Madame Tussaud: A Novel Of The French Revolution (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
I wasn't sure if I would like this book. I did not like Nefretiti, the first book I tried written by Michelle Moran. This book was really good. You are introduced to Marie Tussaud a few years before the French Revolution begins. Some of the keys instigators of the revolution meet in the salon of the wax museum. The museum is used to give news to the public by portraying events in people rather than the written word. The characters are well developed & believable. The novel does not gloss over the bloodiness of the reign of terror. A very interesting read. Madame Tussaud is a fascinating book about the French Revolution told from the perspective of a unique female character. The history of the period is presented through the experiences of Mademoiselle Marie Grosholtz Tussaud. We first meet her in the year 1788 where, as a young woman of 28, she works in her uncle's salon to create wax figures of important and interesting people of the time. The story follows her through the French Revolution as many of her friends and family are terrorized, arrested and beheaded. Marie, herself, is eventually arrested, imprisoned and in fear of the guillotine. Eventually, she is released from prison, marries, has two children, then leaves France for England where she continues to create and present lifelike tableaus using wax figures.Wax museums around the world are the result of Madame Tussaud's introduction of wax figures as a way to represent the politics and current events of the time. After reading this book, I'll think of Madame Tussaud's story each time I pass by or visit a wax museum.
What do You think about Madame Tussaud: A Novel Of The French Revolution (2011)?
It is interesting to read about how Madame Tussaud got her creative start with wax figures.
—change223
A challenging read, but I learded a lot about the French Revolution.
—morgan
I love the French revolution but this book was somehow ... boring.
—maxine
