Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Michelle Moran
Release Date ~ February 15, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Crown Publishing Group
Source ~ Fiction State of Mind
GOODREADS SUMMARY
In this deft historical novel, Madame Tussaud (1761-1850) escapes the pages of trivia quizzes to become a real person far more arresting than even her waxwork sculptures. Who among us knew, for instance, that she moved freely through the royal court of Louis XVI, only to become a prisoner of the Reign of Terror? Her head was shaven for guillotining, but she escaped execution, though she was forced to make death masks for prominent victims. Novelist Michelle Moran covers this breathtaking period without losing the thread of its subject's singular story.
REVIEW
History has got to be one of my favorite subjects and historical fiction novels make for a fun way to get my history fix. The French Revolution is of special interest to me because I am half French. I even have a fancy French last name with all the vowels.
Michelle Moran is a master at putting her readers into the novel’s time period. I mean, she REALLY knows how to make the scenes come to life. In this case, the French royals are hated and it seems that everyone wants them dead. The French people are fed up with the royals calling all the shots and leaving them in such poor conditions. Their revolt is compared to our own revolution against King George. The frustration, anger, and despair of the time period is presented so well.
Madame Tussaud’s wax figures created quite a buzz leading up to and during the French Revolution. She carefully chose which royal and political figures she would display in her Paris salon. People would come to the salon to discuss politics and the growing unrest based on which wax figures were on display. I found this all fascinating. It was like Madame Tussaud was Fox News!
I look up to Madame Tussaud. She kept her wits about her during the Reign of Terror – even after losing people who were close to her. Madame Tussaud stood up for what she believed in and left her mark on history. There is so much more to this amazing woman than the was museums that are named for her. I am so glad that I read her story.
RATING
5 Loved
COVER COMMENTS
This looks like a wax figure of a French royal standing among perfectly trimmed shrubs. Look at that fancy yellow dress, expensive jewels, and that overdone hair. To the French people, this royal would be so far beyond their everyday situation. No wonder they rebelled. The dress is beautiful though.
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