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La tarotista de Versalles
She can see the future, but can she change it?
It is the early days of the French Revolution and, on the streets of Paris, terror reigns.
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand is a young woman with an extraordinary power - through her tarot cards, she can commune with the dead. Her reputation is such that revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seek her out to divine their fortunes, though she is loyal to Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France. But Lenormand has seen the queen's fate in the cards, and must take care that it doesn't become her own.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid from Ireland who has travelled to Paris for love. Cait has powers too - she can read people's pasts as Lenormand reads their futures. The two young women have an instant connection, drawn to each other's abilities. But Cait is hiding something from her new as much as she loves Lenormand, she loves freedom and her country more. What will she do - and who will she betray - to bring revolution to the shores of Ireland?
Set against the background of the French Revolution and the Great Rebellion in Ireland and entwining dark folklore with tarot mysticism, this is a novel of fate and free will, where allegiances and romances can be forged or broken by the turn of a card.
It is the early days of the French Revolution and, on the streets of Paris, terror reigns.
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand is a young woman with an extraordinary power - through her tarot cards, she can commune with the dead. Her reputation is such that revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seek her out to divine their fortunes, though she is loyal to Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France. But Lenormand has seen the queen's fate in the cards, and must take care that it doesn't become her own.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid from Ireland who has travelled to Paris for love. Cait has powers too - she can read people's pasts as Lenormand reads their futures. The two young women have an instant connection, drawn to each other's abilities. But Cait is hiding something from her new as much as she loves Lenormand, she loves freedom and her country more. What will she do - and who will she betray - to bring revolution to the shores of Ireland?
Set against the background of the French Revolution and the Great Rebellion in Ireland and entwining dark folklore with tarot mysticism, this is a novel of fate and free will, where allegiances and romances can be forged or broken by the turn of a card.
440 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2025
246 people are currently reading
4580 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
July 10, 2025
4.5 stars
Did I like it? Yes. But did I love it? Also mostly yes. I love historical fiction and tarot inspired stories and this one is truly magical. It is feminist, it is about revenge, it is even partially true! To me both women are equally important, the sun and the moon, and every man is mostly irrelevant. Two fates, two POVs, ghosts, destiny, revolution.
Did I like it? Yes. But did I love it? Also mostly yes. I love historical fiction and tarot inspired stories and this one is truly magical. It is feminist, it is about revenge, it is even partially true! To me both women are equally important, the sun and the moon, and every man is mostly irrelevant. Two fates, two POVs, ghosts, destiny, revolution.
July 14, 2025
It’s a Lucy book and I did a very Lucy thing by finishing it in Paris on the 14th July.
(Mentions of Madame de Staël had me frothing at the mouth)
(Mentions of Madame de Staël had me frothing at the mouth)
May 16, 2025
Discover the locations in the novel here
I loved the Witches of Vardo by this author so this was a sure fire read for me. Oh boy was I not disappointed! What author do you know who can take the French Revolution and the Irish rebellion and make them interesting, exciting and the people who lived through them, alluring?
There’s a lot of detail here, especially at the start so you do have to concentrate a bit but it is SO worth it. There’s timelines and POVs vying for your attention but once they settle in, they are there to guide you and surprise you.
The French Revolution is such an interesting topic and time in history. I thought I knew quite a lot about it (thank you final uni paper!) but this gave fresh air and brought in so many things I hadn’t thought about. I love it when a novel does that. Let’s just say women didn’t get a look in! As for the Irish rebellion, I knew little about this, but again, I had the experience of learning how it affected those who lived through it.
What a reading experience – scene setting is out of this world. Does Anya time travel in real life too?
If that weren’t exciting enough, Anya has cleverly woven in a tale where tarot is at the heart of the royal court and where espionage and danger are just around the corner. Add a bit of sapphic romance and you have the full winning hand.
December 30, 2025
The horrors of the Revolution were really overshadowed by one woman who lost her mind every time a stupid man reached between her legs.
The first half of this story was the strongest for me. Showing both Lenormand and Caitlin's origins in France and Ireland and how they established themselves in Paris was really interesting, and gave me strong V.E. Schwab vibes in the writing style.
The second half was such a slog. Although Lenormand was a strangely uninteresting character, I appreciated that she stuck to her beliefs. In comparison, Caitlin seemed to be constantly flip flopping as to what she actually wanted, and I really hate woman who lose themselves over average men.
The first half of this story was the strongest for me. Showing both Lenormand and Caitlin's origins in France and Ireland and how they established themselves in Paris was really interesting, and gave me strong V.E. Schwab vibes in the writing style.
The second half was such a slog. Although Lenormand was a strangely uninteresting character, I appreciated that she stuck to her beliefs. In comparison, Caitlin seemed to be constantly flip flopping as to what she actually wanted, and I really hate woman who lose themselves over average men.
October 19, 2025
2.5 stars
This novel had everything in place for me to love it. Historical fiction, tarots, intriguing period. But nope.
I knew nothing about Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand as a real historical figure until I read the author's note at the end. It explains why the chapters from Lenormand's point of view are quite dry and detached, bringing out only further disinterest on the character. Lenormand appears as a bitter, stiff, lone woman who is blind with her own convictions.
The fact that the novel is named after her got me confused as she really is just the background character compared to Caitlin, the completely fictional character who shows depth and richness in her chapters told in first person.
This fragmented storytelling is the base of a mediocre structure, where the love triangle isn't effective and quite boring too. Despite the many attempts of convincing us that Caitlin's devotion is torn between Reilly and Lenormand, I can't feel any love is felt for either but rather lust, which is also very badly described.
Speaking of descriptions, the writing style is not my cup of tea. It's quite heavy on unnecessary digressions and forced on a dated tone of voice that doesn't add anything to Caitlin's depiction.
Feminism seems to overboard into something the author wants to add at all costs and sounds forced on the story.
On the positive side, I didn't know French Revolution was entwined with the Irish one, so I have now found a new curiosity to satisfy towards this specific historical period. Also, the Tarot reading guides were a nice distraction from the rest of the story, which I struggled to follow at times.
This novel had everything in place for me to love it. Historical fiction, tarots, intriguing period. But nope.
I knew nothing about Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand as a real historical figure until I read the author's note at the end. It explains why the chapters from Lenormand's point of view are quite dry and detached, bringing out only further disinterest on the character. Lenormand appears as a bitter, stiff, lone woman who is blind with her own convictions.
The fact that the novel is named after her got me confused as she really is just the background character compared to Caitlin, the completely fictional character who shows depth and richness in her chapters told in first person.
This fragmented storytelling is the base of a mediocre structure, where the love triangle isn't effective and quite boring too. Despite the many attempts of convincing us that Caitlin's devotion is torn between Reilly and Lenormand, I can't feel any love is felt for either but rather lust, which is also very badly described.
Speaking of descriptions, the writing style is not my cup of tea. It's quite heavy on unnecessary digressions and forced on a dated tone of voice that doesn't add anything to Caitlin's depiction.
Feminism seems to overboard into something the author wants to add at all costs and sounds forced on the story.
On the positive side, I didn't know French Revolution was entwined with the Irish one, so I have now found a new curiosity to satisfy towards this specific historical period. Also, the Tarot reading guides were a nice distraction from the rest of the story, which I struggled to follow at times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2026
Отдавна не бях чела исторически роман, а и като цяло Великата френска революция (1789 – 1798 г.) е кървав и унищожителен период. Книгата е художествена фикция за живота на мадам Ленорман и нейната известност като гадателка на карти таро. Образът на Кейт не е на реална историческа фигура, а е събирателен символ, олицетворяващ ирландската съпротива срещу английското потисничество.
Сюжетът започва интригуващо с готически препратки към ирландските митове и духовния отвъден свят. Постепенно авторката ни въвлича в ужасите на Революцията, гилотинирането не само на Мария-Антоанета и нейните приближени, но и на всеки, нарочен за враг на републиката. Текстът има феминистка насоченост, акцентирайки върху жените, които се борят срещу мъжкото потисничество. На места се усеща пристрастие при описанието на мъжете като насилници и поробители, но авторката успява да балансира тези внушения.
Героинята Кейт е противоречива и изменчива. Тя притежава дарбата да вижда миналото. Единственото ѝ желание е да освободи Ирландия от англичаните и да извоюва права за жените.
Мадам Ленорман общува с починалите духове от дете и дори манастирът не може да изкорени това от нея. Едва 16-годишна, заминава за Париж, където със своите предсказания спечелва кралския двор и присъства в живота на Мария-Антоанета до самия ѝ край. Предсказва съдбата на Робеспиер, Марат и Сен Жюст. Макар приятелството ѝ с кралицата да не е исторически потвърдено (истинската Ленорман е била покровителствана по-късно от Жозефин Бонапарт), художественият образ е интересен.
Хареса ми как авторката изгражда балансиран образ на кралицата Мария-Антоанета, представена като изкупителна жертва. Озверелите тълпи, подклаждани в омразата си от идеолозите на революцията, се нахвърлят върху нея. Не се наемам да кажа дали е била виновна или не за глада на френския народ, но е била добра майка и е обичала децата си.
Стилът на авторката ме погълна в началото, но впоследствие мистерията отстъпи място на събитията от кървавата революция и на по-силно изразения феминизъм. Въпреки че авторката предава добре атмосферата, на места се забелязват думи, които сякаш не съответстват на историческата епоха. Въпреки това, общо взето балансирано е предала историческите факти с малки изключения, които бяха по-скоро под формата на усещания за истинността на историческия период, отколкото нещо, което мога да цитирам.
Книгата със сигурност ще допадне на тези читатели, които харесват исторически романи с доза мистерия и окултизъм.
Сюжетът започва интригуващо с готически препратки към ирландските митове и духовния отвъден свят. Постепенно авторката ни въвлича в ужасите на Революцията, гилотинирането не само на Мария-Антоанета и нейните приближени, но и на всеки, нарочен за враг на републиката. Текстът има феминистка насоченост, акцентирайки върху жените, които се борят срещу мъжкото потисничество. На места се усеща пристрастие при описанието на мъжете като насилници и поробители, но авторката успява да балансира тези внушения.
Героинята Кейт е противоречива и изменчива. Тя притежава дарбата да вижда миналото. Единственото ѝ желание е да освободи Ирландия от англичаните и да извоюва права за жените.
Мадам Ленорман общува с починалите духове от дете и дори манастирът не може да изкорени това от нея. Едва 16-годишна, заминава за Париж, където със своите предсказания спечелва кралския двор и присъства в живота на Мария-Антоанета до самия ѝ край. Предсказва съдбата на Робеспиер, Марат и Сен Жюст. Макар приятелството ѝ с кралицата да не е исторически потвърдено (истинската Ленорман е била покровителствана по-късно от Жозефин Бонапарт), художественият образ е интересен.
Хареса ми как авторката изгражда балансиран образ на кралицата Мария-Антоанета, представена като изкупителна жертва. Озверелите тълпи, подклаждани в омразата си от идеолозите на революцията, се нахвърлят върху нея. Не се наемам да кажа дали е била виновна или не за глада на френския народ, но е била добра майка и е обичала децата си.
Стилът на авторката ме погълна в началото, но впоследствие мистерията отстъпи място на събитията от кървавата революция и на по-силно изразения феминизъм. Въпреки че авторката предава добре атмосферата, на места се забелязват думи, които сякаш не съответстват на историческата епоха. Въпреки това, общо взето балансирано е предала историческите факти с малки изключения, които бяха по-скоро под формата на усещания за истинността на историческия период, отколкото нещо, което мога да цитирам.
Книгата със сигурност ще допадне на тези читатели, които харесват исторически романи с доза мистерия и окултизъм.
January 2, 2026
What a cracking start to 2026. I went into this book with no expectations and, after a slightly slow beginning, I was tempted to put it down. I’m so glad I didn’t. The intrigue and anticipation quickly pulled me in, and I couldn’t stop reading as I tried to uncover what happened to the Dauphine. I loved that the story weaves in real historical figures from the French Revolution era; while it’s not a history book, it offers a fascinating glimpse into what life may have been like for Royalists at the time.
June 6, 2025
Girlies and gays, she is the diva and she is the doll.
If you liked Assassin’s Creed, pastels, or the wind as a child, I fear this is your book.
If you liked Assassin’s Creed, pastels, or the wind as a child, I fear this is your book.
July 8, 2025
Romance, betrayal, revolution, feminism, and a sprinkle of magic? Say less 🙂↕️
January 13, 2026
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ "Гледачката на таро от Версай", Аня Бергман
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Мари-Ан Аделаида Ленорман - истинска личност, чиято репутация (къде достоверна, къде украсена) надхвърля въображението на всяко художествено перо - знаменита гадателка, предричала съдбите на личности като Робеспиер, императрица Жозефин, цар Александър I.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Между страниците на "Гледачката на таро от Версай" оживява фикционална версия на нейната фигура, също толкова обгърната от мистика, колкото реалния си прототип.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Бушуващите улици на Париж непосредствено преди Френската революция срещат мадмоазел Ленорман с Кейтлин Молой - млада кухненска прислужница от Ирландия, избягала от родината си, но мечтаеща да я види някой ден свободна от английското потисничество.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Кейт е момиче, което няма рамо, на което да се опре, нито пукната пара в джоба си... но пък има покровителството на кръвожадната келтска богиня Мориган и гадателски способности, по нищо не отстъпващи на тези на Аделаида.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ И така, окултната книжарница на Ленорман става дом и на Кейтлин, която се прочува в неспокойния и кървав ��ариж като Катерина Де Луна. А двете рамо до рамо съветват най-изтъкнатите личности на Франция, включително самата Мария-Антоанета.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Улиците на града на светлината обаче кипят. А гадателките, гостуващи твърде често във Версайския дворец, са в опасност да бъдат застигнати от гнева на тълпите - бедни, премръзнали и жадни за отмъщение.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Лоялността на Ленорман е към кралицата. Лоялността на Кейт е към бунта и родната ѝ Ирландия. И двете обаче са до болка предани и една на друга. На фона на разтърсващите исторически събития, щастливата развръзка изглежда съвършено невъзможна.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Сърдя се на исторически книги, които не успяват да ме потопят изцяло в епохата, която описват. На тази обаче нямаше повод да се сърдя - революционен Париж оживя пред мен с целия си кръвожаден блясък, със своите дрипи и разкош, със своите бедни и богати, до един повлечени в безмилостната вихрушка на историята.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ С чаровно семпъл стил на писане Аня Бергман безупречно пресъздава размирни години на Франция и борбата на Ирландия за независимост.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ В книгата ми допадна най-вече изключително трезвият поглед върху повратностите от края на 18 век. С прецизна психологическа дисекция се анализира отношението на различните класи към революцията без да се изпада в идеализация на нито една обществена прослойка.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Аристокрацията не е напълно заклеймена, нито напълно оправдана, а това кристализира най-вече в образа на Мария-Антоанета - не откровено злонамерена или нарочно държаща народа си в глад и мизерия, но достатъчно откъсната от реалността и наивно вярваща, че светът е само във временно състояние на безпокойство, а не на прага на тоталната метаморфоза.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Обществените низини на Париж пък са представени от една страна с високо ниво на емпатия, а пред очите на читателите оживяват картини на човешкото страдание чрез образите на бедни майки, боси деца, гладни души, чийто дом е улицата.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ От друга страна обаче безмилостно е пресъздаден и гневът на бунта - доказателство, че в нещастието лесно покълва жаждата за кръв и че дори най-свободолюбивата борба може да се превърне в родилна люлка на нов терор.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ В това отношение е прецизно разкрито и двуличното отношение на революционните водачи към въпроса що е свобода и кой я заслужава - в тяхната представа за "свобода, братство и равенство" отсъстват правата на жените.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Именно два силни женски образа обаче са движеща сила на историята - Аделаида и Кейт са прекрасни дълбоки персонажи, всяка от тях посвоему заслепена от собствените си представи за света, всяка от тях заставена да преосмисли всичко, в което е вярвала.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Отношенията между персонажите, романтичните нишки между Кейт и ирландския революционер Томас Райли, но и искрите, които прехвърчат между нея и Аделаида, са прекрасна илюстрация на това как повратните исторически събития не унищожават любовта, но до голяма степен я белязват с трагизъм.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Много силна книга, съчетаваща история и индивидуални преживявания, но и щипка магия чрез образа на картите таро, които предсказват съдбата, но и напомнят, че можем сами да променим бъдещето си, ако имаме силна воля.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Мари-Ан Аделаида Ленорман - истинска личност, чиято репутация (къде достоверна, къде украсена) надхвърля въображението на всяко художествено перо - знаменита гадателка, предричала съдбите на личности като Робеспиер, императрица Жозефин, цар Александър I.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Между страниците на "Гледачката на таро от Версай" оживява фикционална версия на нейната фигура, също толкова обгърната от мистика, колкото реалния си прототип.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Бушуващите улици на Париж непосредствено преди Френската революция срещат мадмоазел Ленорман с Кейтлин Молой - млада кухненска прислужница от Ирландия, избягала от родината си, но мечтаеща да я види някой ден свободна от английското потисничество.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Кейт е момиче, което няма рамо, на което да се опре, нито пукната пара в джоба си... но пък има покровителството на кръвожадната келтска богиня Мориган и гадателски способности, по нищо не отстъпващи на тези на Аделаида.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ И така, окултната книжарница на Ленорман става дом и на Кейтлин, която се прочува в неспокойния и кървав ��ариж като Катерина Де Луна. А двете рамо до рамо съветват най-изтъкнатите личности на Франция, включително самата Мария-Антоанета.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Улиците на града на светлината обаче кипят. А гадателките, гостуващи твърде често във Версайския дворец, са в опасност да бъдат застигнати от гнева на тълпите - бедни, премръзнали и жадни за отмъщение.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Лоялността на Ленорман е към кралицата. Лоялността на Кейт е към бунта и родната ѝ Ирландия. И двете обаче са до болка предани и една на друга. На фона на разтърсващите исторически събития, щастливата развръзка изглежда съвършено невъзможна.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Сърдя се на исторически книги, които не успяват да ме потопят изцяло в епохата, която описват. На тази обаче нямаше повод да се сърдя - революционен Париж оживя пред мен с целия си кръвожаден блясък, със своите дрипи и разкош, със своите бедни и богати, до един повлечени в безмилостната вихрушка на историята.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ С чаровно семпъл стил на писане Аня Бергман безупречно пресъздава размирни години на Франция и борбата на Ирландия за независимост.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ В книгата ми допадна най-вече изключително трезвият поглед върху повратностите от края на 18 век. С прецизна психологическа дисекция се анализира отношението на различните класи към революцията без да се изпада в идеализация на нито една обществена прослойка.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Аристокрацията не е напълно заклеймена, нито напълно оправдана, а това кристализира най-вече в образа на Мария-Антоанета - не откровено злонамерена или нарочно държаща народа си в глад и мизерия, но достатъчно откъсната от реалността и наивно вярваща, че светът е само във временно състояние на безпокойство, а не на прага на тоталната метаморфоза.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Обществените низини на Париж пък са представени от една страна с високо ниво на емпатия, а пред очите на читателите оживяват картини на човешкото страдание чрез образите на бедни майки, боси деца, гладни души, чийто дом е улицата.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ От друга страна обаче безмилостно е пресъздаден и гневът на бунта - доказателство, че в нещастието лесно покълва жаждата за кръв и че дори най-свободолюбивата борба може да се превърне в родилна люлка на нов терор.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ В това отношение е прецизно разкрито и двуличното отношение на революционните водачи към въпроса що е свобода и кой я заслужава - в тяхната представа за "свобода, братство и равенство" отсъстват правата на жените.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Именно два силни женски образа обаче са движеща сила на историята - Аделаида и Кейт са прекрасни дълбоки персонажи, всяка от тях посвоему заслепена от собствените си представи за света, всяка от тях заставена да преосмисли всичко, в което е вярвала.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Отношенията между персонажите, романтичните нишки между Кейт и ирландския революционер Томас Райли, но и искрите, които прехвърчат между нея и Аделаида, са прекрасна илюстрация на това как повратните исторически събития не унищожават любовта, но до голяма степен я белязват с трагизъм.
☀︎ ⋆⁺₊⋆ Много силна книга, съчетаваща история и индивидуални преживявания, но и щипка магия чрез образа на картите таро, които предсказват съдбата, но и напомнят, че можем сами да променим бъдещето си, ако имаме силна воля.
June 15, 2025
Having enjoyed Anya Bergmans writing in The Witches of Vardo, and been intrigued by the synopsis for this novel, I started this ARC with eager anticipation. It should be the sort of novel I would get lost in. Unfortunately on this occasion I did not feel invested in the story, and found the level of description unnecessary. After a slow, and slightly confused start due to the time jumps, I never reached a point where I was rooting for the characters, or felt particularly interested in the outcome (which was rather predictable).
Having said that, this is my personal opinion, and perhaps at another time I'd have enjoyed it more. Seeing other early reviews I know I'm in the minority, and on publication I'm sure others will enjoy this historical fiction story. I am grateful to netgalley, publisher and author for the oppurtunity to read this ARC.
Having said that, this is my personal opinion, and perhaps at another time I'd have enjoyed it more. Seeing other early reviews I know I'm in the minority, and on publication I'm sure others will enjoy this historical fiction story. I am grateful to netgalley, publisher and author for the oppurtunity to read this ARC.
October 2, 2025
beautiful historical fiction story centred around love, loss and betrayal inspired by the French revolution 1700s & Ireland.
love how both these locations of France and Ireland were written and described it was incredible.
what a powerful story ✨
love how both these locations of France and Ireland were written and described it was incredible.
what a powerful story ✨
August 15, 2025
3.5 (RTC)
January 24, 2026
Es is eher eine 3,5 als eine 3, aber eher eine 3 als eine 4... ✨
Es hat gut begonnen, der Schreibstil hat mich voll gehoooked, die Szenen die in Irland beschrieben wurden waren so dreamy, da hatte man richtig Lust nach Irland zu reisen. 🌲🌿
Die ganze Story war richtig schön, sehr gut auch historisch recherchiert. Das Buch wurde aus der Sicht von 2 Frauen geschrieben, Lenormand, die tatsächlich rund um 1790 gelebt hat bei der französischen Revolution, und Caitlin, die fiktionell is. Caitlins Kapitel waren viel emotionaler, viel gefühlsbetonter, Lenormand war als ganzer Charakter etwas bland... Sie war halt dann einfach nur mehr so da und das einzige was man von ihr erfuhr war, dass sie monarchistin war und auf der Seite von Marie Antoinette stand und gegen die Revolution war...🇫🇷
Die love Story zwischen Lenormand und Caitlin hat ich ja am Anfang total geshipped, die war dann aber echt underwhelming. Generell hat das Buch, wenn irgendwas spannendes passiert ist und sonst überhaupt, einen sehr objektiven Stil gehabt. Big reveals, die auch am Ende vorgekommen sind und eigentlich ziemlichen impact hatten, wurden in weniger als einer Seite abgehandelt und ziemlich trocken beschrieben. Girl, let me feel the impact!!!😩 Und die letzten 50 von 460 Seiten waren dann total spannend, da is mega viel passiert, aber davor plätschert es halt über ein paar hundert Seiten so dahin... Das Ende hätte man voll auf 100 Seiten ausdehnen können und dafür in der Mitte was kürzen.
Ich war dadurch halt emotional ned so in das Buch envolviert.
WORIN ich aber emotional envolviert war, war die shitty Lovestory zwischen Caitlin und Reilly.🤢🤮 Des war der Hauslehrer in Irland von dem Hausherren wo Caitlin Küchenmagd war. In den hat sie sich so verliebt dass sie ihm hinterher is als er nach Paris gefahren is. Und dort angekommen weist er sie gleich mal ab. Dann kommt sie eben mit Lenormand zammen. Aber nach einiger Zeit kommt der Reilly angekrochen und anstatt Dass Caitlin ihren Wert weiß und das Gesicht des Typen in den Dreck tritt, nimmt sie ihn (literally). Und dann haben die beiden jahrelang (!!!) ne Affäre, während Lenormand da in ihrem Salon sitzt und davon sinniert wie sehr sie Caitlin liebt. Und dann wird Caitlin schwanger und muss den Reilly heiraten und ist plötzlich angepisst, dass der Typ dann will, dass sie alà Tradwife bei ihm einzieht und seinen Haushalt schmeißt. Huh, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, CAITLIN. Des hätt sie mit Lenormand ned gehabt. Mit der hat sie ein Geschäft zammen geführt und money gemacht. Tja. Ich habs der Caitlin auch nie so abgenommen dass sie den Reilly so richtig liebt, des war alles eher nur so Fleischeslust. 🥵🍆
Habs trotzdem gerne gelesen. Hab ned immer alles gecheckt, weil englisch und so und es wurde bissi in nem "alten Stil" geschrieben und Zeug kam halt vor, was wir in unserem 21th century Sprachschatz ned haben. Aber es war gut geschrieben, die Story war echt gut eigentlich, also zumindest die Storyidee, die Ausführung hätt noch mal ne Überarbeitung haben können.
Es hat gut begonnen, der Schreibstil hat mich voll gehoooked, die Szenen die in Irland beschrieben wurden waren so dreamy, da hatte man richtig Lust nach Irland zu reisen. 🌲🌿
Die ganze Story war richtig schön, sehr gut auch historisch recherchiert. Das Buch wurde aus der Sicht von 2 Frauen geschrieben, Lenormand, die tatsächlich rund um 1790 gelebt hat bei der französischen Revolution, und Caitlin, die fiktionell is. Caitlins Kapitel waren viel emotionaler, viel gefühlsbetonter, Lenormand war als ganzer Charakter etwas bland... Sie war halt dann einfach nur mehr so da und das einzige was man von ihr erfuhr war, dass sie monarchistin war und auf der Seite von Marie Antoinette stand und gegen die Revolution war...🇫🇷
Die love Story zwischen Lenormand und Caitlin hat ich ja am Anfang total geshipped, die war dann aber echt underwhelming. Generell hat das Buch, wenn irgendwas spannendes passiert ist und sonst überhaupt, einen sehr objektiven Stil gehabt. Big reveals, die auch am Ende vorgekommen sind und eigentlich ziemlichen impact hatten, wurden in weniger als einer Seite abgehandelt und ziemlich trocken beschrieben. Girl, let me feel the impact!!!😩 Und die letzten 50 von 460 Seiten waren dann total spannend, da is mega viel passiert, aber davor plätschert es halt über ein paar hundert Seiten so dahin... Das Ende hätte man voll auf 100 Seiten ausdehnen können und dafür in der Mitte was kürzen.
Ich war dadurch halt emotional ned so in das Buch envolviert.
WORIN ich aber emotional envolviert war, war die shitty Lovestory zwischen Caitlin und Reilly.🤢🤮 Des war der Hauslehrer in Irland von dem Hausherren wo Caitlin Küchenmagd war. In den hat sie sich so verliebt dass sie ihm hinterher is als er nach Paris gefahren is. Und dort angekommen weist er sie gleich mal ab. Dann kommt sie eben mit Lenormand zammen. Aber nach einiger Zeit kommt der Reilly angekrochen und anstatt Dass Caitlin ihren Wert weiß und das Gesicht des Typen in den Dreck tritt, nimmt sie ihn (literally). Und dann haben die beiden jahrelang (!!!) ne Affäre, während Lenormand da in ihrem Salon sitzt und davon sinniert wie sehr sie Caitlin liebt. Und dann wird Caitlin schwanger und muss den Reilly heiraten und ist plötzlich angepisst, dass der Typ dann will, dass sie alà Tradwife bei ihm einzieht und seinen Haushalt schmeißt. Huh, WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, CAITLIN. Des hätt sie mit Lenormand ned gehabt. Mit der hat sie ein Geschäft zammen geführt und money gemacht. Tja. Ich habs der Caitlin auch nie so abgenommen dass sie den Reilly so richtig liebt, des war alles eher nur so Fleischeslust. 🥵🍆
Habs trotzdem gerne gelesen. Hab ned immer alles gecheckt, weil englisch und so und es wurde bissi in nem "alten Stil" geschrieben und Zeug kam halt vor, was wir in unserem 21th century Sprachschatz ned haben. Aber es war gut geschrieben, die Story war echt gut eigentlich, also zumindest die Storyidee, die Ausführung hätt noch mal ne Überarbeitung haben können.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
Still doubting between a 3 and 4 star rating. Review will follow.
October 22, 2025
Kind of too long for my liking…Get to the point. Didn’t really like any of the characters but good character development.
Also was nice to learn about the history of the French Revolution.
Also was nice to learn about the history of the French Revolution.
August 21, 2025
Actual rating 4.5.
June 13, 2025
What an absolute joy this book was to read, this has instantly gone to my favourite book of the year!
This story covered themes of love, loss, betrayal and belonging each with such heart. I felt each emotion deeply as the character felt it. I enjoyed the dual perspectives from Lenormand and Caitlin, and how the story unfolded with the teachings of the different kind of tarot readings leading us to the next part of the story. I have always been intrigued by tarot but knew little of it myself so greatly enjoyed learning of each through Caitlin's diary entries.
The relationship between Lenormand and Caitlin was beautifully written. Caitlin's character development throughout was thoroughly enjoyable, and I found myself riding the waves of her emotions and split loyalties. I enjoyed the mystical elements of the story and Lenormand's guidance from the spirits. I also loved the true historical elements that were woven in with the fictional and felt this was very well done. I enjoyed reading of the French Revolution through Lenormand and Caitlin's experiences, offering a peek behind the curtain to Marie Antoinette's experience during this time.
The descriptions of both Paris and Ireland were thoroughly immersive and helped bring the whole book together into a truly thrilling read. I feel this book would appeal to any fans of historical fiction and mysticism.
I cannot wait to have a physical copy of this book and read again with the tarot illustrations included!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the advanced e-copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
This story covered themes of love, loss, betrayal and belonging each with such heart. I felt each emotion deeply as the character felt it. I enjoyed the dual perspectives from Lenormand and Caitlin, and how the story unfolded with the teachings of the different kind of tarot readings leading us to the next part of the story. I have always been intrigued by tarot but knew little of it myself so greatly enjoyed learning of each through Caitlin's diary entries.
The relationship between Lenormand and Caitlin was beautifully written. Caitlin's character development throughout was thoroughly enjoyable, and I found myself riding the waves of her emotions and split loyalties. I enjoyed the mystical elements of the story and Lenormand's guidance from the spirits. I also loved the true historical elements that were woven in with the fictional and felt this was very well done. I enjoyed reading of the French Revolution through Lenormand and Caitlin's experiences, offering a peek behind the curtain to Marie Antoinette's experience during this time.
The descriptions of both Paris and Ireland were thoroughly immersive and helped bring the whole book together into a truly thrilling read. I feel this book would appeal to any fans of historical fiction and mysticism.
I cannot wait to have a physical copy of this book and read again with the tarot illustrations included!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bonnier Books UK for the advanced e-copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
It is the early days of the French Revolution and on the dark and dangerous streets of Paris, terror reigns….
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand wields a most extraordinary power that many would see both as heaven sent, or indeed perhaps something much more menacing, she uses tarot to commune with those past mortality, revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seeking her out to carve out their fates via divination should they pass her hand with the correct currency, that is.
Lenormand’s loyalty lies with Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France but she knows what lies in store for the queen and she must do all that she can to ensure it does not become her own fate too.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid far from home who has made the perilous journey from Ireland and travelled to Paris for love. How very foolish.
Cait also has a power many people would fear - Cait can read people’s pasts just as Lenormand can see their futures. The two women cannot help but become entwined with such an electrifying connection but Cait hides something. What she will do - and who she shall betray - to bring revolution to her beloved Ireland?
The cards never lie yet it will fall to them both to either heed the warnings, or go against the powers that make them who they are all while grasping with what is happening right outside their careful circle of protection..
Inspired by a true story, The Tarot Reader of Versailles is intoxicating, hypnotic, and utterly terrifying. Bravo
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand wields a most extraordinary power that many would see both as heaven sent, or indeed perhaps something much more menacing, she uses tarot to commune with those past mortality, revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seeking her out to carve out their fates via divination should they pass her hand with the correct currency, that is.
Lenormand’s loyalty lies with Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France but she knows what lies in store for the queen and she must do all that she can to ensure it does not become her own fate too.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid far from home who has made the perilous journey from Ireland and travelled to Paris for love. How very foolish.
Cait also has a power many people would fear - Cait can read people’s pasts just as Lenormand can see their futures. The two women cannot help but become entwined with such an electrifying connection but Cait hides something. What she will do - and who she shall betray - to bring revolution to her beloved Ireland?
The cards never lie yet it will fall to them both to either heed the warnings, or go against the powers that make them who they are all while grasping with what is happening right outside their careful circle of protection..
Inspired by a true story, The Tarot Reader of Versailles is intoxicating, hypnotic, and utterly terrifying. Bravo
May 17, 2025
An amazing insight into the French Revolution. I had no idea about the Irish connection for Irish independence. This was absolutely fascinating . A real gem of a book combining history myth and fantasy . The book had me hooked from the first chapter . Each chapter a different characters story had me hanging on a cliff and reading late into the night to catch up on the previous chapters story of the heroine and interspersed with tarot card spreads and their meanings adds a whole other dimension to the book . I would have given it five stars but I felt it was a little longwinded and probably could have had my attention more if it had been a little shorter but that could just be me as I don’t like books to be too long . Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. I read on my kindle for NetGalley . With thanks to the author publisher and NetGalley.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2025
DNF at 65%. Thoroughly silly, and after a feminist referred to her genitalia in a sex scene as ‘her flower’ I was pushed over the edge. Just didn’t care how it ended.
July 12, 2025
4.5 🌟
I loved The Witches of Vardo which was the debut book by Anya Bergman so I was looking forward to reading this. I partly listened to this on Bookbeat (on the commute to my daughter's school) and then read the second half (as she's broken up!) I'd highly recommend the audio!
I loved the time period and setting of this story. I found it fascinating to read about the reign of terror during the French Revolution and be amongst the royal entourage of Marie Antionette. This was such an interesting perspective to read from. I equally loved reading from the Irish perspective at Roughty House and Caitlin's desire for an Irish rebellion and independence. Both time periods were vividly brought to life through the story.
The two women Lenormand and Caitlin, were both such brilliant characters. Lenormand could read the future through the tarot cards and Caitlin could read the past through touch. Lenormand was actually based on a real tarot-reader at the court of Versailles which made it even more fascinating.
It did take me a little while to get into this story and i did have to check the dates carefully at the beginning of some of the chapters as the story sometimes jumped forwards and then back but I was soon completely immersed in it. I loved the magical intrigue that came from the tarot reading even though I skimmed over the details of how to read the tarot cards (as I found this less interesting!)
Overall this was a brilliant story of magic, mysticism, forbidden love and a fight for freedom amongst a male dominated society. I would highly recommend this for historical fiction fans. I'm looking forward to Anya Bergman's next book!
I loved The Witches of Vardo which was the debut book by Anya Bergman so I was looking forward to reading this. I partly listened to this on Bookbeat (on the commute to my daughter's school) and then read the second half (as she's broken up!) I'd highly recommend the audio!
I loved the time period and setting of this story. I found it fascinating to read about the reign of terror during the French Revolution and be amongst the royal entourage of Marie Antionette. This was such an interesting perspective to read from. I equally loved reading from the Irish perspective at Roughty House and Caitlin's desire for an Irish rebellion and independence. Both time periods were vividly brought to life through the story.
The two women Lenormand and Caitlin, were both such brilliant characters. Lenormand could read the future through the tarot cards and Caitlin could read the past through touch. Lenormand was actually based on a real tarot-reader at the court of Versailles which made it even more fascinating.
It did take me a little while to get into this story and i did have to check the dates carefully at the beginning of some of the chapters as the story sometimes jumped forwards and then back but I was soon completely immersed in it. I loved the magical intrigue that came from the tarot reading even though I skimmed over the details of how to read the tarot cards (as I found this less interesting!)
Overall this was a brilliant story of magic, mysticism, forbidden love and a fight for freedom amongst a male dominated society. I would highly recommend this for historical fiction fans. I'm looking forward to Anya Bergman's next book!
February 12, 2026
3.5
Liked it, didn't love it. I was losing my desire to read after a while, but in the end, I'm glad I finished it as it wrapped up the story, though I wish there were a few more pages to it.
There are a lot of French Revolution details and descriptive violence scenes. At times, it wasn't my best choice before bedtime. I didn't know it was connected to the Irish Rebellion, so that was an interesting bit to learn about.
It's incredibly frustrating to see Caitlin going back to Reilly all the time, but somehow, his final choices avenge his poor earlier choices, and I feel sympathy for a moment until he lies again 🙄
I wanted to love it, but it fell short, though I did enjoy quite a few bits of it, so i don't regret reading it.
Liked it, didn't love it. I was losing my desire to read after a while, but in the end, I'm glad I finished it as it wrapped up the story, though I wish there were a few more pages to it.
There are a lot of French Revolution details and descriptive violence scenes. At times, it wasn't my best choice before bedtime. I didn't know it was connected to the Irish Rebellion, so that was an interesting bit to learn about.
It's incredibly frustrating to see Caitlin going back to Reilly all the time, but somehow, his final choices avenge his poor earlier choices, and I feel sympathy for a moment until he lies again 🙄
I wanted to love it, but it fell short, though I did enjoy quite a few bits of it, so i don't regret reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2025
Probably more of a 2.5 stars
Quite undecided with how I feel about this read.
I didn't vibe with the love triangle, there was no serious passion in any of the connections, almost forced throughout. I didn't even feel like the main character loved either person.
The Tarot portion throughout the book was more of a clinical "how to read tarot" styles. The magical component really lacked for a tarot reader.
But I loved the timeline setting, and the Versailles moments. Seeing the fall of the French royals from the poor POV was interesting.
Quite undecided with how I feel about this read.
I didn't vibe with the love triangle, there was no serious passion in any of the connections, almost forced throughout. I didn't even feel like the main character loved either person.
The Tarot portion throughout the book was more of a clinical "how to read tarot" styles. The magical component really lacked for a tarot reader.
But I loved the timeline setting, and the Versailles moments. Seeing the fall of the French royals from the poor POV was interesting.
December 26, 2025
So average it pissed me off, especially since it wasted a perfectly good lesbian storyline. The writing was unappealing, with an atrocious use of the present tense and every single implicit thought or theme spelled out to the reader, completely underestimating their mental capacities. There were many unnecessary and painfully awkward sex scenes. Also, Tarot is not actually explained in this book, especially not in a beginner-friendly way.
June 22, 2025
I was EXTREMELY excited to discover there was a new book by the author of The Witches of Vardo (even if it's not available in America yet, irritating...). I didn't like it quite as much as Witches, but it's established Bergman as an author worth going to extreme lengths for. She has an extremely deft voice for historical fiction+supernatural women.
February 14, 2026
Great story with interesting characters and interesting perspective on the French Revolution - what could have happened. If you are interested in tarot reading, the explanations of the cards are very detailed. I liked the historical information but was constantly checking facts to see which bits really happened and which were fiction! Left open for a sequel…
November 9, 2025
I devoured this book. A time in history that I have never read about. So very well done with often beautiful writing and descriptive text. The horrors of the Revolution were so clearly described also. Highly recommend if you enjoy historical fiction.
December 14, 2025
Fantastic book. very descriptive and character heavy. Love the French royalty mentions along with the French revolution. The tarot reading and spirits were really interesting. I'll definitely read more Bergman.
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