Review of Madame Tussaud by Michelle
Moran from Broadway Paperbacks 2011
This is very extensive history of one
famous woman's life during the extremely turbulent French Revolution.
I found the time line of the French Revolution and list of key
characters at the start of the novel helpful as I moved through the
book. The additional information at the end of the novel starting
with After the Revolution clarified lingering questions and brought
the book full circle.
My initial thoughts was that there were
way to many small chapters, however, upon reading the novel I found
that these divisions corresponded to the major events of the
Revolution. As I read the book I found these smaller chapters
allowed for more detail making it easier to understand what was
happening.
Ms Moran does a wonderful job of
creating tension early. She explores what it is like to have to live
your life in both camps in order to ensure that you don't insult
anyone or lose your station. Marie and her family negotiate the
political atmosphere exceptionally well without forsaking their
principals.
I don't know much about the French
Revolution so this was a nice introduction to an important historical
event. Ms. Moran did a great deal of research and provided lots of
information to help the reader learn while still enjoying the book.
As I was reading I found lots of similarities between the French
Revolution and both the America War of Independence and the Civil War
where families were divided depending on loyalties.
The use of a female lead character as
well as several of the supporting characters being female made for an
interesting perspective on the situation. I was disappointed that the
focus was on the events in Paris and not what happened outside of the
capital.
Overall this was a good book and I am
looking forward to reading more of Michelle Moran's books.
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