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britomarte's review against another edition
2.0
This book couldn't decide whether it was fiction or fact, and so it failed at both. Skimmed, couldn't bear to read.
readmore13's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book as a participant in the Goodreads Giveaway Program.
I truly enjoyed learning about this historical event and having the participants fleshed out so clearly. Chantal Thomas has done a wonderful job of sharing her research and making this incident entertaining. When I finished I felt like I knew the story behind the story.
I truly enjoyed learning about this historical event and having the participants fleshed out so clearly. Chantal Thomas has done a wonderful job of sharing her research and making this incident entertaining. When I finished I felt like I knew the story behind the story.
indiepauli47's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
Lecture assez lente, plutôt compliqué à rentrer dans le livre. Mais les faits historiques très intéressants.
Lecture assez lente, plutôt compliqué à rentrer dans le livre. Mais les faits historiques très intéressants.
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
DNF'ing. In a year when I'm hoping to get 25 books read, I can't waste time on ones that bore me. I'm pretending I might pick this one up again but I really ought to just call a spade a spade a move on.
My biggest problem is the narrative style is oddly choppy and reminds me a bit of Hilary Mantel. It doesn't land for me; I don't know if it works better in French but as it is translated, it just feels distant and disjointed. I don't feel anything for our child brides, the princesses being exchanged between Spain and France, and despite the promise made in the Foreward -- an exploration of the emotional abuse caused by flinging children into strange households -- the novel felt super clinical.
My biggest problem is the narrative style is oddly choppy and reminds me a bit of Hilary Mantel. It doesn't land for me; I don't know if it works better in French but as it is translated, it just feels distant and disjointed. I don't feel anything for our child brides, the princesses being exchanged between Spain and France, and despite the promise made in the Foreward -- an exploration of the emotional abuse caused by flinging children into strange households -- the novel felt super clinical.
johannalm's review against another edition
4.0
The Exchange of Princesses, Chantal Thomas
Fascinating and unbelievable story based on true events. In 1721 two young princesses, one from Spain and one from France, are exchanged so that they can each marry the future kings of those counties. The agreement is made to end the on-going hostilities between the two countries. At the time of the exchange the Spanish princess is 3 and the French princess is 12. Both must leave their homes and travel to the other country to marry thier new husband. The French King to be is 11 and the Spanish heir to the thrown is 14.
A huge event at the time, much about the lives of the princesses and their spouses was reported on in the press, and many letters traveled back and fourth between the courts and those caring for and representing the princesses.Thomas uses portions of letters and pieces from the press reports to enhance the telling of this absurd, sad and ridiculous tale. The book highlights how little the young kings did to rule their country, how little they seemed to care about their roles, and how others made most of the decisions. The novel also details the ugly fighting and constant intrigue at court among the royalty, especially in France, to be the ones in control of the kings. It also emphasizes that even though the children were allowed to be children to some degree, they were also required to behave as adults in so many ways. Of course, nothing works out the way it was supposed to. Extremely well written and totally engaging
Fascinating and unbelievable story based on true events. In 1721 two young princesses, one from Spain and one from France, are exchanged so that they can each marry the future kings of those counties. The agreement is made to end the on-going hostilities between the two countries. At the time of the exchange the Spanish princess is 3 and the French princess is 12. Both must leave their homes and travel to the other country to marry thier new husband. The French King to be is 11 and the Spanish heir to the thrown is 14.
A huge event at the time, much about the lives of the princesses and their spouses was reported on in the press, and many letters traveled back and fourth between the courts and those caring for and representing the princesses.Thomas uses portions of letters and pieces from the press reports to enhance the telling of this absurd, sad and ridiculous tale. The book highlights how little the young kings did to rule their country, how little they seemed to care about their roles, and how others made most of the decisions. The novel also details the ugly fighting and constant intrigue at court among the royalty, especially in France, to be the ones in control of the kings. It also emphasizes that even though the children were allowed to be children to some degree, they were also required to behave as adults in so many ways. Of course, nothing works out the way it was supposed to. Extremely well written and totally engaging
mm81's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lbast's review
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
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