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ベルサイユのばら [Versailles no Bara] #3
ベルサイユのばら 3
宮廷中の貴婦人たちの憧れの的、オスカルの初めての恋、王妃の恋人フェルゼンへの想いは叶うことがなかった。彼女の悲しみをそっと見守る、オスカルの乳母の孫、アンドレ・グランディエ。二人は幼い時から兄弟以上に魂を寄せ合い、青春のすべてを分かち合って生きてきた。そして何時しかアンドレはオスカルを深く愛していた。その頃、貴族の屋敷を襲う“黒い騎士”と名乗る盗賊を捕えたオスカルは、その男から民衆の不満の高まりを思い知らされる。不穏な社会情勢は次第に緊迫してきていた。
388 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1994
About the author
Riyoko Ikeda
409 books293 followersRiyoko Ikeda (池田理代子) is a Japanese manga author and soprano singer.
As one of the 24-gumi, she has written and illustrated many shōjo manga, many of which are based on European historical events, such as the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution.
Her most famous manga is Versailles no bara (ベルサイユのばら, The rose of Versailles).
Other famous works include Oniisama e... (おにいさまへ…, Dear Brother) and Orpheus no mado (オルフェウスの窓, The Window of Orpheus) that won an Excellence award at Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 1980.
As one of the 24-gumi, she has written and illustrated many shōjo manga, many of which are based on European historical events, such as the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution.
Her most famous manga is Versailles no bara (ベルサイユのばら, The rose of Versailles).
Other famous works include Oniisama e... (おにいさまへ…, Dear Brother) and Orpheus no mado (オルフェウスの窓, The Window of Orpheus) that won an Excellence award at Japan Cartoonists Association Award in 1980.
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February 10, 2024 "what is an eye less, if it's for your own good, Oscar"
why can't they just be together☹️
•••• 4 stars••••
why can't they just be together☹️
•••• 4 stars••••
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July 29, 2024I’m not sure how to rate this one.
This volume was mostly about Oscar and a lot of political aspects of Paris.
However there was a scene of Oscar and Louis Joseph kissing that was really uncomfortable considering Louis Joseph is seven and Oscar is an adult. I’m not sure why the author included this and it was really inappropriate and gross.
I tried googling it and I can’t find anyone talking about that scene. No one else is weirded out by that?
This volume was mostly about Oscar and a lot of political aspects of Paris.
However there was a scene of Oscar and Louis Joseph kissing that was really uncomfortable considering Louis Joseph is seven and Oscar is an adult. I’m not sure why the author included this and it was really inappropriate and gross.
I tried googling it and I can’t find anyone talking about that scene. No one else is weirded out by that?
December 5, 2020
The more I read this manga the better it gets. I really love the development between Oscar and her Garde Francais. And all the social political changes and tensions are very exciting to see.
Excited to continue on whenever I can get my hands on the following volumes.
Excited to continue on whenever I can get my hands on the following volumes.
May 2, 2021
You do not get any prettier or more dramatic than The Rose of Versailles, and volume 3--where the story starts veering headlong into the territory of the French Revolution--is no exception.
As with previous volumes, the tone of The Rose of Versailles is sometimes unbalanced. You might have a series of absolutely beautiful dramatic pages of Oscar weeping over the stress and conflicting feelings inside her, and then a few pages of a cartoonishly drawn Louis XVI pratfalling after being caught trying to make locks during the turmoil of the Estates General. There's quite a bit of emotional whiplash but I suppose since the chapters were originally pubished serially, the whiplash would not have been as severe as it is when you're reading them as a single volume.
I would be lying if I said it really bothered me because, in the end, I'm here for the breathtaking artwork, the dramatic storyline and of course, Oscar.
On to volume 4!
As with previous volumes, the tone of The Rose of Versailles is sometimes unbalanced. You might have a series of absolutely beautiful dramatic pages of Oscar weeping over the stress and conflicting feelings inside her, and then a few pages of a cartoonishly drawn Louis XVI pratfalling after being caught trying to make locks during the turmoil of the Estates General. There's quite a bit of emotional whiplash but I suppose since the chapters were originally pubished serially, the whiplash would not have been as severe as it is when you're reading them as a single volume.
I would be lying if I said it really bothered me because, in the end, I'm here for the breathtaking artwork, the dramatic storyline and of course, Oscar.
On to volume 4!
July 14, 2023
No words yall. My heart is tearing apart and it's just the third book 😭 I can't handle it 😭
Why am I doing this to myself? 😭
Why am I doing this to myself? 😭
May 25, 2025
It's still unapologetically corny but now we get to know more about Oscar's doubts and dreams. The historical background is also getting closer to the French Revolution days. We meet Robespierre, Saint-Just, and even Napoleon Bonaparte.
May 16, 2021
The editing was much crisper in this volume. The superfluous French is mostly gone, and the relative absence of Rosalie spared us any more of the baffling “moi, I” inserts. Content-wise, it’s also a brilliant section of the story, focused mainly on Oscar and André’s developing romantic relationship.
I’d yet to feel satisfied with their relationship in either the anime or Takarazuka adaptations. André’s actions were unforgivable in both, and Oscar had little agency in her own negotiation of his feelings — she sort of acquiesced to André being as good as it would get. However, what these adaptations did to André is all the more disappointing given how it actually plays out in the original manga. We see Oscar very clearly confronting her feelings for him; these feelings are likewise not just a platonic abstract, but the fact that she is physically and sexually attracted to him. André’s attempted poisoning of Oscar largely occurs within his internal monologues in the manga, as opposed to the Takarazuka version in which he lays out his plans to her in full, staking a claim on her and more or less terrifying her into loving him. The original reflects his hopelessness re: the barriers of class relations and restrictions rather than a jilted, “if I can’t have you, no one can” fit of passion.
I loved André despairing over “Julie” only to find Oscar doing the same. The little reassurances they give one another, the toes dipped into the waters of a new configuration of their relationship, are charming and deeply respectful. The slow and sweet progression of their physical intimacy also feels in-character. It also just feels right for Oscar to finally find love on her terms: love she can have, as a woman, without sacrificing the integrity of her character. She leans over to kiss André and then rides off to defend the oppressed. She is truly and solidly Principled.
I had also felt this was a work that had the “yuri” label affixed to it by contemporary tastemakers, somewhat disingenuously, so it was great to see Oscar making out with a bunch of girls at a ball.
Overall, a delightful volume in which the Rose of Versailles really seemed to come into its own.
I’d yet to feel satisfied with their relationship in either the anime or Takarazuka adaptations. André’s actions were unforgivable in both, and Oscar had little agency in her own negotiation of his feelings — she sort of acquiesced to André being as good as it would get. However, what these adaptations did to André is all the more disappointing given how it actually plays out in the original manga. We see Oscar very clearly confronting her feelings for him; these feelings are likewise not just a platonic abstract, but the fact that she is physically and sexually attracted to him. André’s attempted poisoning of Oscar largely occurs within his internal monologues in the manga, as opposed to the Takarazuka version in which he lays out his plans to her in full, staking a claim on her and more or less terrifying her into loving him. The original reflects his hopelessness re: the barriers of class relations and restrictions rather than a jilted, “if I can’t have you, no one can” fit of passion.
I loved André despairing over “Julie” only to find Oscar doing the same. The little reassurances they give one another, the toes dipped into the waters of a new configuration of their relationship, are charming and deeply respectful. The slow and sweet progression of their physical intimacy also feels in-character. It also just feels right for Oscar to finally find love on her terms: love she can have, as a woman, without sacrificing the integrity of her character. She leans over to kiss André and then rides off to defend the oppressed. She is truly and solidly Principled.
I had also felt this was a work that had the “yuri” label affixed to it by contemporary tastemakers, somewhat disingenuously, so it was great to see Oscar making out with a bunch of girls at a ball.
Overall, a delightful volume in which the Rose of Versailles really seemed to come into its own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2020
Read more graphic novel reviews at www.graphiclibrary.org.
France continues to decay as the royal family amasses an amazing amount of debt, and the citizenry refuses to acquiesce to more taxes until an Estates General is called. Oscar’s father decides he will marry Oscar off to a wealthy noble, and claim a male child of Oscar's as his heir, but Oscar will have none of it, and sabotages the arrangements. The people of France demand the king reinstate a minister of finance who was sympathetic to the plight of the commoners. As the Estates General Meet and try to erode the power of the king even more, Louis I’d advised to bring in the military to squash the rumblings of the Representatives from the Third Estate (commoners). Oscar is torn apart by her sense of duty to follow the orders of the king and the military’s goal of protect her countrymen.
Things are really starting to heat up on the road to revolution. As the queen is the major villain in the story in the eyes of the people, Oscar has come into her own as the main character in the story. Much of the storyline of this volume focuses on Oscar trying to win over her troops as they refuse to follow a woman's orders. There are also some heartbreaking moments in this volume, as anyone familiar with the life of Marie Antionette probably knew would be coming.
The art is beautiful but slightly frustrating. There are a few characters with distinct designs, but Ikeda seems to have one template of the male with shoulder-length black hair. Andre, Oscar's closest friend, looks very similar to Alain, Oscar's biggest critic. And Alain looks almost identical to Rosalie's husband, Bernard. It's sometimes hard to keep them all straight when they're on the same pages.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
France continues to decay as the royal family amasses an amazing amount of debt, and the citizenry refuses to acquiesce to more taxes until an Estates General is called. Oscar’s father decides he will marry Oscar off to a wealthy noble, and claim a male child of Oscar's as his heir, but Oscar will have none of it, and sabotages the arrangements. The people of France demand the king reinstate a minister of finance who was sympathetic to the plight of the commoners. As the Estates General Meet and try to erode the power of the king even more, Louis I’d advised to bring in the military to squash the rumblings of the Representatives from the Third Estate (commoners). Oscar is torn apart by her sense of duty to follow the orders of the king and the military’s goal of protect her countrymen.
Things are really starting to heat up on the road to revolution. As the queen is the major villain in the story in the eyes of the people, Oscar has come into her own as the main character in the story. Much of the storyline of this volume focuses on Oscar trying to win over her troops as they refuse to follow a woman's orders. There are also some heartbreaking moments in this volume, as anyone familiar with the life of Marie Antionette probably knew would be coming.
The art is beautiful but slightly frustrating. There are a few characters with distinct designs, but Ikeda seems to have one template of the male with shoulder-length black hair. Andre, Oscar's closest friend, looks very similar to Alain, Oscar's biggest critic. And Alain looks almost identical to Rosalie's husband, Bernard. It's sometimes hard to keep them all straight when they're on the same pages.
Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 9-12
September 13, 2020
Still love this, and we all still thirst for Oscar!
November 10, 2022
3.5 stars
June 12, 2026
Oscar and André get up to some merde in this but I literally squealed when Lafayette showed up for two seconds just to cross swords with Girodelle. Ouf mon cœur!
January 15, 2023
In this volume, we begin to see some themes that had their seeds in earlier parts of the tale really begin to blossom. More time is spent with the Third Estate, as Oscar, already experienced in traversing gender roles, learns that upending class expectations poses unique challenges of its own. There’s romance, there’s action, and there is, rather poignantly, multiple meditations on death. In fact, one such example stands as one of the most stark depictions of death I can recall seeing in manga. It isn’t a long segment, and it is certainly not graphically explicit whatsoever, but the juxtaposition of decay within an artistic style that so often highlights beauty was more striking and visceral than it would be in a work that is overly saturated in a gritty aesthetic. Along with the strong themes of romance, adventure, even the occassional slapstick, the precariousness of life is always lingering in the background of this tale.
October 15, 2023
3.4/5 stars — I want to keep loving this series but andre’s characterization literally is just… flames.. flames… on the side of my face.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Pacing: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
June 12, 2023
Andre…. I know it’s for the drama but dude went from a cute bean to so toxic
Napoleon cameo!!! Lol
Napoleon cameo!!! Lol
December 8, 2024
This series is so inconsistent. I will be bored to tears for like 10 chapters, then suddenly the peasants start rioting and everyone is trying to kiss Oscar and I'm invested again.
September 21, 2026
*Review the entire series excluding the extras.
Thank you to Lara for joining me in a buddy read of this series!
Oscar Francois de Jarayes was raised as a son after being born the sixth daughter of General de Jarayes who desperately wanted a son. At fourteen she was tasked with protecting the new dauphine of France, Marie Antoinette. The two girls form a friendship, but slowly grow apart as Oscar grows more concerned with the suffering lower class citizens of France.
I was captivated by the story from the start and loved following both Oscar and Marie Antoinette through their early years to adulthood. Oscar was the more likable of the two. She was strong, open minded, and willing to fight for what she believed. Marie Antoinette on the other hand was at the start of the story silly and selfish at times, but by the end I felt sorry for her. She was really too young when she came to France and did not understand her role as queen.
Rose of Versailles is a truly beautiful manga both in art and story telling. It is a classic that still holds up well and its influence can be seen in later works. The art is gorgeous and captures both the opulence of Versailles beautifully from the ornate halls to the extravagant dresses. The characters' designs were also lovely and I was impressed by how well some of them resembled their real life counterparts.
This series is a new favorite of mine and I know that I will come back to it at some point. It is truly beautiful and, despite its tragic ending, was a joy to read.
Thank you to Lara for joining me in a buddy read of this series!
Oscar Francois de Jarayes was raised as a son after being born the sixth daughter of General de Jarayes who desperately wanted a son. At fourteen she was tasked with protecting the new dauphine of France, Marie Antoinette. The two girls form a friendship, but slowly grow apart as Oscar grows more concerned with the suffering lower class citizens of France.
I was captivated by the story from the start and loved following both Oscar and Marie Antoinette through their early years to adulthood. Oscar was the more likable of the two. She was strong, open minded, and willing to fight for what she believed. Marie Antoinette on the other hand was at the start of the story silly and selfish at times, but by the end I felt sorry for her. She was really too young when she came to France and did not understand her role as queen.
Rose of Versailles is a truly beautiful manga both in art and story telling. It is a classic that still holds up well and its influence can be seen in later works. The art is gorgeous and captures both the opulence of Versailles beautifully from the ornate halls to the extravagant dresses. The characters' designs were also lovely and I was impressed by how well some of them resembled their real life counterparts.
This series is a new favorite of mine and I know that I will come back to it at some point. It is truly beautiful and, despite its tragic ending, was a joy to read.
July 30, 2026
Wow, this was a great volume of The Rose of Versailles! It seems to keep getting better as it goes on and a ton happened in this volume. I like how the story is intertwined with historical events so well. Lord Oscar continues to be awesoooooome.
January 23, 2021
Every Rose of Versailles volume in this edition is PACKED. Where to even start? The historical context? Oscar's personal life? A review going into Lady Oscar's queerness? Geez.
The French State is bankrupt. Heavy taxes levied on the average citizen have resulted in starvation on the streets of Paris. The Estates General of 1789 is held and it goes poorly. Oscar, now a member of a military regiment, is asked to barricade the doors to the hall to the National Assembly, resulting in member representing the Third Estate to declare an oath on a nearby tennis court to "fight on the behalf of the people." The dauphin (who a has a great deal of affection for Oscar) dies. The populace is brought together by their hatred of Marie Antoinette and begins to arm themselves and riot.
Oscar's transfer as a brigadier into the French guard starts off very poorly. Her young, male regiment is insubordinate, and they band together under Alain and nearly rape her. Alain's early disdain for Oscar is exacerbated by both her gender and her high class station. However, Oscar's honorable nature, deep empathy, and refusal to penalize her regiment slowly begins to win over even Alain. She goes outside of French law to rescue them from punishment. By the end of this volume, Oscar's men love and support both her and Andre (and Alain managed to steal a kiss... from Oscar of course). By being ordered into actions that she disagrees with morally, bonding with her men (of low station), Oscar is drawn further and further into the feelings of Revolution.
Oscar's queerness and Andres devotion takes a few strange turns this collection. In a misguided attempt to protect his daughter, Lord de Jarjayes, attempts to marry her off to Captain de Girodelle, who appears to genuinely love her, willing to "accept [her] for all time, forever", her sadness and her suffering. Even after a ball, where she refuses to wear a dress, dancing and kissing with young noble girls, Oscar swoons at Girodelle's words. However, it is not her gender, or queerness, that makes Oscar refuse Girodelle, but instead her love for Andre, and his feelings for her.
Although Oscar refuses marriage due to her life as a soldier (and therefore, a man), her rejection of Girodelle is based on her love for Andre. She seems to accept her life would have simpler and easier if she had lived as a woman, but continues just as she has done all along, walking a strange androgynous path.
Andre's love for Oscar veers into toxicity. At one point, he almost commits murder suicide with her before accepting his lot in life to be by her side, no matter who she loves. Oscar's refusal of gender norms doesn't seem to harm their relationship in any way, but instead it's the difference in class station that throws Andre into fits of woe. Even Lord de Jarjayes admits Andre would have been a good husband for Oscar, otherwise. Andre continues to struggle with his lower station, and begins to lose his vision in both eyes.
In the midst of political turmoil, Oscar and Andre circle around each other. There is a comedic moment where Oscar realizes her sexual attraction to Andre. Notably, the reader seeing Andre topless is the first panel in this entire series that feels sexual. Oscar's previous affectionate moments with Rosalie are chaste. Professing their love for each other seems to leave certain dynamics of their relationship unchanged. Andre will continue to support Oscar, even has he clasps her in a physical embrace and they kiss multiple times as a couple. It is clear, that though they are aligned in how the feel about the Revolution, Andre will be the one to follow Oscar.
The French State is bankrupt. Heavy taxes levied on the average citizen have resulted in starvation on the streets of Paris. The Estates General of 1789 is held and it goes poorly. Oscar, now a member of a military regiment, is asked to barricade the doors to the hall to the National Assembly, resulting in member representing the Third Estate to declare an oath on a nearby tennis court to "fight on the behalf of the people." The dauphin (who a has a great deal of affection for Oscar) dies. The populace is brought together by their hatred of Marie Antoinette and begins to arm themselves and riot.
Oscar's transfer as a brigadier into the French guard starts off very poorly. Her young, male regiment is insubordinate, and they band together under Alain and nearly rape her. Alain's early disdain for Oscar is exacerbated by both her gender and her high class station. However, Oscar's honorable nature, deep empathy, and refusal to penalize her regiment slowly begins to win over even Alain. She goes outside of French law to rescue them from punishment. By the end of this volume, Oscar's men love and support both her and Andre (and Alain managed to steal a kiss... from Oscar of course). By being ordered into actions that she disagrees with morally, bonding with her men (of low station), Oscar is drawn further and further into the feelings of Revolution.
Oscar's queerness and Andres devotion takes a few strange turns this collection. In a misguided attempt to protect his daughter, Lord de Jarjayes, attempts to marry her off to Captain de Girodelle, who appears to genuinely love her, willing to "accept [her] for all time, forever", her sadness and her suffering. Even after a ball, where she refuses to wear a dress, dancing and kissing with young noble girls, Oscar swoons at Girodelle's words. However, it is not her gender, or queerness, that makes Oscar refuse Girodelle, but instead her love for Andre, and his feelings for her.
Although Oscar refuses marriage due to her life as a soldier (and therefore, a man), her rejection of Girodelle is based on her love for Andre. She seems to accept her life would have simpler and easier if she had lived as a woman, but continues just as she has done all along, walking a strange androgynous path.
Andre's love for Oscar veers into toxicity. At one point, he almost commits murder suicide with her before accepting his lot in life to be by her side, no matter who she loves. Oscar's refusal of gender norms doesn't seem to harm their relationship in any way, but instead it's the difference in class station that throws Andre into fits of woe. Even Lord de Jarjayes admits Andre would have been a good husband for Oscar, otherwise. Andre continues to struggle with his lower station, and begins to lose his vision in both eyes.
In the midst of political turmoil, Oscar and Andre circle around each other. There is a comedic moment where Oscar realizes her sexual attraction to Andre. Notably, the reader seeing Andre topless is the first panel in this entire series that feels sexual. Oscar's previous affectionate moments with Rosalie are chaste. Professing their love for each other seems to leave certain dynamics of their relationship unchanged. Andre will continue to support Oscar, even has he clasps her in a physical embrace and they kiss multiple times as a couple. It is clear, that though they are aligned in how the feel about the Revolution, Andre will be the one to follow Oscar.
December 2, 2025
3.25 stars
I was originally marking each volume within these omnibus editions, but I lost the correct organization at some point. Oops. Don't know how that happened, but it did. With that being said, here are all of my notes in my notes app after I realized this kerfuffle. (Also, it should be noted that this is the longest one of these volumes has taken me to read, from September to the last day of November.) It's also not even the longest edition (that goes to volume 1), but it did take me a long time to stay committed and invested in reading the episodes. Some of the episodes felt long and like the plot wasn't going anywhere. This is where the series was starting to hit a stagnation point for me. It's still immensely enjoyable, but it has glaringly annoying issues and is not perfect. (After writing this section, my 4-star rating has dropped to a 3.5 rating.)
Notes from my Reading Tracker:
Episodes 45-48: No clue the correct volumes because the chart chapter and volume breakdown I've been following is incorrect. Going forward, I will just chunk it by clearly visible sections of arcs with the colorization. (Spoiler: I stopped doing this and just chunked by what I read. LMAO)
Episodes 49-52: and Ikeda shifts the plot to a conversation with her mother, which, while I appreciated the conversation, Andre is fucking crazy. She was living her best life, dancing with ladies and kissing them at the ball. That's the way it should be. GAY AS FUCK!!!! (My rating has now dropped to a 3.25 star rating because fuck this plot. This shit was probably why it took me so long to come back to, because what the fuck was this disturbing ass sexual assault/murder turned into swooning man?)
Episodes 53-55: Not the Prince telling Oscar he will reincarnate as a healthy man to get with her. lmaooooo a lot going on in this section with politics, and the potential fall of France.
Episodes 56-60: the misogyny of receiving no claps in episode 57 (crying face emoji 3x). Marie Antoinette was done so dirtyyyy, and poor little Joseph dies all in this one chapter, like let a girl breathe. (This isn't a plot spoiler. This is literal history. LMAO) It's getting intense, and we are reaching the pique of the rebellion.
Episodes 61-62: I HATE THIS HETERONORMATIVE LOVE CONFESSION TO A MAN WHO HAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER TWICE (CURSING EMOJI). (Also, the fact that I blocked out the main issue I had with this volume, and didn't even list it as one of Andre's faults. LIKE DAMN. My mind was really protecting itself from this heteronormative agenda because how dare Oscar force herself into this placated "love" from her attacker and attempted murderer. I don't care that he is her best friend since childhood, fuck that man.)
Episodes 63-66: A deeply saddening place to leave off. You can feel the buildup of the French Revolution. I don't see this march going well for Oscar or Andre.
I initially gave this volume 4 stars, but after rereading my notes, this is clearly the weakest and most horrendous plotline. Also, shout-out to Saint Juste showing up (my Dear Brother/Oniisama e... fans know!). LMAO Ikeda has always been obsessed with girls who look like boys and boys who look like girls, and I love it.
I was originally marking each volume within these omnibus editions, but I lost the correct organization at some point. Oops. Don't know how that happened, but it did. With that being said, here are all of my notes in my notes app after I realized this kerfuffle. (Also, it should be noted that this is the longest one of these volumes has taken me to read, from September to the last day of November.) It's also not even the longest edition (that goes to volume 1), but it did take me a long time to stay committed and invested in reading the episodes. Some of the episodes felt long and like the plot wasn't going anywhere. This is where the series was starting to hit a stagnation point for me. It's still immensely enjoyable, but it has glaringly annoying issues and is not perfect. (After writing this section, my 4-star rating has dropped to a 3.5 rating.)
Notes from my Reading Tracker:
Episodes 45-48: No clue the correct volumes because the chart chapter and volume breakdown I've been following is incorrect. Going forward, I will just chunk it by clearly visible sections of arcs with the colorization. (Spoiler: I stopped doing this and just chunked by what I read. LMAO)
Episodes 49-52: and Ikeda shifts the plot to a conversation with her mother, which, while I appreciated the conversation, Andre is fucking crazy. She was living her best life, dancing with ladies and kissing them at the ball. That's the way it should be. GAY AS FUCK!!!! (My rating has now dropped to a 3.25 star rating because fuck this plot. This shit was probably why it took me so long to come back to, because what the fuck was this disturbing ass sexual assault/murder turned into swooning man?)
Episodes 53-55: Not the Prince telling Oscar he will reincarnate as a healthy man to get with her. lmaooooo a lot going on in this section with politics, and the potential fall of France.
Episodes 56-60: the misogyny of receiving no claps in episode 57 (crying face emoji 3x). Marie Antoinette was done so dirtyyyy, and poor little Joseph dies all in this one chapter, like let a girl breathe. (This isn't a plot spoiler. This is literal history. LMAO) It's getting intense, and we are reaching the pique of the rebellion.
Episodes 61-62: I HATE THIS HETERONORMATIVE LOVE CONFESSION TO A MAN WHO HAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED HER TWICE (CURSING EMOJI). (Also, the fact that I blocked out the main issue I had with this volume, and didn't even list it as one of Andre's faults. LIKE DAMN. My mind was really protecting itself from this heteronormative agenda because how dare Oscar force herself into this placated "love" from her attacker and attempted murderer. I don't care that he is her best friend since childhood, fuck that man.)
Episodes 63-66: A deeply saddening place to leave off. You can feel the buildup of the French Revolution. I don't see this march going well for Oscar or Andre.
I initially gave this volume 4 stars, but after rereading my notes, this is clearly the weakest and most horrendous plotline. Also, shout-out to Saint Juste showing up (my Dear Brother/Oniisama e... fans know!). LMAO Ikeda has always been obsessed with girls who look like boys and boys who look like girls, and I love it.
October 15, 2025
This review is for the complete main series and doesn't take the gaiden stories into consideration.
Reread 2026
Many thanks to Bunny for joining me for this buddy read!
This was a fascinating reread and buddy read! It's been a decade since I last read it but I still enjoyed it and it was particularly nice to have Bunny share some historical insights into what did and didn't match the real historical events.
_______________
Oscar de Jarjayes, also known as Lady Oscar, is raised as a man after her mother gave birth to three girls in succession. After years of training, Oscar becomes the captain of the Palace Guard and is tasked with guarding none other than Marie Antoinette, the Rose of Versailles. While loyalty and friendship grow between the two, Oscar worries for the ever-suffering lower classes of Paris.
The Rose of Versailles is simply beautiful. Being a major manga classic, it is easy to see how it has influenced later works both in art and storytelling. One of the most beautiful aspects of this work is most certainly the art. While some might call it dated, it is gorgeous to look at, the eyes are very prominent with the emphasis on the sparkle in them. The female characters are particularly beautifully drawn.
It does have a bit of a slow start, it took me about a volume to get into it. I think possibly one of the reasons is because the main character, Oscar, is kept in the background. The first chapters focus on the young Marie Antoinette who is arguably not the most likeable character. However, one of the wonderful things about this series is that it follows its characters from a young age until they are middle-aged. I find that to be very unusual for a manga and it is exactly what makes it so easy to become attached to the characters. Even Marie Antoinette, regardless of her real-life character and motives, as far as fictional characterisation goes, as a fictional character, one can relate to her. While she makes grave mistakes and can come across as utterly selfish, the flow of the story makes it easy to understand how being thrown into such a luxurious world can influence and ruin a young person’s character. By the end of the story, she too has gone through many hardships and I found myself feeling very sorry for her.
Nevertheless, I find the characters around Marie Antoinette to be much more fascinating. Considering that the story spans several decades, it is remarkable how the author managed to let her characters age, they definitely look older by the final volume and that's not something one can say for every manga. Apart from the in-depth view of the characters' lives and the wonderful art style, The Rose of Versailles has a great balance between humour, romance, action and drama. Of course, knowing that this story is set before and during the French Revolution, one can expect lots of tragedy, in other words, getting attached to these characters can end up being quite painful! I can also see how some people might find this series a little too dramatic, it can be melodramatic at times, but I believe that to be part of its charm.
April 6, 2021
Well, I read both volumes 2 and 3 in a very short time, and I don't have much more to say about these than I did for volume 1... so I'm just gonna skip writing a pointless review for volume 2, and just put a few words here for this one.
(Please refer to my review for volume 1 for a bit more details.)
What was good, still is good.
What bothered me, still bothers me.
But I particularly enjoyed in this volume the whole part leading to French Revolution (which will be in the next volume) which involves the three estates and everything. On the other hand, all the "love stories" around Oscar kinda got on my nerves.
(Please refer to my review for volume 1 for a bit more details.)
What was good, still is good.
What bothered me, still bothers me.
But I particularly enjoyed in this volume the whole part leading to French Revolution (which will be in the next volume) which involves the three estates and everything. On the other hand, all the "love stories" around Oscar kinda got on my nerves.
July 14, 2020
Maria Antonieta continua o mesmo entojo de gente! Não sei qual o encanto de uma pessoa arrogante, prepotente e mimada como ela! Graças a Deus a história não é mais tão centrada nela e sim na Oscar e na sua evolução pessoal! Isso está sendo muito legal de acompanhar. Uma pena Ikeda-sensei estragar o personagem mais decente da história... Quase um estuprador e assassino, do tipo "Se eu não posso te ter em vida, vou te ter na morte!" Oi, querido?
January 1, 2021
Review coming eventually. Read this 3rd omnibus out of a total of 5. I think the other two release next year (2021), but yes, this series was as good as I remembered it. Need some time to reflect on specifics in the volumes, because I binge read all three.
July 23, 2026
Yikes this was probably the worst volume. My partner and I have been reading this at a snails pace and since we were visiting eachother we decided to finish. Maybe our enjoyment of it is efffected by us being readers 50 years later and also trans boys who project onto Oscar. Btw I use he/him pronouns for Oscar cuz I mean to me that's a tboy. But like... why are the romance plots so bad. It's a manga that was aimed at girls so I understand what the fans wanted Oscar to be with a guy. But did all the options have to be so bad. I want to like Andre but he keeps doing gross things and Oscar never confronts him about it. Remeber last volume when he tried to assault Oscar? Well if you think that's bad then he tried to poison him in a murder-suicide without telling him. I'm all for the class traitor romance but the story has to bend over backwards to get them together. Andre could be a romance option but he needs to develop as a character. And actually see Oscar as a person and not just a weak woman. Like also I get it romance drama crazy stuff happens it's fiction... but seriously! I started playing a game where everytime andre does something actually good we take off a tally to his three strikes. Once he reaches 0 strikes I will be somewhat okay with the romance. As of now he has 4 strikes and one thumbs up so...
Yeah idk I just didn't like this volume... the romance stuff was just so forced. Like what's with one of the guards (forgot his name sorry) suddenly kissing Oscar for multiple pages. And they don't comment. except Andre and the guard talking about their love for Oscar. Really at least Oscar gets to have that ball to say FU to his dad. However it doesn't feel as like progressive when he's IMMEADILTY going for Andre who has tried to assault and kill him. Oh and also has an inner monologue about how holding back from banging him is going to make him faint. Dude... chill. So like idk the romance plot sucks but everything else is fine. Ughh I really love ROV but it has so much yucky stuff.
And a lot of stuff happens and isn't commented on or just happens. Oscar coughing up blood, that forced kiss, etc.
The court drama and history stuff is more interesting than this romance drama boo...
I did like Oscar and the guards... those are his boys. However the one guard that's very hostile to him because "ew woman leading me"... ending up only hating him because he had feelings... what is this middle school drama stuff. Seriously all the romance feels so forced and Oscar doesn't seem to have much agency besides deciding not to marry his father's choice, which is big however again. It doesn't feel as big when he's gonna go with the guy who assaulted him. Like I get it, Japan in the 70's is a different climate. I consume a lot of very old media talking like 40's movies belive me I've seen bad romance. But when it gets to assault I can't excuse that. Ikeda didn't have to make Andre assault Oscar it didn't add anything except... idk melodrama.
Apparently Rosalie was unpopular with readers and iirc was the intended love interest. It really shows that Andre wasn't the love interest in mind. I think they work better as friends. But oh well...
I get why this could be seen as feminist, an AFAB character taking a man's role. But they always comment on Oscar's gender they only see him as a weak woman. Even the love interest. Idk it just doesn't feel as feminist to a modern audience. I don't mind Oscar ending up with a man as long as that doesn't force fem him. I do mind the man trying to assault and kill him. Like seriously if u want us to root for him why put that in, I really tried to look past it cuz fiction but geez! It's like the plot is actively trying to make u not. They have cute moments but it doesn't erase the red flags. Like yes it is really big for an afab character to choose to not marry to be with someone of a lower class yeah but could you at least make him a decent guy.
Yeah idk I just didn't like this volume... the romance stuff was just so forced. Like what's with one of the guards (forgot his name sorry) suddenly kissing Oscar for multiple pages. And they don't comment. except Andre and the guard talking about their love for Oscar. Really at least Oscar gets to have that ball to say FU to his dad. However it doesn't feel as like progressive when he's IMMEADILTY going for Andre who has tried to assault and kill him. Oh and also has an inner monologue about how holding back from banging him is going to make him faint. Dude... chill. So like idk the romance plot sucks but everything else is fine. Ughh I really love ROV but it has so much yucky stuff.
And a lot of stuff happens and isn't commented on or just happens. Oscar coughing up blood, that forced kiss, etc.
The court drama and history stuff is more interesting than this romance drama boo...
I did like Oscar and the guards... those are his boys. However the one guard that's very hostile to him because "ew woman leading me"... ending up only hating him because he had feelings... what is this middle school drama stuff. Seriously all the romance feels so forced and Oscar doesn't seem to have much agency besides deciding not to marry his father's choice, which is big however again. It doesn't feel as big when he's gonna go with the guy who assaulted him. Like I get it, Japan in the 70's is a different climate. I consume a lot of very old media talking like 40's movies belive me I've seen bad romance. But when it gets to assault I can't excuse that. Ikeda didn't have to make Andre assault Oscar it didn't add anything except... idk melodrama.
Apparently Rosalie was unpopular with readers and iirc was the intended love interest. It really shows that Andre wasn't the love interest in mind. I think they work better as friends. But oh well...
I get why this could be seen as feminist, an AFAB character taking a man's role. But they always comment on Oscar's gender they only see him as a weak woman. Even the love interest. Idk it just doesn't feel as feminist to a modern audience. I don't mind Oscar ending up with a man as long as that doesn't force fem him. I do mind the man trying to assault and kill him. Like seriously if u want us to root for him why put that in, I really tried to look past it cuz fiction but geez! It's like the plot is actively trying to make u not. They have cute moments but it doesn't erase the red flags. Like yes it is really big for an afab character to choose to not marry to be with someone of a lower class yeah but could you at least make him a decent guy.
April 17, 2025
Book three!!!
She’s really taking her time here… I’ve been waiting for the attack off the Bastille since the last book, but… it doesn’t happen in this one either.
What I do like in this one though is how our Lady Oscar is still struggling with her men, not nobles, that is really pushing her and her old beliefs and does not follow her orders just because she tells her to, but she has to prove herself to them, to be a good leader. I don’t know why this is my favorite part of the story, but I kinda do. Oscar needs to get a bit down and dirty to do this, and man… I LOVE THAT!
Of course Oscar is our hero(ine), but she’s not perfect, which I also love. She’s a noble, she has a dad with influence, hence she can live like a man, despite actually being a woman. (She’s not trans, even if she struggles with what is expected by women of the time.) Oscar also struggles with her feelings for… quite a few men actually. There’s Axel von Fersen, although he is in love with Marie Antoinette. There’s her best friend André. And there’s one of her men she commands, Alain.
Of these three, the possibilities are slim or none existent for each of them. Axel von Fersen? He doesn’t love Oscar, he loves other women, so no chance there. André? He loves her right back! BUT! He is not a noble, a commoner, so in that society, not possible. Alain? Well, he is actually a noble, of low standing and poor, but still. So possibly kinda off, but Oscar’s dad would never allow this, since she is after all… a woman.
And, when it comes down to it despite her feelings, Oscar does NOT want to marry and have kids. She wants to continue her life as she lives it.
And then there’s the brewing revolution. And all the written books and pamphlets. Oscar reads them and is questioning everything, her whole life basically.
It actually ends up with Lady Oscar, this perfect person so many look up to…. turns to alcohol to cope with everything.
So good… SO GOOD!!!
Apart from all this, you got the French Revolution brewing on the brink of breaking out. The royal house has no money left, the crown prince is deathly ill, Marie Antionette is the most hated person in French, Axel von Fersen is also quite hated, the King is… trying but he is no good at being a king (I actually don’t hate him, I just feel sorry for him).
There’s a lot going on, although it’s mostly talking and meetings going on. I like how Ikeda has written down all the important historic dates and what historically happened on those important dates so if you’re a history nerd (like me!) you can follow along!
So even though this part was GORGEOUS!!!! (They all are gorgeous.) It felt like a bit of an interlude. Of course, character development left right and center, even Rosalie who I didn’t like in previous parts that much, shows up for a bit and has grown a lot!
Looking forward to the next part, because I’m sure shit will hit the fan in that one and the French Revolution will start in earnest….
She’s really taking her time here… I’ve been waiting for the attack off the Bastille since the last book, but… it doesn’t happen in this one either.
What I do like in this one though is how our Lady Oscar is still struggling with her men, not nobles, that is really pushing her and her old beliefs and does not follow her orders just because she tells her to, but she has to prove herself to them, to be a good leader. I don’t know why this is my favorite part of the story, but I kinda do. Oscar needs to get a bit down and dirty to do this, and man… I LOVE THAT!
Of course Oscar is our hero(ine), but she’s not perfect, which I also love. She’s a noble, she has a dad with influence, hence she can live like a man, despite actually being a woman. (She’s not trans, even if she struggles with what is expected by women of the time.) Oscar also struggles with her feelings for… quite a few men actually. There’s Axel von Fersen, although he is in love with Marie Antoinette. There’s her best friend André. And there’s one of her men she commands, Alain.
Of these three, the possibilities are slim or none existent for each of them. Axel von Fersen? He doesn’t love Oscar, he loves other women, so no chance there. André? He loves her right back! BUT! He is not a noble, a commoner, so in that society, not possible. Alain? Well, he is actually a noble, of low standing and poor, but still. So possibly kinda off, but Oscar’s dad would never allow this, since she is after all… a woman.
And, when it comes down to it despite her feelings, Oscar does NOT want to marry and have kids. She wants to continue her life as she lives it.
And then there’s the brewing revolution. And all the written books and pamphlets. Oscar reads them and is questioning everything, her whole life basically.
It actually ends up with Lady Oscar, this perfect person so many look up to…. turns to alcohol to cope with everything.
So good… SO GOOD!!!
Apart from all this, you got the French Revolution brewing on the brink of breaking out. The royal house has no money left, the crown prince is deathly ill, Marie Antionette is the most hated person in French, Axel von Fersen is also quite hated, the King is… trying but he is no good at being a king (I actually don’t hate him, I just feel sorry for him).
There’s a lot going on, although it’s mostly talking and meetings going on. I like how Ikeda has written down all the important historic dates and what historically happened on those important dates so if you’re a history nerd (like me!) you can follow along!
So even though this part was GORGEOUS!!!! (They all are gorgeous.) It felt like a bit of an interlude. Of course, character development left right and center, even Rosalie who I didn’t like in previous parts that much, shows up for a bit and has grown a lot!
Looking forward to the next part, because I’m sure shit will hit the fan in that one and the French Revolution will start in earnest….
January 7, 2026
Listen y’all I don’t think I was aware how tragic this was before going into it. I just thought it was some classic old-fashioned shōjo with some dated tropes and while that’s part of it tragedy is always at the heart of this story. And just when I started liking Andre again he goes and pulls some poison shit. I know he is just losing his mind with his fucking blindness because he is doing shit he would never do and taking it back the last second. Like am I supposed to be mad at you or what Andre 😭 and it’s the way Oscar realized what he was trying to do and continued falling in love with him honestly yes I would fall in love with Andre too if we forget the highly controversial things he’s been pulling since he started going blind it’s like he’s so green flag yet so red flag at the same time idek what to think and I heard people saying the SA whatever you wanna call it scene wasn’t meant to be read as SA at the time and just a passionate expression of his emotions but like… we joking right SA is SA. Anyway why was I still giggling and kicking my feet when Oscar returned his feelings like what the fuck is wrong with me this story is making me lose my mind but the chemistry is insane and of course Andre goes completely fucking blind and prepares to die for Oscar without her knowing then Oscar coughs up fucking BLOOD and what the actual FUCK is going on ya’ll I don’t even use the f word in real life at all but this is actually insane and the tragedy just piling is simply diabolical I don’t know what else to say I really don’t honestly like I love and hate Andre and I love Oscar and I never considered Oscar could die TOO what if the poison was supposed to foreshadow a double suicide or something because why are BOTH Oscar and Andre DYING or coming close to it HELP also the random other love interest for Oscar was so random like he helped her realize her feelings for Andre but I found it questionable how he was genuinely in love with Oscar like she really just pulling everyone and all genders and characters want her like trust Fersen would’ve wanted her too under different circumstances this is actually crazy but omg her love with Andre is so tragic and passionate and fucked and why is Andre so fine now too like he was chopped in the first book with the fuckass ponytail but now bro is so majestic it makes it hard to hate him and like I am truly losing my mind over here HELPPPP
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2020
I received volume three before volume two (thanks, Covid shipping delays) but couldn't wait to read.
At last! At very long last! I have read summaries and crappy scans, I own it in Spanish (which I do not read) at last The Rose of Versailles is in my hand in a readable format and it is Damn Fine.
Edition details:
Ohh what fancy paper! Gorgeous cover too!
The color pages and red/black parts are soooo pretty. This edition looks and feels sweet, all the way through.
Translation:
I am not always overly fond how the language flows all the time; I believe sometimes it is the original, but especially in the first fourth of this volume, there were some clunky bits too, and the random French feels odd considering they are all speaking French all the time. But on the whole, it is workmanlike and does it's job.
The feels:
Oscaaaaaar! Andreeee! REVOLUTION!
Yes, we are getting into the nitty-gritty of Lady Oscar's doomed love life, and the Ancien régime trembling. Weak king, isolated court, impoverished people and those struggling to profit from it all... Oscar, stepping between these decently well-drawn wills and ideals with her purity and idealism, as well as compassion for all, feels impossible. But her and Andre's anguished love for each other humanizes her, and tbh, I don't care if she's not realistic.
She is Lady Oscar and I came here to swoon over the pretty and cry from the tragedy and goddamn, the manga is starting to deliver on that last.
At last! At very long last! I have read summaries and crappy scans, I own it in Spanish (which I do not read) at last The Rose of Versailles is in my hand in a readable format and it is Damn Fine.
Edition details:
Ohh what fancy paper! Gorgeous cover too!
The color pages and red/black parts are soooo pretty. This edition looks and feels sweet, all the way through.
Translation:
I am not always overly fond how the language flows all the time; I believe sometimes it is the original, but especially in the first fourth of this volume, there were some clunky bits too, and the random French feels odd considering they are all speaking French all the time. But on the whole, it is workmanlike and does it's job.
The feels:
Oscaaaaaar! Andreeee! REVOLUTION!
Yes, we are getting into the nitty-gritty of Lady Oscar's doomed love life, and the Ancien régime trembling. Weak king, isolated court, impoverished people and those struggling to profit from it all... Oscar, stepping between these decently well-drawn wills and ideals with her purity and idealism, as well as compassion for all, feels impossible. But her and Andre's anguished love for each other humanizes her, and tbh, I don't care if she's not realistic.
She is Lady Oscar and I came here to swoon over the pretty and cry from the tragedy and goddamn, the manga is starting to deliver on that last.
February 15, 2021
I absolutely love this series, I saw the anime almost twenty years ago and while I read some fan-translations back in the day, it's clear that the fan translations didn't even try to understand the complexity and nuances of life in France and the class divisions at the time. The text is so much more dense and detailed than I remember it being, and it was much more noticeable in this Omnibus more than any other. This entire book mostly centers on Oscar, Andre and the rising revolution, with easily way more detail than the anime ever dared. I'm not a historian but I have read a fair amount of books and the revolution and studied it, and Ryoko Ikeda's detail and dedication to historical accuracy (while still altering some things to advance her fictional characters plight) is excellent. I'm very excited to read the next volume and see how much detail she goes into for Bastille Day and what comes next for our tragic lovers.
April 25, 2022
Rating: 4/5
(Trigger Warning: Attempted Assault)
Volume 3 of “The Rose of Versailles” begins to fully emerge as a Romantic Historical Drama. Andre and Oscar’s relationship reaches a tipping point when the question of marriage comes up and the French Revolution finally starts, with it dawning on the royal family too late how bad it’s gotten. As always it's beautifully drawn and excellently written, but while the stakes get higher and higher, it is the small moments that display Riyoko Ikeda’s talent.
Oscar struggles to gain control over her new army and, in an early moment of rebellion, they tie her up and threaten to assault her. Oscar remains unruffled and the danger passes quickly enough. It’s a moment of high drama and tension, a tipping point in her ability to control her own men. Later, with only Andre present, Oscar stands still in a dark room and her control breaks. She calls for her mother over and over, her head bowed in a small but heartbreaking indication of how frightened she was and still is. It’s a rare quiet moment but necessary. It is a perfect reflection of how Oscar handles her rapidly changing world, steel control in public and a desperate panic in private. It’s a masterclass of a character.
(Trigger Warning: Attempted Assault)
Volume 3 of “The Rose of Versailles” begins to fully emerge as a Romantic Historical Drama. Andre and Oscar’s relationship reaches a tipping point when the question of marriage comes up and the French Revolution finally starts, with it dawning on the royal family too late how bad it’s gotten. As always it's beautifully drawn and excellently written, but while the stakes get higher and higher, it is the small moments that display Riyoko Ikeda’s talent.
Oscar struggles to gain control over her new army and, in an early moment of rebellion, they tie her up and threaten to assault her. Oscar remains unruffled and the danger passes quickly enough. It’s a moment of high drama and tension, a tipping point in her ability to control her own men. Later, with only Andre present, Oscar stands still in a dark room and her control breaks. She calls for her mother over and over, her head bowed in a small but heartbreaking indication of how frightened she was and still is. It’s a rare quiet moment but necessary. It is a perfect reflection of how Oscar handles her rapidly changing world, steel control in public and a desperate panic in private. It’s a masterclass of a character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
Much that confused me confuses me still. Andre’s devotion to Oscar is so pure, yet filled with a barely restrained desire whic pops out of the panels. I thought it had already been expressed, yet readers are given the sense that this is somehow the first time. Regardless, the scenes between Oscar and Andre are beautiful. My favorite moments in this series are when Oscar is twice the gallant gentleman as any of the men around her. She was delightful in making the ladies swoon at a ball where her father was trying to marry her off to a gentleman, confusing everyone. Oscar’s growing sympathies with the Republic, putting her more and more at odds with the queen were heartbreaking, along with seeing her try to be loyal to both. Many a character irritated me, yet I couldn’t help sympathizing with them as they marched towards tragedy.
The artwork is beautiful, the dialogue varies, yet I wasn’t able to turn away from any of it.
The artwork is beautiful, the dialogue varies, yet I wasn’t able to turn away from any of it.
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