Title: Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow
Author: Juliet Grey
First published May 15, 2012
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345523884 (ISBN10: 0345523881)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow by Juliet Grey is a mesmerizing novel that takes you on a journey through the tumultuous reign of Marie Antoinette, the most iconic queen of France. Set in Paris in 1774, the novel follows the young queen’s ascension to the French throne alongside her husband, Louis XVI.
As she grapples with the challenges of marriage and the pressure to produce an heir, Marie Antoinette must also navigate the treacherous waters of court politics and scandal. From her passionate romance with the Swedish military attaché Axel von Fersen to the notorious Affair of the Diamond Necklace, the queen is determined to rise above the gossip and rivalries that threaten to destroy her.
But as revolution brews in America and the French people grow increasingly discontent, the fate of the Bourbon dynasty hangs in the balance. Will Marie Antoinette be able to save her family and her crown, or will she be swept away by the tide of history?
With its richly detailed portrayal of court life and its gripping narrative, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
About the Author
Juliet Grey is a passionate scholar of European royal history, with a special interest in Marie Antoinette. Alongside her husband, she splits her time between two bustling cities: New York City and Washington DC.
Editoral Review
Juliet Grey’s Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow is an immersive and compelling novel set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Published on May 15, 2012, the second instalment in her Marie Antoinette trilogy is a historical fiction that seamlessly blends fact and imagination to create a vivid portrayal of one of the most tumultuous periods in European history.
Grey’s novel is an excellent example of historical fiction, a genre that is often criticized for prioritizing historical accuracy over literary merit. However, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow excels on both fronts, turning a critical eye towards the events that unfolded in the French court while staying true to the emotional lives of its characters.
Grey’s writing style, while at times verbose and flowery, is grounded in the perspective of her protagonist, Marie Antoinette, who is portrayed in a sympathetic light. The novel begins at the height of Marie Antoinette’s power as the queen of France, placing her at the centre of the country’s political and social crises.
As the revolutionaries grow increasingly resentful of her and her husband, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette must navigate through a maze of political intrigue while trying to preserve her family’s position of power. Along the way, she makes alliances with unlikely sources and discovers the full extent of her emotional strength.
The strength of the novel lies in its character development. Grey’s portrayal of Marie Antoinette is nuanced and complex, a far cry from the caricature of an out-of-touch queen that is often seen in popular culture.
The reader gets a glimpse into her interior world, which is characterized by a deep love for her children and a fierce loyalty to her family. However, Grey also does not shy away from depicting the queen’s flaws, particularly her lavish spending and her tendency to indulge in excess.
Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow also benefits from its attention to historical detail. Grey’s research is extensive and meticulous, and she does an excellent job of conveying the mood and tone of the French court during the revolution.
The setting is richly atmospheric, and the descriptions of the opulence of the Versailles Palace serve as a stark contrast to the poverty and hunger that is gripping the rest of France. There are a few flaws in the novel, however.
At times, the pacing can be slow, particularly in the middle section of the book. Additionally, while Grey’s writing is generally excellent, there are moments where her prose veers into melodrama.
However, these criticisms are minor in comparison to the overall quality of the novel. Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in the French Revolution.
Grey’s portrayal of Marie Antoinette is a refreshing take on a well-known historical figure, and her attention to detail is impressive. The novel would also appeal to readers looking for a character-driven story that explores themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice.
In conclusion, I would give Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow a score of 4 out of 5. While it may not be perfect, its strengths more than make up for its weaknesses.
Grey is a talented writer, and her novel is a tour-de-force of historical fiction.
