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Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow: A Novel of Marie Antoinette [Paperback]

Juliet Grey
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)

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Book Description

May 15, 2012
A captivating novel of rich spectacle and royal scandal, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow spans fifteen years in the fateful reign of Marie Antoinette, France’s most legendary and notorious queen.

Paris, 1774. At the tender age of eighteen, Marie Antoinette ascends to the French throne alongside her husband, Louis XVI. But behind the extravagance of the young queen’s elaborate silk gowns and dizzyingly high coiffures, she harbors deeper fears for her future and that of the Bourbon dynasty.

From the early growing pains of marriage to the joy of conceiving a child, from her passion for Swedish military attaché Axel von Fersen to the devastating Affair of the Diamond Necklace, Marie Antoinette tries to rise above the gossip and rivalries that encircle her. But as revolution blossoms in America, a much larger threat looms beyond the gilded gates of Versailles—one that could sweep away the French monarchy forever.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow

“Charming….Juliet Grey creates an unforgettable tapestry of court intrigue, royal scandals, and dangerous romances all set against the spectacular background of Versailles.  Grey spoils her readers with her deliciously descriptive details of eighteenth-century fashion.”  —Bookloons.com
 
“It’s a mixture of sober historical fiction and fluff that will appeal to many readers.”  —Seven Days
 
“This engaging voice, coupled with vibrant descriptions of clothing, palaces, masques, and dinners, really thrusts the reader into the story…Exceptionally well done!”  —Historical Novel Review
 
“Grey has the gift of truly bringing Marie Antoinette to life.  Many authors have written about the Queen of France, but no one has managed to give her such a voice as Grey.  —Examiner.com
 
“This is a full and rich look at Marie Antoinette’s life as queen….Grey really does offer the best portrayal of Marie Antoinette in historical fiction.”  —Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner
 
“Juliet Grey is an absolute master at bringing 1700’s Versailles alive.”  —Book Drunkard

“Tells a good story, using her imagination to fill in the gaps of the official history.  Her story is filled with the pageantry of the times and provides a glimpse of a lavish and intrigue-filled period in history.”  —Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star

"Grey’s characterization of Marie Antoinette is complex, making her such a multi-layered and interesting woman."  —Amoxcalli

"Juliet Grey does a wonderful job of crafting the world of this much maligned queen. " —Bippity Boppity Book

"I enjoyed the exceptionally detailed look at Marie's life as Queen of France." —The Eclectic Reader

"Grey has put a great deal of research into this book as you can feel the tension, love, and sorrow as if you were there."  —The History Nerd

"Every little detail in this book is delectable, and I savoured it thoroughly.  Written in good taste, nothing is amiss, and everything is possible."  —Enchanted by Josephine

About the Author

Juliet Grey is the author of Becoming Marie Antoinette. She has extensively researched European royalty and is a particular devotee of Marie Antoinette, as well as a classically trained professional actress with numerous portrayals of virgins, vixens, and villainesses to her credit. She and her husband divide their time between New York City and southern Vermont.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Ballantine Books (May 15, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0345523881
  • ISBN-13: 978-0345523884
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,613 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

DAYS OF SPLENDOR, DAYS OF SORROW tells the story of Marie Antoinette's time as Queen of France. Allison C. English  |  5 reviewers made a similar statement
I can't wait for the next and final book of this amazing trilogy. Lucy's Reviews- Enchanted By Josephine  |  4 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, Juliet Grey June 25, 2012
Format:Paperback
This second book of Juliet Grey's Marie Antoinette trilogy exceeded- by far, all my expectations. In the author's first book, Becoming Marie Antoinette, we read about Antonia and how she, at a very young age becomes Queen of France- a most delightful read from beginning to end- So much so that I named it my favourite read of 2011. So how was Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, going to compare, or better yet; give me more to get excited about?

Detailed to perfection at what is now customary Juliet Grey style, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, does not disappoint. Marie Antoinette blossoms into her own woman going through many peeling and riveting stages.

Her life is initially filled with the border-line obsession of finally consummating her marriage for the ultimate goal of bearing an heir to the French throne. Infinitely troubled by this freakish circumstance for several unbearable years, (ultimately due to the couple's ingenuousness and failure to seek proper medical intervention), Marie Antoinette desperately needed a diversion.

Young and carefree, but nonetheless suffocating behind those palace walls, Marie Antoinette chose to keep a close-knit entourage to help alleviate her sadness. She enjoyed her late card games, her fashion, her theatre and her beloved Petit Trianon, where she could be herself. Her every move at court though, was hence discriminated.

Finally, through motherhood and an heir to the throne -Marie Antoinette thought she had finally achieved happiness and won the love of her people...hmmm. Louis and Marie Antoinette shared a unique bond, but apparently another highly regarded male friend, Axel von Fersen, also held a special place in Marie Antoinette's heart...

Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow is Marie Antoinettes' rise to womanhood through splendor, carefree times, love, friendship, motherhood but along with that followed: worries, hurt, tragedies, defamation, betrayals, remorse, and as well, a rise to maturity.

I think what I love most about this novel is precisely the way Marie Antoinette is portrayed. Juliet Grey does not create an untouchable, pure Marie Antoinette-nor does she follow those who have much maligned her in history. In this novel, Marie Antoinette encompasses the roles of queen, wife, mother, lover and friend in their purest form; told as is, without pretension.

My favourite part of the book was definitely the necklace affair. So much has been written on this topic already, yet in this novel it is told in even greater depth- almost like a minute by minute retelling of the facts- the story flowing with flawless elements and way more information than I have ever read before. Incredibly interesting!

Every little detail in this book is delectable, and I savoured it thoroughly. Written in good taste, nothing is amiss, and everything is possible. A work of fiction, yet written with such precise historical details, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow is much more than just another Marie Antoinette story! I can't wait for the next and final book of this amazing trilogy. Excellent!
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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow July 16, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I learned a great deal of history while enjoying a well - written book. I wish to read more books written by this author.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! January 23, 2013
By Kari
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Beautifully written- can't wait for the last installment! Ms. Grey knows how to write a good story. I learned a lot about the French Revolution-perfect!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging!
I loved reading this book, as I did "Becoming Marie Antoinette." Juliette Grey takes us into the everyday of Marie A. Read more
Published 8 days ago by Nicole
3.0 out of 5 stars So so
I only finished this book because I bought. it. I would not recommend it. Save your money for a better title.
Published 1 month ago by guffeyje
4.0 out of 5 stars Middle Child Syndrome
I did not find this book as interesting as the first book in the series. There were too many people with too many impossible.to.remember names and not all that much happening ... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Tim
4.0 out of 5 stars A good look into history
Enjoyed reading Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow as a continuation after reading The Making of Marie Antoinette. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Angela Wemyss
4.0 out of 5 stars Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow
4 Star It showed Marie Antoinette as an intelligent queen with no real support as to her role. She could have been beloved if only given the proper circumstances.
Published 2 months ago by Allen Willenbring
3.0 out of 5 stars Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow: A Novel of Maris Antoinette
It was good, not great. However, it is the second of a trilogy and I will read the third as soon as it is published.
Published 3 months ago by Bonnie Bullard
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Juliet Grey
Loved this book and was sad to see the third book isn't published yet. I liked her first book better, but that first book was also about a happier time in the life of Marie... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Queen Shauna
3.0 out of 5 stars 2nd book in a series - French words and phrases plucked my nerves!!!
I loved the story, but I do not speak or understand French. Every few minutes, I had to stop and look up a French word or phrase for translation to English which I found to be very... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Jane Austen's Sister
2.0 out of 5 stars 2nd book in series
I enjoyed the first book and this was the second in the series. I am looking forward to reading the 2rd when it comes out.
Published 5 months ago by F. Simmy
3.0 out of 5 stars Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow
It was very similar to a movie about Marie Antoinette that I had just seen. Plus we had just been to Paris and been to Versailles.
Published 5 months ago by judy
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