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The Lacemaker and the Princess
Eleven-year-old Isabelle is a lacemaker in the town of Versailles. One day as she delivers lace to the palace, she is almost trampled by a crowd of courtiers -- only to be rescued by Marie Antoinette. Before Isabelle can believe it, she has a new job -- companion to the queen's daughter. Isabelle is given a fashionable name, fashionable dresses -- a new identity. At home she plies her needle under her grandmother's disapproving eye. At the palace she is playmate to a princess.
Thrown into a world of luxury, Isabelle is living a fairy-tale life. But this facade begins to crumble when rumors of starvation in the countryside lead to whispers of revolution. How can Isabelle reconcile the ugly things she hears in the town with the kind family she knows in the palace? And which side is she truly on?
Inspired by an actual friendship between the French princess and a commoner who became her companion, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley offers a vivid portrait of life inside the palace of Versailles -- and a touching tale of two friends divided by class and the hunger for equality and freedom that fueled the French Revolution.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published May 22, 2007
About the author
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
26 books2,484 followersKimberly Brubaker Bradley's next book, The Night War, will be published April 9, 2024. She is the author of nineteen previous books, including the Newbery Honor winners Fighting Words and The War that Saved My Life. The sequel to the latter, The War I Finally Won, appeared on many state-award and best-books lists and was described as “stunning” by The Washington Post and “honest” and “daring” by The New York Times. She is also the acclaimed author of She Persisted: Rosalind Franklin. Kimberly and her husband have two grown children and live with their dogs, two highly opinionated mares, and a surplus of cats on a fifty-two-acre farm in Bristol, Tennessee. Visit her at kimberlybrubakerbradley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews
November 17, 2008
This book was inspired by an actual friendship between Marie Antoinette's daughter, Princess Therese, and a commoner. It focuses on what life was like in Versailles within the palace as well as outside of it (around the time of when the French Revolution was beginning). It definitely portrays a realistic view at the differences between the rich and the poor in the late 1780's.
Overall, I liked the book. However, the ending was wrapped up too swift and just felt flat to me. Also, some of the characters just felt thrown into the mix without building them into the story line. I would recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction, but I wouldn't push it as a must read.
Overall, I liked the book. However, the ending was wrapped up too swift and just felt flat to me. Also, some of the characters just felt thrown into the mix without building them into the story line. I would recommend this book to readers who like historical fiction, but I wouldn't push it as a must read.
August 19, 2010
The fictional story of a young lacemaker hired to play with Marie Therese Charlotte, Marie-Antoinette's daughter, during the time leading up to the beginning of the French Revolution.
Isabelle struggles dealing with a life at court and her life at home, and the growing turmoil between the French public and the French monarchy - a monarchy that is becoming increasingly dangerous to associate with.
I have to say, this is my favorite youth novel set during the time of the French Revolution. It's well-written, engaging for young (and older, in my opinion) readers and it deals with the subject in a fair way. It exposes the hardships of life in France at the time, the unfairness of a court living in riches while thousands miles away are starving, but it doesn't ever stray so far into preaching that it paints the entire court as snobbish monsters. I can definitely see it as being "the" book that might get a young reader wanting to know more - hopefully it has done that already!
Isabelle struggles dealing with a life at court and her life at home, and the growing turmoil between the French public and the French monarchy - a monarchy that is becoming increasingly dangerous to associate with.
I have to say, this is my favorite youth novel set during the time of the French Revolution. It's well-written, engaging for young (and older, in my opinion) readers and it deals with the subject in a fair way. It exposes the hardships of life in France at the time, the unfairness of a court living in riches while thousands miles away are starving, but it doesn't ever stray so far into preaching that it paints the entire court as snobbish monsters. I can definitely see it as being "the" book that might get a young reader wanting to know more - hopefully it has done that already!
January 2, 2023
This was my first time reading a book about the French Revolution. It was utterly gripping once the plot got moving; I couldn’t put it down once I hit the halfway point.
Isabelle, the female protagonist, was very likeable. As a young girl, it was evident to see her torn between her life of poverty and the life she had come to indulge in as a companion to Marie Antoinette’s daughter, Therese.
The stark contrast of the social classes was fascinating, and the relationships that came out of it even more so. I couldn’t stand Therese for a large part of the story, but she was just as young and naive as Isabelle, just in a different way.
Overall, as moving and deep as some of the themes were, the ending wasn’t as satisfactory. This was largely because of the author’s desire to maintain an accurate history, which I can appreciate. But I just wished for a little more?
I very much enjoyed this novel still, and was pleasantly surprised it held my interest as much as it did.
Content:
Verbal abuse from family members, emotional manipulation from friends, some minor violence and mentions of blood.
No language, as far as I can recall.
Isabelle, the female protagonist, was very likeable. As a young girl, it was evident to see her torn between her life of poverty and the life she had come to indulge in as a companion to Marie Antoinette’s daughter, Therese.
The stark contrast of the social classes was fascinating, and the relationships that came out of it even more so. I couldn’t stand Therese for a large part of the story, but she was just as young and naive as Isabelle, just in a different way.
Overall, as moving and deep as some of the themes were, the ending wasn’t as satisfactory. This was largely because of the author’s desire to maintain an accurate history, which I can appreciate. But I just wished for a little more?
I very much enjoyed this novel still, and was pleasantly surprised it held my interest as much as it did.
Content:
Verbal abuse from family members, emotional manipulation from friends, some minor violence and mentions of blood.
No language, as far as I can recall.
October 14, 2008
I can sum up my feelings on this book in one word: cute.
The idea was cute, the character's struggle was cute. Everything about this book was so darling and clicheed, but ultimately I found the story to be quite dull and unbelievable.
I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but I expected more from a Great Stone Face book.
That's not to say I absolutely hated the book. I really enjoyed seeing the French Revolution from the eyes of an indifferent child. So often these stories present one side or another- either the privileged, upper class's point of view, or the view of a bloodthirsty, passionate revolutionary. Looking at the matter from such extreme angles skews the issue, so it was refreshing to see it from (what I would consider to be) a rather neutral party.
Although Isabelle has strong ties with the royal family and sympathizes with them, she is not privileged. She goes through hard times, and does not blindly adore the nobility, either.
Although this wasn't the best story I've ever read, it was pretty good, and the fact of the matter is I would have liked it better, if only I hadn't read dozens of books just like it. I would gladly recommend this book to a younger reader who is just beginning to learn about the French Revolution because it presents the event from the point of view of a more "typical" type of French citizen.
The idea was cute, the character's struggle was cute. Everything about this book was so darling and clicheed, but ultimately I found the story to be quite dull and unbelievable.
I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but I expected more from a Great Stone Face book.
That's not to say I absolutely hated the book. I really enjoyed seeing the French Revolution from the eyes of an indifferent child. So often these stories present one side or another- either the privileged, upper class's point of view, or the view of a bloodthirsty, passionate revolutionary. Looking at the matter from such extreme angles skews the issue, so it was refreshing to see it from (what I would consider to be) a rather neutral party.
Although Isabelle has strong ties with the royal family and sympathizes with them, she is not privileged. She goes through hard times, and does not blindly adore the nobility, either.
Although this wasn't the best story I've ever read, it was pretty good, and the fact of the matter is I would have liked it better, if only I hadn't read dozens of books just like it. I would gladly recommend this book to a younger reader who is just beginning to learn about the French Revolution because it presents the event from the point of view of a more "typical" type of French citizen.
August 4, 2010
Yest my 9 yr old and I were discussing the right to vote, and how many priviledges we have as Americans now that most of the world does not/did not have. This book is a good kid-safe summary of the sacrifices made at the beginning of revolutionary democratic thought to get to this point. It also illuminates what court life was like in 18th century France and puts names and faces to previously dry history (well, at least that's how I thought of it when I was a kid). And brings up all sorts of other interesting questions/premises like friendship, being true to yourself, and family ties.
May 25, 2017
The idea of this story was good and I love historical fiction, especially this time period but the ending left me very unsatisfied. I didn't get very attached to the characters and the middle was a little slow but the beginning was good so I'm giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
January 4, 2019
This was an amazing book of friendship. It contains sad, happy, and rejoicing like her other books. Kimberley Brubaker Bradley continues her characters having you love or hate them. Another amazing book!
August 8, 2016
Very good, though I wonder how it would be perceived by someone who does not know anything about that period in history, which would likely apply to much of the target audience. Full review to come.
October 16, 2013
3.5 stars
Isabelle is a lacemaker who lives in France, Versailles during the year 1789, where there are rumours of revolution. After delivering lace to the palace, a number of chance encounters lead to her becoming the princess' “hired” companion.
Therese, the princess, was incredibly spoiled, though also very lonely. At times she acted as though Isabelle was her very own doll: she dressed her and even gave her a new identity, naming her Clochette, as she thought this name was more fashionable. However, it was clear that she had lived a very sheltered and lonely life.
I also loved the dramatic contrast between Isabelle and the princess' lives. Each thought that the other was clueless, for both new a great deal about certain areas and so little about others. I was, however, constantly baffled by Therese and her disregard of those around her. So often it was pointed out to her that others were living in terrible conditions while she lived in extravagance, but she refused to see this, even when it was under her very eyes. She could have done something to help, even if that was just voicing her thoughts to her mother and father, but she did not and remained spoiled and blind, just as much as the king and queen seemed to be.
George, Isabelle's brother, I also found very judgemental, even if he did have a point about the king and queen. But he refused to listen to their redeeming qualities that Isabelle got to see and so in many ways I felt that he was just as shallow-minded.
This book was interesting in political levels and was not quite what I was expecting. The differences between the character's lives were interesting to read about but the end left me feeling a little underwhelmed. Though I understand the ending was based on real life events, it was too depressing for my liking. I just didn't feel as though everything had been wrapped up.
Isabelle is a lacemaker who lives in France, Versailles during the year 1789, where there are rumours of revolution. After delivering lace to the palace, a number of chance encounters lead to her becoming the princess' “hired” companion.
Therese, the princess, was incredibly spoiled, though also very lonely. At times she acted as though Isabelle was her very own doll: she dressed her and even gave her a new identity, naming her Clochette, as she thought this name was more fashionable. However, it was clear that she had lived a very sheltered and lonely life.
I also loved the dramatic contrast between Isabelle and the princess' lives. Each thought that the other was clueless, for both new a great deal about certain areas and so little about others. I was, however, constantly baffled by Therese and her disregard of those around her. So often it was pointed out to her that others were living in terrible conditions while she lived in extravagance, but she refused to see this, even when it was under her very eyes. She could have done something to help, even if that was just voicing her thoughts to her mother and father, but she did not and remained spoiled and blind, just as much as the king and queen seemed to be.
George, Isabelle's brother, I also found very judgemental, even if he did have a point about the king and queen. But he refused to listen to their redeeming qualities that Isabelle got to see and so in many ways I felt that he was just as shallow-minded.
This book was interesting in political levels and was not quite what I was expecting. The differences between the character's lives were interesting to read about but the end left me feeling a little underwhelmed. Though I understand the ending was based on real life events, it was too depressing for my liking. I just didn't feel as though everything had been wrapped up.
April 16, 2016
This book was okay at best. The princess was super selfish, trying to keep isabelle all to herself like she is some sort of play toy. She was just a spoiled royalty princess when it boils down to it. Isabelle thinks she is royalty because instead of working, she 1) complains about it 2) she keeps running off to play the princess around like she has nothing better to do. Then on top of that when she does come home she sees how hard her grandmother and mother and says she help... but guess what? doesn't! Then ending was extremely boring and disappointing. it was a waste of time.
April 30, 2012
Excellent introduction to royal & common life and times pre-French Revolution for the young reader. Captivating read for my 4th grader as the story is narrated through the eyes of 11 year old Isabelle, who is a lacemaker and becomes a royal companion to Queen Marie Anoinette's daughter. Cleverly written to encompass many universal themes such as convention and rebellion, friendship across social class, death, materialism, patriotism, war, faith, working class struggles, etc. etc. etc.
January 8, 2009
This is a story about a lacemaker becoming companion to the French princess, daughter of Marie Antoinette. Isabelle lives a dual life: at the palace, she is treated as the princess is; at home, she is mistreated by her grandmother. This could have been a really good book, but I found the characterization of Isabelle to be inconsistent, and the ending unsatisfying.
April 7, 2016
Unfortunately, this book not belong to me. I borrowed from the library
Read
May 19, 2019DNF.
April 22, 2019
I enjoyed it. I didn’t realize it was the same author as The War That Saved My Life, which was excellent- this one didn’t have the same level of character development but was an enjoyable and thought provoking (at an appropriate pace for its audience, youngish readers) exploration of the excesses of Versailles vs the increasing political unrest caused by the starving people of France. It’s always a question how much a young reader will understand without the benefit of knowing the historical context beforehand but I think she keeps the focus tight enough that the essence of the conflict is believable and understandable, no mean feat. I felt like even with my adult understanding of the revolution I learned or got some insight into the reality of the times.
February 28, 2020
An interesting read, juvenile fiction but written in mature, adult language. Fiction but, by using the narrator, Isabella, as a newcomer, manages to educate the reader about the situation at the Palace of Versailles leading up to the French Revolution.
I was surprised by the positive way in which Marie Antoinette is portrayed - as a person sympathetic to the plight of the peasants, whose hands were tied by the actions of her husband the King and by tradition. It seems I need to do more reading about this period in French history, to see if this is true.
I was surprised by the positive way in which Marie Antoinette is portrayed - as a person sympathetic to the plight of the peasants, whose hands were tied by the actions of her husband the King and by tradition. It seems I need to do more reading about this period in French history, to see if this is true.
November 9, 2020
This was almost perfect except for a few historical errors (the Terror came after the Flight to Varennes, not before, and Philippe, duc d'Orleans, did not call himself Philippe Egalité until 1792, not 1789).
Otherwise it was a beautiful book and so sad. My heart ached for the characters.
Otherwise it was a beautiful book and so sad. My heart ached for the characters.
June 26, 2022
Well-written, very engaging. I learned more about the French Revolution in this one book than I ever did in school.
July 24, 2023
Excellent middle grade historical fiction that takes place in Versailles during the French Revolution. Would make an excellent read aloud or read alone for kids.
November 14, 2023
A sweet, clean, unremarkable story to keep keep you busy on a rainy day.
April 17, 2024
A little confusing!but I liked it
March 11, 2012
I have been learning so much from the children's books I've been reading. This book taught me about the French Revolution and Marie Antoinette. The story was half fiction, half fact. It's set at Versailles with Marie Antoinette as queen, Louis XVI as king, and Therese, their daughter. Supposedly the queen wanted her children to have somewhat of a normal childhood, so she brought in friends from the "commoners" to play with her daughter. These friends were to call the princess by her first name and were dressed exactly like her. However, it's hard to get the princess out of a princess and she still acted like one much of the time. The story is told from the point of view of a young lacemaker from the village who becomes friends with Therese (that's the fiction part).
I think my 10 year old will enjoy this book, although I plan to wait until we study the French Revolution, or at least Europe/France. There is a short reference to Marie Antoinette's affairs and when the Revolution starts, there is some blood and killing, but it wasn't too gruesome (although it might be too much for a sensitive child). The relationship between the young lacemaker and her mother becomes very strained over the course of the book (because the mother doesn't approve of her daughter spending so much time at the palace), but resolves in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about what caused the French Revolution and how the court worked at Versailles. I thought the characters were believable and well developed. The story is well written. A great book by the same author that wrote For Freedom (which I also liked).
I think my 10 year old will enjoy this book, although I plan to wait until we study the French Revolution, or at least Europe/France. There is a short reference to Marie Antoinette's affairs and when the Revolution starts, there is some blood and killing, but it wasn't too gruesome (although it might be too much for a sensitive child). The relationship between the young lacemaker and her mother becomes very strained over the course of the book (because the mother doesn't approve of her daughter spending so much time at the palace), but resolves in the end.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about what caused the French Revolution and how the court worked at Versailles. I thought the characters were believable and well developed. The story is well written. A great book by the same author that wrote For Freedom (which I also liked).
June 17, 2007
Isabelle is the daughter of a lacemaker, the granddaughter of a lacemaker and is learning to carry on the family trade--which she hates. A mission to Versailles to deliver an order of lace to the Dauphin's governess, throws Isabelle, literally, into the path of Marie Antoinette, the Queen, herself. Suddenly, she finds herself presented to the Princess Royale as a playmate. Therese and Isabelle hit it off and Isabelle is invited (or commanded) to return the next day. She is introduced to Therese's other commoner friend, Ernestine. Isabelle begins to live a double life; during the day she is Clochette, close friend of the princess, with gowns to wear and wonderful food to eat. In the evening she returns to her home to endure her Grand-mere's bullying. Then, Grand-mere has a stroke and Isabelle must make the lace for their livelihood because her mother's fingers are swollen with arthritis. Her brother, George, a stable boy in the royal stables, tries to raise her awareness of the huge gap between the haves and have-nots in pre-revolutionary France. Isabelle is torn between the fantasy and luxury of court life and the reality of her family's struggle for existence.
I was intrigued to learn that this story has its roots in truth--Ernestine was a real companion to Princess Therese who went to live in Versailles when her mother died. She and her royal friend survived the Reign of Terror--though Therese's parents, Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, did not.
I was intrigued to learn that this story has its roots in truth--Ernestine was a real companion to Princess Therese who went to live in Versailles when her mother died. She and her royal friend survived the Reign of Terror--though Therese's parents, Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, did not.
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by Jennifer Rummel for TeensReadToo.com
Isabelle and her family make lace in the town of Versailles. They're behind on their rent and work to keep up with the bills. If only they could get someone from the royal household wearing their lace, then they might stand a chance.
When Isabelle delivers some lace to the palace, she purposely takes a wrong turn to view more of the castle. She bumps into Marie Antoinette, who introduces the young girl to her daughter. The princess and Isabelle become friends and Isabelle changes from the lacemaker to a member of the royal household each day she visits, only to return to reality when she leaves for the day. Problems at home force Isabelle to take over the family business and to live the life she's come to despise.
Then she hears grumbling from the townsfolk and even her brother. There's talk of a revolution of change for the common people. Isabelle defends her friend without question, but soon she hears and sees things that make her mind whirl. Can friendship conquer family?
This story addresses the question of loyalty and what happens when you're torn between two sides. An alternative look at the court of Marie Antoinette is also entertaining. THE LACEMAKER AND THE PRINCESS is a historical novel that fans of the new movie Marie Antoinette will enjoy.
Isabelle and her family make lace in the town of Versailles. They're behind on their rent and work to keep up with the bills. If only they could get someone from the royal household wearing their lace, then they might stand a chance.
When Isabelle delivers some lace to the palace, she purposely takes a wrong turn to view more of the castle. She bumps into Marie Antoinette, who introduces the young girl to her daughter. The princess and Isabelle become friends and Isabelle changes from the lacemaker to a member of the royal household each day she visits, only to return to reality when she leaves for the day. Problems at home force Isabelle to take over the family business and to live the life she's come to despise.
Then she hears grumbling from the townsfolk and even her brother. There's talk of a revolution of change for the common people. Isabelle defends her friend without question, but soon she hears and sees things that make her mind whirl. Can friendship conquer family?
This story addresses the question of loyalty and what happens when you're torn between two sides. An alternative look at the court of Marie Antoinette is also entertaining. THE LACEMAKER AND THE PRINCESS is a historical novel that fans of the new movie Marie Antoinette will enjoy.
November 15, 2010
Dim lighting, a demanding grandmother, tiny stitches, a tired back and fingers. This is the life of eleve-year-old old Isabelle. She lives in the time leading of up the French Revolution and is suddenly plucked from her life of hard work and thrown into the lap of luxury. She is rescued, by Marie Antoinette, from being trampled in a crowd and Isabelle becomes playmate to a princess. She is given new clothes, a new name and all the food she can eat, but what of her family living in near poverty without her help with the family lace-making business? Then Isabelle begins to hear whispers that all is not well with France, the people are unhappy with their King and the royal family. Will her position as the princess’s closest friend put her and her family in harm’s way? Which side is right, she loves and understands the princess but her family is starving, is that how the royal family should care for their people? This story is based upon the true friendship between the princess and a commoner; many events are true to history. This story is a fine introduction into an intriguing time period and an enjoyable read.
December 18, 2008
I loved this book. I am a big history buff and having been to Versailles, and myself being overwhelmed with its opulence, and the utter wastefulness of it all, can really understand the driving force behind the French Revolution. This book painted such an authentic picture of the conditions of the time of Louis XVI's reign and the attitudes and frivolity of the French aristocracy. It also described the horrendous conditions of the working class and plight the of the human condition during the years of Kings' ruling on the throne of France. Great book, great story. Well written and thought provoking.
March 16, 2009
This is the story of a Isabelle, young french lace maker, living in the town of Versailles. She is hired to play with the daughter of Marie Antoinette. Isabelle learns to love palace life which contrasts sharply with the struggle to survive at home. Living between two worlds, Isabelle comes to understand the reasons for a revolution. This book tries to paint a realistic picture of life at the famous French court with details of how the palace had a stench from unwashed bodies wearing yards of silk and of the excesses of Marie Antoinette and the foolishness of the King.
November 21, 2009
A young lacemaker has the fortune/misfortune of meeting Marie Antoinette and becoming a playmate of her daughter's. This book was suggested by a couple of teens at our first teen book group last month. It is an interesting (and brief)look at life with the doomed Queen on the eve of the French revolution. Marie Antoinette comes off as well-meaning but greatly out of touch with the commoners and married to a King who had a terrible time making decisions. Great for young readers and those interested in historical fiction.
February 1, 2009
This was quiet an enjoyable book, with out reading too much like a perfect fairytale. I think it would be a great historical read for younger kids that provides and intresting story as well as tie ins to important facts and ideas about Marie Antoinette court. One of my favorite parts was when Isabella brother pointed out the excess taffeda the queen uses and how much a yard of fabric cost in terms of a day(s) work for a common craftman.
August 15, 2009
This was a fun book about the French Revolution time! It was fun to read about the struggle Isabelle has in trying to live in two very different worlds... The world where she has to work very hard making lace just so her family can buy stale bread and the world where she lives the life of the princess's best friend! It was interesting to see such a huge gap between her two very different lives! It was a good book & I really enjoyed it!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 320 reviews