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A review by johannalm
The Exchange of Princesses by Chantal Thomas
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