Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

GENRE

Historical Fiction (426 pgs.)

SYNOPSIS

Smart and ambitious, Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated wax museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador, Thomas Jefferson, to her tableau of the royal family at dinner, Marie's museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, and even politics. Though many people are starving and can no longer afford bread, Marie's business is booming. In salons and cafés across Paris, people like Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there's whispered talk of revolution.

Spanning five years, from the budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom. 

MY REVIEW

In honor of Bastille Day (July 14th), I thought this would be a perfect time to post my review of Michelle Moran's Madame Tussaud.

This tumultuous period of history, the era of French Revolution, enjoys quite a love-hate relationship with me. I love to read about the life of Marie Antoinette, the court of pre-Revolutionary France, the general foppery and carelessness of such a fairy tale world. I hate reading of the actual revolution, the devastation, the starvation, the enormous loss of life. Quite frankly, it scares me. I always think, "how was such destruction and mass murder possible?" It really makes you realize that such a frightening time actually existed, and can exist in the world.

Madame Tussaud isn't your typical French Revolution novel. I find that most novels set in this time period ultimately end up focusing on either the royalty side of the revolution, or the commoner's side. It was thrilling to read Marie Grosholtz's (a.k.a Madame Tussaud's) extraordinary story, because, for quite a long period of time, she was able to toe the line between pro-monarchy and pro-revolution. Her life coming to light on these pages was really astounding. I had really never before read of someone who was able to stay true to both sides of the Revolution in France, without ending up in the guillotine's embrace.  

Madame Tussaud herself is a awe-inspiring character, fabulously written by Michelle Moran. She is able to take her fate into her own hands, and craft her own life in a society of rules and regulations. Her human spirit is really what makes her such a fascinating character; like most of us, she makes some unwise decisions she comes to regret later. But it is her strength, her spirit, and her voice that connects the reader to her, in every possible way. Michelle Moran crafted such a brilliant character, and it was a pleasure to read her story.

The historical setting of this novel is absolutely flawless. Michelle is the end-all when it comes to blending history and story together. I really can hardly decipher the "fiction" part of this historical fiction novel. The two elements of this novel, the history and the fiction, are put together in such a way as to incredibly enhance one another, without the fiction bleeding over into the history, or vice versa. 

The plot is incredibly gripping, especially as the Revolution reaches its peak. Page after page I could hardly believe that the story unfolding actually occurred. Before I knew it, Marie was making death masks for the members of the guillotine's victims. The story is incredibly engrossing and all too easy to get lost in (in the best of ways, of course). 

All the historical figures in this novel are stunningly brought back to life. I felt as if I was really meeting all of them, glimpsing them as they would have been in their historical prime... everyone from Thomas Jefferson to Marie Antoinette herself. Michelle does a wonderful job of bringing these characters out of their glorified historical robes and making them what they truly were... humans, just like you and me. 

Once again, Michelle Moran has crafted an absolute masterpiece of historical fiction. You can absolutely tell when reading one of her books that she truly puts her heart and soul into her writing. This was a beautiful story of a woman's strength and fortitude, in a time when her world turned against her. This is historical fiction at its finest, ladies and gents, and it was an absolute pleasure to lose myself (once again) in one of Michelle Moran's novels.

MY RATING

5*****



Book #5 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Vixen by Jillian Larkin

GENRE

YA Historical Fiction (421 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Every girl wants what she can't have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle--and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she's engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago's most powerful families, Gloria's party days are over before they've even begun...or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria's goody-two-shoes cousin, had arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch--but Clara isn't as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she'll do anything to keep hidden.

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria's social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria's shadow. When Lorraine's envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone's going to be very sorry...

Vixen is the first novel in the sexy, dangerous, and ridiculously romantic new series set in the Roaring Twenties... when anything goes.

MY REVIEW

Something just gets to me about the Roaring 20's. Maybe it's the fast-living society, fresh from a gruesome world war, on the cusp of one of the biggest financial collapses in world history. Maybe it's the absolute discord stemming from the old money and the noveau riche, the prohibitionists and the flappers, the old society and the social climbers. Or maybe it's the booze, jazz, and fashion? As I traversed through Vixen, I realized the answer was all of the above. It was all of these discordant things  rolled into one bundle that makes the 1920's so special.  

Believe me, this novel covers every aspect of the 1920's. The jazz, flappers, social-climbers, fast living, etc. It's all here, and presented in a very appealing package. 

Jillian Larkin's characters are all magnificently written in their own right. The story centers around three girls (Gloria, Clara, and Lorraine) who all have something unique to offer to the story. I think readers will find bits and pieces of themselves mixed up in all three of the girls, which makes their unfolding stories really enjoyable.

The plot is extremely well written. Sometimes I can kind of figure out what is going to go down at the end of the book, but I was completely stumped (and very much surprised) regarding the ending. Definitely a page-turner, to be sure. During its serious moments, the plot is that: serious. It's serious without being heroically campy or cheesy. Almost more of an adult serious, which I very much enjoyed.

Jillian Larkin recreated the 1920's beautifully, from the high-society soirees to the underground speakeasies. I think she did a fantastic job in contrasting her settings, again playing up the discord that is so familiar of the 1920's. There is really great beauty and passion in her writing, as well as A+ historical accuracy. Jillian Larkin did her research!

And one of the things I most enjoyed about this novel was that I could not tell, for one second, that this book is part of a planned series. Hallelujah! This book absolutely stood on its own two feet, without having readers suspend their disbelief until part two. I felt that Jillian Larkin did an excellent job of delving into the story, as she should for any normal novel. I was extremely impressed with the pacing, detail, and plot. 

All in all, this is a fantastic read. Readers, do yourself a favor and skip Anna Godbersden's "Bright Young Things" series... it pales in comparison to this masterpiece. You will not be able to put this delicious romp through the 1920's down!

MY RATING

4.5****/*


Book #4 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Book Haul: Barnes & Noble

It is a travesty to man-kind that my last book haul was in 2011. 2011!

I am quite ashamed of myself. But alas, things get in the way (new job, uni, etc.). That, and my favorite bookstore that was a mere 5 minute drive from my house went out of business (*cough*BORDERS*cough*).

Anyway, I am proud to announce that as of May 18, my book famine has ended! Check out the sneak peeks of the titles I hauled home, courtesy of my (somewhat) local Barnes & Noble.

Vixen by Jillian Larkin

Every girl wants what she can't have. Seventeen-year-old Gloria Carmody wants the flapper lifestyle--and the bobbed hair, cigarettes, and music-filled nights that go with it. Now that she's engaged to Sebastian Grey, scion of one of Chicago's most powerful families, Gloria's party days are over before they've even begun ... or are they?

Clara Knowles, Gloria's goody-two-shoes cousin, has arrived to make sure the high-society wedding comes off without a hitch--but Clara isn't as lily-white as she appears. Seems she has some dirty little secrets of her own that she'll do anything to keep hidden...

Lorraine Dyer, Gloria's social-climbing best friend, is tired of living in Gloria's shadow. When Lorraine's envy spills over into desperate spite, no one is safe. And someone's going to be very sorry...

The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the Eighteenth Dynasty's royal family--with the exception of Nefertari, the niece of the reviled former queen, Nefertiti. The girl's deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But this changes when she is taken under the wing of the Pharaoh's aunt, then brought to the Temple of Hathor, where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the Crown Prince, and despite her family's history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes the union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Rameses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful Pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history. 

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Smart and ambitious, Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated was museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador, Thomas Jefferson, to her tableu of the royal family at dinner, Marie's museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, and even politics. Though many people are starving and can no longer afford bread, Marie's business is booming. In salons and cafés across Paris, people like Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there's whispered talk of revolution.

Spanning five years, from the budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom.

Follow Friday (25)

TGIF everyone! It's time for Follow Friday!

What is one thing you wish you could tell your favorite author?

Dear Lisa Ann Sandell:

Thank you for your gift of writing. I would be a different person than I am today without your stories. You are the reason I have taken up writing for myself. Thank you so much for your inspiration!

Anxiously awaiting your next novel,

Rachel

-To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
-(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
-(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers - Ali @ Ali's Bookshelf Reviews
-Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
-Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
-Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
-If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
-If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Happy Friday!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

GENRE

YA Dystopian Literature (374 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.



MY REVIEW

Alright, I admit that I am probably the last person on the face of planet Earth to read this novel. Every time I was asked if I have read this series, I was always greeted with shock and disbelief when I answered in the negative. I just have never found the dystopian genre appealing, whatsoever. And the idea of kids killing kids in a televised reality-type shindig was really not my cup of tea. So, when my mom brought this novel home one evening (a hopeful attempt to get my brother, who hates reading, to read) I decided I might as well read it and get it done with.

I finished it in 9 hours, reading non-stop. But let's not everyone jump out of their seats just yet.

First off, I have to give credit to Suzanne Collins. I can't even begin to fathom what kind of imagination she has to come up with a story like this. I just kept thinking to myself, as I was reading, "wow, a human being came up with this. Somebody actually imagined this world." That aspect of the novel just blew me away.

The plot was excellently paced. Definitely a page-turner. I wouldn't be surprised if my brother actually enjoyed a novel for once. There is plenty of action and some of the plot twists had me freaking out. Even though I tend to freak out a lot, this is definitely saying something. But let's not get off track here.

I also very much enjoyed Collins' writing. It flowed very well. Even though she is not heavy on the descriptions, the reader easily falls into the world of Panem. She has definitely mastered the art of trusting the reader and their imaginations. She won the author's battle that is as old as time itself: showing vs. telling. Suzanne Collins showed me the story, the characters, the places. Very powerful and masterful writing. Well done.

I think one of the main things this novel thrives on are its universal themes. Themes such as oppression, bravery, open-mindedness all resonated very well with the reader. I think that is why this series has been enjoyed world-wide. It really take a thorough examination of  humanity, both its flaws and its strengths. 

Alright, for those of you who are superfans of the series, please don't bite my head off. I just have to get this gripe out and be completely honest.

Gripe #1. Katniss. Yes, I thought she was very well written, it's just that at the end of the novel, I still felt only a superficial connection between us. I don't exactly know the rhyme or reason for this, as Collins provided excellent narration and backstory, I just felt there was a paper-thin wall of glass existing between us by the end of the novel that kept me from really getting to know/believing in Katniss Everdeen. Actually, I lied, I do have a theory.

I think Katniss' character had a bit of the "curse of the series." I feel that, had this novel been written without a sequel/series in mind, Collins would have put that last bit of effort into opening Katniss up to the readers completely. I know this is supposed to make the reader finish the rest of the series, it's just I didn't feel that deep of a connection with her. 

But all in all, I thought this novel was very, very well done. Like I said before, the whole dystopian thing is definitely not my cup of tea, however, that did not hinder me from discovering that this was a very good read. I applaud Suzanne Collins for the depth of her imagination and the craft of her writing. If, like me, you have passed up this book so far, please read it. You won't regret it.

Oh, and one more thing... may the odds be ever in your favor.



MY RATING

4.5****/*

Queen Defiant by Anne O'Brien

GENRE

Historical Fiction (412 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Orphaned at a young age, Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, knows she needs a strong husband to hold on to the vast lands that have made her the most powerful heiress in Western Europe. She welcomes her arraigned marriage to Louis the Sixth, King of France, hopeful of forging an influential partnership with him. But when Louis's fanatical devotion to the Church and weakness of will thwart her wishes--leaving her isolated and powerless--she seeks another way. 

In her quest for freedom from Louis, and in search of a man worthy to stand beside her, Eleanor will defy her husband, ally herself with secret lovers, risk her life on an adventurous Crusade, and challenge the Pope himself. And in the end she will meet Henry, Count of Anjou, brilliant, mercurial, and as impatient as she is to build a dynasty. Finally, within sight of passionate fulfillment with Henry, Eleanor will take the biggest gamble of her life--always a courageous queen defiant.


MY REVIEW

Eleanor of Aquitaine, much to my own surprise, had escaped my historical curiosity up until the purchase of this novel. I knew very little about this historical era (the early Middle Ages), but to tell the truth, after reading this novel I feel like I have been reacquainted with a long lost friend. 

Let me explain a bit. 

Eleanor, as she is presented by Anne O'Brien, feels like an old friend, an old confidante. She comes to life in such a way on the pages that it's like meeting some long lost part of yourself. Her emotions are incredibly real and heart-wrenching, and her dialogue is provoking and powerful. Her passionate narration is truly a window into the real Eleanor of Aquitaine and the woman she was. 

This novel focuses mainly on Eleanor's early years, prior to her marriage to Henry II and her rise in becoming Queen of England. To tell the truth, for those readers looking for the re-imagining of the famous turbulent later years of her life, read this book. After you do, you will feel like you don't need to read about her later life, because you already know the woman who was Eleanor of Aquitaine so well.

I am amazed that O'Brien was able to craft such a page-turning plot line from such a dark, hazy period in history. Her historical research is impeccable, and it shows. O'Brien utilizes her research in such a way that makes the "fiction" part of the genre of historical fiction completely and utterly believable, which is the aim of any good historical fiction author. 

The characters of the novel are all very well crafted and all have something to contribute to the story. The character of Louis VI was very well done as well. His insurmountable devotion to the Church is maddening, but at the same time, you feel such sorrow and pity, for both him and Eleanor. 

Eleanor's fight against the political and societal limitations surrounding her show beautiful depth into her strong character. Page after page comes defeat for Eleanor, yet still she stays strong. It is truly amazing that someone with such a fire in her spirit survived such a dark period in history. 

All in all, this novel was really outstanding. The plot was turbulent and exciting, the historical research phenomenal, and Eleanor was one of the best historical re-imaginings I have ever read. For those who are skeptical about this novel because of its less-than-interesting historical setting, believe me, you will not regret reading this novel. I certainly didn't. 


MY RATING

4.5****/*



Book #3 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Dancing at the Chance by DeAnna Cameron (ARC Review)

GENRE

Historical Fiction (336 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

New York City in 1907 is a kingdom of endless possibilities for anyone who dares to dream. The Gilded Age has ended, and immigrants fill the bustling streets. The glamour of Broadway lures those who desire the limelight-but only a few are fortunate enough to thrive in the lights of a city that casts long, dark, and merciless shadows...

Pepper MacClair and her mother arrived penniless in New York thirteen years ago, and their fortune has not changed. A dancer of fluid grace and motion, Pepper is still only one chorus girl among many, struggling for an opportunity to prove herself worthy of something bigger.

For now, Pepper dances at The Chance, a rundown venue long past its prime. It is not only Pepper's workplace, where she has pushed her physical endurance to its limit, but also her home. And as the larger world changes around her and she is pulled into the intrigues of New York's elite, it is her last hope, not only to fulfill her dream, but to fulfill her heart.

MY REVIEW

Author DeAnna Cameron was nice enough to contact me with a review request for her historical fiction novel, Dancing at the Chance, and I was most happy to oblige her. Although this time period in American history is a bit foreign to me, I was thrilled to be introduced to a newer (to me, that is) period of historical fiction.

Pepper MacClair, the protagonist of our story, was very well written. Cameron most definitely succeeded in making her plight entirely relatable to the reader. Every one of Pepper's triumphs and tragedies really resonates with the audience. As a former dancer, I could definitely relate to Pepper's struggle for perfection in the eyes of her Vaudeville audience. She has such a passion for her Vaudeville theater, which really enhances the story and makes it all the more special.

The plot of Dancing at the Chance was also very well done. Cameron utilizes an all-star cast of characters to really build a story that is gripping and completely believable. The plot in and of itself almost mimicked a Vaudeville show... complete with tantalizing entre-acts, sweeping middle acts, and the grandest Vaudeville finale New York in 1907 has ever seen.

The love story in Dancing was really touching and heartfelt. Not to give too much away, but it takes a long while for Pepper to find true love; and when she does, it is really beautiful. 

I was surprised at how much the historical setting really enhanced this story! Like I mentioned before, I did not know much about this period, just as a student of history. But DeAnna Cameron's integration of such a tumultuous time in the entertainment industry was fantastic. She clearly presented the struggle traditional Vaudeville actors were facing as the advent of the moving picture came to be. I was really fascinated by the workings of both Vaudeville and the early motion pictures.

All in all, this was a very good read. The brilliant cast of characters, the exciting story line, and the historical setting all made for one heck of a show. 

MY RATING

4.5****/*

Book #2 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

O, Juliet by Robin Maxwell

GENRE

Adult Historical Fiction / Retelling (306 pgs.)


SYNOPSIS

Before Juliet Capelletti lie two futures: a traditionally loveless marriage to her father's business partner or the fulfillment of her poetic dreams, inspired by the great Dante. Unlike her beloved friend Lucrezia, who looks forward to her arranged marriage into the Medici dynasty, Juliet has a wild, romantic imagination that takes flight in the privacy of her bedchamber and on her garden balcony. 

Her life and destiny are forever changed when Juliet meets Romeo Monticecco, a soulful young man seeking peace between their warring families. A dreamer himself, Romeo is unstoppable once he determines to capture the heart if the remarkable woman foretold in his stars.

The rich tale of passion, revenge, and tragedy on the cusp of the Italian Renaissance: a fresh twist on the Bard's beloved Romeo and Juliet. 


MY REVIEW


I will start off this review by saying that this novel has earned the honor of making me cry for at least a good five minutes after I finished the book. Not quite sure if that is an honor, but there it is. Not many books have really made me genuinely cry, rather than just tear up and sniffle. I can assure you there were many tears, a runny nose, and many tissues involved. It was a good cry.

That being said, I immensely enjoyed this book. The main reason I enjoyed it so much was that as an aspiring author, this is the genre that is dearest to my heart. It is something of a sub-genre to traditional Historical Fiction. This genre takes a well known story/legend (Romeo and Juliet, King Arthur, etc.) and retells it, kind of in a "What really happened," sort of way that makes the legend/story historically accurate and real, if that makes sense. I think this genre is just so instrumental in really bringing the legend to life. 

Robin Maxwell did a fantastic job of integrating the famous story of Romeo and Juliet into the historical time period of the Italian Renaissance. Throughout the story she was able to maintain the delicate balance between the famous tragedy we all know and a new, historically-accurate twist. 

Both halves of the tragic couple were very well written. Juliet was a strong, fierce character who I was instantly drawn to. I could really relate to her love of writing poetry, and her strength in continuing to write it no matter how badly  it was frowned upon at that time in history. Romeo was just as well written, and possessed such a great depth of character. Rather than being the swoony-heartthrob romancy-cliched Romeo, he was full of life; vibrant, soulful, and most definitely intriguing. 

The historical setting of this novel was truly breathtaking. Robin Maxewell's decision to set her novel in Florence rather than in the traditional Verona was an extremely good choice on her part. Since Florence was really the epicenter of the Italian Renaissaince, it just added so much more depth to the story. 

The way Robin Maxwell reinvented the plot of this story was absolutely amazing. I really could not put this book down. The way Maxwell is able to draw you into the story and make you completely absorbed in the plot was alarmingly good. I found myself (when Juliet is in trouble) yelling at my book, which to me, is a sign I am completely and irrevocably in the story.

All in all, this was a fantastic read. Robin Maxewell's historical re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet was truly breathtaking, in every sense of the word. It was absolutely moving and beautifully written. I definitely think Shakespeare would be proud.


MY RATING

5*****




Appropriateness Factors

There are a couple of bedroom scenes, not to graphic, but they are there. As always, take it for what it's worth.


Book #1 in Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2012

Alright so here's the lowdown. I missed the 2011 challenge by one book. One!

So this year, I am completely determined exact my revenge and have my 20 books in before the holiday season consumes me, as it did last year. Oh yes, I'm still going for the Severe Bookaholism here. 

So, without further ado, here's to a great year full of amazing historical fiction! Happy reading!

Contest for Aspiring YA Writers

This is a rare opportunity to get a renowned author or literary agent's feedback on your unpublished manuscript!


Pick one of the following stories from Book Wish Foundation's new book,What You Wish For, and write an essay of no more than 500 words about how the wishes in the story relate to the Darfuri refugees in eastern Chad. The stories were contributed for free by their authors so we could use the book's proceeds to develop libraries in Darfuri refugee camps. Essays will be judged on style, creativity, understanding of the story, and understanding of the refugees. If you win, either the story's author or the author's literary agent (as indicated below) will provide a one-page critique of the first 50 pages of a middle grade or young adult manuscript of your choosing. You will have six months to submit your manuscript, and the agent or author will have six months from submission to provide the critique.


To Enter:


Essays must be emailed to contest@bookwish.org no later than February 1, 2012, either pasted into the body of the email or attached as a Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or PDF file. Essays must include the name and email address of the entrant. Book Wish Foundation staff will judge the initial round of the contest and recommend finalists to the agents or authors, who will select the winners. Winners will be notified by email and announced on bookwish.org on or about March 1, 2012. Winners' manuscripts must be received by September 1, 2012. Manuscript critiques will be sent to winners within six months of receipt.

Essays may be published on bookwish.org. By submitting an essay, you grant to Book Wish Foundation the right to edit, publish, copy, display, and otherwise use your essay, and to further use your name, likeness, and biographical information in advertising and promotional materials, without further compensation or permission, except where prohibited by law. The preceding applies to the contest essays, not winners' manuscripts. Winners retain all rights to the manuscripts they submit for critique.

For more information, please see http://bookwish.org/contest.