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The Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy #2
De kleine koningin
1745. Wanneer de favoriete minnares van Lodewijk XV overlijdt, grijpt Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, een verbluffend mooi meisje uit de middenklasse, haar kans om de rol over te nemen. Connecties, geluk en een beetje gekonkel banen haar weg naar Versailles en in de armen van de koning. Maar al snel proberen doortrapte politici en hoopvolle schoonheden de burgerlijke indringer te vervangen door een meer geschikte minnares. Terwijl Jeanne het opneemt tegen haar vele rivalen helpt ze de koning zich over te geven aan een leven van luxe en verdorvenheid, terwijl om hen heen een oorlog begint te woeden.
Raadselachtige schoonheid, actrice, trendsetter, beschermvrouw van de kunsten, verkwister, hoerenloper, vriendin, geliefde, vijand. Geschiedenisboeken mogen veel zeggen over de beroemde markiezin de Pompadour, maar één ding is bijna twintig jaar lang heerste ze over Frankrijk en het hart van de koning.
Raadselachtige schoonheid, actrice, trendsetter, beschermvrouw van de kunsten, verkwister, hoerenloper, vriendin, geliefde, vijand. Geschiedenisboeken mogen veel zeggen over de beroemde markiezin de Pompadour, maar één ding is bijna twintig jaar lang heerste ze over Frankrijk en het hart van de koning.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2016
143 people are currently reading
2450 people want to read
About the author
Sally Christie
4 books390 followersI’m a life-long history buff and I really wish time travel were a possibility—I’d be off to the eighteenth century in a flash!
Since I can’t travel back in time (yet), I have done plenty of global travel: as a child I lived in England, Canada, Argentina, and Lesotho, and attended eight schools in three languages. I continued my global wanderings with a career in international development, but now I’m settled in Toronto and loving it.
The Sisters of Versailles is my first novel, though I’ve been writing since I could hold a pencil. When I’m not writing I’m reading, reading, reading; disappearing down various rabbit holes of historical research, and playing lots of tennis.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
September 20, 2017
THE RIVALS OF VERSAILLES is the sequel to THE SISTERS OF VERSAILLES, Sally Christie's debut novel. In this book, we get to follow Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson also known as Marquise de Pompadour or Madame de Pompadour. Young Jeanne was told as a child by a gypsy fortune-teller that she would one day become the lover of a king and be the most powerful women in the land. And she became, by scheming and some luck, the mistress of King Louis XV. But, being the mistress of the king also means she gathers a lot of enemies who would do anything to see her thrown out of the king's bed and Versailles. And, she has to be vigilant to all those younger women who would do anything to take her place.
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
4.5 stars
READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OVER AT FRESH FICTION!
4.5 stars
November 7, 2019
Okay so I'm having a hard time scoring this book. More like a 3.5 rather a 4.
This story had drama to last Versailles 4 years of gossip but of course that place was an evil disease everyone wanted a piece of. Part 2 was about the last few years of Madame de Pompadour's "rule" over King Louis XV. The chapters that were not Madame's were of the other, few, silly mistresses. The most I learned about this time was that these women, and many others, were happy to soil themselves and their reputations for a man thought to be a god. Their families weren't any better; prepping the girls from an early age to be a mistress to a rich man. It was a bit disgusting but I'm sure this was the way of the world then (and to some extent now). Society only calls them prostitutes when they are poor but sleeping with the King or if you have money or even a long lineage of family, well damnit! It's totally okay to spread that lust around!
King Luis XV ruined a lot of women. He "loved" them and then tossed them away like trash. He wouldn't even claim fathering their children esp if it was a horrid girl (F*U girls!). Then as the story went on he started visiting prostitutes just for his enjoyment. Dude was a sex addict. As the story progressed it is told he had little girls taken care of for his sole purpose to take their virginity away when the time was right. This is the part I was most grossed out at. He was a pedophile, a massive one. His tastes got younger and younger and they were all screened as to not give him a disease.
Sally Christie researched a lot and I know some things are exaggerated but I also know some things are not. I think she did a swell job of telling her truth as an author and making a story out of his lovers, especially since she can't interview them or some are known very little by historians.
This story had drama to last Versailles 4 years of gossip but of course that place was an evil disease everyone wanted a piece of. Part 2 was about the last few years of Madame de Pompadour's "rule" over King Louis XV. The chapters that were not Madame's were of the other, few, silly mistresses. The most I learned about this time was that these women, and many others, were happy to soil themselves and their reputations for a man thought to be a god. Their families weren't any better; prepping the girls from an early age to be a mistress to a rich man. It was a bit disgusting but I'm sure this was the way of the world then (and to some extent now). Society only calls them prostitutes when they are poor but sleeping with the King or if you have money or even a long lineage of family, well damnit! It's totally okay to spread that lust around!
King Luis XV ruined a lot of women. He "loved" them and then tossed them away like trash. He wouldn't even claim fathering their children esp if it was a horrid girl (F*U girls!). Then as the story went on he started visiting prostitutes just for his enjoyment. Dude was a sex addict. As the story progressed it is told he had little girls taken care of for his sole purpose to take their virginity away when the time was right. This is the part I was most grossed out at. He was a pedophile, a massive one. His tastes got younger and younger and they were all screened as to not give him a disease.
Sally Christie researched a lot and I know some things are exaggerated but I also know some things are not. I think she did a swell job of telling her truth as an author and making a story out of his lovers, especially since she can't interview them or some are known very little by historians.
April 8, 2020
Another extraordinary historical fiction novel written by Sally Christie and narrated by Elizabeth Wiley! Plot, settings and characters were extremely well-developed. Focusing on one of Louis XV's more famous (or infamous) mistresses, Marquise de Pompadour, I felt more sympathy towards her than the other mistresses mentioned in this book as well as in Book #1, especially in the last 30 minutes of this audiobook when she is at death's door, regretting that she emotionally hurt the queen as well as hoping to be reunited with her deceased daughter. Again, I enjoyed the humour and snide comments made throughout the story, as well as mention of curative prescriptions using lead and mercury! Also, allusion to the sisters from the first book in this trilogy was entertaining. I did find; however, that some of the debauchery and depraved sexual scenes within this novel were graphically disturbing, especially when it involved young children. Otherwise, another book for historical fiction lovers to read! Onward to the final book in this trilogy, THE ENEMIES OF VERSAILLES!
January 11, 2019
4.5 Stars. Sally Christie's debut novel, The Sisters of Versailles, about a family of five sisters, four of whom became mistresses of Louis XV, made my list of best books of 2015, and so I was anxiously awaiting my chance to read the sequel, The Rivals of Versailles. It picks up right where we left off, only now the story is being told by Jeanne Poisson, the young and beautiful commoner who will become known to history as the unparalleled Madame de Pompadour.
Jeanne, or Reinette as she is called after a fortune-teller predicts she will earn the love of a king, quickly rises from her humble roots thanks to the aid of her mother's lover, a minor courtier who believes Reinette could be the woman to bring the king out of the melancholy he descended into after the death of his favorite mistress, Marie-Anne de Mailly-Nesle, Duchess of Châteauroux. Her fresh beauty and unaffected ways do indeed win the king over, but the very qualities he admires must be overcome and replaced with courtly manners if she is to be taken seriously in his world. Having truly fallen in love with Louis, Reinette immerses herself in lessons and becomes the most elegant and cultured woman at Versailles, a patron of the arts and architecture, and a politically savvy negotiator, guiding Louis through two decades of wars and diplomatic relations. Though she is elevated to the title of Marquise de Pompadour (becoming known simply as "the Marquise") and later to that of duchess, the taint of her common birth is never forgotten by the court, and her position is never safe as rival after rival seeks to unseat her through Louis XV's insatiable appetite for younger and more beautiful women.
While I immediately formed an attachment to Reinette, I missed having different viewpoints. I so enjoyed the sharing of the narrative by five sisters in the first book, and the dynamics between them, that I worried I would grow bored getting only Reinette's point of view. But Christie deftly remedies that midway by handing the narrative over to three rivals for Louis XV's affections as they rise and are defeated by the Marquise: Rosalie de Romanet-Choiseul, a minor countess whose beauty manages to briefly ensnare the king but whose zest for life and pleasure wins over the reader; Morphise, a conniving little child prostitute who feeds the oversexed king's need for increasingly perverse pleasures with unsettling pragmatism and wisdom for one so young and misused; and Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin, whose connection and resemblance to the Duchesse de Châteauroux touches the king's sentimental side but whose lack of intelligence is portrayed to hilarious effect. These misguided women are easily seduced by the glamour, wealth, and power of being Louis XV's mistress, but they each have a fatal flaw: daring to overestimate their influence by trying to unseat Pompadour. Even though these ladies were set up from the beginning to play the villains to the Marquise's heroine, the reader can't help but feel sorry for them and wish them well in their lives after Versailles.
As for the Marquise, she quickly catches on to the key to a lasting relationship with Louis XV. Allow and even aid him in his relentless pursuit of beauty and pleasure while taking on the trusted role of adviser and mother. But even so, the effort required to keep the king's attention is exhausting, as is the effort put forth by her rivals in their bid to find and mold new mistresses to place before the king in the hopes of advancing their own positions. The Marquise advanced so many friends only to have them turn on her time and time again when their greed grew too large for the bounds of friendship. The backstabbing, plotting, and maneuvering that underscores Louis XV's court is never-ending, and even though the Marquise grows increasingly weary and jaded, Versailles and her place at Louis's side have become her sole reason for being, and to give them up would be to give up her very essence.
. . . I have fought and fought, and though they may say I am victorious, what have I really won?
Even more so in this book than the first, the politics and economics of France clamor for attention. I bristled at the nobility who turned their noses up at commoners, even though they themselves were flat broke and had nothing but a title to sustain them. And one couldn't help but wish to reach through the pages and shake some sense into these thoughtless, careless courtiers who drowned themselves in such wanton excess while millions of people in France were starving and crying out for help to a king who would not listen. And increasingly those people came to unfairly view the Marquise as the source of the king's inattention and profligate spending. There is a reckoning coming, though unfortunately the weak and irresponsible Louis XV will not be the one to bear the brunt of it.
The ending of this book is extremely emotional and bittersweet. And the author's note made me hate Louis XV even more than I already did. There's a reason Madame de Pompadour has become so ingrained in the history of France and in the hearts of people throughout the ages, and Sally Christie's portrayal of Reinette will keep that fascination and admiration alive in a new generation of readers. I highly recommend this series for lovers of French history and readers who love to read about real women who make their mark on the world against all odds. This book is so complex in its many layers and in its lush depictions of court life in all its beautiful ugliness that I don't feel my review can do it justice. I can't wait to see how Christie will bring this chapter in French history and the glory days of Versailles to an end in the final book, The Enemies of Versailles.
Jeanne, or Reinette as she is called after a fortune-teller predicts she will earn the love of a king, quickly rises from her humble roots thanks to the aid of her mother's lover, a minor courtier who believes Reinette could be the woman to bring the king out of the melancholy he descended into after the death of his favorite mistress, Marie-Anne de Mailly-Nesle, Duchess of Châteauroux. Her fresh beauty and unaffected ways do indeed win the king over, but the very qualities he admires must be overcome and replaced with courtly manners if she is to be taken seriously in his world. Having truly fallen in love with Louis, Reinette immerses herself in lessons and becomes the most elegant and cultured woman at Versailles, a patron of the arts and architecture, and a politically savvy negotiator, guiding Louis through two decades of wars and diplomatic relations. Though she is elevated to the title of Marquise de Pompadour (becoming known simply as "the Marquise") and later to that of duchess, the taint of her common birth is never forgotten by the court, and her position is never safe as rival after rival seeks to unseat her through Louis XV's insatiable appetite for younger and more beautiful women.
While I immediately formed an attachment to Reinette, I missed having different viewpoints. I so enjoyed the sharing of the narrative by five sisters in the first book, and the dynamics between them, that I worried I would grow bored getting only Reinette's point of view. But Christie deftly remedies that midway by handing the narrative over to three rivals for Louis XV's affections as they rise and are defeated by the Marquise: Rosalie de Romanet-Choiseul, a minor countess whose beauty manages to briefly ensnare the king but whose zest for life and pleasure wins over the reader; Morphise, a conniving little child prostitute who feeds the oversexed king's need for increasingly perverse pleasures with unsettling pragmatism and wisdom for one so young and misused; and Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin, whose connection and resemblance to the Duchesse de Châteauroux touches the king's sentimental side but whose lack of intelligence is portrayed to hilarious effect. These misguided women are easily seduced by the glamour, wealth, and power of being Louis XV's mistress, but they each have a fatal flaw: daring to overestimate their influence by trying to unseat Pompadour. Even though these ladies were set up from the beginning to play the villains to the Marquise's heroine, the reader can't help but feel sorry for them and wish them well in their lives after Versailles.
As for the Marquise, she quickly catches on to the key to a lasting relationship with Louis XV. Allow and even aid him in his relentless pursuit of beauty and pleasure while taking on the trusted role of adviser and mother. But even so, the effort required to keep the king's attention is exhausting, as is the effort put forth by her rivals in their bid to find and mold new mistresses to place before the king in the hopes of advancing their own positions. The Marquise advanced so many friends only to have them turn on her time and time again when their greed grew too large for the bounds of friendship. The backstabbing, plotting, and maneuvering that underscores Louis XV's court is never-ending, and even though the Marquise grows increasingly weary and jaded, Versailles and her place at Louis's side have become her sole reason for being, and to give them up would be to give up her very essence.
. . . I have fought and fought, and though they may say I am victorious, what have I really won?
Even more so in this book than the first, the politics and economics of France clamor for attention. I bristled at the nobility who turned their noses up at commoners, even though they themselves were flat broke and had nothing but a title to sustain them. And one couldn't help but wish to reach through the pages and shake some sense into these thoughtless, careless courtiers who drowned themselves in such wanton excess while millions of people in France were starving and crying out for help to a king who would not listen. And increasingly those people came to unfairly view the Marquise as the source of the king's inattention and profligate spending. There is a reckoning coming, though unfortunately the weak and irresponsible Louis XV will not be the one to bear the brunt of it.
The ending of this book is extremely emotional and bittersweet. And the author's note made me hate Louis XV even more than I already did. There's a reason Madame de Pompadour has become so ingrained in the history of France and in the hearts of people throughout the ages, and Sally Christie's portrayal of Reinette will keep that fascination and admiration alive in a new generation of readers. I highly recommend this series for lovers of French history and readers who love to read about real women who make their mark on the world against all odds. This book is so complex in its many layers and in its lush depictions of court life in all its beautiful ugliness that I don't feel my review can do it justice. I can't wait to see how Christie will bring this chapter in French history and the glory days of Versailles to an end in the final book, The Enemies of Versailles.
November 1, 2018
I enjoyed the parts that were the pov of Madame Pompadour. The problem was a good portion of the novel was from the pov of Louis XV's other lovers, who are uniformly presented as very young, naive, uncultured and ridiculously silly. They all felt the same and their chapters were horribly boring.
The court at Versailles was extremely sophisticated and I highly doubt noble women raised to take their place at court would be this naive about the goings on at court.
The ending was beautifully done.
Spoiler below:
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I didn't like the story line with Pompadour acting as procurer and manager of young girls for Louis' sexual exploitation. To my knowledge she was aware of but not involved with these morally reprehensible actions. Wish the author hadn't taken this particular liberty.
The court at Versailles was extremely sophisticated and I highly doubt noble women raised to take their place at court would be this naive about the goings on at court.
The ending was beautifully done.
Spoiler below:
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I didn't like the story line with Pompadour acting as procurer and manager of young girls for Louis' sexual exploitation. To my knowledge she was aware of but not involved with these morally reprehensible actions. Wish the author hadn't taken this particular liberty.
February 4, 2019
“Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, the Marquise de Pompadour, the little girl from the middle classes who rose to become the virtual Queen of France and quite possibly the most influential royal mistress ever. She expertly managed a capricious master and her memory lingers long in our consciousness; alongside Catherine the Great of Russia and Maria Theresa of Austria, she is considered one of the three most powerful women of the eighteenth century.”
This story begins in 1730, when King Louis XV is 20 years old.
Reinette Poisson, as she is called, is still a girl, when she hears gypsy’s prediction of her being the love of a king.
Upon hearing it, her Uncle Norman takes an interest in her education to further her prediction.
At the age of 19, she gets married and gains a title of a countess.
While the king hunts in the Forest of Senart, she hunts for his attention at the same forest, where her estate is located. After many fruitless hunts. “Then, a break in the clouds and a ray of hope.” The king is lead to a clearing by the stream by someone she knows. The enchantress of Paris and forests is introduced to the king.
But birth cannot be changed and the “modern talk of equality is just a fairy tale. There has never been a bourgeois mistress at Versailles, and there never will be.”
Festivities to celebrate marriage of dauphin leave an opening for an invitation. “An invitation for one of the Court balls” is secured for her. The Huntress of Senart has her second chance to meet the king.
“…his love is stronger than convention and history.”
In the middle of summer, she receives a letter which bears the deed to the lands and her new title of Marquise. And that will enable her presentation at Court.
As rooms get redecorated lavishly and new theaters and chateaus get built, and wars are continuously fought draining the money, the prices and taxes keep rising up and the poor have less and less to eat. Discontent grows with each day.
Once the Well-Beloved King, now becomes the Well-Hated King.
What this book offers is a vivid portrayal of the class distinction of the old nobility and the new rich bourgeois; immersion of etiquette and opulence.
The first half of the book is concentrated on Madame de Pompadour and the second half on following mistresses of the king. I wished the book was just concentrated on Madame de Pompadour intertwined with the political situation, which would bring a vivid portrayal of the king and which is missing. Instead the whole book is all about his mistresses, but he is also known for fighting many wars and this book does not reflect that.
I loved Book I, but after reading about all those mistresses, after a while it all starts sounding the same. That’s why a political situation, something different, would give this story much more flavor.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
This story begins in 1730, when King Louis XV is 20 years old.
Reinette Poisson, as she is called, is still a girl, when she hears gypsy’s prediction of her being the love of a king.
Upon hearing it, her Uncle Norman takes an interest in her education to further her prediction.
At the age of 19, she gets married and gains a title of a countess.
While the king hunts in the Forest of Senart, she hunts for his attention at the same forest, where her estate is located. After many fruitless hunts. “Then, a break in the clouds and a ray of hope.” The king is lead to a clearing by the stream by someone she knows. The enchantress of Paris and forests is introduced to the king.
But birth cannot be changed and the “modern talk of equality is just a fairy tale. There has never been a bourgeois mistress at Versailles, and there never will be.”
Festivities to celebrate marriage of dauphin leave an opening for an invitation. “An invitation for one of the Court balls” is secured for her. The Huntress of Senart has her second chance to meet the king.
“…his love is stronger than convention and history.”
In the middle of summer, she receives a letter which bears the deed to the lands and her new title of Marquise. And that will enable her presentation at Court.
As rooms get redecorated lavishly and new theaters and chateaus get built, and wars are continuously fought draining the money, the prices and taxes keep rising up and the poor have less and less to eat. Discontent grows with each day.
Once the Well-Beloved King, now becomes the Well-Hated King.
What this book offers is a vivid portrayal of the class distinction of the old nobility and the new rich bourgeois; immersion of etiquette and opulence.
The first half of the book is concentrated on Madame de Pompadour and the second half on following mistresses of the king. I wished the book was just concentrated on Madame de Pompadour intertwined with the political situation, which would bring a vivid portrayal of the king and which is missing. Instead the whole book is all about his mistresses, but he is also known for fighting many wars and this book does not reflect that.
I loved Book I, but after reading about all those mistresses, after a while it all starts sounding the same. That’s why a political situation, something different, would give this story much more flavor.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
May 12, 2016
The first book in this series, The Sisters of Versailles, hooked me. Five sisters, four of which were all mistresses to the same king? Sounds intriguing right?!
So when this one came up for review I was excited because Christie adds such wonderful, rich historic detail to her story that I was eager for more in this installment.
This book is less about the Nesle sisters and more about the infamous Marquise de Pompadour.
This story is mostly told from the Jeanne’s perspective (AKA Reinette) so the reader gets to know her and her story rather intimately. There are a few other characters who narrate but she is the primary.
From a very young age she is told she will be the king’s mistress and when the time comes, she welcomes her hate. Though many in the court try to squash her power and influence, she remains the King’s Favorite. With each new rival, I was more and more intrigued to see how and if she was going to hold on to her influence. Extremely well written!
Madam de Pompadour is one of King Louie XV’s most well known mistresses and is widely remembered in history so obviously there must be an interesting story behind their relationship etc. I’ve read a few non fiction books that talk about their relationship over the years but none of the books made their story as ‘real’, sexy, and yet modern.
I love that about her books! Some times books within the historical fiction genre get wrapped up in all the historic details, but that can weigh down the story. Christie keeps the dialogue modern, the text crisp, and the historical facts to the point and relevant. She doesn’t go off on tangents and I love that about her novels!
Because of Christie’s story telling is rich in historic detail but yet has a very modern flair which keeps audiences engaged. While this is historical ‘fiction’ I am sure she took some liberties in the story itself when necessary and the language etc but the overall story between King Louie and Madam de Pompadour I thought was pretty historically accurate.
The only thing I wished was that I had gotten to know Jeanne before she became the mistress a little more. So much of the book was based on her relationship with the King and I just found myself wanting to know more about her before court changed her and she became so influential.
I am eager to see where the next book in the series take us!
See my full review here
So when this one came up for review I was excited because Christie adds such wonderful, rich historic detail to her story that I was eager for more in this installment.
This book is less about the Nesle sisters and more about the infamous Marquise de Pompadour.
This story is mostly told from the Jeanne’s perspective (AKA Reinette) so the reader gets to know her and her story rather intimately. There are a few other characters who narrate but she is the primary.
From a very young age she is told she will be the king’s mistress and when the time comes, she welcomes her hate. Though many in the court try to squash her power and influence, she remains the King’s Favorite. With each new rival, I was more and more intrigued to see how and if she was going to hold on to her influence. Extremely well written!
Madam de Pompadour is one of King Louie XV’s most well known mistresses and is widely remembered in history so obviously there must be an interesting story behind their relationship etc. I’ve read a few non fiction books that talk about their relationship over the years but none of the books made their story as ‘real’, sexy, and yet modern.
I love that about her books! Some times books within the historical fiction genre get wrapped up in all the historic details, but that can weigh down the story. Christie keeps the dialogue modern, the text crisp, and the historical facts to the point and relevant. She doesn’t go off on tangents and I love that about her novels!
Because of Christie’s story telling is rich in historic detail but yet has a very modern flair which keeps audiences engaged. While this is historical ‘fiction’ I am sure she took some liberties in the story itself when necessary and the language etc but the overall story between King Louie and Madam de Pompadour I thought was pretty historically accurate.
The only thing I wished was that I had gotten to know Jeanne before she became the mistress a little more. So much of the book was based on her relationship with the King and I just found myself wanting to know more about her before court changed her and she became so influential.
I am eager to see where the next book in the series take us!
See my full review here
April 12, 2016
When Jeanne Poisson is a young child, a fortuneteller tells her that one day she will be the king’s mistress. From that time her whole life strives for her to become the mistress of king Louis XV’s mistress and her mother calls her Reinette from now on. She does fulfill that prediction and falls in love with the king but soon learns that her position won’t bring her friends in the court. She learns the ways of the court and is elevated to the title Marquise de Pompadour.
Like with the last book, The Sisters of Versailles, I hated all of the characters but I liked the book. That surely takes some talent.
I didn’t really warm to Pompadour who at first was too naïve and sometimes I wondered how she could keep her position. I can’t say exactly why she annoyed me but se did. But you have to admire her for rising from nowhere, becoming the confidante to the king and managing to stay there despite not sharing the kings bed. She’s practical enough allowing the king other mistresses and becoming more like a mother figure for him.
I didn’t like Louis in the first book and I liked him even less here. I just wanted to shake him so many times. He’s come far from the man who had doubts about straying from his wife’s bed. He really started the path to the Revolution and it’s a shame he’s not the one to pay for it. I wondered how Pompadour could put up with him so long because he really wasn’t easy man to be with.
The first part was from Pompadour’s view point but in the later it shifts between her and some of the girls trying to get in her place. Through their eyes you can see how Pompadour has learnt her lessons in shrewdness.
I really enjoyed this and I can’t wait for the next and final book.
Like with the last book, The Sisters of Versailles, I hated all of the characters but I liked the book. That surely takes some talent.
I didn’t really warm to Pompadour who at first was too naïve and sometimes I wondered how she could keep her position. I can’t say exactly why she annoyed me but se did. But you have to admire her for rising from nowhere, becoming the confidante to the king and managing to stay there despite not sharing the kings bed. She’s practical enough allowing the king other mistresses and becoming more like a mother figure for him.
I didn’t like Louis in the first book and I liked him even less here. I just wanted to shake him so many times. He’s come far from the man who had doubts about straying from his wife’s bed. He really started the path to the Revolution and it’s a shame he’s not the one to pay for it. I wondered how Pompadour could put up with him so long because he really wasn’t easy man to be with.
The first part was from Pompadour’s view point but in the later it shifts between her and some of the girls trying to get in her place. Through their eyes you can see how Pompadour has learnt her lessons in shrewdness.
I really enjoyed this and I can’t wait for the next and final book.
August 9, 2016
3.5 stars. First of all I have to say that I loved the audio, Elizabeth Wiley is a very talented narrator. A light and easy read it does still provide a feeling for the times, especially the opulence and vapidness of Versailles, as well as the poverty of the rest of the nation. I came to respect and really admire the Marquise de Pompadour, she was an intelligent and gentle woman. I felt very sad for Morphise, one of the rivals - but her life truly allows us a look at how sad life outside the court was. Marie Anne de Mailly-Rubempré and Diane brought some much needed comic relief. I will be listening to the last in the series.
The Story: The Rivals of Versailles continues the story of King Louis XV and his lady loves, this time focusing on the fabulous Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, the Marquise de Pompadour, a little girl from the middle classes who rose to become the virtual Queen of France. Jeanne's voice and story are balanced against a few of her many rivals. Pompadour remained by Louis' side for almost two decades, and as the king continued his descent into pure libertinage, she was along for the ride....
The Story: The Rivals of Versailles continues the story of King Louis XV and his lady loves, this time focusing on the fabulous Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, the Marquise de Pompadour, a little girl from the middle classes who rose to become the virtual Queen of France. Jeanne's voice and story are balanced against a few of her many rivals. Pompadour remained by Louis' side for almost two decades, and as the king continued his descent into pure libertinage, she was along for the ride....
December 10, 2017
I do enjoy Sally Christie’s writing - so lively, with a subtle underlying humour. Here we have the story of Madame de Pompadour, and her struggle to remain ahead of her rivals in the affections of Louis XV. In the background, the murmur of unrest among the people as they struggle to survive. I’m looking forward to reading the final instalment of the trilogy as Madame du Barry comes on the scene.
September 11, 2016
An interesting look into the life of an often unremembered yet staggeringly influential woman, reminiscing on the saying behind every great man is a great woman. The Marquise de Pompador effectively ran the life of her beloved King Louis XV and in Sally Christie's historical exploration becomes a multi-dimesional figure who looms over the court of Versailles. The pace of the book staggered in the middle as it switched between the Marquise and her competitors for the king's affections, non of whom were all that likeable and I found slowed down my reading of the book. It was shocking with all that was going on plot wise in the novel to realize that when you reach the middle of the book the Marquise who is no longer in the king's bed is only in her early 30's. Overall the book was a fun historical read that presented the count of Versailles as the isolated island of excess that it was at the time; it would be interesting to see in the next book in the series if more stress is put on the precarious political situation of the monarchy leading into the revolution, a minor underplot in this one.
December 6, 2016
Christie’s debut ‘The Sisters of Versailles’ was a surprising hit for me last year, so I picked up the second installment with some giddiness. After all, the first book was about a family of sisters who all caught the king’s eye (what a coincidence); this one was about Madame de Pompadour, one of the most famous and influential royal mistresses of all time. This was scandalous and familiar ground—there should be plenty of intrigue and glamour involved in the book!
And to some degree, Christie did manage this. I really enjoyed her descriptions of clothing and decor for this book, particularly anything to do with Pompadour’s wardrobe and her many rooms/houses. It was lavishly described so that I could picture the wealth that the 0.01% was wallowing in during the 18th century, but not so lavishly described that it detracted from the rest of the book. Overall there was an addictive quality to Christie’s writing, where she managed to be both engaging and fun in imparting historical facts and examining the middle years of Louis XV’s reign. (Well, by reign I really meant his relationship with women, particularly his various mistresses.)
Another thing that I was pleasantly surprised was Christie’s choice to include multiple POVs; I initially believed that it would only feature Madame de Pompadour as the POV character. It allowed characters to be painted in a different light, and I think Christie did a fabulous job using multiple POVs to show the supporting cast (aka the scheming courtiers of Versailles) was also three-dimensional individuals.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said about Christie’s choice of narrators. Aside from Madame de Pompadour, I found all the other narrators (who were all Pompadour’s ‘rivals’) rather unworthy. When reading the authors notes about her choice of the other mistresses that Madame de Pompadour had to ‘compete’ with, it made sense as they offered a new perspective in the very complex relationship of Madame de Pompadour and Louis XV or it was at a pivotal moment in Madame de Pompadour’s life. But instead of using the multiple narrators to her advantage to create worthy (or not so worthy but still human) rivals for Madame de Pompadour, one of the narrators was a undiagnosed sex addict (who actually claimed in the book that she undid the king’s breeches by accident due to habits), a fool who could not stop prattling most charmingly, and an actual child. While it might be historically accurate that none of these other mistresses could hold a flame to Madame de Pompadour (she did reign over Louis XV and France for nineteen years) it made unsatisfying reading as I slogged through three sections that offered some insight to the increasing depravity of Louis XV but always unsurprised at each of the mistresses’ downfall. I was actually quite surprised about Madame de Pompadour’s paranoia that she displayed from time to time in the book because none of them seem like they could ever match her, let alone surpass her in terms of characterization and complexity.
Out of the three secondary mistresses, my favourite by far was Morphise as it explains a lot about the system of the procurement of young girls for Louis XV. She was also the only narrator that I could understand why the character was absolutely ignorant about everything. Morphise was rather fascinating and I wished that her section would extend beyond her tenure as one of Louis’s flings. In the first book while I did not love all the sisters I always could understand them and appreciate them as complex individuals; in this book I could only see Madame de Pompadour and Morphise as realistic amongst the four narrators. If not for the less than stellar narrators in the middle, I probably could have finished this book in 1 or 2 sittings.
Accompanying Louis XV’s depravity there was also an increase in graphic description and declaration of love compared to the first book. Again, this might be due to Louis XV himself and his perverse tastes, but it was again a pity as Christie could have explored something more than just the royal bedchamber secrets throughout her book. She did try to balance out the sordid moments with more court intrigue and political wrangling—which she actually does quite successfully and far more enjoyable—but there was never a great sense of how Madame de Pompadour influenced events beyond a few throwaway moments. In fact, for someone so powerful I barely saw it. Instead the “best” that Christie conveyed Pompadour’s power was constantly having every character claim that the Marquise was the most powerful personage at court. I thought the little bits where Madame de Pompadour referenced the Austrian Succession War and Seven Years War were most fascinating and I wish there was more showing as opposed to telling through letters.
Another side note is that I really appreciated the fictional letters that Christie wrote to highlight how people in Versailles communicate, particularly with rivals. I loved how everyone is very proper and formal in their letters while insulting each other. I could not help but chuckle when I read the letters that Richulieu and Madame de Pompadour exchanged. The letters bring out a new level of nastiness and contempt that different faction of courtiers had for each other and I thought it was a great way to help bring the characters and story alive.
Overall, I think Christie had a very strong grasp of the material and tried her best to curate all her research to present a cohesive and engaging story. I found her characterization of Louis XV and his court to be very interesting (I could not say spot on since I do not know enough about this particular period of history) and it was very easy to understand why France collapsed in a revolution mere decades later. I just wished that there was a tighter plotline and better characterization for some of the other narrators. It would have made a much more gripping read, even if it was just (not so) petty rivalries in the rooms of Versailles.
And to some degree, Christie did manage this. I really enjoyed her descriptions of clothing and decor for this book, particularly anything to do with Pompadour’s wardrobe and her many rooms/houses. It was lavishly described so that I could picture the wealth that the 0.01% was wallowing in during the 18th century, but not so lavishly described that it detracted from the rest of the book. Overall there was an addictive quality to Christie’s writing, where she managed to be both engaging and fun in imparting historical facts and examining the middle years of Louis XV’s reign. (Well, by reign I really meant his relationship with women, particularly his various mistresses.)
Another thing that I was pleasantly surprised was Christie’s choice to include multiple POVs; I initially believed that it would only feature Madame de Pompadour as the POV character. It allowed characters to be painted in a different light, and I think Christie did a fabulous job using multiple POVs to show the supporting cast (aka the scheming courtiers of Versailles) was also three-dimensional individuals.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said about Christie’s choice of narrators. Aside from Madame de Pompadour, I found all the other narrators (who were all Pompadour’s ‘rivals’) rather unworthy. When reading the authors notes about her choice of the other mistresses that Madame de Pompadour had to ‘compete’ with, it made sense as they offered a new perspective in the very complex relationship of Madame de Pompadour and Louis XV or it was at a pivotal moment in Madame de Pompadour’s life. But instead of using the multiple narrators to her advantage to create worthy (or not so worthy but still human) rivals for Madame de Pompadour, one of the narrators was a undiagnosed sex addict (who actually claimed in the book that she undid the king’s breeches by accident due to habits), a fool who could not stop prattling most charmingly, and an actual child. While it might be historically accurate that none of these other mistresses could hold a flame to Madame de Pompadour (she did reign over Louis XV and France for nineteen years) it made unsatisfying reading as I slogged through three sections that offered some insight to the increasing depravity of Louis XV but always unsurprised at each of the mistresses’ downfall. I was actually quite surprised about Madame de Pompadour’s paranoia that she displayed from time to time in the book because none of them seem like they could ever match her, let alone surpass her in terms of characterization and complexity.
Out of the three secondary mistresses, my favourite by far was Morphise as it explains a lot about the system of the procurement of young girls for Louis XV. She was also the only narrator that I could understand why the character was absolutely ignorant about everything. Morphise was rather fascinating and I wished that her section would extend beyond her tenure as one of Louis’s flings. In the first book while I did not love all the sisters I always could understand them and appreciate them as complex individuals; in this book I could only see Madame de Pompadour and Morphise as realistic amongst the four narrators. If not for the less than stellar narrators in the middle, I probably could have finished this book in 1 or 2 sittings.
Accompanying Louis XV’s depravity there was also an increase in graphic description and declaration of love compared to the first book. Again, this might be due to Louis XV himself and his perverse tastes, but it was again a pity as Christie could have explored something more than just the royal bedchamber secrets throughout her book. She did try to balance out the sordid moments with more court intrigue and political wrangling—which she actually does quite successfully and far more enjoyable—but there was never a great sense of how Madame de Pompadour influenced events beyond a few throwaway moments. In fact, for someone so powerful I barely saw it. Instead the “best” that Christie conveyed Pompadour’s power was constantly having every character claim that the Marquise was the most powerful personage at court. I thought the little bits where Madame de Pompadour referenced the Austrian Succession War and Seven Years War were most fascinating and I wish there was more showing as opposed to telling through letters.
Another side note is that I really appreciated the fictional letters that Christie wrote to highlight how people in Versailles communicate, particularly with rivals. I loved how everyone is very proper and formal in their letters while insulting each other. I could not help but chuckle when I read the letters that Richulieu and Madame de Pompadour exchanged. The letters bring out a new level of nastiness and contempt that different faction of courtiers had for each other and I thought it was a great way to help bring the characters and story alive.
Overall, I think Christie had a very strong grasp of the material and tried her best to curate all her research to present a cohesive and engaging story. I found her characterization of Louis XV and his court to be very interesting (I could not say spot on since I do not know enough about this particular period of history) and it was very easy to understand why France collapsed in a revolution mere decades later. I just wished that there was a tighter plotline and better characterization for some of the other narrators. It would have made a much more gripping read, even if it was just (not so) petty rivalries in the rooms of Versailles.
did-not-finish
June 2, 2023DNF at 49%
Just didn't grab me as much as the first one. I think without the sister aspect, I just didn't find it as intriguing. But I also think it was maybe a bit on me, I wasn't really in the mood for this and had trouble picking it up. I tried, but eventually decided to just put it down.
Just didn't grab me as much as the first one. I think without the sister aspect, I just didn't find it as intriguing. But I also think it was maybe a bit on me, I wasn't really in the mood for this and had trouble picking it up. I tried, but eventually decided to just put it down.
March 14, 2024
Even better than the 1st of the trilogy, lots of names to remember but such a vivid depiction & i didn't want to put it down but also didn't want it to end!
April 5, 2016
I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All of the opinions are my own.
I am actually kind of disappointed that this book wasn't as much of a train wreck as the previous novel, The Sisters of Versailles.
First I would just like to say that if the author had filled her books with the kind of writing talent she displayed in the last chapter of this novel, her books would be five star reads for me.
The women in this book are just as one dimensional as they were before. They are all a bunch of brainless magpies. Sex and fancy things are the greatest motivators of the 18th century apparently. Diane was back in all her moronic glory. Older doesn't always make for wiser. Ugh. Just ugh. I've never actually seen the show Reign but I imagine it watches much like this book reads. Very young adult.
The only reason I accepted a copy of this book was because I didn't think it could be any worse than the previous novel. Surely Madame de Pompadour is a much more interesting character than all of the Nesle sisters. Madame de Pompadour was a fascinating woman. All of the proof you need for that can be found here http://thehistorychicks.com/episode-1...
I will not be picking up book three. I just don't think I can subject myself to that again.
I am actually kind of disappointed that this book wasn't as much of a train wreck as the previous novel, The Sisters of Versailles.
First I would just like to say that if the author had filled her books with the kind of writing talent she displayed in the last chapter of this novel, her books would be five star reads for me.
The women in this book are just as one dimensional as they were before. They are all a bunch of brainless magpies. Sex and fancy things are the greatest motivators of the 18th century apparently. Diane was back in all her moronic glory. Older doesn't always make for wiser. Ugh. Just ugh. I've never actually seen the show Reign but I imagine it watches much like this book reads. Very young adult.
The only reason I accepted a copy of this book was because I didn't think it could be any worse than the previous novel. Surely Madame de Pompadour is a much more interesting character than all of the Nesle sisters. Madame de Pompadour was a fascinating woman. All of the proof you need for that can be found here http://thehistorychicks.com/episode-1...
I will not be picking up book three. I just don't think I can subject myself to that again.
February 23, 2016
“The Rivals of Versailles” by Sally Christie, published by Atria Books.
Category – Fiction/Literature Publication Date – April 05, 2016.
This is the second of a trilogy about the goings on in the French Court during the reign of King Louie XV. It is a story that is based on fact with some improvisation to make the story sizzle.
The story revolves around the Duchesse de Pompadour, who now no longer shares a bed with the King, but still is the most influential woman in the court. She is constantly being challenged by younger women who have caught the King’s eye and who in turn are trying to oust Pompadour so that they may have control of the King and the Country.
It is a book filled with romance, sex, and political ministrations. One must not be faint of heart if they want to gamble their lives on being in the King’s favor. One must not only be concerned about the King but his ministers are a devious lot to be concerned about.
Throughout the book the King is not only assailed by one but by many suitors. These suitors must be dealt with by Pompadour if she is to keep control of the King and Country.
An excellent read that contains many facets of life during this time and keeps the reader intrigued as each new suitor tries to take the Kingdom away from Pompadour.
Category – Fiction/Literature Publication Date – April 05, 2016.
This is the second of a trilogy about the goings on in the French Court during the reign of King Louie XV. It is a story that is based on fact with some improvisation to make the story sizzle.
The story revolves around the Duchesse de Pompadour, who now no longer shares a bed with the King, but still is the most influential woman in the court. She is constantly being challenged by younger women who have caught the King’s eye and who in turn are trying to oust Pompadour so that they may have control of the King and the Country.
It is a book filled with romance, sex, and political ministrations. One must not be faint of heart if they want to gamble their lives on being in the King’s favor. One must not only be concerned about the King but his ministers are a devious lot to be concerned about.
Throughout the book the King is not only assailed by one but by many suitors. These suitors must be dealt with by Pompadour if she is to keep control of the King and Country.
An excellent read that contains many facets of life during this time and keeps the reader intrigued as each new suitor tries to take the Kingdom away from Pompadour.
October 22, 2024
A fortune-teller predicted that young Jeanne-Antoinette Du Poisson would hook a king, and so her her family wants to get her into the bed of Louis XV, King of France. When his favorite mistress Marie-Anne De Mailly-Nesle suddenly dies, she takes her chance. Louis falls for the daring and attractive girl. But the Court does not like a low-born woman as the chief mistress and even though Louis makes her Marquise de Pompadour, her enemies are growing in number.
Very long ago I read Sally Christie’s first book about the Nesle sisters (The sisters of Versailles), but only now the second book grabbed my attention at the library. Madame de Pompadour is the most famous mistress of Louis XV. She lasted the longest, stood out because of her low birth and also really exercised a lot of political power behind the scenes. A strong woman who faced many challenges at court.
We get to know her as a somewhat naive young girl who falls in love with Louis and wants to please him. But step by step her power grows, and with it her number of enemies. There are others at court who want to push a girl into Louis’ bed: we get to know Rosalie, Morphise and Marie-Anne, who succeeded in sharing his bed and were rivals to Pompadour. They each have their own personality, but I must admit that all women in the novel are rather dumb and lustful.
But The rivals of Versailles is mainly the story of Pompadour’s glorious life in which she breaks with all conventions – even her relationship with the queen is not too bad. Christie writes with the necessary irony and drama (especially in the letters) and wanted – above all – to show how an important figure she was. At the same time, you can quietly feel the French Revolution coming. Louis and the Court don’t care about the common people and that will come back to haunt them. So although at times it feels a bit chick-lit like, there are multiple layers to the story and it makes for a real pageturner.
I think I still prefer The Sisters of Versailles, but Rivals is a great follow-up. The last book (Enemies of Versailles) will feature Jeanne Du Barry so I’m looking forward to that one as well.
Dutch review:
Een waarzegster voorspelde dat de jonge Jeanne-Antoinette Du Poisson een koning aan de haak zou slaan en dus wil haar moeder en haar familie haar in bed van Louis XV krijgen. Wanneer diens favoriete maitresse plots sterft is de tijd rijp. Louis valt voor het jonge charmante meisje die zonder filter alles durft te zeggen. Maar het Hof vind ik een boers meisje als maitresse niet kunnen en ook al maakt Louis haar markiezin de Pompadour, haar vijanden zijn talrijk.
Ik las ooit heel lang geleden het eerste boek van Sally Christie over de Nesle zussen. En was ook eindelijk dit tweede boek vertaald. Madame de Pompadour is de meest bekende minares van Louis XV, ze hield het ook het langst vol, viel op door haar lage afkomst en oefende ook echt achter de schermen heel wat politieke macht uit. Een sterke vrouw die aan het hof voor veel uitdagingen stond.
We leren haar kennen als een ietwat naief jong meisje dat ook effectief verliefd wordt op Louis en hem wil pleasen. Maar stap voor stap groeit haar macht, en daarmee ook haar aantal vijanden. Er zijn namelijk nog anderen die een meisje in Louis' bed willen duwen: ze leren we Rosalie, Morphise en Marie-Anne kennen en komt ook hun verhaal naar boven.
Maar dit is vooral het verhaal van Pompadour's glorierijke leven waarmee ze breekt met alle conventies - zelfs haar relatie met de koningin is niet bepaald slecht. Christie schrijft met de nodige ironie en dramatiek (zeker in de brieven) en wou vooral aantonen hoe een belangrijk figuur zij is geweest en daar is wat mij betreft in geslaagd. Tegelijk voel je stilaan de Revolutie komen. Louis en het Hof kijken niet om naar het gewone volk en dat zal hen nog zuur opbreken. Dus het hoewel soms wat chick-lit achtig aandoet, zitten er meerdere lagen in het verhaal en het tempo zit ook goed met de korte hoofdstukken dus ik ben hier door gevlogen.
In het laatste boek komt Jeanne Du Barry aan bod, dus daar kijk ik ook wel naar uit.
Very long ago I read Sally Christie’s first book about the Nesle sisters (The sisters of Versailles), but only now the second book grabbed my attention at the library. Madame de Pompadour is the most famous mistress of Louis XV. She lasted the longest, stood out because of her low birth and also really exercised a lot of political power behind the scenes. A strong woman who faced many challenges at court.
We get to know her as a somewhat naive young girl who falls in love with Louis and wants to please him. But step by step her power grows, and with it her number of enemies. There are others at court who want to push a girl into Louis’ bed: we get to know Rosalie, Morphise and Marie-Anne, who succeeded in sharing his bed and were rivals to Pompadour. They each have their own personality, but I must admit that all women in the novel are rather dumb and lustful.
But The rivals of Versailles is mainly the story of Pompadour’s glorious life in which she breaks with all conventions – even her relationship with the queen is not too bad. Christie writes with the necessary irony and drama (especially in the letters) and wanted – above all – to show how an important figure she was. At the same time, you can quietly feel the French Revolution coming. Louis and the Court don’t care about the common people and that will come back to haunt them. So although at times it feels a bit chick-lit like, there are multiple layers to the story and it makes for a real pageturner.
I think I still prefer The Sisters of Versailles, but Rivals is a great follow-up. The last book (Enemies of Versailles) will feature Jeanne Du Barry so I’m looking forward to that one as well.
Dutch review:
Een waarzegster voorspelde dat de jonge Jeanne-Antoinette Du Poisson een koning aan de haak zou slaan en dus wil haar moeder en haar familie haar in bed van Louis XV krijgen. Wanneer diens favoriete maitresse plots sterft is de tijd rijp. Louis valt voor het jonge charmante meisje die zonder filter alles durft te zeggen. Maar het Hof vind ik een boers meisje als maitresse niet kunnen en ook al maakt Louis haar markiezin de Pompadour, haar vijanden zijn talrijk.
Ik las ooit heel lang geleden het eerste boek van Sally Christie over de Nesle zussen. En was ook eindelijk dit tweede boek vertaald. Madame de Pompadour is de meest bekende minares van Louis XV, ze hield het ook het langst vol, viel op door haar lage afkomst en oefende ook echt achter de schermen heel wat politieke macht uit. Een sterke vrouw die aan het hof voor veel uitdagingen stond.
We leren haar kennen als een ietwat naief jong meisje dat ook effectief verliefd wordt op Louis en hem wil pleasen. Maar stap voor stap groeit haar macht, en daarmee ook haar aantal vijanden. Er zijn namelijk nog anderen die een meisje in Louis' bed willen duwen: ze leren we Rosalie, Morphise en Marie-Anne kennen en komt ook hun verhaal naar boven.
Maar dit is vooral het verhaal van Pompadour's glorierijke leven waarmee ze breekt met alle conventies - zelfs haar relatie met de koningin is niet bepaald slecht. Christie schrijft met de nodige ironie en dramatiek (zeker in de brieven) en wou vooral aantonen hoe een belangrijk figuur zij is geweest en daar is wat mij betreft in geslaagd. Tegelijk voel je stilaan de Revolutie komen. Louis en het Hof kijken niet om naar het gewone volk en dat zal hen nog zuur opbreken. Dus het hoewel soms wat chick-lit achtig aandoet, zitten er meerdere lagen in het verhaal en het tempo zit ook goed met de korte hoofdstukken dus ik ben hier door gevlogen.
In het laatste boek komt Jeanne Du Barry aan bod, dus daar kijk ik ook wel naar uit.
March 24, 2018
Loved this 2nd book in the series! I highly recommend this series to anyone who is a lover of history.
August 28, 2021
Again, historical fiction which I love!
May 14, 2016
I really liked and enjoyed Sally Christie’s fictional telling of France’s King Louis XV’s first mistresses, the Nesle sisters Louise, then Pauline followed by Marie-Anne, then briefly Diane, in The Sisters of Versailles. The intrigues of French court and how easily this King could be manipulated and lead by women to do their bidding was such an intriguing story–full of heartbreak, back stabbing, passion, and ultimately betrayal. The second book in the Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy picks up where the first one left off, with Marie Anne recently dead and the King’s advisors looking for someone to warm his bed again.
This time the narrator is Jeanne Poisson, who is eventually known as Marquise de Pompadour. She has humble middle-class, bourgeois beginnings, and when she’s a little girl, a fortune telling predicts that she will be the great love of a king, growing to hold great power. Once she’s a little older and with a bit of scheming, luck, perfect timing with the death of the King’s current mistress, and most importantly, help from her mother’s lover–who is a rich but lower courtier, the time comes for Jeanne Poisson to slowly make her move toward Versailles, and the King’s bed, heart, and right hand.
The Rivals of Versailles follows the Marquise as she grows from a rough-around-the-edges, beautiful, middle-class young woman that King Louis XV quickly becomes infatuated with. But she and her family realize that she needs a more extensive education, so her mother’s lover finances one for her so she can fit in with the courtesans at Versailles. Once she’s moved in to the palace as the King’s official mistress, the Marquise quickly learns that their are enemies and rivals everywhere–and no one will forget or forgive her commoner roots. As she rises to power alongside the king even though she no longer warms his bed, she finds that she has new rivals in the form of younger, eager mistresses that dare to try and oust her from Louis’ side and confidence. And this leads to getting three more points of view in the book from the three other mistresses that pose a threat to the Marquise. Rosalie, Morphise, and Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin tell their side of the brief time they spent as the King’s mistresses after the beginning/middle of the Marquise’s story, then followed by the ending of the now Duchess de Pompadour ‘s story and life.
I really enjoyed the Marquise’s rise to power and her personal growth and maturity throughout the book. She started out ambitious and uncultured, but she worked for a spot next to the king, and once she got there, she really worked to do some good things for her country. Her story wasn’t an easy one to read at times and it was full of tragedy, but she ultimately persevered by knowing what the King needed most. She lasted for over 20 years by the King’s side by being both a mother and a trusted friend after she ceased being a lover, and she was a great political negotiator.
All of the characters were so real and lively. Rosalie was my least favorite mistress. She was boastful, overly lustful, and very arrogant. The prostitute Marie-Louise (Morphise) was a bit of a sad, little girl, but she was also very hardened and eventually easily led astray. Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin was such a dumwit that I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the situations that she got herself into. All of the mistresses eventually were pressed by other people that the Marquise needed to go, and it didn’t end well for any of those mistresses.
Sally Christie really highlighted the disparity between the poor and those at court in this second installment. You really saw how happy someone poor like the king’s prostitute mistress, Morphise, was to have a nice pair of shoes or even a dress, while the courtesans wore things worth a years salary. Just how hard the poor had it in life was more apparent every time they ventured outside of Versailles, and the King was starting to hear that not everyone was happy with how he was handling France’s money and his lavish spending habits.
I give The Rivals of Versailles a 4.5 out of 5. The same vivid descriptions and great writing that I experienced in the first book was here again, but it didn’t feel stale. This just didn’t read as non-fiction historical so it isn’t dry. There was plenty of backstabbing, rumors, and intrigue, as well as romance and subterfuge from all of the characters. But this book had many more layers of the political and economic hard times that were brewing and to come for France, and it was nice to see these things interwoven throughout the narrative. I highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for the third and final book, The Enemies of Versailles!
(Also on . Book received for free in exchange for honest review.)
This time the narrator is Jeanne Poisson, who is eventually known as Marquise de Pompadour. She has humble middle-class, bourgeois beginnings, and when she’s a little girl, a fortune telling predicts that she will be the great love of a king, growing to hold great power. Once she’s a little older and with a bit of scheming, luck, perfect timing with the death of the King’s current mistress, and most importantly, help from her mother’s lover–who is a rich but lower courtier, the time comes for Jeanne Poisson to slowly make her move toward Versailles, and the King’s bed, heart, and right hand.
The Rivals of Versailles follows the Marquise as she grows from a rough-around-the-edges, beautiful, middle-class young woman that King Louis XV quickly becomes infatuated with. But she and her family realize that she needs a more extensive education, so her mother’s lover finances one for her so she can fit in with the courtesans at Versailles. Once she’s moved in to the palace as the King’s official mistress, the Marquise quickly learns that their are enemies and rivals everywhere–and no one will forget or forgive her commoner roots. As she rises to power alongside the king even though she no longer warms his bed, she finds that she has new rivals in the form of younger, eager mistresses that dare to try and oust her from Louis’ side and confidence. And this leads to getting three more points of view in the book from the three other mistresses that pose a threat to the Marquise. Rosalie, Morphise, and Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin tell their side of the brief time they spent as the King’s mistresses after the beginning/middle of the Marquise’s story, then followed by the ending of the now Duchess de Pompadour ‘s story and life.
I really enjoyed the Marquise’s rise to power and her personal growth and maturity throughout the book. She started out ambitious and uncultured, but she worked for a spot next to the king, and once she got there, she really worked to do some good things for her country. Her story wasn’t an easy one to read at times and it was full of tragedy, but she ultimately persevered by knowing what the King needed most. She lasted for over 20 years by the King’s side by being both a mother and a trusted friend after she ceased being a lover, and she was a great political negotiator.
All of the characters were so real and lively. Rosalie was my least favorite mistress. She was boastful, overly lustful, and very arrogant. The prostitute Marie-Louise (Morphise) was a bit of a sad, little girl, but she was also very hardened and eventually easily led astray. Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin was such a dumwit that I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the situations that she got herself into. All of the mistresses eventually were pressed by other people that the Marquise needed to go, and it didn’t end well for any of those mistresses.
Sally Christie really highlighted the disparity between the poor and those at court in this second installment. You really saw how happy someone poor like the king’s prostitute mistress, Morphise, was to have a nice pair of shoes or even a dress, while the courtesans wore things worth a years salary. Just how hard the poor had it in life was more apparent every time they ventured outside of Versailles, and the King was starting to hear that not everyone was happy with how he was handling France’s money and his lavish spending habits.
I give The Rivals of Versailles a 4.5 out of 5. The same vivid descriptions and great writing that I experienced in the first book was here again, but it didn’t feel stale. This just didn’t read as non-fiction historical so it isn’t dry. There was plenty of backstabbing, rumors, and intrigue, as well as romance and subterfuge from all of the characters. But this book had many more layers of the political and economic hard times that were brewing and to come for France, and it was nice to see these things interwoven throughout the narrative. I highly recommend this series and I cannot wait for the third and final book, The Enemies of Versailles!
(Also on . Book received for free in exchange for honest review.)
November 16, 2024
girls don’t miss their ex they miss madame de pompadour
April 3, 2016
Please check out all of my reviews at http://ultraviolentlit.blogspot.ca!
This novel is the follow-up to Christie’s The Sisters of Versailles, both part of a trilogy that chronicles the mistresses of King Louis XV of France. This second novel follows the life of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, later the Marquise de Pompadour, who essentially ruled France, through the heart of the king, for almost twenty years.
After a fortune teller tells young Jeanne-Antoinette that she will become the lover of a king, she precociously insists on the nickname Reinette (French for “little queen”). It is 1745 and Marie-Anne, youngest of the Nesle sisters, has just died suddenly, leaving King Louis without an official mistress. The beautiful Reinette is poised to take her place, regardless of the fact that she is a member of the bourgeois middle class, and seemingly unfit to mix with royalty. Louis does indeed fall under her spell, elevating her to the Marquise de Pompadour to help her gain acceptance in the royal court.
Regardless of her new title and the affection of the king, many rivals continue to scheme against the Marquise, and they are especially offended by her bourgeois roots. She is young, idealistic and especially naïve, but she learns quickly, making herself indispensable to King Louis. Although her relationship with the king grows increasingly platonic over the years, their friendship is strong and the Marquise de Pompadour becomes the only one he truly respects and trusts.
The novel is divided into six sections, three of which are written from the perspective of the Marquise and include letters written from her friends and family, although not nearly as many as the correspondence that flew between the Nesle sisters in the first book. The other three sections are focused on three specific rivals of the Marquise – very young girls who briefly held the attention of King Louis. Interspersed in their sections are letters from the Marquise to her acquaintances, which serve to fill in the historical gaps that the young rivals may not have been aware of at the time. Although we know from historical records that King Louis XV had a preference for young girls, none of them managed to hold his attention for long. He always returned to the ministrations of the Marquise de Pompadour, who encouraged him to live a life of luxury, even as revolution loomed in the near future.
Christie once again brings to life the world of 18th century Versailles, with a realistic portrait of one of the most famous women in history. Filled with sexual escapades and political intrigue, the novel has a very modern tone – I feel like the Marquise de Pompadour would fit in well with today’s celebrity culture. As a trendsetter and social climber, the Marquise could have her own reality show – and yet, Christie’s portrayal is distinctly sympathetic. The Marquise herself wonders at the life she is living – “If they write a book of my life, long after I am dead, will it just be a litany of one rival after another, until I am finally defeated?” (p. 162) Yes, this novel chronicles her many rivals, but the Marquise de Pompadour triumphed above them all, living on in the heart of the king and in the minds of readers today. Looking forward to the third part of the trilogy, coming out next spring!
I received this novel from Simon & Schuster/Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is the follow-up to Christie’s The Sisters of Versailles, both part of a trilogy that chronicles the mistresses of King Louis XV of France. This second novel follows the life of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, later the Marquise de Pompadour, who essentially ruled France, through the heart of the king, for almost twenty years.
After a fortune teller tells young Jeanne-Antoinette that she will become the lover of a king, she precociously insists on the nickname Reinette (French for “little queen”). It is 1745 and Marie-Anne, youngest of the Nesle sisters, has just died suddenly, leaving King Louis without an official mistress. The beautiful Reinette is poised to take her place, regardless of the fact that she is a member of the bourgeois middle class, and seemingly unfit to mix with royalty. Louis does indeed fall under her spell, elevating her to the Marquise de Pompadour to help her gain acceptance in the royal court.
Regardless of her new title and the affection of the king, many rivals continue to scheme against the Marquise, and they are especially offended by her bourgeois roots. She is young, idealistic and especially naïve, but she learns quickly, making herself indispensable to King Louis. Although her relationship with the king grows increasingly platonic over the years, their friendship is strong and the Marquise de Pompadour becomes the only one he truly respects and trusts.
The novel is divided into six sections, three of which are written from the perspective of the Marquise and include letters written from her friends and family, although not nearly as many as the correspondence that flew between the Nesle sisters in the first book. The other three sections are focused on three specific rivals of the Marquise – very young girls who briefly held the attention of King Louis. Interspersed in their sections are letters from the Marquise to her acquaintances, which serve to fill in the historical gaps that the young rivals may not have been aware of at the time. Although we know from historical records that King Louis XV had a preference for young girls, none of them managed to hold his attention for long. He always returned to the ministrations of the Marquise de Pompadour, who encouraged him to live a life of luxury, even as revolution loomed in the near future.
Christie once again brings to life the world of 18th century Versailles, with a realistic portrait of one of the most famous women in history. Filled with sexual escapades and political intrigue, the novel has a very modern tone – I feel like the Marquise de Pompadour would fit in well with today’s celebrity culture. As a trendsetter and social climber, the Marquise could have her own reality show – and yet, Christie’s portrayal is distinctly sympathetic. The Marquise herself wonders at the life she is living – “If they write a book of my life, long after I am dead, will it just be a litany of one rival after another, until I am finally defeated?” (p. 162) Yes, this novel chronicles her many rivals, but the Marquise de Pompadour triumphed above them all, living on in the heart of the king and in the minds of readers today. Looking forward to the third part of the trilogy, coming out next spring!
I received this novel from Simon & Schuster/Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2016
If you want a glorious novel to read in which you'll be swept away to the 18th century for the weekend, then Sally Christie's The Rivals of Versailles is perfect to quench your desire for a french delicacy in the form of words on paper.
This is the second book in her The Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy, but you don't have to have read the first book if you'd like to pick up this one. I'd bet you'll want to go back and read it though, and then the third book next year, because you'll love her writing. She's that good.
Christie's writes as is for the stage, which is really what life was like in the French courts I suppose. It's an experience, her descriptions, her formation of sentences, the letters she intersperses at ends of chapters, and the way she sections the book into acts and employs the voices of the other characters in a seamless fashion.
Like a perfectly fitted dress, Christie writes as if the book is only for each of us (I'm selfish!) and forms around us as if we are given a peek from behind the curtain. Being captivated from the first page, her flowing prose pulled me chapter to chapter, her details dripping, her dialogue exquisite, and her character developmental multi-dimensional.
As a mistress position with Louis XVI is open at court, in sweeps Jeanne Antoinette Poisson. Louis has many mistresses and many women vying for his attention, which he doesn't mind as he loves beauty and pleasure, but soon she is easy to love for him, as well as being highly intelligent. She learns quickly as well how to make him happy by giving him his desires while fighting off her rival mistresses. Christie makes this situation all the more real by giving them first person point of view voices. This might be unheard of and very difficult for most authors to pull off without feeling contrived, but Christie is such a gifted writer that she makes it not only plausible but deliciously authentic.
As Jeanne become more revered by Louis, and bestowed as Madame Pompadour, she gains more influence with him and accomplishes being able to reign as a queen and is admired by many. She had relationships with many well-known people in the arts and advocated for them. She will be remembered in history for her many accomplishments as a woman and Christie has outlined them for us marvelously, but in addition, has given us a glimpse of the true woman who maneuvered with precision the intrigue and dynamics at court and of the affections of Louis while still making an impact on society.
The novel is so intricately detailed and woven in a dynamic way that will demand a reader's attention, I know it did mine. I highly recommend this novel (and series) for any historical fiction or french-anything lover, that's a given, but I truly think a novel this well-written would be enjoyed by anyone looking for a step back in time, an absorbing read, or for it's value of showcasing yet another strong woman in history.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
This is the second book in her The Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy, but you don't have to have read the first book if you'd like to pick up this one. I'd bet you'll want to go back and read it though, and then the third book next year, because you'll love her writing. She's that good.
Christie's writes as is for the stage, which is really what life was like in the French courts I suppose. It's an experience, her descriptions, her formation of sentences, the letters she intersperses at ends of chapters, and the way she sections the book into acts and employs the voices of the other characters in a seamless fashion.
Like a perfectly fitted dress, Christie writes as if the book is only for each of us (I'm selfish!) and forms around us as if we are given a peek from behind the curtain. Being captivated from the first page, her flowing prose pulled me chapter to chapter, her details dripping, her dialogue exquisite, and her character developmental multi-dimensional.
As a mistress position with Louis XVI is open at court, in sweeps Jeanne Antoinette Poisson. Louis has many mistresses and many women vying for his attention, which he doesn't mind as he loves beauty and pleasure, but soon she is easy to love for him, as well as being highly intelligent. She learns quickly as well how to make him happy by giving him his desires while fighting off her rival mistresses. Christie makes this situation all the more real by giving them first person point of view voices. This might be unheard of and very difficult for most authors to pull off without feeling contrived, but Christie is such a gifted writer that she makes it not only plausible but deliciously authentic.
As Jeanne become more revered by Louis, and bestowed as Madame Pompadour, she gains more influence with him and accomplishes being able to reign as a queen and is admired by many. She had relationships with many well-known people in the arts and advocated for them. She will be remembered in history for her many accomplishments as a woman and Christie has outlined them for us marvelously, but in addition, has given us a glimpse of the true woman who maneuvered with precision the intrigue and dynamics at court and of the affections of Louis while still making an impact on society.
The novel is so intricately detailed and woven in a dynamic way that will demand a reader's attention, I know it did mine. I highly recommend this novel (and series) for any historical fiction or french-anything lover, that's a given, but I truly think a novel this well-written would be enjoyed by anyone looking for a step back in time, an absorbing read, or for it's value of showcasing yet another strong woman in history.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
August 8, 2016
I loved Madame Pompadour’s story. In the beginning, she was a young, naive girl madly in love with the king. She was raised to love him and indeed, gave him her whole heart. But she was also cunning and smart; she fought for her role as royal mistress and, through all her trials, kept it. She was able to plot and beat out her rivals to the very end. Later in life, and at the end of the narrative, she was no longer naive, but cultured, experienced, and growing tired of the court life. Jeanne still held love for the king, as he did for her, but it had shifted from the love of a lover to that of an old friend. She no longer needed him, even though he needed her. Louis had loved her too, and relied on her as though she were his mother, but predictably, she had become irritated by this tedious mothering. I would too, had it been me.
Morphise (Marie Louise) was another favorite character of mine. I fell in love with her childlike innocence - and so did Louis. She seemed to be so young and impressionable, and I believe that was what drew Louis to her. This was a time when young girls were considered marriageable; before society changed and it was socially acceptable to marry or take a child as a mistress.
It was enjoyable to read the contrasting perspectives of Sally’s characters, from the powerful Pompadour, to the cocky Rosalie, the innocent Marie Louise, and the (hilariously stupid) Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin; her skills as an author really shine when writing different personalities. I find that many writers struggle to do this without making the characters have similar traits. Not one of Sally’s girls was boorish; not once did I find myself wanting a certain character’s story to be over. I enjoyed them all.
This novel was only the second in a trilogy, the first being THE SISTERS OF VERSAILLES and the third, to be released later this year, THE ENEMIES OF VERSAILLES. I loved both of the books so far in this series; I can’t wait to read the next. I know I will love it just as much!
[Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of THE RIVALS OF VERSAILLES from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.]
Morphise (Marie Louise) was another favorite character of mine. I fell in love with her childlike innocence - and so did Louis. She seemed to be so young and impressionable, and I believe that was what drew Louis to her. This was a time when young girls were considered marriageable; before society changed and it was socially acceptable to marry or take a child as a mistress.
It was enjoyable to read the contrasting perspectives of Sally’s characters, from the powerful Pompadour, to the cocky Rosalie, the innocent Marie Louise, and the (hilariously stupid) Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin; her skills as an author really shine when writing different personalities. I find that many writers struggle to do this without making the characters have similar traits. Not one of Sally’s girls was boorish; not once did I find myself wanting a certain character’s story to be over. I enjoyed them all.
This novel was only the second in a trilogy, the first being THE SISTERS OF VERSAILLES and the third, to be released later this year, THE ENEMIES OF VERSAILLES. I loved both of the books so far in this series; I can’t wait to read the next. I know I will love it just as much!
[Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC of THE RIVALS OF VERSAILLES from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.]
December 21, 2018
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
I'm so mad at myself for waiting so long to pick this book up! Reading it was a pleasure from start to finish.
Like in the first book, I loved Christie’s humorous and witty style. She didn't take her characters too seriously and she often made fun of them, which was very entertaining. The letters were once again a nice touch and sometimes highly amusing, especially the ones written by Pompadour to Richelieu. That being said, the book also had a more somber tone at times, which makes me curious to see how Christie will tackle the next book. The ending was also very emotional and moving.
Jeanne, or the Marquise de Pompadour as she is more known, grew on me as the story progressed. At first I would have liked her personality to be more complex. She is told as a child that she will become the king’s mistress, and after that her whole life is devoted to that purpose. She never questions it and she falls in love with the king way before she sees him. However, as the story went on she became less naive and simplicistic and her personality hardened after the struggles she had to face. I liked how she gradually understood what it cost to be Louis’s mistress.
Despite the title, I expected the book to be entirely focused on Pompadour and so I was surprised to see the different parts of the book were narrated by different women - Pompadour's rivals. I think it was a great decision, because it kept the book from being too repetitive and it gave a wider picture of the story. Rosalie was my favourite of the rivals: her blind arrogance and lustful behaviour were hilarious.
Can't wait to jump into the next one! Hopefully it won't take me as much...
I'm so mad at myself for waiting so long to pick this book up! Reading it was a pleasure from start to finish.
Like in the first book, I loved Christie’s humorous and witty style. She didn't take her characters too seriously and she often made fun of them, which was very entertaining. The letters were once again a nice touch and sometimes highly amusing, especially the ones written by Pompadour to Richelieu. That being said, the book also had a more somber tone at times, which makes me curious to see how Christie will tackle the next book. The ending was also very emotional and moving.
Jeanne, or the Marquise de Pompadour as she is more known, grew on me as the story progressed. At first I would have liked her personality to be more complex. She is told as a child that she will become the king’s mistress, and after that her whole life is devoted to that purpose. She never questions it and she falls in love with the king way before she sees him. However, as the story went on she became less naive and simplicistic and her personality hardened after the struggles she had to face. I liked how she gradually understood what it cost to be Louis’s mistress.
Despite the title, I expected the book to be entirely focused on Pompadour and so I was surprised to see the different parts of the book were narrated by different women - Pompadour's rivals. I think it was a great decision, because it kept the book from being too repetitive and it gave a wider picture of the story. Rosalie was my favourite of the rivals: her blind arrogance and lustful behaviour were hilarious.
Can't wait to jump into the next one! Hopefully it won't take me as much...
May 11, 2016
I loved The Sisters of Versailles so I could not wait to read The Rivals of Versailles. Unlike the sisters whom I had never heard of, I actually knew quite a bit about the Duchess of Pompadour. I love historical fiction and this particular time period is very intriguing. I love comparing the French court to the English court. One of the most interesting things is that a woman must be married to become an official mistress - strange...
The Rivals of Versailles does not disappoint. We meet the Duchess as a small girl who meets a fortune teller that says she will have the love of a King. The rest of her childhood is in preparation for this even though she is a commoner. She is beautiful and catches the eye of the King. What is most interesting is how she holds onto him for years even when she stops sleeping with him. It is hard to believe that someone can remain the official mistress of the King when they are not sleeping together! She even becomes a Duchess after they have stopped. She is absolutely brilliant in getting rid of all her rivals even when they are backed by very powerful and influential men (a few of those she gets rid of too).
It was also interesting to get the point of views of the women who tried to replace Pompadour. Only one had the real goal of that herself. I felt bad for the others who were pushed into competing with her when they were happy as things were. They ended up taking the blame and being sent away when others had pushed them into it.
The novel is well written however there is some dialogue that is way too modern for the time period - clearly just inserted for the modern reader but not necessary in my opinion. I look forward to book 3.
The Rivals of Versailles does not disappoint. We meet the Duchess as a small girl who meets a fortune teller that says she will have the love of a King. The rest of her childhood is in preparation for this even though she is a commoner. She is beautiful and catches the eye of the King. What is most interesting is how she holds onto him for years even when she stops sleeping with him. It is hard to believe that someone can remain the official mistress of the King when they are not sleeping together! She even becomes a Duchess after they have stopped. She is absolutely brilliant in getting rid of all her rivals even when they are backed by very powerful and influential men (a few of those she gets rid of too).
It was also interesting to get the point of views of the women who tried to replace Pompadour. Only one had the real goal of that herself. I felt bad for the others who were pushed into competing with her when they were happy as things were. They ended up taking the blame and being sent away when others had pushed them into it.
The novel is well written however there is some dialogue that is way too modern for the time period - clearly just inserted for the modern reader but not necessary in my opinion. I look forward to book 3.
April 22, 2016
"The Rivals of Versailles" is the second book in Sally Christie's The Mistress of Versailles series. In this book, we meet Jeanne Poisson who will become yet another mistress for France's King Louis XV. Stunningly beautiful, Jeanne, called Reinette, throughout the book is told from a young age that she will become the King's mistress. Rising to fame as the Marquise de Pompadour, Jeanne is a force to be reckoned with. Others we are introduced to throughout the book will try to unseat her but there's a good reason she is still so well-remembered throughout history.
This book works nicely as a standalone as the book really focuses on a new set of characters. There is Reinette as well as Rosalie de Romanet-Choiseul, Morphise, and Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin. Most of the narrative belongs to Reinette but we do get a chance to hear from each of these other women in the latter half of the book. They definitely have much smaller sections so we don't get to know them quite as well as we get to know Reinette, which was just fine with me - she is fascinating! I really liked how the author chose to divide up the narratives - it was almost as if she was leading the reader to pay the most attention to Reinette while relegating the other women to mere dalliances for the King.
I liked this book much better than the first book. Reinette is such a great character. The author makes her feel very accessible. It was so interesting to see how she is able to captivate the King and keep his attention for so long. Her narrative is from her point of view, which made me feel even closer to her!
This book works nicely as a standalone as the book really focuses on a new set of characters. There is Reinette as well as Rosalie de Romanet-Choiseul, Morphise, and Marie-Anne de Mailly de Coislin. Most of the narrative belongs to Reinette but we do get a chance to hear from each of these other women in the latter half of the book. They definitely have much smaller sections so we don't get to know them quite as well as we get to know Reinette, which was just fine with me - she is fascinating! I really liked how the author chose to divide up the narratives - it was almost as if she was leading the reader to pay the most attention to Reinette while relegating the other women to mere dalliances for the King.
I liked this book much better than the first book. Reinette is such a great character. The author makes her feel very accessible. It was so interesting to see how she is able to captivate the King and keep his attention for so long. Her narrative is from her point of view, which made me feel even closer to her!
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April 20, 2016Visit Raven Haired Girl for more reviews & giveaways
Impressed with Christie's first novel in the trilogy The Sisters of Versailles, I couldn't wait to read her interpretation of Madame de Pompadour. I was taken with Jeanne from the start, her determination piqued my interest, I knew her journey would be riveting. Jeanne possessed intelligence along with tenacity allowing her to remain two steps ahead of her rivals, never flinching, always calm and assured in retaining her place by her beloved King. Smatterings of humor and shrewd calculated plans created great interest on Jeanne's part giving the narrative an anticipated jolt from time to time. I wasn't a fan of King Louis XV in book one, and this book serves to fuel my distaste, the man is loathsome.
Christie's detail of court life along with its machinations - power, politics, and sex as well as a glimpse into the bourgeois class along with praise and criticism of the King including an assassination attempt immerse the reader into the era without question.
A wonderful story delving into one of the most renowned women in history. Although this is book two in the trilogy, it reads fine as a standalone any biographical historical fiction fan with an appreciation of incredibly intelligent, savvy and strong women.
Impressed with Christie's first novel in the trilogy The Sisters of Versailles, I couldn't wait to read her interpretation of Madame de Pompadour. I was taken with Jeanne from the start, her determination piqued my interest, I knew her journey would be riveting. Jeanne possessed intelligence along with tenacity allowing her to remain two steps ahead of her rivals, never flinching, always calm and assured in retaining her place by her beloved King. Smatterings of humor and shrewd calculated plans created great interest on Jeanne's part giving the narrative an anticipated jolt from time to time. I wasn't a fan of King Louis XV in book one, and this book serves to fuel my distaste, the man is loathsome.
Christie's detail of court life along with its machinations - power, politics, and sex as well as a glimpse into the bourgeois class along with praise and criticism of the King including an assassination attempt immerse the reader into the era without question.
A wonderful story delving into one of the most renowned women in history. Although this is book two in the trilogy, it reads fine as a standalone any biographical historical fiction fan with an appreciation of incredibly intelligent, savvy and strong women.
July 4, 2016
Excellent sequel!! If i was shocked to read about King Louis XV's affair with the four sisters Nesle, after reading about Marquise de Pompadour and her relationship with him, i was even more! That woman was wicked! She was never loved or accepted at Court. They only tolerated her, because she became the Royal Mistress. They couldn't forget that she was a bourgeoise. Things weren't easy to her. Pompadour had to deal with humiliations, but was smart enough to make King Louis XV her ally and rule France thru him! I was astonished to learn that, as Pompadour couldn't "entertain" King Louis XV at bed anymore, she built a "home", where there could live young girls to become his little whores. Awful thing! King Louis XV just wanted to satisfy his lust! The french was discontent, they were living in totally misery, while King Louis XV and his Court lived in useless expenses. Everything and everyone could be sold, during eighteenth century in France. Pompadour was "educated" to become a whore for the King. Young girls were sold by their families, so their parents could have food! There were famine, diseases, war, but on the Châteaux, Palaces... everything was perfect and glamorous!
July 26, 2016
The first book in this series is nigh peerless in its ability to create distinct and very real characters from among sisters who nearly all did the same thing - fucked a king. This book is a bit... less good at that. When it comes to the rotating cast of minor mistresses, it sparkles and it sings, but the woman at the heart of it all remains flat, never really wanting anything once she's snared the king.
THAT SAID. I have never felt so viscerally disgusted by the excesses and debauchery of Versailles as I did while reading this book, and I mean that as the best sort of compliment. Christie isn't afraid to show the rotten core of Louis XV, doesn't try to excuse it as a temporary weakness or the symptom of some sympathetic ailment, and that's why this will probably remain my favorite book about the court at Versailles.
THAT SAID. I have never felt so viscerally disgusted by the excesses and debauchery of Versailles as I did while reading this book, and I mean that as the best sort of compliment. Christie isn't afraid to show the rotten core of Louis XV, doesn't try to excuse it as a temporary weakness or the symptom of some sympathetic ailment, and that's why this will probably remain my favorite book about the court at Versailles.
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