Customer Reviews

The Lacemaker and the Princess

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Isabelle and her family make lace in the town of Versailles. They're behind on their rent and work to keep up with the bills. If only they could get someone from the royal household wearing their lace, then they might stand a chance.

When Isabelle delivers some lace to the palace, she purposely takes a wrong turn to view more of the castle. She bumps into Marie Antoinette, who introduces the young girl to her daughter. The princess and Isabelle become friends and Isabelle changes from the lacemaker to a member of the royal household each day she visits, only to return to reality when she leaves for the day. Problems at home force Isabelle to take over the family business and to live the life she's come to despise.

Then she hears grumbling from the townsfolk and even her brother. There's talk of a revolution of change for the common people. Isabelle defends her friend without question, but soon she hears and sees things that make her mind whirl. Can friendship conquer family?

This story addresses the question of loyalty and what happens when you're torn between two sides. An alternative look at the court of Marie Antoinette is also entertaining. THE LACEMAKER AND THE PRINCESS is a historical novel that fans of the new movie Marie Antoinette will enjoy.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

I got this book for my 7 year old daughter, but wanted to read it first to make sure it was appropriate. I found it to be good for both of us!

I enjoyed it immensely, as I am a fan of historical fiction novels. But the best part is, my daughter loves it too.

The only cautions for younger readers are:
1. there's an accusation/gossip about the queen possibly staying out all night with men who are not her husband
2. there is some "blood" at the end of the story as a result of rebellion/fighting

But I believe the book to be appropriate in its detail (or lack thereof with respect to sex/violence).

I highly recommend this book.

This novel is a historical set France starting in 1788. Details of the time period are skillfully woven into the story, and the problems Isabelle faces comes from the problems of the period. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historicals and is interested in the period.

The pacing is very good, and the characters were engaging and interesting. There was no romance (so no sex or kissing), and I don't recall any cussing. I'd recommend this as "a good, clean fun" novel.

Genre Review
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This book is delightful. Isabelle enjoys her friendship with a princess, awestruck by the magnificent clothing, food, and rooms inside Versailles. Eventually it dawns on Isabelle her life will never be that of a princess and she must choose between loyalty to royalty or to her mother.

A great intro into the French Revolution, it makes the reader want to learn more about Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, and their children.
I loved it.

When Isabelle is sent to Versailles to make a delivery of lace, the Queen Marie Antoinette makes her the companion and friend to the Princess Therese. Although Isabelle enjoys her new friendship and the stunning extravagance of palace life, she is all too aware that Revolution is brewing. Isabelle, as a bourgeois that depends upon the royals for money, but also aware of the starvation and poverty of her countrymen, is the perfect voice for a historical young adult novel. The setting is fascinating. Unfortunately, like most young adult historical novels, it's really just an information dump. The characters never become anything more than figures, the plot/drama nothing more than historical connect the dots. Interesting, but literature it is not. Grade: B

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley does an amazing job telling a princess tale. The writing style is gripping, the perspective real and thoughtful. This became my favorite book the moment I read the first chapter. It also gives you a glimpse into the court of France, and teaches you history without you knowing!

The Lacemaker and the Princess follows the story of Isabelle, a girl from a family of poor lacemakers who are trying to make ends meet. When she is spotted by the Queen at the palace and taken to be a playmate for the young princess, she is glad to be free for a while at least of her strict grandmother and poverty-stricken home. The princess (daughter of Marie Antoinette) is like the rest of the royalty, oblivious to all the needs and suffering of the French people. Whispers of rebellion and revolution swirl about spurring discontentment, even in Isabelle's own brother. Can the two girls remain friends even when their classes clash?

This book was an OK read. I was not able to connect to the characters very much. I felt that the princess would be an intriguing character if the author had let us see into her mind now and then the same way as Isabelle's. I had a hard time finding motivation to continue reading. However, fans of historical fiction or Marie Antoinette may find it interesting and fresh. It is a quick, easy read that young readers will probably enjoy for the glimpses it gives into the time period.