Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent historical & romantic epic, August 16, 2001
With the three reigns of Louis' XIV, XV & XVI as the backdrop, Ms. Laker tells a wonderful epic of four women, of the same lineage, who overcome all the adversities that many women experienced during this time period -- love, heartbreak, marital abuse, political strife, poverty... overcome by courage, self-respect and dignity. Ms. Laker creates superb imagery and historical accuracy of 17th & 18th century France, right down to the architectural details of the Palace of Versailles, as well as the political & social goings-on of these respective periods. If the historical accuracy of this book doesn't capture your attention, the romantic storyline certainly will.
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Versailles - A Journey, August 4, 2000
By A Customer
5 Years ago I checked out a book from the library for a comfortable read - instead I was treated to an astonishing journey through time! Our journey commences in the early part of Louis XIV's reign when the nobility of France descend on the quiet country village of Versaille to enjoy a grand fete held by the king at his father's hunting lodge. Four young noblemen, due to lack of accomodation stay in the home of a humble peasant. She gives birth to a daughter whom one of them names Marguerite. Augustin Roussier promises to return in 17 years to court the newborn baby. It is this master stroke which enables Ms Laker to give us a full view of life at the time. We learn of the hardships peasant life, Marguerite working as a fan maker from as young as five, making her the strong independant woman she eventually becomes. At the same time we are given lavish descriptions of Augustin's life as a rich coutier in favour with the king. We not only read about the transformation of the hunting lodge into the largest palace in the world, but can almost see it happening. We feel geniune emotion as the relationship between Marguerite and Augustin develops sharing in their happiness and heartbreak and at times even betrayal. We share in the dangers faced by the huegenots and turn the page almost before completing it to see what happens next. We follow events to the end of Louis' reign when he is suceeded by his great grandson. Marguerite's daughter Jasmin takes us on the next stage of our journey. We learn of the neglect of France at the expense of Versaille. We envy her loving childhood and feel both her pain and her suffering during her life at Chateax Valverde. Like her we experience compassion for the desparate plight of the poor. During this time we are learning of the court of Louis XV. We are introduced to Madame de Pompadour and other historical charachters who become our friends and our enemies. We are also briefly know Violette, Jasmin's wild and beautiful daughter enraptured by Versaille and willing to take any chance for what she wants from life. The final stage of our journey takes us through the reign of Louis XVI up to and including the revolution. We get to know Marie Antoinette as a friend. Our tour guide is now Rose the fourth generation of the family and in my opinion the least loveable. However although I never feel personally close to Rose the wonderful descriptions of events and frightening experiences she has during the revolution kept me enraptured to the end. Throughout the whole novel we are treated to colourful descriptions of changing fashions so not only do you read about the charachters you can almost see them. Should you visit Versaille after reading this book they will be forever in your mind. I finally managed to buy To Dance with Kings on Amazon - it will not find its way back on the web - it will be treasured for the rest of my life.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!!!, December 30, 2002
I first read this novel in high school after a friend gave it to me. It was as if from any dream I had dreamt before. Absolutely beautiful, well-written and the description of every detail from the colors of the gowns to the scenery was amazing. I ended up having the book stolen. I bought it at a local bookstore about 3 years after that, read it again, then gave it to my sister to read. She loved it just as much as I did, however whe moved and lost the book in the process. Then not too long ago, after endless searches in bookstores, I found it was no longer published. I then searched this site and found it, FINALLY, bought it again and have enjoyed reading it for the third time! I personally find it to be one of my favorite books, if not my favorite. I recommend it to any one who finds the French and the time of the revolution to be intriguing. I know you will love it!
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