Books matching: political intrigue in france
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- #1
Save:In '1636: The Cardinal Virtues', the focus shifts to France, where the future of the country hangs in the balance. The plot involves intrigue, plots against the true King and family members, and a mix of real historical figures like Queen Anne, Cardinal Richelieu, and Gaston d'Orleans. The story maintains a fast pace, attention to detail, and a mix of real historical events twisted by the mysterious Ring of Fire into new and captivating directions. The book features a large cast of characters, with a mix of 'uptimers' and 'downtime' characters, and includes elements reminiscent of The Three Musketeers.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ring of Fire ) - #2
Save:In 'Mission to Paris' by Alan Furst, the story unfolds in 1938 Paris, amidst a backdrop of espionage, looming war, and political intrigue. The protagonist, a famous Hollywood actor of Viennese descent, finds himself unwittingly embroiled in a web of espionage and amateur spying, as he navigates the treacherous landscape filled with German operatives, French aristocrats, and emigres. The author expertly captures the atmosphere of Paris on the brink of war, painting a vivid picture of a city shrouded in fear and uncertainty, where every action holds a deeper meaning and danger lurks at every corner.
IN PARIS, THE EVENINGS OF SEPTEMBER ARE SOMETIMES WARM, EXCESSIVELY gentle, and, in the magic particular to that city, irresistably seductive. The autumn of the year 1938 began in just such weather an...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night Soldiers ) - #3
Save:'Dragonfly in Amber' by Diana Gabaldon is the second book in the 'Outlander' series, continuing the time-traveling adventures of Claire and Jamie. The story picks up where the first book left off, delving into the intricate plotlines set in France and leading up to the Battle of Culloden. Readers are taken on a historical journey as Claire navigates through different timelines to uncover the fates of her loved ones, blending elements of romance, historical fiction, and intrigue. The writing style is described as engaging, with detailed descriptions of settings and characters that bring the story to life, while also exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of time travel.
The study where he stood was lined on three sides by bookshelves, every one crammed past bursting point. Paperback mystery novels lay in bright, tatty piles in front of calf-bound tomes, jammed cheek ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Outlander ) - #4
Save:"The Lily and the Lion" in the series "The Accursed Kings" by Maurice Druon is set in the 14th century, portraying a world of lusty, bawdy, greedy, and vicious nobles involved in intricate plots and schemes. The story revolves around the power struggles for ownership of Artois, involving characters like Robert of Artois, King Jean, Mahaut, and Beatrice d'Hirson. As historical events like the Hundred Years' War loom in the background, the narrative delves into themes of revenge, murder, greed, scandal, and the decline of France during the Middle Ages.
is praised for its ability to draw readers into a narrative filled with merciless minds, clever intrigues, betrayals, and political machinations among major players of the French and English kingdoms. Maurice Druon's storytelling captures the essence of the era, showcasing historical figures and events while weaving a tale of war, betrayal, poisonings, and seductions, leading up to the onset of the Hundred Years' War.
FROM BOTH SIDES of the river and from every parish in the city, from St Denis, St Cuthbert, St Martin-cum-Gregory, St Mary Senior and St Mary Junior, from the Shambles and from Tanner Row, the people ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Accursed Kings ) - #5
Save:Readers found "The Wreck of the Medusa" to be a captivating account that delves deep into the human tragedy behind the magnificent painting displayed in The Louvre. The book not only narrates the events of the shipwreck but also provides a comprehensive history, encompassing various aspects such as French politics, art, and the slave trade. Author Jonathan Miles weaves together the story of the Medusa's wreck, the survivors, and the painting by Thomas Gericault, offering a unique perspective that goes beyond a simple retelling of the events.
The writing style in the book received mixed reviews, with some praising it for being well-researched and informative, while others criticized it for lacking proper editing and structure. Despite the varied opinions on the writing, readers appreciated the depth of historical context provided, making it a compelling read for those interested in European art history, French politics, and the anti-slavery movements of the 19th century.
- #6
Save:The Royal Succession, the fourth book in The Accursed Kings series by Maurice Druon, delves into the political machinations following the death of King Louis X and the turmoil surrounding the question of succession. The plot revolves around the struggle to determine who will be regent until the Queen's child reaches majority, with alliances formed, murders committed, and plot twists taking unexpected turns. Druon's writing style expertly weaves historical facts with rumors from the time, creating a gripping narrative that blurs the line between fiction and reality.
The book showcases a change in pace as the main protagonists display competence and a sense of duty towards France, particularly focusing on Philippe of Poitiers who strives to restore order in the midst of chaos. Druon excels at tragic interjections, seamlessly blending minor characters into historical events and crafting a narrative that keeps readers on edge with the unpredictability of power dynamics and character motivations.
The wimple of fine linen, enclosing her neck and imprisoning her chin to the lip, revealing only the centre of her face, was white; so was the great veil covering her forehead and eyebrows; so was the...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Accursed Kings ) 'The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World' by Shelley Puhak is a historical biography that delves into the lives of two lesser-known but powerful women from the 6th century, Fredegund and Brunhild. The book reads like a brutal medieval soap opera, providing a rich history of these queens who played significant roles in the Merovingian dynasty. Despite the lack of firsthand sources from that period, the author weaves a gripping narrative that keeps readers entertained and engaged, showcasing the ruthless yet fascinating lives of these queens and the turbulent times they lived in.
The author, Shelley Puhak, paints a vivid picture of 6th century France and beyond, bringing to life the story of Fredegund and Brunhild with detailed descriptions and a flair for storytelling. While the book may rely on some speculation due to the scarcity of information from that era, Puhak's extensive research shines through, offering readers a thorough overview of who these women were and the power struggles they faced. The narrative unfolds like a real-life game of thrones, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Merovingian dynasty and the fierce rivalry between these two queens, making for an engaging and informative read.
