Title: Abundance
Author: Sena Jeter Naslund
First published October 3, 2006
556 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780060825393 (ISBN10: 0060825391)
Rating: 3.73
Overview
“Like everyone, I am born naked.” With this opening line of Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund, readers are transported to the world of the charming and courageous Marie Antoinette. From the opulent palace of Versailles to the bustling streets of Paris, and the picturesque French countryside, the young queen’s story is one of joy, heartbreak, and resilience.
As her world of unprecedented royal splendor crumbles, Marie Antoinette matures into a heroine of inspiring stature, one whose nobility arises not from the circumstance of her birth but from her resilient spirit. Through Naslund’s masterful storytelling and deep historical insight, readers will discover the compassionate and spontaneous Marie Antoinette who rejected the formality of the court and was loved by her people until she became the target of revolutionary cruelty and violence.
This brilliantly written novel is a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the life of one of history’s most fascinating women.
About the Author
Sena Jeter Naslund has earned herself a spot on the New York Times best-seller list with her five novels, which include Ahab’s Wife (1999) and Abundance: A Novel of Marie Antoinette (HarperCollins, 2006). Currently, she holds the esteemed position of Distinguished Teaching Professor and Writer in Residence at the University of Louisville, where she also serves as the program director of the Spalding University brief-residency Master in Fine Arts in Writing.
She has been honored with both the Harper Lee Award and the Southeastern Library Association Fiction Award, and is a co-founder of The Louisville Review and the Fleur-de-Lis Press. Sena Jeter Naslund resides in Louisville, Kentucky.
Editoral Review
Abundance is a historical fiction novel that explores the true story of Marie Antoinette in her final days as the Queen of France. Written by Sena Jeter Naslund, the book was first published on October 3, 2006, and quickly gained critical acclaim for its poetic prose, intricate character development, and poignant exploration of themes such as power, privilege, and humanity.
Naslund is an accomplished novelist and poet who has written several bestselling books, including Ahab’s Wife and Four Spirits. She brings her signature lyrical style and thoughtful insights to Abundance, transporting readers back to the splendor of Versailles and the tumultuous political climate of 18th-century France.
The book tells the story of Marie Antoinette as she reflects on her life and legacy in the days leading up to her execution during the French Revolution. Through her memories and musings, readers gain a deeper understanding of her complex personality and the forces that shaped her fate.
Along with Marie, other characters in the novel, such as her loyal servant, her husband King Louis XVI, and her friend Princess De Lamballe, also face their own struggles as they navigate the political upheaval of the time. Naslund’s attention to historical detail and her vivid descriptions of the opulent Versailles palace and the squalor of the prison where Marie is held captive add depth and nuance to the narrative.
The author’s exploration of the societal structures and class disparities of this time in French history also connects to current issues and events, making the book particularly relevant for today’s readers. However, while the book is beautifully written and has an engaged and insightful perspective on its characters and themes, there are moments where the pacing can be slow and the narrative bogged down.
Additionally, some readers might find the novel’s focus on Marie Antoinette’s privileged perspective to be a limiting factor in fully exploring the complexities of the era. For those who enjoy historical fiction, Abundance is a must-read.
Naslund’s skilled storytelling and the nuanced exploration of Marie Antoinette’s life, ideals, and challenges provide a captivating reading experience. The book would also be an excellent choice for book clubs or classroom discussions, as it provides ample opportunities for critical analysis and debate.
Overall, Abundance is a thought-provoking and beautifully written novel that offers a unique perspective on one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Readers who appreciate poetic prose, intricate character development, and a compelling story will find much to enjoy in this book.
The Washington Post gives Abundance a rating of 4.5 out of 5, as it highlights the book’s strengths and limitations, but also leaves room for personal interpretation and evaluation.
