Won as a goodreads giveaway!

I really, really enjoyed this. This is a historical novel, not a historical romance - which I appreciated!

It takes you through the French Revolution from the point of view of Marie Grosholtz (who later becomes Madame Tussaud under circumstances I could hardly believe!). Marie is a perfect narrator, because she straddled both sides of the revolution - the royal family and the Jacobins - which only adds to the drama of an already fraught time.

Seriously, if more history books were written like this, I might have actually enjoyed my history classes! I learned a lot that I didn't know, and I enjoyed it. The characters and their actions are both disturbing and yet so, so real.

The author includes a historical note at the end explaining where she took small liberties with history, and which unbelievable parts are true.

All in all, a wonderful read. Will recommend.