Customer Reviews

Louise de la Valliï¿1/2re (Oxford World's Classics)

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"Louise de la Valliere" - the middle portion of Dumas' epic novel "The Man in the Iron Mask" - focuses on the intrigues of the court of Louis XIV, but is not less enthralling than its companions. If you find it difficult to follow more than one major plot, this is not the novel for you. If you want only to follow the tale of D'Artagnan and his companions, this is not your novel either.

If, however, you are open to becoming involved with new characters and delve into their plots, you will not be disappointed. I have no great love for the character of de la Valliere and the pawn she allows herself to be, but the players that surround her hold up her personality inaddition to their own and make the plots rich.

"Louise de la Valliere" is not a fast paced action thriller, but does not bore either.

Most people are familiar with the story of The Three Musketeers (Oxford World's Classics) - "all for one, one for all" is a pretty common catchphrase/concept and actually does come from the book - and The Man in the Iron Mask (Oxford World's Classics); both have been made into numerous movies over the years. What most people are not aware of is that there are three other novels in the series, falling between them (Twenty Years After (Oxford World's Classics), The Vicomte de Bragelonne (Oxford World's Classics), and Louise de la Vallière (Oxford World's Classics)]. And it is extraordinarily good fortune for readers that there are, as Dumas' writing is exceptionally vivid, intense, dramatic (without being over-the-top) and action-packed. Throw out almost everything you think you know about these stories if your only experience with them is via the movies - even the better versions cannot hold a candle to the books. They are full of intrigue, suspense, and treachery; of politics, passion, and incomparable prose - they will take you on a high-speed ride through French history that I guarantee will entertain as well as educate. I am a fan of the Oxford World's Classics translations - I find them eminently readable and enjoyable, and it doesn't hurt that they look nice in a row on the shelf... ;)

Louise de la Valliere is the middle part of the "Ten Years After" trilogy consisting of "The Comte De Bragalonne "(Raoul) the son of Athos the famous Musketeer; "Louise de la Vallerie" and "The Man in the Iron Mask". The novels were first published in Paris in the 1840s. The Oxford Classic Library edition of "Louise de la Valliere" uses the 1857 English translation. The story is long, episodic and complex. No wonder the editiors included a listing of the historical personages alluded to and participating in the trilogy. Over 40 pages of notes are included in the handsome Oxford Classics edition to enhance an understanding of the text. the book cover is a beautiful portrait of a lovely woman!
Highlights of the Plot: The novel opens in early summer 1661. We are at the court of the young Sun King Louis XIV. (1638-1715). While Louis builds up France's military forces plans are in place to remove finance minister Fouquet for the wily Corbert. D'Artangan is the commander of the King's musketeers. His old friend Pothos is a military engineer and the wealthy Athos has brought his son to court. Athos' son Raoul is in love with the lame, slight but lovely Louise de la Valliere. The King will himself make Louise his lover; Raoul will be disappointed in love. Raoul wlll also be sent on a diplomatic mission to Hampton Court in England where Charles II is the reigning monarch. Madame (Henrietta) is the sister of Charles II. She is unhappily married to Phillip the Duke of Orleans. He is the effeminate brother of Louis XIV. Madame has several courtiers include Guiche, King Louise and others. The Queen Mother Anne of Austria is adept at pulling romantic strings on behalf and often in defiance of the wishes of her son Louis. There is very little sword play in this sedate, talkative novel. The most exciting action is a duel between de Warde and Guice. There are no battles or violent deaths. Aramis has become the head of the Jesuits order; he is involved in ecclesiastical anti-papl politics.
Dumas demands attention and writes in an ornate style hard to digest for some 21st century eyes. Yet the creator of the Three Musketeers and countless other tales is well worth reading. Dumas (1802-1870)lived a high life of unceasing literary effort, countless affairs of the heart and eating with the taste of a gourmet. What a man and what fiction he produced for us to enjoy!

This book diverts from the earlier ones since it concentrates on the intrigues of court, rather than the adventures of the four musketeers. However, it is probably necessary to set up for the thrilling conclusion. Since this is the middle book, it is a must read, but be prepared to be bored.

This is a witty book filled with my favorite characters, Madame(Minette, Charles II's, sister) King Louis XIV, Monsieur the King's brother, Buckingham, and many more historical characters.
In the beginning we have Louis in love with his brother's wife Minette. A glance, a touch, sends King Louis to heaven. She plays with him as she does with Guiche another admirer. She was a beautiful coquette. One who takes the court as her backdrop to pranks, stories, humor, delights, and imaginations to what-is-next! She leads this frivolous court to the spas, plays, and the pursuit of hedonistic pleasures.
In reading others research ( Antonis Fraser) on this court, Minette was in love with Louis and Guiche . Her first child by Monsieur was considered to be Louis or Guiche. Monsieur was a lover of men although he was very jealous of her affairs.
Louise Vallie're was a humble , poor girl dressed in muslin cloth. She was used as a decoy when the King wanted Madame. Minette thought that her plan to use her as a cloak would confuse the court. King Louis fell in love with the cloak, who never protested. She remained solidly secure in her position . When all the other ladies showed off their finery she just waived it off as it was not meant for her. The King see and hears her testimony of her true love for him while he was in hiding. She had no ambition to climb. She never sought him out . She was the pawn that Madame used to see him.
He realizes that this girl was really in love with the man not the King. The Cloak became his and he fell deeply in love with her. Louise never intended for this to happen. Historically she actually ran away from King Louis to enter a Nunnery. He rides fifty miles and finds her. She is with him for almost fifteen years. They have two children. This is a sad story about a woman who would have been married to an admirer instead the King forbade her marriage.Later he takes another mistress, and Louise de la Vallie"re goes in the nunnery for the rest of her life. Is is not wise to fall in love with a King.