenchantment, in itself, is because though the story is very slow, it does tug you through the emotions of the Marie Catherine and Victoire. You find yourself starting to become disenchanted with the story, you already know how it's going to end. You can taste the way the deed as tainted an otherwise exciting experience and just how fragile the concept of their love was.
I also find it disenchanting that the end of the story is a loose end. This must be because the author is going to write a sequel to the story-- otherwise, it's a very poor attempt at tying loose ends. What of Victoire after her talk with King's favored Mistress? What about Lavoie and Reynie after the chase? And Marie Catherine and her children? How did that play out on the night of her departure? And of course you cannot forget Jeanne and Henri. Was Henri ever punished? Did Jeanne make it to a better place with her treasure? I'm hoping the ending is not just a sloppy tie together.
Because of the slow read, the loose plotline ending, and the general wanderings that happen throughout the story (which sometimes feel like they're there to take up space on the page to further the page count), I give this book 3 stars out of 5. It definitely was not my favorite read in 2023.
January 9, 2024
My first book of the year is a sapphic historical fiction book. This book has been standing on my shelf for some time, calling to me and now I understand why I hesitated. In the midst of the romance and drama, there lies the real events of the Affair of the Poisons. I've listened to podcasts on this topic and it happens during our lovely Sun King's reign, so I already had an inkling to read more about it. Except I kept putting it off. Other history books had priority. Until now. Now I need to know every detail and immerse myself in the paranoia of those events.
But more than that, I am now aware of these incridible frenchwomen who lived lives outside of the norm during the 17th century and I just need to know more about them. I might have found new heroines to stand beside Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley.
But more than that, I am now aware of these incridible frenchwomen who lived lives outside of the norm during the 17th century and I just need to know more about them. I might have found new heroines to stand beside Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley.
October 6, 2025
Oh goodness me, this took me an age to read! I thought this would’ve been abit of a crime/ thriller/ who done it vibe; set back in the olden times in Paris. Like sounds pretty cool right? But no, it’s a total bore with no surprises at all. It’s a whole lot of words for not much to happen. I mean the stories that the main girlie tells her children are more interesting than the actual story. Even the secret ‘romance’ was not giving romance or spice, like did these girls even like each other? To be honest there is no depth to any of the characters so I wouldn’t know what they liked. Plus the main girlies lover completely fkd up the rest of her life, and we never really addressed that did we. The part of this book that I appreciated was the historical background. Super interesting, I mean girl bosses going around Paris poisoning anyone they felt like? Hello go girls! So for that I’ll give it a 3.
June 8, 2023
The Disenchantment is a fantastic debut novel. It's a beautifully told recounting of daily life in 17th century Paris, it's a heart-warming exploration of queer love. This book is so many wonderful things, but fast moving it is not. This isn't a novel that will have you gripping the edge of your seat, frantically flipping pages, desperate to reach its fiery conclusion. No, this book is much more akin to a peaceful walk in the park, a picturesque and serene tale that begs to be savored.
Told with rich and evocative detail, this story contains many different shifts in perspective. From the eyes of the secret lovers, to struggling artists and power hungry barons, as readers, we get to view this story from all angles. This isn't the most shocking of stories, in fact we can ascertain what's in store for our spellbound pair pretty much instantly, but perhaps that's the point. Perhaps we aren't meant to be left wondering what will become of the lovers, perhaps we aren't meant to be left reeling by some delicious little twist. Maybe, just maybe, we're simply meant to enjoy the journey, even if we already know the destination.
She had poisoned some men, she had played some clever tricks with the scriptures, but what about them - the men and women who came to her, and then sat in confession on Sundays? Would they burn too?
Told with rich and evocative detail, this story contains many different shifts in perspective. From the eyes of the secret lovers, to struggling artists and power hungry barons, as readers, we get to view this story from all angles. This isn't the most shocking of stories, in fact we can ascertain what's in store for our spellbound pair pretty much instantly, but perhaps that's the point. Perhaps we aren't meant to be left wondering what will become of the lovers, perhaps we aren't meant to be left reeling by some delicious little twist. Maybe, just maybe, we're simply meant to enjoy the journey, even if we already know the destination.
Read
February 25, 2025I picked this up as I wanted to try a historical fiction and the premise of this sounded really good and I loved the cover.
Unfortunately after reading nearly 100 pages (which was a struggle) I decided to DNF this. It was not for me and I just found this incredibly boring.
Unfortunately after reading nearly 100 pages (which was a struggle) I decided to DNF this. It was not for me and I just found this incredibly boring.
June 23, 2023
If there is a book is about any one of the following three things: 1. pre-revolutionary France, 2. girlfriends who murder, 3. a battle of wits against a tenacious detective, say no more, I'm already sold. This book happens to have all three. Marie Catherine is an unhappily married baroness and mother who has a gift for weaving beautiful fairy tales, mostly for the entertainment of her two children. She's involved in a clandestine affair with younger noblewoman, Victoire Rose de Bourbon, a relative of the king. When Victoire impulsively commits murder to protect Marie Catherine, they find that their troubles are only just beginning.
This is not a romance novel. There is a romance at the center of the story, but I would describe it more as a richly detailed and nuanced historical fiction that explores the inner lives of wealthy noblewomen in 17th century Paris, the ties between them and the servants they depend on in sometimes unexpected ways, and how guilt and fear of discovery weigh on a relationship in the aftermath of a violent act that can't be undone. This is an beautifully written debut novel that absolutely immerses you within its world, and I especially loved the stories that Marie Catherine tells within the text. I really enjoyed reading this and can't wait to see what Celia Bell writes next.
This is not a romance novel. There is a romance at the center of the story, but I would describe it more as a richly detailed and nuanced historical fiction that explores the inner lives of wealthy noblewomen in 17th century Paris, the ties between them and the servants they depend on in sometimes unexpected ways, and how guilt and fear of discovery weigh on a relationship in the aftermath of a violent act that can't be undone. This is an beautifully written debut novel that absolutely immerses you within its world, and I especially loved the stories that Marie Catherine tells within the text. I really enjoyed reading this and can't wait to see what Celia Bell writes next.
September 6, 2023
The blurb did this book so dirty. The blurb covers perhaps almost half of the book, which was frustrating as it made it feel boring. However, the writing is vibrant enough to make up for it. I loved the colours of the artist, the narrative flair from the baronne, and the tension from Conti. While pacing was sometimes a little off, and i really did not enjoy the ending (personal tastes I guess, I don’t want another sad lesbian happy maybe after. I wanted sapphics-Murder-and-run-off-into-the-sunset.) overall it was a good time. Not my favourite book, but not the worst. Super stylish cover and a fun story.
July 29, 2023
I couldn't finish this one... Honestly it was so bad it completely derailed my reading streak and I've turned to other hobbies!!
I'm giving it two stars because I really wanted to know what happened... I just absolutely could not endure reading it to find out. The story was there. Deep, deep, deep down in there. I tried so hard to love it...
It's giving painful attempt at literary classic ya know?
I'm giving it two stars because I really wanted to know what happened... I just absolutely could not endure reading it to find out. The story was there. Deep, deep, deep down in there. I tried so hard to love it...
It's giving painful attempt at literary classic ya know?
August 17, 2023
The writing of this book was really beautiful but it was kind of hard for me to finish the entire book because it moved pretty slowly. I also sort of felt like it was never addressed how much the main character’s lover kind of messed up her life.
Read
April 4, 2024I loved the writing. The setting was interesting. But things dragged a bit in the middle - this is probably at least in part because I had to put the book down for awhile because of other things happening in my life, so it's not really the book's fault.
October 5, 2024
Lesbians, Paris, intrigue, scandal… what’s not to aime?
Looks like a lot of mixed reviews from others on this but I had a delightful time and was totally in it from the first sentence to the last.
Audio narrator was probably one of the best I’ve heard - great voice and better acting.
Looks like a lot of mixed reviews from others on this but I had a delightful time and was totally in it from the first sentence to the last.
Audio narrator was probably one of the best I’ve heard - great voice and better acting.
December 6, 2023
A book for those who enjoy Portrait of a Lady on Fire, 17th century French novels, the show Versailles, and Angela Carter.
September 28, 2023
A very impressive debut historical fiction, set in the time of the 17th century Poison Affair in France. It is centred around a sapphic romance, but I wouldn’t classify it as a romance specifically. The author provides very interesting commentary on womens’ liberty and their relationships with marriage, gender expression, motherhood and class. It is also a mystery, with the protagonist trying to outwit the police throughout the story, while the police are desperately trying to get on top of the poison affair, and directing much of their suspicion and anger towards women.
The characters are fascinating and very strong, and I love that it is told solely through the perspectives of women. I really appreciate the author’s research, she included many details and characters either directly from or inspired by historical resources and literature from the period. It made for a very compelling, vivid and historically accurate read.
I’m very glad I stumbled upon this at my local library, and would be thrilled to read another book by Bell.
The characters are fascinating and very strong, and I love that it is told solely through the perspectives of women. I really appreciate the author’s research, she included many details and characters either directly from or inspired by historical resources and literature from the period. It made for a very compelling, vivid and historically accurate read.
I’m very glad I stumbled upon this at my local library, and would be thrilled to read another book by Bell.
November 23, 2023
emotionally mediocre but the history was delectable
December 2, 2023
Aptly named, it was both disenchanting and disappointing
February 1, 2025
Capital B BORING
September 11, 2024
gay historical novel with slay dresses and set in the french court. kill your husbands because quite frankly they deserve it. send all men away and poison them. loved !
February 22, 2025
this seemed tailor made for me - queer historical fiction full of poison, intrigue, and versailles ?!?!?!
yet it somehow managed to be a bit of a snooze unfortunately:( i really struggled to get through it - and i think a big part of it was the thin plot that focused predominantly on a romance i did not care for, and not enough on the intrigue and scandal and secrecy elements.
it’s also disappointing that victoire is not “androgynous”, as the blurb promises, but simply a woman who wears trousers twice. nothing else about her deviates from traditional femininity. apart from being gay, i guess.
loved the kids, they were fun. loved jeanne and her storyline. also loved the painter storyline. just the main romance didn’t grab me :/ sorry :/
yet it somehow managed to be a bit of a snooze unfortunately:( i really struggled to get through it - and i think a big part of it was the thin plot that focused predominantly on a romance i did not care for, and not enough on the intrigue and scandal and secrecy elements.
it’s also disappointing that victoire is not “androgynous”, as the blurb promises, but simply a woman who wears trousers twice. nothing else about her deviates from traditional femininity. apart from being gay, i guess.
loved the kids, they were fun. loved jeanne and her storyline. also loved the painter storyline. just the main romance didn’t grab me :/ sorry :/
February 14, 2023
Scandal is rampant in seventeenth century Paris – poisonings have become more common among the upper class and many women have been imprisoned even for the slight suspicion of attempting to poison their husbands. Baroness Marie Catherine is unhappily married with two young children but finds joy in weaving fairytales for them and her secret liaisons with Victoire Rose de Bourbon, another noblewoman. But when a violent act overturns Marie’s life, she’s forced to use all of her wits to avoid suspicion and maintain her freedom.
The concept of this work was fascinating, and it was difficult not to be intrigued by the promise of a passionate affair between two French noblewomen during a time of mysticism and danger. Unfortunately, the execution of this work fell short.
The author’s writing style was not conducive to writing emotionally relatable characters or events. There were long bouts of dry, rambling exposition that were interspersed with dialogue or an intense scene. It felt as if the meandering writing was only there to increase the page count rather than add anything meaningful to the work and it drastically slowed down an already slow plot. There were two or three scenes in the book that were well written and maintained my interest, drawing me into the story and the characters, but they were relatively short. The author also included many details relating to life in seventeenth century Paris that added to the story, although the setting never felt immersive or vibrant. There were many questions left unanswered by the ending and I didn’t find it to be a satisfying way to finish the book.
The characters were bland and emotionless, feeling completely detached from the plot and each other. Their personalities weren’t evident in the way they were portrayed, and they lacked unique voices. I did like how the author used Marie’s love of storytelling to incorporate some of that character’s personal history into the story, but it wasn’t enough to make her feel alive.
I wanted to love this read, but it was a struggle to finish. I think with some trimming and reworking it could be fascinating, but I don’t recommend it as it is currently. My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for allowing me to read this work, which will be published 16 May 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The concept of this work was fascinating, and it was difficult not to be intrigued by the promise of a passionate affair between two French noblewomen during a time of mysticism and danger. Unfortunately, the execution of this work fell short.
The author’s writing style was not conducive to writing emotionally relatable characters or events. There were long bouts of dry, rambling exposition that were interspersed with dialogue or an intense scene. It felt as if the meandering writing was only there to increase the page count rather than add anything meaningful to the work and it drastically slowed down an already slow plot. There were two or three scenes in the book that were well written and maintained my interest, drawing me into the story and the characters, but they were relatively short. The author also included many details relating to life in seventeenth century Paris that added to the story, although the setting never felt immersive or vibrant. There were many questions left unanswered by the ending and I didn’t find it to be a satisfying way to finish the book.
The characters were bland and emotionless, feeling completely detached from the plot and each other. Their personalities weren’t evident in the way they were portrayed, and they lacked unique voices. I did like how the author used Marie’s love of storytelling to incorporate some of that character’s personal history into the story, but it wasn’t enough to make her feel alive.
I wanted to love this read, but it was a struggle to finish. I think with some trimming and reworking it could be fascinating, but I don’t recommend it as it is currently. My thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for allowing me to read this work, which will be published 16 May 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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