The Sisters of Versailles Book Review

Hello everyone! Today I have a quick book review/recommendation! This is a historical fiction novel called The Sisters of Versailles by Sally Christie. I've copied this straight from my good reads, so please follow me on there if you have one too! We can be bookish friends! I'm bookishmunchkin :) Hope you enjoy!

Alette

This is the first in a trilogy all about the mistresses of King Louis XV. I am so happy someone has dedicated a whole trilogy to this because the reign of Louis XV is kind of forgotten among the previous and later kings. 

This book is solely focused on the Mailly-Nesle sisters and their scheming and fighting to get into the arms of Louis. The story starts with Louis tiring of his wife and from there, debauchery begins! This book is so entertaining and well written; it's the perfect blend of historical fact but with fictional embellishment in personalities so the characters come alive! 

There are five Mailly-Nesle sisters, (by the way, it's pronounced My-ee Nell) Louise is the eldest and sweetest, Pauline is next and ruthless, Hortense is gorgeous and pious, Diane is simple but hilarious, and Marie-Anne is scheming and apathetic. Together, they cause all sorts of mischief between themselves, the king, and court. I love how each sister is portrayed with her faults and flaws but also with a side of humanity at certain parts. Usually in books with large groups of women or men, I tend to blur them all together, but not this book! Sally Christie does a wonderful job of giving each sister her own unique personality and bringing them all to life.

Now, I don't have a sister, but I think this shows sisterly relationships very well. They fight, they scheme, they cry, they make up, they love each other. It's all very human and I love when authors capture the human side of long dead historical figures.

The detail is lovely, it makes you feel like you're visiting Versailles and there's quite a bit of subtle humor in it which really had me laughing. I wish it went on longer, but alas, all good things must come to an end. This is a great and easy read for anyone, not just historical fiction fans. I highly recommend you pick this up if you are interested in family relationships, learning more about Louis XV court, or just are in the mood to laugh and be charmed.

I give this 4.5/5 stars! I can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy!