A revolution is sweeping through France... and all the
royal
family is in jeopardy. Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, daughter
of
Marie Antoinette, has been switching places with her best
friend, Ernestine de Lambriquet, since Marie-Thérèse was
11
½ years. Their appearances are so similar that they can
fool
all but the most observant. Marie-Thérèse wants to see the
world outside the palace while Ernestine loves playing the
role of princess. What happens when their switch becomes
permanent?
Suzanne Weyn crafts a tale that makes me want to learn
more
about the history of Marie Antoinette and her daughter,
Marie-Thérèse! FACES OF THE DEAD offers an eerie view of a
deeply troubled period of French history as Marie-Thérèse
socializes with famous historical figures such as Marie
Toussad (nee Grosholtz) and the Bonapartes. I love the
tidbits we learn, such as how the death masks were
crafted.
While the character of Henri is completely fictional, he
adds a unique perspective to FACES OF THE DEAD.
FACES OF THE DEAD is a short but rich tale of love and
loyalty set against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
Some of the scenes depicted are so vividly described that
I
could almost feel the terror of Marie-Thérèse as she sees
the clash between the wealthy and the poor. Despite the
fact
we know how the story will end as FACES OF THE DEAD is
based
on true historical facts, the storyline still remains
quite
suspenseful. Suzanne Weyn does take a few liberties with
history but her Author's Note about the story is equally
fascinating. I look forward to reading more books by
Suzanne
Weyn!
When Marie-Therese, daughter of Marie Antoinette, slips
into
the streets of Paris at the height of the French
Revolution,
she finds a world much darker than what she's ever known.
When Marie-Thérèse Charlotte of France learns of the
powerful rebellion sweeping her country, the sheltered
princess is determined to see the revolution for herself.
Switching places with a chambermaid, the princess sneaks
out
of the safety of the royal palace and into the heart of a
city in strife.
Soon the princess is brushing shoulders with
revolutionaries
and activists. One boy in particular, Henri, befriends her
and has her questioning the only life she's known. When
the
princess returns to the palace one night to find an angry
mob storming its walls, she's forced into hiding in Paris.
Henri brings her to the workshop of one Mademoiselle
Grosholtz, whose wax figures seem to bring the famous back
from the dead, and who looks at Marie-Thérèse as if she
can
see all of her secrets. There, the princess quickly
discovers there's much more to the outside world - and to
the mysterious woman's wax figures - than meets the eye.
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