Madame Tussaud's Apprentice: An Untold Story of Love in the French Revolution by Kathleen Benner Duble

Oct 22, 2015 Kelly (Diva Booknerd) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: bloomsbury

I loved it. Over the past few months, I've developed a love for young adult fiction based upon the French Revolution, and Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is among the most passionate and engaging I've read thus far. Celie is homeless, thrown out onto the streets of Paris an orphan and not being able to afford the roof over her head. Rescued by Algernon, a young man living on the streets and has taught her to steal from the wealthy to survive. Algernon seems oblivious to her feelings towards him and I loved it. Over the past few months, I've developed a love for young adult fiction based upon the French Revolution, and Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is among the most passionate and engaging I've read thus far. Celie is homeless, thrown out onto the streets of Paris an orphan and not being able to afford the roof over her head. Rescued by Algernon, a young man living on the streets and has taught her to steal from the wealthy to survive. Algernon seems oblivious to her feelings towards him and while he promises to protect her, Celie is caught posing as a blind girl and swindles the Comte of his gambling winnings. In a stroke of luck, Manon Tussaud has also had her prized possessions stolen and seeing Celie's rare artistry, strikes a deal with the Comte to not only take the young orphan under her wing but to rid her of a life of crime.

Celie is no Eliza Dolittle, but a girl who now feels trapped by her debt to Madame Tussaud. She constantly worries for Algernon and his survival while she is seemingly living the high life according to her companion. I liked Celie's character, she was determined but also learnt from her mistakes and her indecisiveness only stemmed from her feelings for Algernon. He on the other hand was nothing more than a controlling presence that used guilt to keep Celie loyal. I loathed him. He isn't the villain, but I found no redeeming qualities within his character. Algernon is manipulative and only truly cared about his own interests.

At the heart of Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is the French Revolution, where the ruling monarchy was overthrown in favour of a republic. Lasting ten long and brutal years, Kathleen Benner Duble vividly describes the Revolution for the younger audience. But it does feature brutality and the execution of the royal family, beheadings and the gruesome task of creating wax models from the vigilante murders of officials and those deemed against the rebellion. Just a gentle warning for those who are sensitive to violence.

'Words are weapons Celie,' Manon says, 'as are symbols. Never forget that. The power of change can come not just by force, but by speech or a peaceful marching crowd.'

I loved Manon Tussaud. She was stern but incredibly patient and despite how abrasive Celie could be. She came to love the young orphan as her own child. I would have loved to have seen more interaction with the wax museum itself as it was such a big part of Manon's life.

Madame Tussaud's Apprentice was a fantastic read that will appeal to both young adult historical readers and those with a pendence towards the French revolution. Wonderfully written, it was a vivid tale depicting the Reign of Terror. Passionate, brutal and engaging. I loved it.
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Aug 21, 2014 Tweety rated it liked it

Recommends it for: YA historical Ficton Lovers

Shelves: ya, romance, sweet-and-clean-g-to-pg, france, reviewed, historical-fiction, revolution-era, georgian, owned, first-reads

3 1/2

This book surprised me, I don't know what I was expecting, but sure wasn't what I got. That is a good thing in case you are wondering.

When I found that I had won this in a Goodreads giveaway I had a moment of worry. I don't usually care for YA books, and I have never liked the kind that have twenty-first century characters clothed in period dress and in a historic time since I get jolted out of the time slot by the characters' actions. But, this book didn't do that. I like that everyone ac 3 1/2

This book surprised me, I don't know what I was expecting, but sure wasn't what I got. That is a good thing in case you are wondering.

When I found that I had won this in a Goodreads giveaway I had a moment of worry. I don't usually care for YA books, and I have never liked the kind that have twenty-first century characters clothed in period dress and in a historic time since I get jolted out of the time slot by the characters' actions. But, this book didn't do that. I like that everyone acted naturally with their own flair and in the right time. Also, it was quite exciting since I don't know a great deal about Madam Tussaude or what happened to her during the Revolution.

Celie is a guttersnipe, she has been since her parents death and since then has joined forces with another urchin, Algernon. Together they steal from the wealthy to feed themselves and get back at those who stole from them. I wasn't digging their love story much, it felt a bit like Marius and Eponine's love story only in a YA book. (Les Miserables) I guess I just don't care for young adult romance, it's not my cuppa tea. Not that they were sappy, I just wasn't into their romance. I think had they been older I'd have enjoyed it more.

Madam Tussaude was a fascinating character, I wish we could have gotten closer to her and her family, the author portrayed them all in such a kindly light. I love how we were shown a bit about the wax modeling. Now my dislike(s)

Since it is the French Revolution we can expect heads to "roll" as the author puts it. That's all good, we understand that. But, when Madam Tussaude has to plaster a head I don't think it's necessary to tell us it squished like a melon, when caught. Or that when one person lost his head, (that's not shown) that blood squirted people in the front row and that it came from his neck. Let's just leave it at blood all over the blade, shall we? I'm not saying the author added tons of gory details, I'm saying she added those two spots and that I wouldn't hand it to just any YA because of those thematic aspects. I don't want to give anyone nightmares! People who went through the Terror will have had plenty of them. It wouldn't bother me in a fact book written as cold facts, but in a book of action it isn't so distant. It wasn't even detailed, but one short sentence is enough. At least leave that sort of thing to or imaginations, I don't know about you but mine works fine without that kinda detail.

One other thing, in the middle one character becomes the bad guy, by the end he is good again, but I was lost between the transaction. Maybe because it was First Person and we don't get inside the persons head, but it felt strange that this character was such a good actor and could hide such a warm heart under a cruel exterior.

This book had a middle grade feel, but I wouldn't give it to middle schoolers in general. I'm puzzled, who was the audience for this? Older grades probably won't dig the romance and younger ones probably, won't care for Madame Tussaude's wax heads on dead humans.

If you're reading this and thinking I didn't like it, I did. It may not be my favorite book of this year but I did learn something and I enjoyed the message of this book, "family is worth living for, even more than freedom is worth dying for" and I am glad the characters came to that conclusion.

Thank you for my First Reads copy! I did enjoy it. :) ...more

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Nov 17, 2019 Leta Patton rated it did not like it

Yikes with the historical information and glaring inaccuracies. YA historical fiction deserves better 😬😬😬😬

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Jul 17, 2014 Summer rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, arc

At first, I absolutely adored this book. After further contemplation and after the initial buzz settled, my love wasn't quite as strong.

Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice can easily be summarized as thus: it is a story of a girl unwillingly caught up in the midst of one of the most contentious periods in history--The French Revolution. She is torn between joining the revolutionaries and staying impassive, a choice which will ultimately determine her fate in this war.

Duble’s interpretation of the Revol At first, I absolutely adored this book. After further contemplation and after the initial buzz settled, my love wasn't quite as strong.

Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice can easily be summarized as thus: it is a story of a girl unwillingly caught up in the midst of one of the most contentious periods in history--The French Revolution. She is torn between joining the revolutionaries and staying impassive, a choice which will ultimately determine her fate in this war.

Duble’s interpretation of the Revolution is an interesting one, but by no means untrodden upon. It’s hard to say whether Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice contributes anything fresh to the historical fiction genre, but in the end, I don’t believe that was the author’s goal. If her goal was to provide a gateway for young readers into a horribly underrated part of YA, then I’d consider her novel successful.

However, this novel is by no means flawless. I feel like I've read a very watered-down version of the French Rev that skims over the gruesome and complicated areas of the period. The book basically underestimates the intellect of young adults, so here's an FYI: Just because it's labeled "YA," does not mean you must dumb down the subject matter for your audience.

Because I like barricading.

Moreover, the characters’ interactions with each other feels overtly immature, as if the narrator has quite a narrow scope of life characteristic of an 8-year-old. (Seriously. I don't remember being that naive last year--or since elementary school, for that matter. And she's been living on the streets, so it's not as if she has lived a sheltered life.) The main characters aren't very memorable and the writing is a bit juvenile, which causes the overall story to be somewhat forgettable.

If the novel had been a bit longer, I probably would not have as many issues with it. But I feel like everything was rushed and that there wasn't enough time for much development, plot-related or otherwise. The characters admittedly do have a lot of potential, and if the author had spent more time developing them and their relationships, this book would have had more of an emotional impact on me. And although I enjoyed joining Algernon and Celie in their shenanigans,, I can't say I care for them much after finishing the book. Which is a shame.

~~A sequel would be nice.~~

While certainly not the best of the genre, Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice is as absorbing as it is audacious, and did not once fail in capturing my attention. Duble deftly and expertly manages to balance both the historical and fictional aspects; a true testament of her manifested talent. That said, the oversimplification of the French Revolution, as well as the seemingly artificial plot developments and characterizations, were perhaps the major downfalls of this too-brief novel. I would recommend to those looking for a light historical fiction read with a dash of adventure and a sprinkling of romance. ...more

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Jun 12, 2016 Kirstie Ellen rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommends it for: Everyone

Shelves: historical-fiction

4.5 stars

Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
This was brilliant and clever and I loved it. Such a clever representation of the French Revolution and utterly unique. This is one of the most interesting stories I've read in historical fiction - Madame Tussaud? Yes please.

Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice
This book was unbelievably enjoyable. The reason I first noticed it was because of its stunning cover, but then I read the title and decided that I absolutely had to have it. But then it got even better, when ...more

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Jan 02, 2018 Eline rated it really liked it

Really enjoyed this interesting book. I would love to read some more historical fiction after this book. It did feel a little bit rushed at some points, but that didn't bother me since I really wanted to know how the story would continue. Overall I very much enjoyed this book :) ...more

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Nov 09, 2015 Yolanda Sfetsos rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

When I received this book from Bloomsbury, I didn't know anything about it. After reading the blurb, I wasn't sure if I would actually enjoy it. I haven't read many books about the French Revolution, and I'm really fussy about historical stories. But I do know who Madame Tussaud is, and the thought of her having an apprentice intrigued me.

So I decided to give it a go... and I'm glad I did.

Célie and Algernon are teenage orphans who live on the streets of Paris and survive the only way they know h When I received this book from Bloomsbury, I didn't know anything about it. After reading the blurb, I wasn't sure if I would actually enjoy it. I haven't read many books about the French Revolution, and I'm really fussy about historical stories. But I do know who Madame Tussaud is, and the thought of her having an apprentice intrigued me.

So I decided to give it a go... and I'm glad I did.

Célie and Algernon are teenage orphans who live on the streets of Paris and survive the only way they know how--by stealing from the rich. After she lost her family, she nearly died on her way to Paris but was saved by Algernon. Not only does she owe him her life, but she's secretly in love with him.

The young girl also has a peculiar talent. She can remember every single detail she sees in front of her, and is then able to draw the scene. It's her artistic talent that gets her out of trouble after she is caught stealing.

When Manon Tussaud takes her into her care as her apprentice, she finds herself living in a comfortable home with nice, caring people who also teach her the trade of waxworks. Now she has shelter, food and a place to belong. The only thing missing is Algernon. She misses him, but he's caught up in his own cause.

Célie has always wanted equality in France, but after spending some time living in Versailles she realises that the royal family might actually be as much prisoners in their life of privilege as the poor people are in their misery. Nothing is black and white, but once she helps incite the revolution there's no going back. And as they say, heads will roll...

Wow. This book wasn't at all what I expected. In a good way.

I found myself swept up in Célie's story instantly, and couldn't wait to see where it would lead. I also really liked most of the characters. Actually, the only one I didn't like was Algernon. He was just so determined to change the world that he ends up being blinded by ambition, and often comes across as a callous user. Sometimes, when good people with good intentions attempt to shift the power away from oppressors, they become just as bad.

Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is a wonderful--yet sometimes quite bloody--coming-of-age story about a young girl trying to find her way in a miserable and dangerous city. It's also a story about finding hope after everything she cared about is taken from her, and realising that family isn't always blood. I also think that the French Revolution provided an intriguing and very violent backdrop for this timeless tale. Because this might be a historical story, but the hardship of the poor and the drama of love will never change.

I'm really glad I read this. And as soon as I finished it, I realised just how fitting the red cover is. ...more

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Jun 09, 2014 Jamie rated it liked it

I picked up a copy of the ARC at BEA.

Celie is an orphan, living on the streets of Paris with her partner in crime, Algernon, on the eve of the French Revolution. They stay alive by stealing from the aristocracy. When they have the chance to steal from the Comte d'Artois - the king's brother and the man responsible for the death of Celie's father - she jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, she is caught when a fellow orphan accidentally steals a bag of wax heads from the famous Madame Tussaud. Mada I picked up a copy of the ARC at BEA.

Celie is an orphan, living on the streets of Paris with her partner in crime, Algernon, on the eve of the French Revolution. They stay alive by stealing from the aristocracy. When they have the chance to steal from the Comte d'Artois - the king's brother and the man responsible for the death of Celie's father - she jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, she is caught when a fellow orphan accidentally steals a bag of wax heads from the famous Madame Tussaud. Madame Tussaud witnesses Celie's talent for drawing and convinces the Comte to release Celie into her care. She will apprentice in the museum, helping Madame and her partner design the displays.

The subtitle on the cover proclaims Madame Tussaud's Apprentice to be an "untold story of love in the French Revolution", but the book is just as much about Madame Tussaud's craft and what life was like during those turbulent times as it is about love. Celie's thoughts often turn to Algernon when they are separated, but she is swept up in the lives of the wealthy when she is brought by Madame to Versailles. Not to mention that Algernon still mourns the loss of his first love, Julia, who was killed by police.

I was just as intrigued by the other plots as I was between the romance between Celie and Algernon. Truthfully, it was difficult to tell if Algernon felt the same way about Celie as she obviously does about him. At times, it seemed as if he had feelings for her, and at others it appeared as though he were using her for her talent, the same way he claimed that Madame was. The real treasure - at least for history buffs such as myself - was in the description of court life at the time of Louis XVI.

I did have an issue with the passage of time. There were parts during the novel when I thought it was the next day, but then Celie would state that it was two weeks later. (It was always two weeks.) Also the personal relationships are never really delved into with the exception of Algernon and Celie's. Madame Tussaud clearly comes to care for Celie, and Celie views Madame as a mother, but this seems to come out of nowhere when it's addressed.

Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is a fascinating tale of a girl whose hurts run deep. She desires retribution for the loss of her family - her father was shot for trespassing and her brother and mother starved as a result - but once the Revolution begins and she sees what the masses have in mind, she starts to think twice about vengeance...and maybe she was wrong about Algernon as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it was a quick read as well. ...more

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May 24, 2016 Leila Karaca rated it it was ok · review of another edition

I considered stopping reading this book quite a few times. I didn't though, and I can't say I'm glad I stuck to it.
I was just hoping that at some point things would start kicking off and I'd be more interested in the story, but unfortunately that didn't happen.
None of the characters really impressed me or were very memorable.
The plot didn't do much for me and I felt like everything that happened in the book was rushed.
Things started to get a little better when the revolution began, and the book ...more

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Apr 12, 2014 Suzanne rated it really liked it

I'm always up for a story about the French Revolution, and until now, I didn't know that Madame Tussaud had been involved. This is a well-researched, well-crafted novel. I loved the details about life at Versailles, and I found Celie a strong and appealing heroine. ...more

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Jul 16, 2014 Emily added it

Shelves: 2014-releases

I wish I hadn't read this. ...more

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Jul 12, 2015 Teresa rated it really liked it

Review to follow - great book for age 12+ with backdrop of French Revolution and that fascinating woman Mme Tussaud.

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Apr 03, 2016 WatermeLoonie rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2016

Really cool seeing the French stuff before my trip! Yay

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Nov 22, 2016 Robyn Markow rated it liked it

Even though this book is written for the YA market;adults(myself included) will probably like this interesting,rather off-beat tale about fictional 15 year old Celie Rousseau ;who goes from living by her wits and hoping to be a part of the burgeoning Revolution in the streets of 1789 Paris along with her accomplice (and unrequited love) Algernon, to working for Famed Wax-Works Artist Madame Tussaud. After they get caught by King's brother, the Comte' De Artois whom,as a result to having Celie's Even though this book is written for the YA market;adults(myself included) will probably like this interesting,rather off-beat tale about fictional 15 year old Celie Rousseau ;who goes from living by her wits and hoping to be a part of the burgeoning Revolution in the streets of 1789 Paris along with her accomplice (and unrequited love) Algernon, to working for Famed Wax-Works Artist Madame Tussaud. After they get caught by King's brother, the Comte' De Artois whom,as a result to having Celie's father killed for some minor offense leaves family penniless, causing both her mother and younger brother to starve to death. Celie almost does as well but,thanks to Algernon saving her life after discovering her in a ditch and nursing her back to health,she survives. Celie then enters into a life of petty crime with him,which helps them exist on the mean streets of Paris. However,it just so happens that The Comte' is with future Madame Tussaud at the time and she notices Celie's incredibly detailed drawings of the Palais-Royale(one of her and Algernon's favorite places to rob wealthy patrons) which she points out to the Comte'. Therefore they enter a bet that they can reform this very artistically talented young thief. Manon(as she referred as in the book) then makes an an offer to Celie,who accepts only after she promises to take in Algernon as well. In Manon's comfortable home,where she lives with Manon's kindly mother ,aunts and uncle Curtius;who taught his niece how to sculpt from wax and now shows Celie,even though she is there primarily to sketch designs for the displays in the Wax Museum they run. Celie,who is caught after an attempt to run away with Algernon, both decide to stay, mostly as jail and hanging is a very dismal alternative. Celie grows to love working for Manon,as well as having enough to eat,living with a caring, well-off family and getting to stay in Versailles for a time to sketch the palace for a display (and even seeing Marie-Antoinette playing with her children at her model farmhouse) while Manon teaches the King's sister,Madame Elisabeth,who is as far as the callous,greedy stereotype of a royal as she can imagine, how to sculpt wax. However,her feeling that she should be in the streets with Algernon,fighting for change nags at her conscious(as well as her promise to get revenge on The Comte') so when Algernon,whose helping to build the scenery(and still thieving on the side) tells her that an important head of the upcoming Revolution wants her sketches,she's feels that this her chance to use her talents for good. Then when the actual Revolution happens,it's far different and much more violent than Celie could've ever imagined. Torn between her love and loyalty to Algernon,whom leaves the employ of the Museum to be a solider, as well as her growing attachment to Manon,whose becomes like a mother to her,she has to make some important life decisions, especially when her employer is jailed and about to be be-headed for socializing with The (now-former) Royal Family. A fast,interesting read in which the French Revolution is vividly depicted but not glorified as it goes into rather gruesome detail of beheading by Guillotine and the fact that Manon (assisted by Celie in this version)was forced to cast the heads in wax. The ending was a bit simplified but I kept in mind that was YA Historical Fiction so I accepted it and hope it leads to reading more adult books about The French Revolution and the famed Madame Tussaud,whose Wax Work Museums are in every major world city. ...more

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Feb 13, 2021 Sarah rated it did not like it

I don't comment often. There's also very little chance of me rating a book with 1 Star - after all, i chose to read it because it fits my preferences and mostly there's something, that i would like a about a book. Espcially historical fiction which I just love. But this, oh this..was the most annoying read in a while.

In historical fiction, I can overlook a lot of things. Timelines get changed, people get added or left out. I'm no stickler for historical accuracy - but for the love of books, the I don't comment often. There's also very little chance of me rating a book with 1 Star - after all, i chose to read it because it fits my preferences and mostly there's something, that i would like a about a book. Espcially historical fiction which I just love. But this, oh this..was the most annoying read in a while.

In historical fiction, I can overlook a lot of things. Timelines get changed, people get added or left out. I'm no stickler for historical accuracy - but for the love of books, the historical part was so blatantly crude and ham handed! It's like the author googled "French Revolution", speed-read through the Wikipedia Page and chose that that is enough information to write a book about it. She would also go on and just make the historical events fit the story - not the story fit the history.

Speaking of story - it could've been SO great. But there's really nothing that helps this book make it great. The history part seems like a highschooler researched it, the characters are either non-developed stand-ins or...stupid. Yes, the protagonist is stupid. She keeps asking herself questions that are just obvious.
There are protests going on in the city!
And as our dear Celie approaches the gates she really wonders: What could've made the guards leave their station? Well, Celie, think hard.
There are instances like this every few pages and i sometimes just had to shout out loud how darn stupid this girl seems to be. I'm not talking about questionable decisions..there would be no History and no books without people making bad decisions. But this girl is just the Goofy of the bunch. She can't seem to make a normal connection between two different kinds of information that are given to her. I'm sure that if you hit her over the head with a saucepan, she would

a) Notice the saucepan and remind us, how hungry she is.
b) Notice the pain and remind us, that her mother died of hunger
c) Wonder where the pain came from.

The second part of the "Untold Story of Love" is a boy whose name i've already forgotten..and i just put the book down. He does seem handsome, because well, Celie really is smitten with him. But i'm not sure if he says anything of substance in the whole book. He seems to be a stand-in for the good-looking rebel-guy because well, we needed a love interest.

Now, you might think that at least the writing is good? No, it's mediocre at best. At the start of the book Celie often seems very exited! Or she seems sad! Explaining some very troubling things! And the only way the author can convey that, are exclaimation points! My father died! Dear me I'm hungry! He won't look at me!

I really think the author bit off more than she could chew. She seems to think that giving characters the sadest back story imaginable - Dead parents, dead fiancees., hunger, homelessness. - is enough to create 'character'. Well it's not. Putting french words in italic text into a book also does not build an atmosphere. Putting some events in a certain order (which often are wrong in this book) - does not make history.

It's actually a shame that this book is so bad. The story could've been great. But as it is, it's just bad and lacking in every part, that makes books great. I couldn't recommend this book for anyone: Romance lovers, history buffs, lovers of historical fiction,- you'll all be sorely disappointed. ...more

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Aug 10, 2018 Christine rated it it was amazing

I'd been wanting to read MADAME TUSSAUND'S APPRENTICE by Kathleen Benner Duble because I studied the French Revolution in a French-language university course. I wanted to see how the author handled such a complex subject.

I write and read a lot of historical fiction. What was off-putting about this novel for me, but maybe not for young readers, was the first-person present tense (mostly the latter) that gave it a contemporay voice at times.

However, I think the story would be interesting to youn ...more

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Jan 01, 2016 Jenna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copy, young-adult, romance, historical-fiction

3.5 stars. This review also appears on Happy Indulgence. Check it out for more reviews!
A copy of this book was provided by Bloomsbury Australia for review. All opinions are my own.

This was an enjoyable historical fiction novel set during the French Revolution. Even though I love my historical fiction, this is the first one that I’ve read about 18th century France, and I found it to be highly fascinating.

In this book, our protagonist, Celie, is an orphan living on the streets of Paris with Algern ...more

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Feb 01, 2017 Drucilla rated it liked it

Shelves: d

This was a good, solid historical read. Duble did a great job of showcasing each side's point of view and making each sympathetic. Placing Celie with the famous Madame Tussaud was a great touch and it was rather refreshing to have such an interesting historical figure in the mix. The book does do that thing where the author reminds you the characters are speaking another language by using words here and there in that language that the reader would know. For example, here it's oui, non, mon dieu, ...more

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Jul 16, 2017 F.Ango rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017

This was my first historical fiction novel and I'm not too much a fan of romance, but this book was amazing. The French included in this book was easily understood and the character growth was on point. I found that I was cheering for the couple as the story continued and when the characters felt sad or unhappy I felt the same way. I have always wondered what it was like to have some of the experiences that people had in the past and I was thrilled that the experience was immersive. I would cert ...more

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Jul 02, 2018 Lotte rated it it was ok

Interesting time period, the french revolution! But I thought the main character Célie was pretty annoying and naïve... So dependent of others. I also thought the writing was a little repetitive at times.

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Nov 15, 2018 Cym rated it it was amazing

I liked it. It’s interesting and a page-turner. Even though there were some gruesome scenes, I know it’s necessary to tell of the horrors of war. My eldest daughter, who’s 11, also liked it. She may have learned a little French.

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Jul 24, 2019 Ashley rated it really liked it

4.5 out of 5 stars.
I loved this book and the main character was very well written. The love interest and overall plot wrapped this story together. After finishing it, I teared up. This book is beautiful.

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Mar 21, 2020 Kelly PT rated it liked it

Shelves: read-2020

I hated Algernon. Toxic warning.

The twist at the end was a little bit WTF, like suddlenly he is good?

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Jul 28, 2015 Linda Hepworth rated it liked it

This story is set in France just before, and during, the French Revolution. Célie was fifteen when her father was shot by men employed by Comte de Artois (the king’s brother) because he was unable to pay the iniquitous taxes demanded. When her mother and younger brother die of starvation six months later, Célie is evicted from the only home she has ever known. Having no relatives or friends to turn to, she decides to head for Paris to join with those who are determined to change the plight of th This story is set in France just before, and during, the French Revolution. Célie was fifteen when her father was shot by men employed by Comte de Artois (the king’s brother) because he was unable to pay the iniquitous taxes demanded. When her mother and younger brother die of starvation six months later, Célie is evicted from the only home she has ever known. Having no relatives or friends to turn to, she decides to head for Paris to join with those who are determined to change the plight of the poor, and to put an end to being subjected to the whims of the wealthy and powerful. However, on her journey to the city she collapses with hunger, falls into a roadside ditch and is left there until rescued and cared for by the slightly older Algernon. He is also homeless and has learnt how to survive on the streets. Equally fiercely resentful of the discrepancies between rich and poor, they start to work together, stealing and cheating both in order to survive, and also to relieve the rich residents of Paris of some of their wealth. It is during a particularly daring exploit to deprive the Count de Artois of his money during a card game that their cleverly rehearsed ruse is discovered. Algernon escapes but, because she takes time to insult her hated enemy, Célie is arrested. In a separate, but linked, incident Madame Tussaud, the famous waxwork model-maker, is robbed of a bag which contains several waxwork heads. As Célie had seen the young thief, she is asked to draw a description of him. Although not prepared to “shop” a fellow street-urchin, she loves drawing and, mischievously, produces a remarkably detailed portrait of a householder she and Algernon had robbed on a previous escapade. Her impressive skill as an artist, and her minute attention to detail, lead Madame Tussaud to plead with the Count not to press charges, and to release the young girl into her care so that she can help to create the back-drop scenery for the ever-changing waxwork exhibitions. He agrees, but makes a bet that she will not be able to reform Célie.
Through this sudden and dramatic change in her circumstances, Célie is introduced to a much more comfortable life and, having secured a job for Algernon with Madame’s family, she begins to enjoy its luxuries, even whilst feeling guilty that she is betraying her roots and the causes of the poor. These feelings are strengthened when Madame Tussaud takes her to Versailles where she mixes with royalty, and sees opulence and excess on a grand scale. However, she also experiences kindness from the very people she had previously hated, and sees that although they live lives of privilege, they are also, in many ways, prisoners in this life of luxury. She is faced with a dilemma – is everything really as black and white as she had previously thought? People she had despised and had been determined to call to account are kind to her, and seem to care for her; and what is so wrong about enjoying the ease of her new life. On the other hand, if she compromises her ideals she will be letting down not only Algernon, her fellow street-dwellers and her late family, but also her deeply held belief in her revolutionary ideas. She finds herself faced with hard choices.
I thought that this story captured the horrors (occasionally rather too graphically, especially when the effects of beheading by guillotine were described!) that a bloody revolution can bring. It demonstrated how loyalties and principles are challenged, and highlighted some of the moral and ethical choices people often have to face. It also explored the emotional strength the support of a loving family can offer. The detailed descriptions of the processes involved in creating waxwork figures was fascinating, as was the information about the purpose the exhibitions portraying current events served in this period. These tableaux were a means of conveying current news to the people, many of whom could not read the papers.
I found most of the plot development and character portrayal reasonably credible, but I think that the romantic element in the relationship between Célie and Algernon was not only unconvincing, but also something of a rather irritating distraction. I think the story-line would have been more effective had he remained a friend and protector.
I thought that the author used her research into the history of the period just prior to, and during, the French Revolution with a light touch. This approach would probably appeal to young teenagers because it would engage their interest without it feeling too much like a school history lesson – although I wish she had resisted some of the historical distortions she admitted to! However, for a young adult this aspect of the story-telling would possibly feel too superficial. This highlights a real dilemma for me in reviewing what is otherwise a quite charming and entertaining novel: it is described as Young Adult Fiction, but I think that it would be more appropriately aimed at a younger age group, say 11-15 year olds.

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Aug 21, 2014 Autumn rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya, historical-fiction

I realized while reading this book that ive totally missed out in reading historical fiction centered around the French Revolution. Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice or MTA (which is what I will now refer to it as because its easier) is set in the midst of the French Revolution and its beautiful. I kind of feel like I was sneakily taught a few things about the Revolution and I love that!

Celie is living on the streets and has for sometime now. She has since her parents died. One for chasing a chicken a I realized while reading this book that ive totally missed out in reading historical fiction centered around the French Revolution. Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice or MTA (which is what I will now refer to it as because its easier) is set in the midst of the French Revolution and its beautiful. I kind of feel like I was sneakily taught a few things about the Revolution and I love that!

Celie is living on the streets and has for sometime now. She has since her parents died. One for chasing a chicken and the other starvation. The times they weren’t pretty at all. Her life was saved by Algernon, he nursed her back to health and together they rule the world. Just kidding they don’t, they do whatever they can to get by. If it means breaking into houses, pity pocketing or scamming people they will do it. And that’s how we get into trouble. When one of their schemes goes wrong they are caught. Celie’s life is saved only by her ability to draw. Madame Tussaud or Manon as she is referred to in this novel bets against the king’s brother that she can reform Celie. Celie just doesn’t care. All she wants is to get away and back into Algernon’s side. She’s hopelessly in love with him by the way. The thing is he is in love with a ghost. Not like a real ghost but a girl he once loved and carried in his arms as she died. Celie KNOWS this but still it tortures her.

Manon gives Celie a place to live, clothing and teaches her the fine art of wax making. I LOVED Manon. She was so clever! So honest, so real. While Celie was a brat half the time. I really don’t blame her after everything she’s been through and going on, god she’s only 16 shes allowed to be a brat at least in my book. Celie runs away a few times and the last time she convinces Manon to bring her “brother”, Algernon along. And things go well for a while. Oh man, let me back track just a bit here because if I don’t nothing will make sense. At this point in the book, in history the people are starving and well you know how that goes the king and his family live a life of luxury the people want to over throw their king. You remember all this stuff im sure. Now the girl who died in Algernons arms she died as a result of being beaten to death by the kings men. He vowed to get back at them. He is with the rebels, the nationalist. And he’s determined to make those people pay for their crimes. He’s even got Celie to help him. So back to where we were. Things are going good for them they no longer have to steal and cheat people out of money and while Celie is happy learning wax making Algernon is still pissed and looking for his revenge.

Things change when Manon and Celie are called to court. They are called upon by the king’s sister, Elizabeth. Now at Versailles, Celie really gets to see the magnitude of the luxuries to which the court lives by. I think their time at court was my absolute very parts of the book. I was truly transported into the story. I even dreamt about it. I only vaguely remember my dream so I wont share because it will be utter nonsense. The point is the writing is immaculate. Now they are only at court for a short while they leave in quite a hurry when the people really start to move upon Versailles. I don’t think I’m spoiling much with that.

After the nationalist take over things change for EVERYONE. And Madame Tussaud was not immune in fact she was imprisoned as a sympathizer. Something I did not know! The whole story was amazing! So amazing in fact that it took me a few days after reading this book to realize there was no love triangle. Thats right there was no love triangle per se. While there was a few moments where Celie had to choose between her newly formed family and Algernon. There was no other boy for her. Algernon really just pissed me off and never really redeemed himself in my eyes. The lack of love triangle was so REFRESHING! It truly was.

I cannot tell you how much I love this book. The writing was BEAUTIFUL. The characters were so real and honest. Even the jerky ones. The story was fascinating. I simply devoured it and was left wanting more. Since this is a standalone ill have to settle with another book of Kathleen Benner Duble’s but you know what im totally okay with that! ...more

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Feb 19, 2016 Melani Cruz added it

Madame Tussaud's Apprentice, written by Kathleen Benner Duble, Is a story set in 1789 and throughout the french revolution. Celie(the main character) is very brave. Like when she stood up against the guards(sergents) when she wouldn't tell them where the other thief was (pg.24). Celie is also very talented when it comes to drawing, when the lady (Manon) she started to draw what Manon and the guard thought was the other thief. They said it was so detailed (pg.28). Lastly Celie is very smart when Madame Tussaud's Apprentice, written by Kathleen Benner Duble, Is a story set in 1789 and throughout the french revolution. Celie(the main character) is very brave. Like when she stood up against the guards(sergents) when she wouldn't tell them where the other thief was (pg.24). Celie is also very talented when it comes to drawing, when the lady (Manon) she started to draw what Manon and the guard thought was the other thief. They said it was so detailed (pg.28). Lastly Celie is very smart when the guards and Manon where going to take her back to Manon's home. She hears Algernon's taps and she knows that he saying ¨Go¨ and ¨Go. I will follow¨(pg.33). In this story Celie gets an opportunity that decides her life, If she lives or dies. Luckily she decides to go Manon and lives. She starts to work for her but doesn't enjoy it. On her first night she tried to leave, It didn't go too well. ¨I place my hand on the knob and turn, stepping into the room. Two severed heads stare at me, their eyes wide, their mouths open in a sick kind of grimace . Blood drips from their necks. I let out a scream, and then, everything goes black¨ (pg.46).

In this story the point of view is in the first person. Celie is the one telling the story.This has not a huge affect on the but it's still some affect in the story because we wouldn't know what other character are doing unless Celie is present. We wouldn't know what other characters like Manon or Algernon are thinking unless they say it. One theme in this story is don't judge someone just by thinking there the same as the other person. Because when Celie met Manon she probably thought she was going to be cruel to her like the guard for stealing,but she was surprise that she invented her into her home to work for her. Another theme is never be afraid to stand up for yourself. When Manon was taking her to her home and they used a carriage to get there. Celie refused to get in and she grabbed some mud and started to rub it all over herself. Then she got down on the ground and started rolling around in the mud. One mood word to describe this story would be crazy because of how they do there work like planing what to do next and later the riot begins to happen. Another mood word for this story is war, because this story takes place during the french revolution. ¨Then, from somewhere nearby, I hear the distant sound of tapping. I hold still, listening. Go, the tapping says. Go. I will follow¨. This quote is the most important quote in the book, because to me this mean that Celie and Algernon are very close. That they're there for each other. To Celie this would mean she knows that Algernon will always have her back and help her.

Celie is very brave, smart, and talented. She has very amazing drawing skills. When they asked her to draw the other thief. They though it was very detailed (pg.28). Some people say that I am also good at drawing. One trait we have is being good at drawing. This book on a scale from 1 to 10. it would be a 9. One thing I liked about the book was how Manon gave Celie a chance to live and come work for her. Something that I dislike about the book was at some points in the book it can get confusing but overall this book is amazing once you start to read you wouldn't want to put the book down until you finish. People interested in this book would be people who enjoy to read about history, romance, and adventure.

SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

When Celie was taken to Manon's home she learned how to make wax figures that Manon and her uncle taught her to make. Later on he tries to escape when Algernon comes to her recuse. Sadly they both get caught. Algernon and Manon both have to work for Manon. One day Manon takes Celie on a trip to the kings home. The day she left. She and Algernon didn't seem happy on how they left things off. Once she came back the riots and exacutions started to happen. Celie and Manon were force to make wax heads of the people who were executed. In the end they all just ran away from all the craziness. ...more

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Jul 25, 2014 Meghann (Becoming Books) rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, reviewed, summer-challenge, 2014-releases

My love/hate affair with historical fiction...
I've always struggled with historical fiction so I have to admit when I got this in the mail I was just ehh... but the cover staring at me day in and day out eventually won me over. With the French Revolution in its infancy, Celie and Algernon seek rebellion with the commoners against the French monarchy. Similar to the tune of classical literature during the same time period Madame Tussaud's Apprentice struggles to take off in the first half of the ...more

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Sep 10, 2015 Liz rated it liked it · review of another edition

3.5/5

Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice was an interesting read and I liked the way the fictional story and real events were weaved together.

I have to admit, I don’t know a lot about the French Revolution, but the author’s note at the end of the book was very informative and gave insight into a lot of what happened in the book. I did a bit of Wiki-ing after finishing the book, and it’s clear that the author toned down things a bit and changed up some stuff to make things easier to read. I was fine with 3.5/5

Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice was an interesting read and I liked the way the fictional story and real events were weaved together.

I have to admit, I don’t know a lot about the French Revolution, but the author’s note at the end of the book was very informative and gave insight into a lot of what happened in the book. I did a bit of Wiki-ing after finishing the book, and it’s clear that the author toned down things a bit and changed up some stuff to make things easier to read. I was fine with this, but I imagine it might bother you a little if you’re a real history buff. In general though, the book gives you a very basic overview of of what happened during the French Revolution, which is enough to help understand the story (and will perhaps inspire you to some of your own research afterwards).

Célie was a thief living on the streets, and had no-one but Algernon, the boy who saved her when she was dying in a ditch. She had a hard life; her whole family was dead, she was just about managing to survive herself, and she was angry with the rich people who lived in luxury while the majority of people were starving and unable to feed their families. She stole from the rich, or scammed them, and she and Algernon tried their best to hold on to their beliefs about equality. I liked Célie, though I did think she could be very naive at times. Apart from that, she was a good character to follow. She had trouble in situations where she was expected to act proper and like there was nothing wrong, when people were dying needlessly every day. She also didn’t compromise her beliefs, even when it led to conflict with Algernon, the person she loved the most at the start of the book. I really enjoyed seeing Célie’s relationship with Manon (Madame Tussaud) develop and how they grew to care for each other. It was nice to see a bond like that, and Manon was probably one of my favourite characters in the book. She did what she had to survive, and she didn’t sugarcoat things. At the same time, she took care of Célie when she didn’t have to, and helped her more than she needed at the start, even before they had gotten to know each other. I also quite liked Manon’s uncle - her whole family, actually. They were a nice unit and obviously cared a lot for each other.

I really struggled to like Algernon. Even at the start of the book, he was just eh. I didn’t warm to him, and I wasn’t really invested in the romance, so I didn’t really care whenever Célie was expressing how much she loved Algernon but couldn’t be with him. It was okay though, because there were a lot of other interesting scenes that made up for my lack of interest in the romance.

The writing was a little choppy at the start but got better as the book went on - I think it was just the opening chapters that were introducing the story. Plot-wise, it was insightful to see the Revolution through Célie’s eyes. I would have maybe liked a bit more detail in places but I can understand that things had to be omitted to made the book more readable and not too long. The ending wrapped things up nicely and left off in a place where you knew what would happen next (and more was explained in the author’s note, which was nice).

Overall, I enjoyed Madame Tussaud’s Apprentice. It wasn’t as action-packed as I was expecting, and there were a lot of “a few weeks later”s instead of descriptions of events, but it was worth the read and would likely be enjoyed to those interested in Madame Tussaud or the French Revolution, or history in general. ...more

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Jun 26, 2014 Miranda Lynn rated it it was ok

Shelves: young-adult, read-2014, arc, hf-1700s

2.5 stars

When I received Madame Tussaud's Apprentice in the mail, I was really excited. I absolutely love historical fiction and I've never read anything about this time period before. I've been to the New York City Madame Tussaud's a few times and have always thought it was really cool, so I couldn't wait to read a story about this famous and intriguing character. And look at that cover!! Gorgeous.

Ultimately, the book ended up being not as great as I'd hoped it was going to be. I was looking fo ...more

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Jul 05, 2014 Carrie Mansfield rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, young-adult, history

Copy of eARC provided by the publisher in exchange for fair review.

Review will be available on my blog: Fantasy Findings

When it comes to historical fiction of any stripe there's a very real danger that all authors face: that they will inscribe modern mores and beliefs on characters who likely would not hold them if they were true to the time period. I believe that Benner Duble has fallen into this trap.

Celie is a illiterate peasant girl. Her father was killed by a noble-man for trespassing on hi Copy of eARC provided by the publisher in exchange for fair review.

Review will be available on my blog: Fantasy Findings

When it comes to historical fiction of any stripe there's a very real danger that all authors face: that they will inscribe modern mores and beliefs on characters who likely would not hold them if they were true to the time period. I believe that Benner Duble has fallen into this trap.

Celie is a illiterate peasant girl. Her father was killed by a noble-man for trespassing on his lands. As a result of her father's death, her mother and brother starve when all they have harvested is sent to the Comte to his fees and she flees to Paris. She goes both for revenge and

"...determined to join the group of men and women who wanted to change the plight of the poor in this country, to stop those with less form being subjected to the whims of the wealthy. I resolved to find that group and become one of them."

This girl is starving and barely making ends meet by thieving and you expected to believe her (many repeated) claims that she wants to help the poor? Perhaps if time was spent developing her character further before getting into the action (and at a paltry 224 pages she would have had plenty of room to do so) I might be more inclined that she was so kindhearted. Or, maybe my disbelief comes from the fact that this peasant girl speaks (see above) and almost acts like someone with a great education. She firmly believes that all can be solved by talking and is genuinely shocked when violence breaks out. It comes off as incredibly naive, and perhaps more fitting of a member of the bourgeoisie or other educated class, not someone of her status.

My other problem is how Celie's development (what passes for it anyway) is handled. She is rightly terrified and disgusted of the horrors she is subjected to witness and even quite clearly states she is done with revenge, but yet at the very end of the book, before blood has even dried on dirt, she is suddenly dreaming of vengeance once more. Say what? She spends a good chunk of the book absolutely hating what the Revolution has turned into, arguing with her boyfriend over the acts that he oversees and then suddenly poof! All gone. We're safe and so now we can take our non-lethal revenge against this guy. It's like whiplash. I get that she hates the guy (and not unfairly so) but at least can she have time to get over the trauma of the past few weeks first?

Anyway, aside from that issue, if you're really looking to learn what Madame Tussaud was like, this isn't the place to look. We get a tour of the wax-works and the like, but we really don't spend much time there. It makes up a pretty minor part of the plot.

Finally, the author sprinkles in random French phrases like "Algernon had come up with a plan and it was très brillant." it was inconsistently done and it was just kind of annoying. It's a story set in France. Of course they're speaking French! Readers don't need that reminder. It's a stylistic quirk I've seen pop up in other books and I wish writers would stop it.

This book is a fast little read and I do think that the author did a good job conveying the swiftness of events and horror or the whole affair. That said, character development was lacking all around and I think the book could have been so much more had she taken the time to round out all of her characters. ...more

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