شهبانوی پنهان

by Sandra Gulland, فروزنده طبیب (Translator)

کلودت، قهرمان داستان، که از کودکی با فقر و تحقیر دست‌وپنجه نرم کرده است در آرزوی دست‌یابی به یک زندگی آرام و مرفه به‌عنوان ندیمه‏‌ی مخصوص آتنا، معشوقه‏‌ی بانفوذ پادشاه، پا به دربار لویی چهاردهم می‏‌گذارد. پیشینه‌ی هنرپیشگی خانوادگی‌‏ای که در تاروپود وجود او رخنه کرده خیلی زود شباهت‏‌های زندگی درباری و صحنه‌ی نمایش را بر وی آشکار می‏‌کند؛ صحنه‏‌ی نمایشی که ترک آن بهای گزافی دارد. آیا کلودت در میان شکوه و تجمل دربار به آرزوهایش دست می‌یابد؟ و آیا موفق می‌‏شود از خانواده‏‌اش، که صمیمانه به آن‌ها عشق می‏‌ورزد، مراقبت کند؟

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, France, Historical, 17th Century, Adult, Royalty

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I'm the author of the JOSEPHINE B. TRILOGY, the internationally best-selling novels based on the life of Josephine Bonaparte, Napoleon's wife. The Trilogy has been published in 17 countries.

The Trilogy was followed by MISTRESS OF THE SUN and then THE SHADOW QUEEN, a "sister" novel. Both novels are set in the Court of Louis XIV, the Sun King.

THE GAME OF HOPE, a Young Adult novel about Josephine Bonaparte's daughter (and Napoleon's stepdaughter), has been published in Canada and the US.

I am now writing another Young Adult historical novel about a young falconer in Elizabethan England.

An American-Canadian, I was born in Miami, Florida, and lived in Rio de Janeiro, Berkeley and Chicago before immigrating to Canada in 1970 to teach in an Inuit village in northern Labrador.

Settling in Toronto, I worked as a book editor for a decade before moving with my husband and two children to a log house in northeastern Ontario, where, in 1985, I began writing full-time.

Our two children grown, my husband and I now live half the year in Ontario, and half in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

For more information about me, my research and work, go to my website at www.sandragulland.com. I also write a blog, and can be found on the Net in a number of locals:

Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/sgullandFacebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland

Reviews

[``Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Shadow Queen" is the 2nd book by Gulland set in the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV which relates the tale of Athenais de Montespan his 2nd official mistress.

Louis's first love, Louise de la Valliere, became ill with what is now suspected to be Multiple Sclerosis which caused Louis's eyes to began to wander. Athenais, lady in waiting to Louise and one of her best friends didn't hesitate to steal Louis away from her, breaking Louise's heart.

Athenais turns out to be a grasping, greedy, horror fighting tooth and nail to preserve her status as official mistress to the King.

She will soon resort to associating with Catherine de Voisin a Parisian witch known for her love potions and supposed occult skills.

Athenais story is told from the POV of Claudette des Oiellets a two bit former actress and servant of Athenais.

Author's Note:

I (Sandra Gulland) was first enchanted with the world of seventeenth century French theater almost a half century ago - Corneille, Moliere Racine!

Gulland brings the world of the theater alive and is extremely knowledgeable so this book was a delightful learning experience for me. Claudette des Oiellets parents were veteran performers but life had not been kind to them financially leaving Claudette yearning for a better life. She soon becomes acquainted with Athenais through the theater and becomes her closest confidante and servant.

Athenais blesses the King with a new child every year. In the later months of pregnancy Claudette is expected to 'fill in' for Athenais in the bedroom so the King's eye won't be tempted by the beautiful women at court.
Athenais has resorted to secretly mixing love potions obtained from the witch de Voisin into the King's food and drink.

The cruel, arrogant and power hungry Athenais makes many enemies and soon Louis's chief minister of war, Louvois, is determined to bring her down. The industrious Louvois learns through his spies that Athenais is consorting with the witch de Voison and Louvois doesn't waste time bringing this to the King's attention.

When questioned de Voisin admits to providing her with aphrodisiacs and had black masses performed in order to keep favor with the king over her rivals.

Was Athenais really guilty of performing child sacrifices and black masses to keep the king's love or was her known enemy Louvois guilty of false accusations? Was de Voisin tortured when making these accusations?


This scandal now referred to as "Affair of the Poisons" is still being debated today.
After reading many books about Athenais I wouldn't put anything past her.

I would've liked this book better if more attention was paid to the outrageous Athenais instead of mainly focusing on the French theater and Claudette des Oiellets. This is my only complaint but I still found this book enjoyable to read and appreciated the author's diligent research.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 The title refers to Athenais de Montespan, who for many years was said to have the power of a queen as the long term mistress of Louis XIV. It has been many years since I have read anything about the "Sun KIng, and I don't remember ever reading about laude des Pellets, who for a time was Athenais's servant and confidant.

This is actually her story, starting in the theater with her performing parents. I loved reading about the early days of the theater, the theater wars and the famous playwright Pierre Corneille. The settings, the infighting, the competition between playwrights, who were often given an endowment from the crown. The scenes are vivid, the descriptions wonderful.

We are treated to a young Athenais, her first love, her famous temper tantrums, her potions to strengthen the kings ardor and her jealousy, always afraid of losing his favor and being replaced by someone younger. The poison scandal, the debates between theater, government and the Catholic Church. Claude see it all, helps her mistress in procuring her various potions, trying to care for her sick mother and her brother. A woman who I thought took loyalty to a new level.

A wonderfully entertaining read, and as always I applaud the author for her notes that helps the reader know what is history and what is not.

[Zari.Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

شهبانوی پنهان،داستان دختری فقیر به نام کلودت هست که همراه با خانواده ش دوره گردی و هنرپیشگی میکنه.
کلودت بر حسب آشنا بودن با یکی از نجیب زادگان(آتنا) وارد دربار و ندیمه ی آتنا،شهبانوی پنهان پادشاه لویی چهاردهم میشه. کلودت از رمز و راز های پشت زیبایی های قصر و دربار آگاهی پیدا میکنه و درگیر ماجراهای عشقی و ممنوعه دربار میشه و......

من عاشق این کتاب شدم.و به تازگی علاقه مند به خوندن کتابای تاریخی.که بدلیل خوندن کتاب دزیره هست.داستان این کتاب در قرن شانزدهم رخ میده و مانند دزیره،داستانی واقعی(البته با‌کمی‌دستبرد‌ نویسنده)،تاریخی و در فرانسه هست🥺❤️‍🩹⛓️

به علاقه مندان به کتابای تاریخی شدیدا پیشنهاد می کنم. ترجمه ی کتاب هم بی پرده هست و میتونم بگم تقریبا بدون سانسوره.پس بدون هیچ نگرانی از خوندن سرنوشت کلودت و اتفاقاتی که تو زندگیش میافته ،لذت میبرید💘✨️

[Lori Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this... think the title is a little misleading because the story is actually about a girl who is a theater player getting caught in the 'web' of the 'shadow queen'!!! Better title would've been The Shadow Queen's Player... but regardless, it was fantastic!!! Highly recommend!!!

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse into 17th century French history including theatre and the reign of the Sun King.

(Reviewed 11/20/16)

[Alex Andrasik · Rating 2 out of 5]

A novel of 17th-century France, set in the time of the Sun King, and fraught with religious conflict, widespread war, and a dizzying parade of innovation--and intrigue--in the world of theatre. It's the age of the Great Corneille and the upstarts Moliere and Racine, and from the halls of a new palace outside Paris--Versailles--the king's mistress spins her webs, aided by her good-hearted ex-actress confidante, Claudette. Sounds like it would make for a good read, eh?

No, just no.

It's a frustratingly simplistic book about a complex time that tries to convince the reader that it is, in fact, complex. But it isn't.

Sad, because the first few pages had a sort of lyrical elegance and beauty of expression that I was looking forward to wallowing in for 300 pages. I don't know what was going on in those pages, but after about chapter 2 the quality drops off, the text filling with strange parentheticals, inappropriate colons, and the protagonist saying "Ay me" to herself.

There's very little development of character or theme. There are times when an interesting concept or person is thrown into the text in an offhand manner, the protagonist claiming some familiarity, and you wonder..."why didn't we hear about that 100 pages ago? That would have made the novel more interesting." Conversely, other concepts are introduced early on, then abandoned as if forgotten (such as the protagonist's interest in chivalry, and the plight of young boys in Paris).

Frustratingly, the book flirts with non-binary sexual orientation, but only until it decides to just stop and introduce a heterosexual romance in the last 75 pages or so. Sigh. What was the point?

Some reviewers have been frustrated by the book's lack of focus on the titular Shadow Queen, the Marquise de Montespan, Louis XVI's mistress. I have less of a problem with that: the protagonist, Claudette, is just as historical a figure, and seeing the court intrigue from her once-removed POV plays nicely with the theme that it's all a sort of deadly stagecraft. Unfortunately, all the characters are paper thin. We're given to understand that the Marquise--Athenais--has a rocky place in the French power structure, with many influential figures coming after her. But we're never given a sense of why she's considered a threat. For all she's described as being the de facto queen of France, it's never shown what that means--she's not depicted as having any particular influence on policy, or making any decisions that effect folks beyond the orbit of her and the king (and then only in the bedroom). It all adds up to a story without any stakes, and characters with the thinnest of motivation.

A final word. What is with these books that are constantly jumping between little chunks of text? This smacks of an author who is uncomfortable maintaining a scene. You should, ideally, be able to go for a few pages before running out of narrative steam. It's effective to jump around in sequences of high action or suspense--I point you to the Wheel of Time chapter "With the Choeden Kal" deep in the heart of the series (spoilers, get to it when you get to it) as an effective example--but when you do it as a matter of course, the strategy loses its impact, and your novel feels like a sequence of disconnected pieces that you've strung together. Pro tip.

[Ann Mah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an ardent Francophile, I loved this story about Claude des Oeillets, actress, daughter, maid, and pawn in the court of the Sun King. The theater scenes were particularly fascinating. A rich and satisfying read.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to the time period of the Sun King and just couldn’t get more disappointed.

The problem is the progression of the story.

It starts with a young Claudette and her family wandering the French countryside as acting troupe and searching for a town to display their talents. By the time they arrive in Paris, you’d think the story would show some clear direction. But it still is going somewhere and can’t get there. A lot of pages are dedicated to a show and what it evolves to make a good show.

The first mention of the King and his Spanish Queen comes on page 99, and it’s just a very brief introduction. Then the story progresses with a friendship of Claudette and Athenais, mistress of Louis XIV.

It seems as Claudette has the lead in the story, but at the same time something continues to miss. The depth to her character and her story. She loves her brother clearly, which is well-presented, but the story should be evolving more around her, and not her brother, mother, and friend.

@FB/BestHistoricalFiction

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those following the popular trend of “royal mistress” novels will find The Shadow Queen, the newest member of this growing category, strikingly different fare.

In her previous excursions into French history, Sandra Gulland had chronicled the stories of two court outsiders – Empress Josephine and Louise de la Vallière – who never expected to capture a monarch’s heart. Her fifth book depicts an even more unlikely entrant to exalted royal circles: Claude des Oeillets, nicknamed Claudette, a tall, attractive woman with stagecraft in her blood. In rich, descriptive language, she recounts her life story from her youth as a poor traveling player, wandering the French countryside outside Poitiers with her parents and mentally disabled brother, through her unwitting involvement in the notorious Affaire des Poisons during the Sun King’s reign.

Claudette’s rise in status is tethered to that of Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, an aristocratic girl whose beauty is as ethereal as the moon, and whose privileged life seems as unattainable. Their lives intersect several times during Claudette’s teen years. In 1660, the desperate quest for work draws her family to Paris, where she glimpses her dazzling counterpart as she passes by in her handsomely appointed carriage, “her golden earlocks adorned with ribbons, a single strand of pearls tied at the back of her neck… she looked like a creature from another world.”

With these incandescent words, Gulland illustrates Claudette’s growing enchantment with the young woman who calls herself Athénaïs – a name that will surely register with devotees of the period. This fervent, almost romantic desire for Athénaïs and her alluring world will cause the otherwise levelheaded Claudette to forsake her old life, and will push her onto a more glamorous and more dangerous stage than the one she knows.

Claudette’s heart – and the novel’s – lies in the bustling world of the 17th-century Parisian theatre. This atmosphere pulses with activity: the designing of sets, the players’ pre-show stresses and magnificent performances, and the fierce rivalry among playwrights Corneille and Molière and that troublesome newcomer, Racine, who has his own agenda. These vivacious characters and scenes beg the question of why more novelists haven’t made use of this fabulous material. As Claudette mends costumes and takes on minor roles, she sees her widowed mother, the fragile yet brilliant Alix, achieve renown as a tragic actress: another hidden-from-history tale which Gulland places before her audience.

There was a downside to the acting life in this time and place, though. Performers were admired while in their element, but elsewhere they were scorned by many, the church included. As such, Claudette and her associates are forbidden the Eucharist, and proper burial when the time comes, unless they renounce the stage. And so when Athénaïs – now married to the unpleasant Marquis de Montespan – has need of someone she can trust, Claudette trades her comfortable place in the theatre for a respectable position as Athénaïs’ confidential maid.

Through the story of Claudette’s role as suivante to the temperamental Athénaïs, Louis XIV’s favorite mistress, both the opulence and hypocrisy of court life are laid bare. The castle at Saint-Germain-en-Laye is furnished with every luxury, and the view from its turrets so breathtaking, with “the frozen Seine unfurled like a silver ribbon in and around the gentle hills, clouded at times by wreaths of smoke,” that readers may find themselves lingering over that scene just to spend more time there.

However, nearly everyone in this wondrous place hides their true selves behind a mask. To her credit, Athénaïs is no snob and is generous to her maid, but her obsession with eliminating competition for the king’s favor leads them into dicey situations – and leaves Claudette to find her own way out.

Claudette is a sympathetic character over the 30-plus years that her tale extends, though her eagerness to please can be overplayed. She spices her narrative with parenthetical asides and interjections (“Ay me”) that are sometimes charming, sometimes cloying. Her servant's role doesn’t give her a front row seat at the royal court, which may dishearten fans looking for juicier intrigue, but she’s a perceptive storyteller nonetheless.

Servants are granted a uniquely close-up view of royalty, and while King Louis intimidates Claudette, through her eyes he's shown in a more human light. One episode in which she and his valet awkwardly wait outside Athénaïs’ rooms during her noisy lovemaking session with the king shows the author’s flair for comedy as well as drama. Likewise, while Claudette describes King Louis as a “handsome, well-made man,” she can’t help but observe that “His Majesty was taller than most, almost as tall as I was.” Both here and elsewhere, Gulland’s heroine proves to be a loyal, valiant woman who can hold her head up high.

First posted at Reading the Past.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was gripping, informative and well constructed. It is told through the fascinating perspective of Claudette, attendant and confidant of The Sun King’s mistress. It seductively intertwines the conflict between the theater, royalty and the Catholic Church, the lure of wealth, and the “illusion” of power.

Sandra Gulland is an established writer with a following of her internationally bestselling Josephine B. Trilogy. Set against the gilded opulence of a newly constructed Versailles and the Franco-Dutch War, the book is a captivating mirror of court life, sorcery and is a feast for theater lovers. It is visually appealing with an attractive cover mirrored by icons beginning each chapter. A cast of characters, historical notes, glossary and geneaology enrich the reader’s understanding. A readers guide for book clubs is provided on www.sandragulland.com.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Doubleday for allowing me a copy to review.

I will admit that I don’t know much about France in the 17th century, so I was thrilled to get a copy of this novel.

Yes, I thought that I was going to be reading about this “Shadow Queen”, but the truth is that the story was centered around her attendant, Claudette des Oeillets. Did this matter to me? Not at all. I found that the life of Claudette was so interesting that I forgot the title of the book right away.

Claudette was raised in poverty. Her family was basically part of a travelling acting troupe who would find work wherever they could, even if it be near a beheading where they knew there would be a crowd.

When Claudette was a child, by chance she crossed paths with the future mistress of Louis XIV, Athenais de Montespan, and once again as an adult. They seemed to have some kind of innate bond and Athenais hires Claudette to be her assistant.

Claudette, having been raised practically non-existant in social circles, jumped at the chance to live amongst the wealthy and powerful. She soon learned that appearances aren’t always what they seemed and the limit of her personal morals were soon to be tested. How far would she go to provide for her family?

In my opinion, this novel was very fulfilling and I appreciated that the character, being impoverished most of her life, took a stance in her life. Claudette knew her moral and ethical stances and stood by them, albeit still going a bit beyond what she was comfortable with at times. It seems from other historical fiction that I have read, that usually the poor will do just about anything to be amongst such powerful people, and I appreciate Claude for her bravery and commitment.

I would not only recommend this book for historical fiction lovers but also to those who appreciate non-conformity, although it may be stretched at times, of a main character.

[Jennifer J Knorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow Queen delivered much more than I expected. Full of intrigue, scandal and secrets - religious cults and fantastic plays. The tale of Claudette begins as a poor player and spans many levels fame. From helping her mother become a famous actress to being the confidante of The Shadow Queen - with much in between.

[Nilo0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

رمان‌های تاریخی از بهترین ژانر کتاب‌هایی هستند که منو به خودش جذب می‌کنه.
تاریخ لویی چهاردهم فرانسه در قرن هفدهم که زنی از اشراف، معشوقش می‌شه.
داستان از دیدگاه دختری از طبقه پایین و از خانواده‌ایه که در کار نمایش و تئاتر هستند که اون زمان دیدگاه خوبی به بازیگران و کارهای نمایشی نبوده و حتی باید قبل از مرگ از نمایش اعلام برائت می‌کردند تا آمرزیده بشن و بتونن دفنی محترمانه داشته باشند.
کلودت که دختر دو بازیگر تئاتره، با تونی شرتانت (آتنا) از طبقه اشراف آشنا می‌شه و زندگیش جوری می‌شه که در نهایت آتنا معشوقه شاه و کلودت ندیمه آتنا می‌شه.
موضوع کتاب درباره نمایش، نمایش‌نامه‌نویسانی چون مولیر، پی‌یر کورنی، راسین و بخشی از زندگی درباری از دیدگاه زنانه.
از. تاریخ فرانسه کتابی نخونده بودم و خوندنش برام لذت‌بخش بود.

[Althea Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone interested in the world of 17th-century French theater.
The title of the book is a little inaccurate - while the novel certainly features the woman who was known as 'The Shadow Queen,' Athénaïs, Madame de Montspan, the main character is the woman who came to be her companion, Claude des Oeillets.
We follow Claude from dire poverty, as the daughter of a family of travelling players, to reasonable success in the theater world. Through a series of coincidental meetings (and they do seem very coincidental) she develops a huge girl-crush on the wealthy Athénaïs, who eventually takes her into her confidence as her intimate maid.
The story starts out extremely strong, with vivid characters, a great set-up, and a lively writing style. The depictions of the theatrical lifestyle and its intrigues are fascinating and fun.
However, the pacing didn't quite hold up, for me. The character of Gaston, Claude's autistic brother, grew a bit tedious. Rather than the classic dramatic structure of rising action to a climax... things happen... and then some more things happen.
Historically, Mademoiselle des Oeillets is known for her alleged involvement in 'The Affair of the Poisons' - a huge court scandal in which Satanic black masses were supposed to have been put on, and thirty-six people were executed. For such a major (and shockingly dramatic!) event, in this book it's brought up and skipped through quite quickly - and I felt that an opportunity was missed to explore the true complexity and nastiness of the French court society.
The author's focus here, is more creating a rags-to-riches story set in the theater world. (To that end, she definitely also exaggerates Claude's family's low standing - in reality her family were official appointees to court, and owned their own theater company, so her meeting Madame de Montspan was probably not nearly as unlikely as the book makes it appear.)
Still, while there were things I'd like to have seen more of in the story, this was a very entertaining diversion. Gulland's a new author to me, but I'd definitely read more of her work.

Copy received through NetGalley, from Doubleday Books. Thanks!

[Toni Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paris 1660 during the reign of the Sun King

This historical fiction set against the gilded opulence of Versailles is essentially the story of two persons: the main character being Claude des Oeilletes also named Claudette, an impoverished young woman and of Athénaïs, Madame Montespan, member of the high society and mistress to Louis XIV. “Shadow Queen” tells the relationship between these two women who are both close in age.

As part of the theatrical world Claudette lives in the shadows of society till she joins Athénaïs in her opulent world, a world of corruption and black magic……as her personal attendant. Life is full of surprises and Ms. Gulland paints a riveting portrait of the times. Vividly describing the ongoing war between the théatres of Corneille, Molière and Racine and the never ending battles between the théatre and the Church not forgetting to highlight the tumultuous life at the French Court ….

The book transports us to an era with a strong imagination to make the story captivating and a lot of impressive research to add some historical facts to make it believable. The rich details and the colourful characterization should have pulled me in right from the start but it never managed to do so. The pacing was extremely slow and never did take off, the well needed push to hold my full attention to the end never came. I may have struggled keeping my mind on the subject but I still say Ms. Gulland is an expert in her field and is a very talented storyteller.

[Caroline Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable look at 17th century France during the reign of Louis XIV. while not a sequel to Gulland's "Mistress of the Sun", familiar characters make appearances in "The Shadow Queen".
The heroine Claude des Oeilettes is plucky and resourceful; despite the fact she continually sacrifices her own wants and desires to ensure the well being of her loved ones, she never becomes overly saintly.
Gulland really excels at painting Athenais de Montespan. Spoiled rotten and at times ruthless, she has a secret streak of sweetness and vulnerability that make her redeemable. Some readers may feel she goes too far in her demands, but Athenais is merely the product of the overindulged aristocracy.
The novel's drawback (a small one) is that the court intrigues are swept under the rug in favor of the battles of Parisian theatre. If equal time had been devoted to both, the novel would have been a fire star read. Nonetheless, "The Shadow Queen" is not to be missed.

[Jo Dervan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title refers to Athenais de Montespan, the mistress of the French King, Louis XiV but the book is really about the life of Claudette des Oeillets,the personal maid of Athenais. Claudette was the daughter of 2 actors and lived a very poor life until she is hired by Athenais to become that lady's personal maid. Athenais, a beautiful but tempestuous woman, married a nobleman and became a marquise. After the marquis is exiled, Ahtenais remains at court and becomes the king's mistress and mother to many of his children.
Claudette remains faithfully at Athenais side while Athenais wields more power and makes enemies.
Claudette use perform tasks like getting love portions and charms for Athenais and eventually ended up pregnant with one of the king's children.
This book made me of why I enjoy historical fiction books. It is well researched and referenced and gives the reader a real feel for life at the court of the Sun King.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Queen

Would you sacrifice your childhood and your entire life for your family? Would you live in the shadow of others because you are not worthy of a title, respect or dignity? Living in the 17th century and working alongside her parents, hoping to earn enough money to eat, 14 year old Claudette des Oeillets endures the life of a juggler, bit player, tumbler, seamstress and assistant to a powerful woman. Her family lives from hand to mouth and hopes to get parts in different plays in order to earn money for food and lodging. But, the author’s first 33 chapters invite the reader inside the theater, the prejudices the actors face, the hard times that evolve, the theater wars to fight for those starring in the plays, and even the competition among playwrights. The Shadow Queen focuses around a young girl named Athenais but in reality it is about much more as we get to know the story of Claudette, the loss of her father at the hand of muggers and the devotion she displays to both her mother and handicapped brother, Gaston.

Teaching readers about the theater, the events that played important roles in history, the famous playwrights leading up to Claudette trying to elicit roles for her talented mother whose life seemed to be on the downslide when Nicholas her husband died. Joining different troupes, working for famous writers and playwrights we learn all about the changes within the theater, the excitement of the flying machines and the more graphic theater sets and the changes within the type of plays that were sort after. Claudette is bright and befriends Athenais as a young child and a promise she made to her when they were young comes back to haunt her in the present. As they form a strange alliance and Claudette is sought out to spend time with her and become her seamstress, mends costumes, make sets and watch the players while thinking about her own future, her life and reflecting on the happiness and joys of others yet never really considering her own.


Center stage enters King Louis XIII and his cortege who provides much of the backdrop for what happens before Claudette finds a special position for her mother. Deceit, lies, betrayals, indignities and hate come through loud and clear class distinctions are noted, Claudette is considered a whore as she is a player and her image is tarnished even though she is chaste and has never been with a man. But, Athenais, as she calls herself was engaged to a young man who decided to be second for his best friend who challenged someone to a duel. Duels are illegal as Claudette learned when she and her family were tossed out during a performance of Le Cid. But, realities set in and lives were lost and Claudette’s loyalty to her friend and her resourcefulness endear you to her from the start. But, Athenais is heartbroken at the end result as her beloved gets hurt, goes into hiding and must leave or be killed by order of the young king. So, where does this leave Claudette? Smart, and definitely never giving up she manages to tell the head of a troupe about her mother, that he knew her back in the day and her father too and a dialogue begins and a career is launched.

Being placed as Athenais’s assistant and shadowing her everywhere made her equivalent to a different type of Shadow Queen in her own right. Athenais was rude, aggressive, self-absorbed, treacherous and self-centered yet she could not seem to function without Claudette. The many different playwrights such as Racine, Moliere and Corneille play an integral part in many of the scenes in the first 37 chapters as we hear the many interpretations of the different plays, learn about the cutthroat and devious methods each used to win the King’s favor and the rivals that Athenais had to eliminate in order to remain the one woman that the King wanted. Taking this position in court and dealing with the many different moods of this woman did not make life easy for Claudette nor did it when her mother needed her when she became deathly ill. Guilt-ridden because she was not always there her mother’s final days are graphically and beautifully described and depicted by the author allowing readers to understand the true meaning of the illness the Consumption and the lack of medical skills and procedures that were not in place back then.

Begging for roles in plays, hoping to create a role that she could play within her own life, Claudette finds herself living for many years or decades in the shadow of this woman that treated her as more than just a servant but in the end you will be surprised. Sharing their innermost thoughts, even forcing Claudette to appease the King when she could not, their relationship is quite odd and not what one would expect. Athenais de Montespan’s father is a cruel and unfeeling man that originally through Claudette and her family out into the street you might say after they performed a scene from The Cid. But, as the primary mistress of French King, Louis XIV, her role changed to what the author states if the maid or personal assistant to this woman but in reality was much more. Never treated as anything more than a player or considered a harlot or whore, Claudette struggles throughout the entire novel trying to please others, deal with the mores of the court and then when the marquis, Athenais, husband is exiled and she becomes bears many children for the King things heat up and keeping Claudette at her side.
Within the novel we learn of Catherine who creates love potions and charms for Athenais. Eventually Claudette ends up pregnant with one of the King’s children. But, the ending will take you by surprise and the one person in the King’s court that find Claudette special cannot find his way to remain in her heart. “ Men may reduce me to live without happiness, but they cannot compel me to live without honor.” Words Claudette believed in and lived by but to what extent. With a brother who had difficulty staying out of trouble due to his lack of knowledge and inability to understand and comprehend situations, what Claudette does to safe him from prison is remarkable.

Wars between the playwrights, theaters and even the actors comparing each other’s roles, belittling performances and loyalties shifting in many directions, The Shadow Queen brings to light the issues of trust, faith, honor, family relationships, class distinctions, caste system, the mores and rules of the court, lies, betrayals and deceit all to gain power. Athenais, Madame de Montspan, is said to be the primary focus of character of this novel but she is second to Claudette. From being destitute, a traveling player, to entering the world of theater, the court and the final scenes that provide a surprising twist as Claudette is taken into custody, might have charges filed against her and the reasons you might say: Revenge but against whom? Was she part of the Affair of the Poisons used to kill many? Why did so many identify her as seeing her in the presence of Madame Catherine? Was she being set up or framed? A court scandal and in which some say Satanic black masses were supposed to have been worn and many were executed. The history of the period is accounted for in a vividly descriptive manner. The stench and rot found in the prisons and in many of the areas Claudette frequently forces readers to cover their mouths and noses as the descriptions ignite your olfactory senses. Little is spoken of Claudette’s life within the Court except how it involved being Athenais personal assistant. Her life seemed sparse, unfulfilled and she spent most of her time pleasing others and providing comfort for her mother and brother. A final scene that will illuminate readers about Athenais and an ending that will turn things around for both Claudette and Athenais in a direction you won’t expect. The Shadow Queen: Athenais or Claudette: Depends on how you look at it. Some live in the shadow of their own glory and want others to bask within their sunlight and others live within their own world and create a shadow of their likeness but really not seen when with others.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Kyle Wendy Skultety (gimmethatbook.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review originally appeared on my blog at www.gimmethatbook.com.

From the author of the beloved Josephine B. Trilogy, comes a spellbinding novel inspired by the true story of a young woman who rises from poverty to become confidante to the most powerful, provocative and dangerous woman in the 17th century French court: the mistress of the charismatic Sun King.

1660, Paris

Claudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood wandering the French countryside with her family’s acting troupe, Claudette finally witnesses her mother’s astonishing rise to stardom in Parisian theaters. Working with playwrights Corneille, Molière and Racine, Claudette’s life is culturally rich, but like all in the theatrical world at the time, she’s socially scorned.

A series of chance encounters gradually pull Claudette into the alluring orbit of Athénaïs de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV and reigning “Shadow Queen.” Needing someone to safeguard her secrets, Athénaïs offers to hire Claudette as her personal attendant.

Enticed by the promise of riches and respectability, Claudette leaves the world of the theater only to find that court is very much like a stage, with outward shows of loyalty masking more devious intentions. This parallel is not lost on Athénaïs, who fears political enemies are plotting her ruin as young courtesans angle to take the coveted spot in the king’s bed.

Indeed, Claudette’s “reputable” new position is marked by spying, illicit trysts and titanic power struggles. As Athénaïs, becomes ever more desperate to hold onto the King’s favor, innocent love charms move into the realm of deadly Black Magic, and Claudette is forced to consider a move that will put her own life—and the family she loves so dearly—at risk.

Set against the gilded opulence of a newly-constructed Versailles and the War of Theaters, THE SHADOW QUEEN is a seductive, gripping novel about the lure of wealth, the illusion of power, and the increasingly uneasy relationship between two strong-willed women whose actions could shape the future of France.
This book was on my “want to read” list, and I picked it up from my local library. As soon as I started reading, I was transported into France in the 1600’s–with all the sights, sounds, and smells of the period. Claudette was an easy heroine to like, and her desire to make her family’s life better will resonate with many readers.

One of the best things about THE SHADOW QUEEN is that the author Sandra Gulland didn’t bury the plot in a lot of politics. Rather, she spends her description on the trials and triumphs of stage actors, and later, the sumptuous trappings of Louis the XIV’s Court. Her characters come alive: Moliere, Corneille, and Athenais are alternately drawn to scale and then appear larger than life at times. Gulland keeps the story true to life, for the most part, as she takes historical fact and makes it sing. She brings the hopes and fears of Athenais to the forefront, and helps the reader to see who she was and who she turned into: a cunning and manipulative woman who fears the loss of her youth and vitality, and resorts to black magic to keep the affections of her beloved Sun King. It seemed hard to understand if that affection was true, or just opportunistic.

Claudette stayed true to herself throughout the book, continuing to care for her mother and brother even as her innocence is slowly pulled from her; and she made a stand against her beloved Athenais, which comes back to haunt her and threatens to ruin her life. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how it would end for Claudette.

I enjoyed this book a great deal, and intend to read other novels of Gulland’s. Her research is thorough and her writing is clean. Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm of two minds about this novel. On the one side I found it to be an easy read, with short chapters that could be quickly delved into at a moment's whim. It had an enjoyable enough storyline to keep me turning the pages.
However, the story lacked depth in both plot and character development. I felt no connection with any of the characters and even the protagonist's plight did not move me. It was as if I was watching everything from a great distance rather than feeling part of the action itself.
Although titled 'The Shadow Queen', Madame de Montespan herself is not even a main character for half of the story. It is a redundant title that is misleading. Even the synopsis makes it sound as though she plays a greater role than she actually does.
Overall, I am disappointed by this novel. I didn't dislike it--it was entertaining enough to keep me reading until the end--but I just expected so much more. I wanted to feel the magnificence of the newly constructed Versailles, I wanted to understand the sentiment in Paris during the Franco-Dutch War. I even wanted to learn more about the life of the Players once I realized this theme was a major part of the book, but even this I found to be two-dimensional and used as a way to make Claudette an outcast, rather than being portrayed an inherent part of herself. The potential was there with this novel, but it just didn't measure up.

[Jenny Powell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Marked it as read, but I could't read it. The writing style was horrible.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a book advertised as being about a mistress, the mistress actually plays a very small role.

That doesn't mean one should pass over this book. If you have any interest at all in this period of French history, then you definitely should pick it up. Even if the mistress gets little play, the author does an excellent job at putting the reader in the middle of a fascinating era.

[Elspeth G. Perkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Take a taste of French history with The Shadow Queen

It's all in the details, and unfortunately The Shadow Queen failed at this execution for this reviewer. I was searching for a delectable feast of history and all I found was a bland spoonful. The Shadow Queen enticed this reader with a truly distinctive narrator and a journey from obscurity in the grime infested streets of Paris to a confidant in the glittering halls of the palace of the Sun King but unfortunately it ended with a somber sigh. It pained me to finish The Shadow Queen with this reaction after reading the premise and envisioning a story steeped in historical details and descriptions of the ornate halls of Versailles. This could have been a fantastic journey into the multilayered happenings of the time period and perhaps it will be for another reader.

For me, there seemed to be this odd modern tone to the narrator and confusion in details such as nationality of names, a parade of convenient coincidences and chapters where medical terminology and details switched from archaic to modern. Action scenes were handled in a hurried comedic fashion and finally court drama and politics felt stagnant and repetitive. I did appreciate the handling of the boudoir scenes, they were uncomplicated by overly dramatized writing that sometimes bogs down a vital scene in the transformation of a character's morals and I did enjoy the Shadow Queen's portrayal. The Shadow Queen would appeal to a special kind of reader and unfortunately I am not that reader. I would never try to discourage any potential reader to explore a new realm of history, so take a taste of French history with The Shadow Queen. You may like this one.

*I would like to thank Doubleday publisher and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read The Shadow Queen.

[Susan Chapek]

Revising my first review because, um, I reread this book and liked it way better the second time.

This is a strong novelized bio of one of the lesser-known characters in Louis XIV's court.

What I adored--and what brought me back for a second read--was the detailed, in-depth look at French theatrical life and practice in the 1670's. When, in popular fiction and film about the Sun King's reign, do we ever hear about anybody besides Moliere and Lully? Gulland here gives us not only Pierre Corneille and Jean Racine, warts and all, but also delightful cameos of many of the era's stage stars.

What I always hope for in novelized bios is that the author can find a really compelling quest for the main character. But that isn't always possible when the story has to stay faithful to a multitude of established historical facts. (I feel the same way about a lot of bio-pics, too. I find Ghandi a boring movie.)

Now certainly Claudette is devoted to her mother and her special-needs brother. But hints at several possible affairs of the heart early in the story led me to expect a powerful personal quest for Claudette, whether it be for power or love or fame--and I never really got one. And I never got a feel for why she might be remembered for her stage work as a comedienne.

Still, there are too few novels in English about 17th century France, much less 17th century French theater, so I strongly recommend this one to anyone looking for same.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah, I'm officially bored. The synopsis grabbed my attention and I was curious to enter the world of intrigue ind mystery behind "the shadow queen," but I just COULDN'T make it past 22%. Sometimes I go though phases in my reading patterns where I am very tolerant of slow beginnings and a plot-hole here and there, but this time I just was NOT having it. The book is corny and moves fast in the weirdest places, yet it moves soooooooo sloooooooow when it comes to the main point of the book....THE SHADOW QUEEN. For the past day or two I have been boring myself to death reading about the family's efforts to enter showbusiness and feed themselves and its just not engaging. Neither are the characters, especially the brother they keep calling "stupid" or "simple" but there's no explanation as to why?? I'm confused and over it.

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

WARNING: the main character is forced to have sex in order to keep her job.

The story covers three decades, following Claudette from her teens to her early 40's, with a LOT of time skips. This leaves you wondering if you've missed something as years can go by in a paragraph.

The book is making heavy use of the theme that the world of the theater and the world of Versailles had a lot in common, but trying to cover both leaves things stretched thin as we follow Claudette as she runs back and forth from the stage to Madame de Montespan's bedroom as well as all over central France.

[Krisi S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Хей! Ето ревю на още една историческа книга, този път представяща Франция през 17 век. След като прочетох „Императрица Сиси“ и поднових интереса си към този вид книги, за мен беше истинско удоволствие да се захвана с „Кралицата в сянка“. Реалистична, ярка и запомняща се, пресъздаваща събитията точно, тя би допаднала на всеки обичащ историята. А разбира се и на тези, харесващи драмата, интригите и заплетените сюжети.

„Ама че интересно, мина ми през ум. Тя живее така, както аз само мога да си мечтая, а аз на свой ред живея така, както тя би желала.“

Прочитането на тази книга за мен беше едно доста разтърсващо преживяване. Разбира се, чувала съм за ужасните условия на живот от онова време, кой ли не е. Но едно е да си страничен наблюдател, а съвсем друго – да се „сблъскаш“ отблизо с реалността. Защото „Кралицата в сянка“ прави точно това – пренася читателя в 17 век с множеството му недостатъци и висока смъртност. Нищо не е скрито нито разкрасено от авторката. Всичко е показано, както е било – огромната разлика между начина на живот на аристокрацията и този на простолюдието, недоимъка, многобройните зарази и болести, само чакащи да убият някого и то само ако гладът не го е довършил много преди това. Засегнат беше и въпросът за ужасното отношение на всички към хората, родени с някакъв недостатък.

„Вълшебствата са поначало невидими, мадмоазел“

Много освежаващо беше да се погледне този век през очите на едно съвсем обикновено момиче, нито със знатно потекло, нито богато. Повечето исторически романи разказват за аристократи и кралски особи, но не и този. Тук се говори за една актриса, отритната заедно със семейството си от Църквата, обществото и от самия Рай, както тогава се е вярвало, само заради професията си, от която и без това не печели много. Но въпреки това през многобройните препятствия любовта към театъра, изкуството и семейството поддържа Клод силна.

„Раят е да живееш свободен“, обичаше да повтаря баща ми. „Раят е да живееш в света на изкуството“, допълваше мама.“

Но това, както се разбира и от резюмето, е само първата част на тази книга. После Клод постъпва на работа при Атене, маркиза Дьо Монтеспан, метреса на краля, чиято съдба се преплита с тази на главната героиня още от детството. Следват интриги, предателства, борба за власт, в която човешкият живот е малка цена за постигането на висши цели. Още по-силно се усеща пропастта между бедните и богатите – докато едните изхвърлят храната, спят в копринени чаршафи и носят диаманти и перли, другите умират от гладна смърт.

„По някое време, драга ми Клодет, ще осъзнаеш, че кралският двор не се различава кой знае колко от театъра.“

Вещици, отрова, елексири, амулети и ритуали – все неща преследвани от Църквата, но и практикувани, скъпо заплатени и търсени както от едната прослойка на населението, така и от другата, показани в едно време, в което творят Молиер, Корней и Расин. Добре дошли в книга, в която нищо не остава неразкрито! Приятно пътуване през Франция по времето на Кралят Слънце. Bon voyage и приятна и книжна вечер! (https://sarcasticcdreamer.wordpress.c...)

[Carole Rae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was drawn in by the cover and by the summary. After watching that show about Versailles and the Sun King, I was extra interested in this. It sat for a while on my shelf. Finally got around to reading this.



The story follows Claudette who is the daughter of a famous actress. She becomes the assistant of Athenais who is the famous mistress of the Sun King. She "reigned" France alongside with the King which is abnormal but she was one of those people that shine and have a way about them that draws people in. We see all the drama through Claudette's view.



Sighs. I am disappointed. This wasn't horrible, but it wasn't good either. It was barely decent. At one point, I had to walk away for a few days. I finally forced myself to give it a second try and at least get to 100 pages before marking it as a DNF. However, I pushed through and finished it. Yes, yes, there was A LOT of skimming, but I managed to finish it. Why? Maybe it was because I spent money on it and I had hope.



The ending got better. However, was the journey worth it? Not really. The first 75% was SO boring. Claudette was boring. The potentially exciting bits were skimmed over. It took eons for Claudette to make it to court with Athenais and when they finally got there I felt like we didn't get to see anything really happen. Got to court and then the book ended. UGH.



Just so boring overall.



And darnit Claudette...if you say ZOUNDS one more time I will scream. >_>



Overall...I did enjoy-ish the last 25% of the book, but the first 75%? Ugh. The ending was decent because we got to see a smidge of the drama unfold, but it was summarized pretty quickly. I think I blame Boring Claudette and Zounding ways. Not for me sadly. I'll give it 2 stars.

[Rusty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Claude des Oeillets called Claudette who relates her life story beginning with her youth as a poor traveling player (actress) wandering the French countryside with her parents and mentally disabled brother, Gaston. It’s interesting to learn about early days of theater, the theater wars and the famous playwrights like Pierre Corneille, who was a mentor to her performing parents. Settings and infighting combine with vivid scenes and outstanding descriptions. Playwrights compete to receive an endowment and recognition from the crown. For example, there is fierce rivalry between Corneille and Molière who work for opposing theaters.

Chance encounters with Athenais de Montespan lead to a new life for Claudette beyond the theater. Drawn to each other, the two almost become friends. When Athenais finds she can tell Claudette what she cannot share with others, she asks her to become her confidant and servant. Becoming acquainted with Athenais, we view her as an adventurous young woman who changes into an ambitious woman seeking power. When Louise de la Valliere, Louis’ first mistress, becomes ill with what was probably multiple sclerosis, Louis turns to Athenais, a lady in waiting to Louise. It’s the chance she has been waiting for but as time passes, Athenais exhibits a tempestuous nature. Terrible temper tantrums and fierce jealousy mar her relations within the court. She turns to using potions to strengthen the king’s love for her because of a fear that a younger, more beautiful competitor will replace her.

Long a mistress of Louis XIV of France, Athenais became as powerful as a queen. Thus the title, The Shadow Queen. There is a poison scandal in which both Athenais and Claudette are implicated and growth of the influence of the Catholic Church which depricates both players and the theater. It’s a fascinating portrait of royalty, the theater, and life during the period. which the author outstandingly blends into a most enjoyable read.