Due to partiality towards my favourite Queen, Marie Antoinette, I have to admit that I was very reluctant to read this novel. I knew right off the bat that some things in this book would definitely rub me the wrong way…so let’s see how that turned out;)

Written as a memoir, Count Axel von Fersen’s story is presented to us as an edited version published by Sophie, his sister. Hence, there are passages and chapters interjected by Sophie’s account of what happened as well as those by Axel himself. The historical details are incredibly palpable bringing you a sense of actually being there.

Despite the title, I found The Queen’s Lover though to be mostly about the Queen’s life rather than about her alleged lover. Many of the events that occurred are true to the history as can be attested by similar written works already seen on Marie Antoinette. That being said, there are no big surprises here when it comes to Marie Antoinette’s story.

As for the Count’s extraordinary life, it seemed that it was mostly his flagrant sexual encounters that were rendered the most descriptive. His insatiable ravaging of almost any female he encountered rendered his adulterous affairs hard to comprehend the undying love he claimed for his queen…Go figure! In contrast, his great accomplishments read more like facts that happened as these were presented through many quotes and mostly letters to his father.

One thing that pleased me about this novel was that Axel was always portrayed as respectful and caring to both the Queen and Louis XVI. Throughout the book there is not one passage that tears down the character of these two royals. The immense respect and love is felt throughout. I also appreciated the fact that there were no vulgar descriptions or any graphics at all when mentioning the suggestive of Axel and the Queen’s more than friendly relationship (surprising considering the overly descriptive info with his other flings!).

This fact-filled memoir of Count Axel von Fersen’s chapter in Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI’s life is an interesting read.

I reviewed the Queen's Lover as part of the TLC Book Tours