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Ernestine
"The historical accuracy is incredible. An enormous amount of effort in research has been completed by the author in order to get everything right."
"The maturity and depth, which is evident in this novel make me excited for the publication, as this book gives you major Jane Austen vibes."
Ernestine Lambriquet, born to servants at the palace of Versailles, gets the chance of a lifetime when Marie Antoinette adopts her into the royal family. Ernestine serves as a playmate and an adoptive sister to the King and Queen's daughter, Madame Royale, and lives a life of luxury until the French Revolution threatens everything Ernestine has gained. She joins the royal family in imprisonment. Will she ever gain back the life she had or will she lose her head?
"The maturity and depth, which is evident in this novel make me excited for the publication, as this book gives you major Jane Austen vibes."
Ernestine Lambriquet, born to servants at the palace of Versailles, gets the chance of a lifetime when Marie Antoinette adopts her into the royal family. Ernestine serves as a playmate and an adoptive sister to the King and Queen's daughter, Madame Royale, and lives a life of luxury until the French Revolution threatens everything Ernestine has gained. She joins the royal family in imprisonment. Will she ever gain back the life she had or will she lose her head?
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Published February 8, 2022
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16 people want to read
About the author
Michiel B.L. Korte
2 books5 followers"I was born with a keen interest in storytelling and royalty. My earliest memories are scanning our local library's history books for interesting stories and re-enacting them at home with my stuffed animals. I also wrote stories of my own, which I would read to friends and family. Because of my love of storytelling, I turned to theatre acting from a young age and I was able to work with wonderful people and tell audiences the most amazing stories. But one day a story found me...
I came across an article mentioning Ernestine Lambriquet, who was adopted by Marie Antoinette and who survived the French Revolution. I eagerly searched for books about her specifically, but there were none to be found. It was there and then that I took it upon myself to tell the world of this remarkable person..."
Michiel B.L. Korte (16th December 2002) lives in The Hague and studies English Language and Culture at Leiden University
I came across an article mentioning Ernestine Lambriquet, who was adopted by Marie Antoinette and who survived the French Revolution. I eagerly searched for books about her specifically, but there were none to be found. It was there and then that I took it upon myself to tell the world of this remarkable person..."
Michiel B.L. Korte (16th December 2002) lives in The Hague and studies English Language and Culture at Leiden University
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 8, 2022
Ernestine offers an exciting escape into what life could be like as a child adopted into a Royal Family. A dream come true or a harsh reality?
The story is technically well written with vivid descriptions which help the reader get engaged in the story and the period of the time. The historical accuracy is incredible. An enormous amount of effort in research has been completed by the author to get everything perfectly right.
As the story moves forward one cannot help but be affected by the bond between Ernestine and
Charlotte. This is further driven through the diary style story telling in which the reader is made instantly to reflect on not only the physical but the deep emotional experiences of Ernestine as she develops and her life changes. A fantastic read :)
The story is technically well written with vivid descriptions which help the reader get engaged in the story and the period of the time. The historical accuracy is incredible. An enormous amount of effort in research has been completed by the author to get everything perfectly right.
As the story moves forward one cannot help but be affected by the bond between Ernestine and
Charlotte. This is further driven through the diary style story telling in which the reader is made instantly to reflect on not only the physical but the deep emotional experiences of Ernestine as she develops and her life changes. A fantastic read :)
February 22, 2022
The comparison which kept coming to mind, while reading Ernestine, was “Antonia Fraser for young adults”. If you have a tween / teen in your life who enjoys history and historical fiction, then Ernestine by Korte would be a good gift for that person.
Ernestine the novel is narrated in the first person, by Ernestine herself. During the majority of the novel, she is in the 10 / 11 age range, while the narration seems to be from Ernestine perhaps in her late teens or early 20s, writing the story of her life.
Ernestine is a girl of the “Grand Commun”, the community of servants who worked at the court of the King and Queen of France, Louis the XVI and Marie Antoinette, just prior to the 1789 French Revolution. A rapid friendship with “Charlotte”, who is Princess Marie Thérèse Charlotte, daughter of the King and Queen, lifts Ernestine up from her servant status and ultimately makes her part of the Royal Family.
Through Ernestine’s young eyes, we see the daily life of the French Royal Family just prior to the revolution. We see the different places they lived, and visited – Versailles, Meudon, Trianon, and we see the dynamics and highs and lows of the personal lives of the Royal Family – including the tragic illness of Joseph, the eldest son of the family.
Ernestine herself struggles with her “commoner” background, and her fears of possible abandonment, should she ever lose the favour of her friend, Charlotte, and of the Queen. A combination of devotion to her friend, and to the Royal Family, along with these fears of abandonment, make her recommit herself to being a member of the Royal Family, even when it is at great personal danger to her own self.
When the fury of French Revolution sweeps through the novel, we see this great historical episode through the eyes of a child in the very midst of it all. We see what it is like to have this onslaught of hatred swirl around you, what it is like to be in constant danger, and what it is like to become a prisoner in a country that you had so recently once ruled.
As mentioned earlier, the story seems to be narrated by Ernestine at perhaps the age of 20, looking back at the events of her childhood from not too great a distance of time. Since the events are still fairly recent, she is able to evoke the wonder and confusion of her childhood self, at the historical events she found herself struggling through. At times this older Ernestine is also able to provide a bit of mature perspective on the events, especially at the end of the novel after the revolution itself has largely subsided, but the future of Princess Charlotte is still yet to be determined.
Overall, this is a unique novel which provides, a) an intriguing look at the “inner life” of the French royal family during still peaceful times, and then b) what it was like to be a member of that family when sheer hatred and fury was unleashed upon that family, in the form of the French Revolution.
Bravo to Mr. Korte!
Ernestine the novel is narrated in the first person, by Ernestine herself. During the majority of the novel, she is in the 10 / 11 age range, while the narration seems to be from Ernestine perhaps in her late teens or early 20s, writing the story of her life.
Ernestine is a girl of the “Grand Commun”, the community of servants who worked at the court of the King and Queen of France, Louis the XVI and Marie Antoinette, just prior to the 1789 French Revolution. A rapid friendship with “Charlotte”, who is Princess Marie Thérèse Charlotte, daughter of the King and Queen, lifts Ernestine up from her servant status and ultimately makes her part of the Royal Family.
Through Ernestine’s young eyes, we see the daily life of the French Royal Family just prior to the revolution. We see the different places they lived, and visited – Versailles, Meudon, Trianon, and we see the dynamics and highs and lows of the personal lives of the Royal Family – including the tragic illness of Joseph, the eldest son of the family.
Ernestine herself struggles with her “commoner” background, and her fears of possible abandonment, should she ever lose the favour of her friend, Charlotte, and of the Queen. A combination of devotion to her friend, and to the Royal Family, along with these fears of abandonment, make her recommit herself to being a member of the Royal Family, even when it is at great personal danger to her own self.
When the fury of French Revolution sweeps through the novel, we see this great historical episode through the eyes of a child in the very midst of it all. We see what it is like to have this onslaught of hatred swirl around you, what it is like to be in constant danger, and what it is like to become a prisoner in a country that you had so recently once ruled.
As mentioned earlier, the story seems to be narrated by Ernestine at perhaps the age of 20, looking back at the events of her childhood from not too great a distance of time. Since the events are still fairly recent, she is able to evoke the wonder and confusion of her childhood self, at the historical events she found herself struggling through. At times this older Ernestine is also able to provide a bit of mature perspective on the events, especially at the end of the novel after the revolution itself has largely subsided, but the future of Princess Charlotte is still yet to be determined.
Overall, this is a unique novel which provides, a) an intriguing look at the “inner life” of the French royal family during still peaceful times, and then b) what it was like to be a member of that family when sheer hatred and fury was unleashed upon that family, in the form of the French Revolution.
Bravo to Mr. Korte!
June 28, 2024
Ernestine recounts the inner workings and downfall of the French royal family during the French Revolution. Author Michiel Korte tells the tale from the perspective of their adopted daughter Marie-Philippine Lambriquet, otherwise known as Ernestine (1778-1813). Born at the Palace of Versailles, Marie-Philippine lived with her parents in the Grand Commun, a dwelling designated for servants and secondary officers. Her father served the brother of Louis XVI, and her mother worked as a chambermaid in the Palace.
Queen Marie Antoinette selected Marie-Philippine as a playmate and friend to her young daughter Marie-Thérèse Charlotte. Many noted the physical resemblance between the pair, and the queen hoped the young girl would ground the spirited princess. Eventually, Charlotte called Marie Philippine “Ernestine” after a character in a novel by Marie Jeanne Riccoboni.
After the death of her mother, the royal family formally adopted Ernestine on November 9, 1788. She lived the same lifestyle as Charlotte and grew very attached to the royals. Her divided loyalties between her biological and adopted families forms one of Ernestine’s personal conflicts and opportunities for her character development. Ultimately, Ernestine’s decision will determine her fate.
Set during the Reign of Terror, Ernestine presents a side to the story not often written about – that of a non-royal close to the monarchy. History often overlooks the commonfolk. As a result, Ernestine serves to up-end French royalist fiction through the sympathetic portrayal of an intelligent protagonist.
Ernestine shows the naiveté of youth, but this is tempered by her growth and character development. Throughout the novel, Ernestine must contend with her loyalties to both her family and her adopted family. Additionally, she constantly wonders about her place in society and if she will lose Charlotte’s friendship due to their extraordinary circumstances. Her struggles come to define her, but Ernestine slowly but surely overcomes them.
Overall, Korte combines meticulous research and excellent storytelling to write a refreshing and highly readable historical novel.
Queen Marie Antoinette selected Marie-Philippine as a playmate and friend to her young daughter Marie-Thérèse Charlotte. Many noted the physical resemblance between the pair, and the queen hoped the young girl would ground the spirited princess. Eventually, Charlotte called Marie Philippine “Ernestine” after a character in a novel by Marie Jeanne Riccoboni.
After the death of her mother, the royal family formally adopted Ernestine on November 9, 1788. She lived the same lifestyle as Charlotte and grew very attached to the royals. Her divided loyalties between her biological and adopted families forms one of Ernestine’s personal conflicts and opportunities for her character development. Ultimately, Ernestine’s decision will determine her fate.
Set during the Reign of Terror, Ernestine presents a side to the story not often written about – that of a non-royal close to the monarchy. History often overlooks the commonfolk. As a result, Ernestine serves to up-end French royalist fiction through the sympathetic portrayal of an intelligent protagonist.
Ernestine shows the naiveté of youth, but this is tempered by her growth and character development. Throughout the novel, Ernestine must contend with her loyalties to both her family and her adopted family. Additionally, she constantly wonders about her place in society and if she will lose Charlotte’s friendship due to their extraordinary circumstances. Her struggles come to define her, but Ernestine slowly but surely overcomes them.
Overall, Korte combines meticulous research and excellent storytelling to write a refreshing and highly readable historical novel.
February 25, 2022
When one thinks of Marie Antoinette, one might recall the phrase, “Let them eat cake, (Qu'ils mangent de la brioche). This image has persisted despite the fact that it wasn’t this particular French queen who spoke those callous words aimed at the starving peasant of France. Michiel Korte’s book, Ernestine examines the period around The Terror (la Terreur) of the French Revolution. The reader experiences the palaces of Louis XVI such Versailles, Trianon, and The Tuileries through the eyes of Marie Philippine, a maid’s child and Princess Charlottes’s playmate who is adopted by the Queen at the age of 10 and renamed Ernestine. It doesn’t take long for Ernestine to accustom herself to the finest of luxuries and, if not love, then the affection of the royal family. She experiences a world where Marie Antoinette, her children, and her friends withdraw to the Queen’s rustic getaway Hameau de la Reine to play with amongst the unnaturally tidy vegetable gardens and livestock, and collect eggs cleaned in advance by the servants. The fantasy comes crashing down, as readers familiar with French history will nervously anticipate, when starving countrymen begin to stage violent uprisings with the eventual goal of overthrowing the monarchy and feudalism. The coming of age of the young protagonist accompanies the coming of age of a new nation, both bloody events. The retelling of this cautionary tale through the eyes of a young girl who witnessed this historic event in French history makes it a more human story.
September 9, 2022
Against the charged backdrop of 1789 France, when a servant's daughter, Marie-Philippine Lambriquet, encounters Queen Marie Antoinette and her daughter Marie Thérèse "Charlotte", Madame Royale her life is completely changed as she becomes adopted by the royal family and renamed "Ernestine".
Emotive and a deeply affecting tale, we follow Ernestine through the innocence of childhood as she devotes her life to being Charlotte's sister while outside the palace walls a revolution threatens to shatter the fantasy.
Korte's prose is incredibly vivid, luring the reader in with scenes in familiar locations such as Versailles, Trianon and The Tuileries at times with heartbreaking and terrifying imagery from The Terror.
The author has gone to great lengths to respect historical facts while weaving in the forgotten story of Ernestine.
I found this book very reflective in nature with an intimate portrayal of the French royal family often not depicted in fiction.
Ernestine is a retelling from a deeply personal level exploring themes of change and the coming of a new era. I heartily recommend this novel to any of those who are interested in the French Revolution of the French royal family.
Thank you so much to @ernestine_book for being so kind to offer me a copy of your wonderful novel to review. I can't wait to see what you write next!
Emotive and a deeply affecting tale, we follow Ernestine through the innocence of childhood as she devotes her life to being Charlotte's sister while outside the palace walls a revolution threatens to shatter the fantasy.
Korte's prose is incredibly vivid, luring the reader in with scenes in familiar locations such as Versailles, Trianon and The Tuileries at times with heartbreaking and terrifying imagery from The Terror.
The author has gone to great lengths to respect historical facts while weaving in the forgotten story of Ernestine.
I found this book very reflective in nature with an intimate portrayal of the French royal family often not depicted in fiction.
Ernestine is a retelling from a deeply personal level exploring themes of change and the coming of a new era. I heartily recommend this novel to any of those who are interested in the French Revolution of the French royal family.
Thank you so much to @ernestine_book for being so kind to offer me a copy of your wonderful novel to review. I can't wait to see what you write next!
July 3, 2024
Written from the point of view Of Marie-Philippine, the adopted daughter of Marie-Antoinette, this is the story of the daughter of a Versailles servant girl more or less the same age as the Princess Royale who became her playmate. Renamed Ernestine, she experienced the fear of rejection from her adoptive family and the terror of being part of them as the French Revolution engulfed the royal family in its maw.
The young author, Michiel Korte, writing in English, not his native language, awes with his remarkable insight into the likely emotions of a young girl as she grows up in such a fraught situation and his ability to write in English. There is plenty to enjoy and admire in this novel, and the point of view in unusual and effective. It is well worth the read.
The young author, Michiel Korte, writing in English, not his native language, awes with his remarkable insight into the likely emotions of a young girl as she grows up in such a fraught situation and his ability to write in English. There is plenty to enjoy and admire in this novel, and the point of view in unusual and effective. It is well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews