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Marie Antoinette

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About this listen

Marie Antoinette's dramatic life-story continues to arouse mixed emotions. To many people, she is still 'la reine mechante', whose extravagance and frivolity helped to bring down the French monarchy; her indifference to popular suffering epitomised by the (apocryphal) words: 'let them eat cake'. Others are equally passionate in her defence: to them, she is a victim of misogyny.

In this biography Antonia Fraser examines her influence over the king, Louis XVI, the accusations and sexual slurs made against her, her patronage of the arts which enhanced French cultural life, her imprisonment, the death threats made against her, rumours of lesbian affairs, her trial (during which her young son was forced to testify to sexual abuse by his mother) and her eventual execution by guillotine in 1793.

©2002 Antonia Fraser (P)2014 Audible, Inc. 18th Century Europe France Historical Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Royalty Emotionally Gripping Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Inspiring Funny French Revolution Middle Ages
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Extremely well written and narrated. Filled with intrigue and fact, history becomes palpable and one feels true empathy for the queen's unfortunate life.

Beautifully tragic

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I really enjoyed this incredibly detailed history of Marie Antoinette’s life, which dispels many of the myths surrounding her. It is wonderfully written by Antonia Fraser who succeeds in keeping one’s interest throughout.

I thought that Eleanor Bron did a magnificent job in narrating such a long book. I was a little concerned about some of the reviews I had read before purchasing the book about poor French pronunciation but nothing stood out for me, which may something about my knowledge of the language.

Excellent and illuminating.

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I have been obsessed with the figure of Marie Antoinette since my teenage years, however I felt my knowledge of her life lacked massively in parts, especially the earlier and later years. I am incredibly grateful to Antonia Fraser for filling me in on this sad queen's full and fantastic life. As a person who hasn't experienced great luck myself, it was incredibly comforting to hear of Marie Antoinette's headstrong and courageous attitude to every harsh experience (of which there were many). The narrator's performance was perfect and easily to follow despite all the french names. Even if you have a passing interest in Marie Antoinette, read this. You won't be disappointed.

A delight.

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Epic account of MA’s life and steadily read by Eleanor Bron! I found myself completely immersed in this audiobook and as I tend to listen to Audible when I’m driving, walking or in bed, Marie Antoinette was with me for a couple of weeks!!!!!
I love historical biographies and highly recommend this book for its in depth research and fantastic narration! I knew little about this particular part of french history and on finishing this book now feel rather sad for her

Marvellous

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A wonderfully engaging and captivating summary of Marie Antoinette's life. At times a little character-dense, as life at Versailles was, but thoroughly interesting and at times emotive.

The narration was perfect in tone and performance. A very enjoyable listen.

Captivating and comprehensive

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