Cecile: Gates of Gold (Girls of Many Lands) [Paperback]

Mary Casanova (Author), Jean-Paul Tibbles (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-Cecile and her father live in a peasant village in France in the early 1700s. Out in the forest one day, she rescues a noble woman who was injured in a fall from her horse. The woman, known as Madame, is the sister-in-law of King Louis XIV and rewards Cecile with a position at court caring for her dogs. The 12-year-old soon discovers that life at Versailles is more than gilded halls and magnificent parties. She must learn the strict court etiquette, not make any enemies, and ignore the gossip and intrigue. However, the girl finds that staying in favor at court is a delicate balancing act. Readers are introduced to the royal family through her eyes. The action builds steadily and will sustain readers' interest. A short history of France in the early 1700s and a glossary of French words are included. "American Girl" fans will be charmed by Cecile and her regal life.
Kristen Oravec, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Strongsville, OH
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. For 12-year-old Cecile Revel, a peasant girl in eighteenth-century France, poverty, hunger, and hardship are part of daily life. When Cecile gets an unexpected opportunity to serve at King Louis the XIV's court, it's a dream come true. Learning proper etiquette is overwhelming, but the luxuries, beauty, and elegant people are awe inspiring. Then Cecile learns some surprising information about her father's past, ultimately realizing that riches and court life have their own high price. Casanova's appealing historical novel blends a likable character with a descriptive account of life during Louis XIV's reign. Cecile's lively, first-person narrative is peppered with French vocabulary and details about daily life and real-life events and people, and there's more historical background in an appended section. The book also includes a glossary and color reproductions of period art and artifacts. Fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy this title in the new Girls of Many Lands series. Shelle Rosenfeld
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: American Girl (September 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584855185
• ISBN-13: 978-1584855187
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #117,434 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Europe

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want to go to Versailles too!, October 26, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Cecile: Gates of Gold (Girls of Many Lands) (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book, every scrumptious word of it. From the first chapter when a woman falls off her horse to the court intrigue surrounding Louis XIV and his son and grandsons, I felt as though I had an excellent idea of what life was like in this time period. It's an INTERESTING book most of all, but I found myself liking Cecile and Phillip and Madame--I wanted to meet them all. Ms. Casanova does a great job of describing the time, the place, and the people, and the difference between the very wealthy and the very poor. I hope she'll write more books in this series.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, August 12, 2006

By 

ISFlixMoonya "IS" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cecile: Gates of Gold (Girls of Many Lands) (Paperback)

Young 12-year-old Cecile Revel helps save Madame -sister in law to the king- and as a reward, Madame takes Cecile from her poor town of Rileaux to Versailles to work for her Madame's dogs. Cecile is not used to etiquette, and breaks many rules at first. Then she gets into the swing of things and is a great worker. But then an outbreak of measles effect her friends, the king's great grandsons. If you want to know what else happens, you should read the book. I didn't like the ending chapter, so be warned. I would recogmend this book for children 10-15, this being about a French girl with historical hapennings through the book. This was a great book!!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Glimpse of Versailles, May 9, 2003

By 

"kjbookworm" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cecile: Gates of Gold (Girls of Many Lands) (Paperback)

A life of wealth and splendor fills the dreams of twelve-year-old Cecile Revel. When given the unexpected honor of serving in the court of King Louis XIV, she leaves home with her father's blessing and eagerly accepts a position with the Duchess of Orleans. However, life at court is far more difficult and dangerous than she ever imagined, and a single misstep could cost her her position or her life. Then tragedy strikes the royal family, and Cecile is placed under suspicion. And a dark secret from her past is suddenly revealed.

Superbly written, this book offers readers of today a glimpse of the splendor and majesty of the French court in its height of glory. Through the eyes of the heroine, readers will see important events in the history of France unfold. Highly recommended for readers of all ages.

For further reading of the French court, I also recommend "The Royal Diaries: Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles."