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To Dance with Kings
An epic generational tale of loves lost, promises kept, dreams broken, and monarchies shattered, To Dance with Kings is a story of passion and privilege, humble beginnings and limitless ambition. On a May morning in 1664, in the small village of Versailles, as hundreds of young aristocrats are coming to pay court to King Louis XIV, a peasant fan-maker gives birth to her first and only child, Marguerite. Determined to give her daughter a better life than the one she herself has lived, the young mother vows to break the newborn’s bonds of poverty and ensure that she fulfills her destiny—to dance with kings. Purely by chance, a drunken nobleman witnesses the birth and makes a reckless promise to return for Marguerite in seventeen years. With those fateful words, events are set into motion that will span three monarchies, affecting the lives of four generations of women. Marguerite becomes part of the royal court of the Sun King, but her fairy-tale existence is torn out from under her by a change of political winds. Jasmin, Marguerite’s daughter, is born to the life of privilege her grandmother dreamed of, but tempts fate by daring to catch the eye of the king. Violette, Marguerite’s granddaughter, is drawn to the nefarious side of life among the nobles at Versailles. And Rose, Violette’s daughter, becomes a lady-in-waiting and confidante to Marie Antoinette. Through Rose, a love lost generations before will come full circle, even as the ground beneath Versailles begins to rumble with the chaos of the coming revolution.
752 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
199 people are currently reading
4839 people want to read
About the author
Rosalind Laker
81 books191 followersA pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.
Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.
Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
December 22, 2009
Meh. A good friend of mine (whose opinion I seriously respect) has been recommending I read this book for YEARS. I finally borrowed it and I have to say, I'm a little underwhelmed.
Like most have written, the concept of this book is brilliant: following four generations of women through Versailles. The problem is the execution. I couldn't really get invested in any of their stories and Laker's writing is really awful. I like a trashy romance as much as the next person, but I found myself rolling my eyes. That being said, this isn't your typical trashy romance. Laker obviously did her research and must have been incredibly passionate about the story. But if I read the would "sumptious" or "he knew her better than she knew herself" one more time I might light myself on fire.
Various characters were interesting though, and the beauty of this book is in the details. I would have liked a little more involvement from the main women and something - anything - to relate to. So read if this is your genre, but for those of you who don't usually do historical romance, there are significantly better books out there to scratch that itch ;-)
Like most have written, the concept of this book is brilliant: following four generations of women through Versailles. The problem is the execution. I couldn't really get invested in any of their stories and Laker's writing is really awful. I like a trashy romance as much as the next person, but I found myself rolling my eyes. That being said, this isn't your typical trashy romance. Laker obviously did her research and must have been incredibly passionate about the story. But if I read the would "sumptious" or "he knew her better than she knew herself" one more time I might light myself on fire.
Various characters were interesting though, and the beauty of this book is in the details. I would have liked a little more involvement from the main women and something - anything - to relate to. So read if this is your genre, but for those of you who don't usually do historical romance, there are significantly better books out there to scratch that itch ;-)
December 18, 2017
This is a story of three generations women beginning at the reign of King Louis XIV and ending with the French Revolution. The author does a great job bringing the atmosphere of the court of the Sun King and his progress on expending the famous palace of Versailles; and detailing the brutality of the French Revolution.
In 1664, in a small village of Versailles, France, a girl is born to a peasant fan-maker woman. She dreams for a better future for her only child. At the same time, Augustin, an aristocrat, is visiting the court of King Louis XIV and needs bed for the night. He witnesses the birth of the girl. Charmed by the child he names her Marguerite and promises to be back for the child in seventeen years.
The young child grows watching the progress of expending the Versailles palace. At the age of 17 she meets Augustin, who gets charmed by her again. Their paths advance from here.
Ambitious Marguerite learns fan-making from her mother as a child and as a young woman she develops it into a prosperous business.
When the character of Marguerite’s daughter, Jasmin, enters the scene the pace slows down a bit. It takes time for this character to be likeable.
With 3rd generation, Jasmin’s daughter, Violette, the pace picks up again. She is a very likeable character from the very beginning as her ambitious grandmother.
Through Augustin, a Huguenot (Protestant), the author brings the conflict against the Huguenots. The Sun King institutes so-called policy “Dragonnades” in 1681 forcing Huguenot families into leaving France or reconverting to Catholicism.
It seems as the author likes to repeat some specific character or situation in her books. Husband of Jasmin is a very conniving character to a point that it spoils the story as in the Golden Tulip. There is also the same situation in both stories – letters not being delivered. It is fine in one story, but when it gets repeated, it gets boring. Therefore, 4 stars. Overall, it is well-written.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
In 1664, in a small village of Versailles, France, a girl is born to a peasant fan-maker woman. She dreams for a better future for her only child. At the same time, Augustin, an aristocrat, is visiting the court of King Louis XIV and needs bed for the night. He witnesses the birth of the girl. Charmed by the child he names her Marguerite and promises to be back for the child in seventeen years.
The young child grows watching the progress of expending the Versailles palace. At the age of 17 she meets Augustin, who gets charmed by her again. Their paths advance from here.
Ambitious Marguerite learns fan-making from her mother as a child and as a young woman she develops it into a prosperous business.
When the character of Marguerite’s daughter, Jasmin, enters the scene the pace slows down a bit. It takes time for this character to be likeable.
With 3rd generation, Jasmin’s daughter, Violette, the pace picks up again. She is a very likeable character from the very beginning as her ambitious grandmother.
Through Augustin, a Huguenot (Protestant), the author brings the conflict against the Huguenots. The Sun King institutes so-called policy “Dragonnades” in 1681 forcing Huguenot families into leaving France or reconverting to Catholicism.
It seems as the author likes to repeat some specific character or situation in her books. Husband of Jasmin is a very conniving character to a point that it spoils the story as in the Golden Tulip. There is also the same situation in both stories – letters not being delivered. It is fine in one story, but when it gets repeated, it gets boring. Therefore, 4 stars. Overall, it is well-written.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
February 10, 2015
I absolutely loved this novel!!! The story of Chateaux Versailles' royal court during the reigns of three kings and told through the lives of four generations of woman!!! A must read for any historical fiction fan!!! So, so sad that the journey is over!!!
July 4, 2019
This book spans four generations of woman, all affected by the French aristocratic society. Each woman is strong and deals with a series of life events, both good and bad. The book spotlights the fact that circumstances can be life changing. Entertaining.
February 14, 2014
800 strani iscitani so zadovolstvo ... Poveke traese ama vredese..
February 5, 2015
Versailles, 1664. Peasant fan-maker Jeanne Dremont gives birth to a daughter, Marguerite. The birth is witnessed by a drunken musketeer, Augustin Roussier, who promises he will be back for Marguerite in seventeen years. Jeanne is thrilled by the promise, and vows that her daughter will rise from her poverty and become a member of the royal court; to do that, she will become Augustin's mistress.
So begins To Dance with Kings, a family saga which, starting from the reign of the Sun King and ending with the French Revolution, follows four extraordinary women: Marguerite, Jasmin, Violette and Rose.
Actually, while the book spends much time on Marguerite, Jasmin and Rose, it does not really focus on Violette: we read about her childhood and then learn something of her turbulent adventures, but we do not see them directly. I was not overly disappointed by this, because I did not like Violette: she is quite unlikeable and loves no one but herself. However, she does lead a colourful life, so I would have liked to read at least some of her adventures. But this is my only complaint about a book I oherwise completely loved.
It is hard for me to choose a favourite between Marguerite and her daughter Jasmin.
Marguerite is initially a naive and superficial girl. Her mother raises her with the idea that she will become Augustin's mistress, but when Marguerite proves herself to be a practical, independent woman who will give in to Augustin only when she is sure he really loves her. Her initial infatuation for the man becomes a more mature and realistic sentiment, and this is why I enjoyed their relationship so much. However, I also liked that
Jasmin grows up terribly spoiled by her father, while her relationship with her mother is difficult. I did not think I would like her, but she too is forced to grow into a strong, admirable woman when she is married to a cruel man. Her marriage is like a living hell, and I greatly admired her for keeping her strenght and her good character through it all. She makes some mistakes with her daughter, Violette, but they are understandable; and she proves herself to be a fantastic grandmother to Rose.
Rose is a little less extraordinary than Marguerite and Jasmin, at least in my opinion. She is likeable, but she does not come wonderfully alive like the other two. The same goes for her plot: while Marguerite's and Jasmin's stories are completely gripping, the last part is weaker. It is still greatly enjoyable, but a little dragged on at times.
The entertaining plot and the fabulous characters are united with a rich and beautiful setting. The book shows many different sides of the French society: the royal courts are splendidly represented, as well as the peasant life. I also enjoyed the time spent on the art of fan-making, and how this art was passed over the generations.
I know this book is labelled as a historical romance, but I actually found plenty to like in it: intrigue, politics, historical details and much more. I warmly recommend it if you are a fan of historical fiction.
So begins To Dance with Kings, a family saga which, starting from the reign of the Sun King and ending with the French Revolution, follows four extraordinary women: Marguerite, Jasmin, Violette and Rose.
Actually, while the book spends much time on Marguerite, Jasmin and Rose, it does not really focus on Violette: we read about her childhood and then learn something of her turbulent adventures, but we do not see them directly. I was not overly disappointed by this, because I did not like Violette: she is quite unlikeable and loves no one but herself. However, she does lead a colourful life, so I would have liked to read at least some of her adventures. But this is my only complaint about a book I oherwise completely loved.
It is hard for me to choose a favourite between Marguerite and her daughter Jasmin.
Marguerite is initially a naive and superficial girl. Her mother raises her with the idea that she will become Augustin's mistress, but when Marguerite proves herself to be a practical, independent woman who will give in to Augustin only when she is sure he really loves her. Her initial infatuation for the man becomes a more mature and realistic sentiment, and this is why I enjoyed their relationship so much. However, I also liked that
Jasmin grows up terribly spoiled by her father, while her relationship with her mother is difficult. I did not think I would like her, but she too is forced to grow into a strong, admirable woman when she is married to a cruel man. Her marriage is like a living hell, and I greatly admired her for keeping her strenght and her good character through it all. She makes some mistakes with her daughter, Violette, but they are understandable; and she proves herself to be a fantastic grandmother to Rose.
Rose is a little less extraordinary than Marguerite and Jasmin, at least in my opinion. She is likeable, but she does not come wonderfully alive like the other two. The same goes for her plot: while Marguerite's and Jasmin's stories are completely gripping, the last part is weaker. It is still greatly enjoyable, but a little dragged on at times.
The entertaining plot and the fabulous characters are united with a rich and beautiful setting. The book shows many different sides of the French society: the royal courts are splendidly represented, as well as the peasant life. I also enjoyed the time spent on the art of fan-making, and how this art was passed over the generations.
I know this book is labelled as a historical romance, but I actually found plenty to like in it: intrigue, politics, historical details and much more. I warmly recommend it if you are a fan of historical fiction.
January 13, 2009
4.5 Stars
This is an intricately told tale set during the reigns of Louis XIV, XV & XVI with a backdrop of the splendours of the French court, culminating with the turbulence & horror of the French Revolution. This sweeping saga chronicles the rise and fall of Versialles, spanning four generations of women from the one family, Marguerite, Jasmin, Violette and Rose, all of whose destinies are entwined with those of their monarchs.
Rosalind Laker's superb imagery and historical accuracy bring 17th & 18th century France to life. From the architectural detail of the Palace of Versailles, the rich colour of changing court fashion, the art of fan-making, the persecution of the Heugenots (Protestants) & the lavishness of court in direct contrast to the plight of the peasants.
In 1664 hundreds of nobles descend on the village of Versailles to pay court to the sun king, King Louis XIV. Augustine Roussier witnesses the birth of a peasant fan maker's daughter and christens her Marguerite promising the mother that he will return for Marguerite on her seventeenth birthday ...and so the story begins.
"Marguerite becomes part of the royal court of the Sun King, but her fairytale existence is torn out from under her by a change of political winds. Jasmin, Marguerite’s daughter, is born to the life of privilege her grandmother dreamed of, but tempts fate by daring to catch the eye of the king. Violette, Marguerite’s granddaughter, is drawn to the nefarious side of life among the nobles at Versailles. And Rose, Violette’s daughter, becomes a lady-in-waiting and confidante to Marie Antoinette."
My small criticism of 'To Dance with Kings'- this is quite a lengthy book & Laker devotes very little time to Violette's character which I found a little disappointing considering her attention to detail with the other characters. However I loved her most sympathetic & to me, more honest portrayal of Marie Antoinette. I was completely enthralled & touched by the Queen's intelligence, courage & love & appalled at the use of her initial extravagant & carefree behaviour as a scapegoat for the King's failings.
Don't expect this to be a quick read, it is however well worth the time.
This beautiful story is a definite keeper for my historical fiction shelf.
This is an intricately told tale set during the reigns of Louis XIV, XV & XVI with a backdrop of the splendours of the French court, culminating with the turbulence & horror of the French Revolution. This sweeping saga chronicles the rise and fall of Versialles, spanning four generations of women from the one family, Marguerite, Jasmin, Violette and Rose, all of whose destinies are entwined with those of their monarchs.
Rosalind Laker's superb imagery and historical accuracy bring 17th & 18th century France to life. From the architectural detail of the Palace of Versailles, the rich colour of changing court fashion, the art of fan-making, the persecution of the Heugenots (Protestants) & the lavishness of court in direct contrast to the plight of the peasants.
In 1664 hundreds of nobles descend on the village of Versailles to pay court to the sun king, King Louis XIV. Augustine Roussier witnesses the birth of a peasant fan maker's daughter and christens her Marguerite promising the mother that he will return for Marguerite on her seventeenth birthday ...and so the story begins.
"Marguerite becomes part of the royal court of the Sun King, but her fairytale existence is torn out from under her by a change of political winds. Jasmin, Marguerite’s daughter, is born to the life of privilege her grandmother dreamed of, but tempts fate by daring to catch the eye of the king. Violette, Marguerite’s granddaughter, is drawn to the nefarious side of life among the nobles at Versailles. And Rose, Violette’s daughter, becomes a lady-in-waiting and confidante to Marie Antoinette."
My small criticism of 'To Dance with Kings'- this is quite a lengthy book & Laker devotes very little time to Violette's character which I found a little disappointing considering her attention to detail with the other characters. However I loved her most sympathetic & to me, more honest portrayal of Marie Antoinette. I was completely enthralled & touched by the Queen's intelligence, courage & love & appalled at the use of her initial extravagant & carefree behaviour as a scapegoat for the King's failings.
Don't expect this to be a quick read, it is however well worth the time.
This beautiful story is a definite keeper for my historical fiction shelf.
April 25, 2017
I tried, but I never could be swept off my feet by this one. The characters all seemed to blend together: when the women were young, they all had the same characteristics. As they got older, they all matured into a different set of same characteristics. Many actions and reactions seemed slightly off -- some from their historical counterparts (like Marie Antoinette) and some just from general human behavior. And the various romances and relationships never seemed to have any foundation, and therefore always felt rushed and flat. Overall, none of the people in the book ever really felt human for me, which is a pity, because the idea of following 4 generations of women through Versailles is fascinating. The execution was just a little underwhelming.
Recommended if you like French pre-revolutionary history, but not enthusiastically.
Recommended if you like French pre-revolutionary history, but not enthusiastically.
March 18, 2018
My mother gave me this novel that she picked up at a garage sale. Based on the length of the novel and the cover, I really did not look forward to reading this book. I however am doing a reading challenge and needed to read something about the 17th century. I did not expect what an amazing story this was. It is a multi-generational story starting in the 1600s in France and ending with the original character's great-great granddaughter during the French Revolution in the 1700s. The novel had romance but it was more historical fiction. You would think that with so many generations the characters might get confusing but that was not the case. I really enjoyed this novel and this was truly a case of don't judge a book by its cover. This was a diamond in the rough!
May 19, 2016
Amazing book! Fantastic historical story told through four generations of strong women. A story full of love, twists, intrigues... One of my favourites, definitely.
August 17, 2017
It has been a couple of years since I read this novel, and so I will keep my review brief for the sake of not jumbling any facts.
As I’m sure plenty of readers have pointed out already, the description of this book is rather misleading. That’s fine with me, since as a lover of historical fiction, I’m happy to read something new and eventful, even if it’s not necessarily what I signed up for in the first place.
However, I will say I do not think this book was for me. While fairly well-written and based on a clever premise, even this novel, set in one of my favorite time periods, failed to enrapture me in the way I wish it could have.
To Dance with Kings follows multiple generations of women, which is something not many books I read do. If anything, this was the novel that turned me off from multi-generational stories, because even though I found myself somewhat interested in the first story, it all went downhill from there.
Jasmin already began to irk me, and so by the time I got to Violette, I found myself utterly relieved Laker barely covered her life. At that point, I simply did not care about yet another woman in this family free, and what we did see of Violette merely proved my point even more. To that point, Rose was fine, but she had little to draw me in and redeem the previous two women I laboriously read about when my interest was already waning.
On a more complimentary note, Laker certainly did her research, and the settings, as well as the various points of contention, were likely my favorite parts of the novel. Though those usually play very important roles in books and can easily make or break a book, I am usually a very character-focused reader, and so it was a bit of a disappointment to me that I couldn’t seem to really root for any of them and prefered just to take in the other aspects.
While this book was not for me, and so I am hesitant to recommend it, I would say that for someone who loves multi-generational stories (even when some generations get hard to love), historical fiction, and France, this could make for an enjoyable read.
As I’m sure plenty of readers have pointed out already, the description of this book is rather misleading. That’s fine with me, since as a lover of historical fiction, I’m happy to read something new and eventful, even if it’s not necessarily what I signed up for in the first place.
However, I will say I do not think this book was for me. While fairly well-written and based on a clever premise, even this novel, set in one of my favorite time periods, failed to enrapture me in the way I wish it could have.
To Dance with Kings follows multiple generations of women, which is something not many books I read do. If anything, this was the novel that turned me off from multi-generational stories, because even though I found myself somewhat interested in the first story, it all went downhill from there.
Jasmin already began to irk me, and so by the time I got to Violette, I found myself utterly relieved Laker barely covered her life. At that point, I simply did not care about yet another woman in this family free, and what we did see of Violette merely proved my point even more. To that point, Rose was fine, but she had little to draw me in and redeem the previous two women I laboriously read about when my interest was already waning.
On a more complimentary note, Laker certainly did her research, and the settings, as well as the various points of contention, were likely my favorite parts of the novel. Though those usually play very important roles in books and can easily make or break a book, I am usually a very character-focused reader, and so it was a bit of a disappointment to me that I couldn’t seem to really root for any of them and prefered just to take in the other aspects.
While this book was not for me, and so I am hesitant to recommend it, I would say that for someone who loves multi-generational stories (even when some generations get hard to love), historical fiction, and France, this could make for an enjoyable read.
May 16, 2014
Here is my review on my blog:
http://alivrouvert.tumblr.com/post/85...
http://alivrouvert.tumblr.com/post/85...
December 10, 2017
Recenzija je na blogu.
http://thestuffdreamsaremadeof21.blog...
http://thestuffdreamsaremadeof21.blog...
June 3, 2012
First Sentence: "With the crimson, emerald and purple plumes of their hats streaming out behind them, four young men rode at speed into the village of Versailles one May morning in 1664, scattering squawking geese in their path."
To Dance with Kings follows 5 generations of women in France. Jeanne is a peasant woman whose chance meeting with 4 musketeers in the village of Versailles on the day of her daughter's birth makes her dream for an aristocratic life for her daughter she would have never thought possible before. Marguerite, Jeanne's daughter, becomes caught up in the Sun King's court at Versailles and begins a passionate love affair which changing political tides cut short. Jasmin, Marguerite's daughter, leads a charmed life until she catches the eye of Louis XV and is banished from court. Violette, Jasmin's daughter, has a rebellious streak that leads her to the dark underworld of Versailles. Finally, Rose, Violette's daughter, as Marie Antoinette's lady-in-waiting finds herself caught up in the violence and terror of the French Revolution.
This book was the kind of historical epic that I very much enjoy. There are many real-life main characters, including: the kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, their consorts, mistresses, and enemies. The Palace of Versailles plays a large role in the book almost as a main character itself. The book follows it beginning with it's transformation from a rarely used hunting chateau to the premier royal residence in Europe to its downfall in the revolution. The rooms are described with such vivid detail that you almost feel you are there. Then there are the women themselves which are who the book focuses on. They are very well-drawn and it is very easy to get swept away with their stories. You feel their tragedies and triumphs, their great romances and great losses. I did not really have a favorite among them, I loved reading about all. They were all quite fascinating.
The big thing I disliked about this book was that Violette got no attention at all in the book. It was like she was just there to bridge a gap. I think her story would have been just as fascinating as the other women yet you only see her at birth and young adulthood. The other women are followed from the beginning of life to the end. You only get hints of what Violette was up to during her absences from the story, the whole story would have been nicer. It's not a huge detraction from the book, but it did leave me a bit disappointed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes big historical epics, especially if they are interested in French royalty or the Palace of Versailles.
Royalty Reading Challenge: Read a book where a castle/palace figures prominently.
To Dance with Kings follows 5 generations of women in France. Jeanne is a peasant woman whose chance meeting with 4 musketeers in the village of Versailles on the day of her daughter's birth makes her dream for an aristocratic life for her daughter she would have never thought possible before. Marguerite, Jeanne's daughter, becomes caught up in the Sun King's court at Versailles and begins a passionate love affair which changing political tides cut short. Jasmin, Marguerite's daughter, leads a charmed life until she catches the eye of Louis XV and is banished from court. Violette, Jasmin's daughter, has a rebellious streak that leads her to the dark underworld of Versailles. Finally, Rose, Violette's daughter, as Marie Antoinette's lady-in-waiting finds herself caught up in the violence and terror of the French Revolution.
This book was the kind of historical epic that I very much enjoy. There are many real-life main characters, including: the kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI, their consorts, mistresses, and enemies. The Palace of Versailles plays a large role in the book almost as a main character itself. The book follows it beginning with it's transformation from a rarely used hunting chateau to the premier royal residence in Europe to its downfall in the revolution. The rooms are described with such vivid detail that you almost feel you are there. Then there are the women themselves which are who the book focuses on. They are very well-drawn and it is very easy to get swept away with their stories. You feel their tragedies and triumphs, their great romances and great losses. I did not really have a favorite among them, I loved reading about all. They were all quite fascinating.
The big thing I disliked about this book was that Violette got no attention at all in the book. It was like she was just there to bridge a gap. I think her story would have been just as fascinating as the other women yet you only see her at birth and young adulthood. The other women are followed from the beginning of life to the end. You only get hints of what Violette was up to during her absences from the story, the whole story would have been nicer. It's not a huge detraction from the book, but it did leave me a bit disappointed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes big historical epics, especially if they are interested in French royalty or the Palace of Versailles.
Royalty Reading Challenge: Read a book where a castle/palace figures prominently.
June 21, 2015
This was a long, fairly engrossing book, and I learned a lot about the lead-in to the French Revolution, and the Revolution itself, by reading it. I didn't know a ton about French history going into this, so that was interesting. I found the different generations of women to be a little too similar for my tastes--I felt like they weren't individual enough as characters--but I did find the arcs of their stories to be satisfying and realistic. My biggest gripe with this book was the extreme violence against women that it portrayed. I know that it is historically accurate, but it's just something I, as a reader, find really hard to read, and hard to make it through. If you are less sensitive to this, then you may be able to connect to this book more than I did. It's not that I didn't like it--I did!--I just didn't love it the way lots of other readers have.
July 8, 2015
phewww....glad to be done with it!! Not my usual genre anymore but I wanted an epic muligenerational family saga and that's what this is, I just should have picked somewhere other than France. I know nothing of the language or any of the areas that were frequently mentioned throughout this book. If you like this kind of thing, you'll probably like this book, but I found it incrediably B-O-R-I-N-G!!! A 600 page snoozefest, although thruthfully I died out and skipped the last 50 pages. It was nothing but politics and I don't think I missed anything by skipping to the end. Ho-hum is how I would describe this book.
January 5, 2021
My all-time favorite book, a historical fiction spanning 5 generations leading up to the French Revolution. The story is told from the perspective of the aristocracy, whereas usually this story is told from the perspective of the peasants. So, good! I really got attached to these characters. I re-read it every few years.
December 22, 2023
I read this book because it popped up on a search for books similar to Pillars of the Earth and World Without End. Somewhat similar genre, but nowhere NEAR as good as POtE or WWE. I liked the descriptions of style of clothing and court life of Versailles.
December 18, 2013
Многу ми се допадна!Повторно би ја читала..... и повторно..... и повторно.........
October 13, 2022
This book sat on my TBR for 9 years. Every time I'd go to read it, I'd get overwhelmed by the 700 pages that were looming and decide on something else. Well, lately, I've been letting a random number generator decide what I'm going to read next, and this book was chosen, so I decided it was time.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. I know so much about England's history but very little about France and the French Revolution, so this was fascinating since it covers nearly 150 years.
I loved Margaurite and Jasmine. Their stories were so richly told. I was extremely invested in their lives and how they continued to persevere regardless of the horrific circumstances that were forced upon them.
Violette, Jasmine's daughter, was hardly mentioned at all, which I suppose was necessary, or this would have been a 1,000-page book. And while I liked Rose, I found her to sometimes be irrational and selfish. She had so many opportunities to flee France, yet she chose to stay for a Queen who was unable to help her in any way. And even when she became pregnant, she opted to put her Queen before the safety of her child and family. Yes, Jasmine was frail, but she could have been moved.
I'm giving this 4 over 5 stars because 1. This is LOOOOONG. I feel like this could easily have been shaved down a bit. At least to the 400-500 page mark. The descriptions and scenes were beautifully done, but sometimes the story got away from the author. And 2. The ending, while satisfactory, was one stroke of good luck after another for Rose and Richard in a time of extreme tumult. It was all very convenient in a novel that, up until then, had painted a pretty realistic portrait of life in France at that time.
Overall though, I'm glad I finally got this off my list. It was a really good story and a great lesson in French history. Even though this book was written 33 years ago, it reads as though it was written just yesterday. If you've got the interest and you've got the time, then I absolutely recommend this.
For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. I know so much about England's history but very little about France and the French Revolution, so this was fascinating since it covers nearly 150 years.
I loved Margaurite and Jasmine. Their stories were so richly told. I was extremely invested in their lives and how they continued to persevere regardless of the horrific circumstances that were forced upon them.
Violette, Jasmine's daughter, was hardly mentioned at all, which I suppose was necessary, or this would have been a 1,000-page book. And while I liked Rose, I found her to sometimes be irrational and selfish. She had so many opportunities to flee France, yet she chose to stay for a Queen who was unable to help her in any way. And even when she became pregnant, she opted to put her Queen before the safety of her child and family. Yes, Jasmine was frail, but she could have been moved.
I'm giving this 4 over 5 stars because 1. This is LOOOOONG. I feel like this could easily have been shaved down a bit. At least to the 400-500 page mark. The descriptions and scenes were beautifully done, but sometimes the story got away from the author. And 2. The ending, while satisfactory, was one stroke of good luck after another for Rose and Richard in a time of extreme tumult. It was all very convenient in a novel that, up until then, had painted a pretty realistic portrait of life in France at that time.
Overall though, I'm glad I finally got this off my list. It was a really good story and a great lesson in French history. Even though this book was written 33 years ago, it reads as though it was written just yesterday. If you've got the interest and you've got the time, then I absolutely recommend this.
December 29, 2018
I loved the setting at Versailles. There were some great descriptions in this book. I also liked the concept of following different generations of daughters through time. However, I really didn't care for the characters themselves. The women were all too self-centered and kept getting themselves into trouble by not following the good advice they received.
June 14, 2017
An interesting historical novel covering four generations preceding the French revolution. Lots of romance and hopefully fairly accurate portrayal of that period.
December 6, 2018
I love me some good historical fiction.
January 16, 2020
Full review can be found here -
http://nofeet.booklikes.com/post/2033...
http://nofeet.booklikes.com/post/2033...
September 5, 2017
At over 600 pages, this novel is an epic saga that follows several generations of women throughout the Versailles era. It effectively depicts the roles and plight of women at the time, and the history is very interesting.
Although the novel is engaging and I wanted to keep reading to know 'what happens next?,' I wasn't clear on the 'what am I reading for?' part. When I read a book, I need to know why I keep reading. Is it to know what happens to the main character? Is it to know if love conquers all, etc.? In this case, reading about one generation after the next often left me wondering when the story would be done. Would it be when the last descendant died? It's by reading reviews while reading the novel that I realized the true "story" was about Versailles and would end with its fall in the late 1700s.
Despite this one issue, To Dance with Kings is a fascinating book to read to better understand the Versailles era, from both social and economic perspectives.
Although the novel is engaging and I wanted to keep reading to know 'what happens next?,' I wasn't clear on the 'what am I reading for?' part. When I read a book, I need to know why I keep reading. Is it to know what happens to the main character? Is it to know if love conquers all, etc.? In this case, reading about one generation after the next often left me wondering when the story would be done. Would it be when the last descendant died? It's by reading reviews while reading the novel that I realized the true "story" was about Versailles and would end with its fall in the late 1700s.
Despite this one issue, To Dance with Kings is a fascinating book to read to better understand the Versailles era, from both social and economic perspectives.
March 4, 2018
Beginning with a peasant fan-maker in the tiny village of Versailles giving birth to her only child, a girl named Marguerite, in May 1664, To Dance With Kings chronicles the lives of four generations of women, their fates all shaped in one way or another by the glittering court of Versailles from its inception under Louis XIV all the way to the French Revolution. It's an epic family saga and a vivid portrait of the reigns of three kings all in one.
I very much loved the concept of this book, which allowed for a close look at not only one brief period of events in history but the changes wrought by the passage of time over more than a century. While I didn't much care for any of the four women whose lives the book followed (although all except Violette had sides I found likable), I enjoyed the bigger picture immensely.
I very much loved the concept of this book, which allowed for a close look at not only one brief period of events in history but the changes wrought by the passage of time over more than a century. While I didn't much care for any of the four women whose lives the book followed (although all except Violette had sides I found likable), I enjoyed the bigger picture immensely.
December 12, 2017
This is a mix of historical romance and a multi-generational view of the decadence and the collapse of the French royal court. The blend of these two themes was done well-although the story starts slowly and rather improbably as a nobleman makes a drunken promise to come back and court a peasant baby whose birth he has just witnessed. Once this promised courtship began however, the story really became interesting as the political undercurrents flowed around the couple and their subsequent generations. Although this is a romance, I appreciated how no one truly got their happily-ever-after with no cares in the world. This made it more real. Definitely a good read for anyone interested in the culture of Versailles and the spark of the French Revolution.
February 25, 2010
TO DANCE WITH KINGS is a saga that follows four generations of women through the reigns of Louis XIV, XV, and XVI. . .and we know how that turned out! She describes in wonderful detail what court life was like, while never sacrificing the thread of the story. She makes her characters worthy of the readers' concern for their fate. Sprawling and romantic, it's a great historical yarn.
January 25, 2014
I have to admit that I read this book YEARS ago but I remember LOVING it and recommending it to everyone....so tastes change and I would imagine I would still enjoy it but perhaps it would be a 4 instead? I don't know. I can only go based on memory. Perhaps I'll pick it up and read it again.
August 28, 2013
Definitely a good book with great historical facts!
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