Title: Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles, Austria – France, 1769
Author: Kathryn Lasky
First published April 30, 2000
238 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780439076661 (ISBN10: 0439076668)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
“I am no longer the carefree girl who galloped through the woods or the barefoot child who played in the gardens of Schonbrunn,” writes the determined 13-year-old Maria Antonia in her diary on October 23, 1769. Her destiny is set, to become the Queen of France.
Kathryn Lasky’s captivating addition to the Royal Diaries series (Elizabeth I: Red Rose of the House of Tudor, Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile) takes readers on a journey through the life of the young Marie Antoinette in 1769, the year she is to be married off to Dauphin Louis Auguste, grandson of the French king Louis XV. In a time when arranged marriages were the norm, the future of Austria and France rests upon Maria Antonia’s shoulders.
Follow her as she navigates the complexities of court life, fends off enemies, and ultimately becomes the formidable queen history remembers her to be.
About the Author
Meet Kathryn Lasky, a celebrated American author who has penned numerous books that have garnered critical acclaim. Among her notable works are several books from the Dear America and Royal Diaries series, Sugaring Time which won a Newbery Honor in 1984, The Night Journey, and the beloved Guardians of Ga’Hoole series.
Kathryn was born on June 24, 1944, and spent her formative years in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is happily married to Christopher Knight, and they currently reside in Massachusetts.
While Book 15 is the latest addition to the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series, Book 16 is actually a prequel to the series. Kathryn has also written companion books and spin-offs that are equally captivating.
Editoral Review
Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles, Austria – France, 1769 by Kathryn Lasky is a work of historical fiction that explores the life of the iconic queen of France during the tumultuous years leading up to the French Revolution. The author is a renowned children’s and young adult author, having written over 100 books for various age groups.
Lasky’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making this book an ideal read for young readers interested in historical fiction. However, it may also appeal to adult readers looking for an introduction to the life of Marie Antoinette.
The novel presents a vivid snapshot of life in the royal court of France, immersed in intrigue, scandal, and luxury. The story follows the young and sheltered Marie Antoinette as she navigates the complex web of politics, power, and expectations that come with her royal upbringing.
We witness her transformation from an innocent, carefree teenager to a despised and misunderstood queen, whose fate was ultimately sealed by the revolution. One of the strengths of this book is its attention to detail in describing the setting and characters.
The descriptions of Versailles and the court are rich and vivid, immersing the reader in the opulence and extravagance of the time. The characters are also well-developed, with Lasky portraying them as complex and relatable individuals, rather than caricatures.
Though the novel does not delve too deeply into the historical events of the time, it still provides a glimpse into the social and political tensions that would eventually erupt in the French Revolution. It also raises important themes about power, privilege, gender, and identity that are relevant to contemporary society.
That said, the book does have some limitations. While it covers many elements of Marie Antoinette’s story, it does not provide a full picture of her life or the events leading up to the revolution.
Additionally, some readers may find the narrative to be slow-paced, as it focuses more on character development than plot. Despite these limitations, Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles, Austria – France, 1769 is a well-crafted and engaging novel that offers a glimpse into the life of an iconic historical figure.
It would be an ideal read for young readers interested in history or for anyone looking for an accessible introduction to the period. We would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, based on its quality of writing, character development, historical relevance, and overall impact.
