The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette

Yet another fictionalized version of the life and times of one of France's most famous Queens. I am addicted to historical fiction such as this, and the detailing of her personal trials was very appealing to me. Also, diary format novels tend to be easier to read, although they usually lack depth. Erickson's vision of Marie is sympathetic, yet alludes to her naive personality traits - this is done very well, giving her very human-like qualities and a conscience, while at the same time addressing her self-righteous faults. The dialogue is well written (something I have trouble with myself) and the entire book is a good example of showing mounting despair and the culmination of events, as well as time progression. That said, the dates show more were strangely off (not historically, but mathematically ... for example, she said that something happened two years before, but according to the dates in the book, it was less than a year) and the entries about Marie being in love are tedious and trite. The author skipped over important events. If they are even covered, they lack detail and description. In fact, the entire tome uses repetitious images and doesn't have much visual imagery. Of course, the journal entries could just be a personificaition of the author's purpose - that is, to show a vapid, almost shallow girl mature into a woman of strength and pride - by using ideas over and over to show childishness. In the end, though, this was most definitely a page turner: gripping, sometimes shocking (see page 316), and emotionally filling. The pages of the brutality of the French Revolution were particularly eye opening for me. I found myself wanting more, Erickson's portrayal of Marie being both fascinating and quite beautiful in its own simplistic way. show less

It was just okay for me. It was very easy reading - read it in one day! Nothing that I didn't know and although it is historical fiction - "hearing" it in her own words didn't engage me any further. Marie had a tough situation as Louis XVI should never have been King - he didn't want to be. She was forced to make decisions she wasn't educated to do. Additionally, she was spoiled and bored and they all spent money they didn't have. I still admire her and her inner strength that she had to rely on at the end but as far as the book went - was just "meh" for me.

An enjoyable, if fluffy, account of Marie Antoinette's life if she had kept a diary. But why wasn't this fictional ever discovered in all the searches and seizings of her property? Oh well, guess that's why it's "historical entertainment". Oh, and be warned, there's a fairly high gore factor.

I loved this book and, not surprisingly, it was far better than the TV movie that was based upon it. Marie's voice was clear, emotional, strong and vibrant. You could see her child-like qualities, how she evolved and grew with age and experience and understand her perspective on the times. Too bad her husband, the King, was such a dolt and didn't take her warnings and council seriously or she might of lived to see her grandchildren.

I must confess I really knew very little about Marie Antoinette before reading this, so cannot verify the historical accuracy, though that is addressed in the author's note. This historical novel paints her as a tragic, strong and well-intentioned but often maligned woman, saddled with an indecisive king. Written as a series of diary entries from the time when she is a young girl at home in Austria until her last moments before execution. The story runs the range from frivolous pursuits to bloody massacres, so read be prepared! I'm definitely interested in reading more French history.

This book is an invented journal written by Marie Antoinette, the queen of France who was sent to the guillotine during the French Revolution in 1793. The book starts out with her childhood as Austrian Archduchess Maria Antonia -- her royal family, the death of her sister and her ultimate betrothal to Louis XVI. Once Marie Antoinette arrives in France and is crowned queen, you see through her eyes the daily bombardment of rules, luxury and excess. Louis is simple, unwilling to make decisions, and weak. She becomes fond of Louis, becoming his friend and confidant throughout their marriage. Marie Antoinette also an affair and falls in love with Swedish nobleman Axel Fersen.

Various events and happenings, fictional and real, are woven show more together to give a glimpse at what Marie Antoinette's life could have been like. She had four children, only two survived. She was unilaterally hated by the French people for her excess and lavish lifestyle. She was made a scapegoat for a way of life, and was ultimately executed for being who she was.

The book was interesting, well paced and generally on track. Too many outlandish tales could have lead this book astray, but Carolly Erickson managed to keep the tall tales to a minimum. The book is definitely sympathetic to Marie Antoinette. She was not the villain she was made out to be by the peasantry of France. She was a victim of circumstance – she was condemned because she was born to royalty. She was neither a saint nor evil.

I enjoyed this book. It made me want to learn more about her as a person, though the fictionalized areas of the book were frustrating at times. show less

biographical fiction that recounts the life of Marie Antionette from age 12 till her death. I am usually indifferent to historical fiction but this book has sparked an interest for me. Cant wait to read some of the authors other works