Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow: A Novel of Marie Antoinette (Marie Antoinette Series, Book 2)

Juliet Grey's first novel in this trilogy "Becoming Marie Antoinette" was wonderful, focusing upon Marie Antoinette before she became Queen of France. This novel directly follows on from the first, commencing with the coronation of Louis XVI--"Louis le desire"--who came to the throne much beloved by the people. Juliet Grey clearly shows in this novel the couple's descent from being the desired new King and Queen of France to the hated pair that they became during the time leading up to the Revolution. The novel ends with the storming of the Bastille, leaving me in anticipation Ms Grey's final novel in this trilogy; "The Last October Sky".Ms Grey gives excellent insight into the events that transpired leading up to the Revolution, and also, which was particularly interesting, how those events were linked to the American Revolution. I found the debate concerning the aid given to the American colonists very interesting; Louis XVI wished to help America against France's long-time enemy Britain, but had concerns about helping a people who were rebelling against their monarch. As a monarch himself, and one even more autocratic than George III of England, I am surprised that he chose to give so much aid to the American revolutionaries. He virtually bankrupted his own country, which of course had disastrous effects. I was given a strong sense of Louis tempting fate troughout this novel.As for Marie Antoinette herself I feel as though Ms Grey has given great insight into her character, and gives reasons as to why she acted in the ways she did. History has cast Marie Antoinette in such a negative light, putting words in her mouth that she never uttered (she never said "let them eat cake!") This is not to say that this novel shows Marie Antoinette as an innocent angel, but rather it shows her as merely human; with faults like we all have, but none of which made her evil or uncaring. She loved her children greatly, and did spare a thought for those less fortunate than herself. However, she had absolutely no control in government and therefore was completely helpless to help those who needed it. Strange really, considering that she was blamed for almost everything.All in all I this was a well-written novel that portrayed events concisely, allowing the reader a clear perspective of such a turbulent time period. The characters were enjoyable to read of, as they are created to be shown as real people with both faults and strengths, instead of historical figures to be kept at a distance. A great novel, and I can't wait for the next one.(Added September 2013: the third novel in the trilogy is no longer called 'The Last October Sky' but is 'Confessions of Marie Antoinette').

This book is yet another I had to have to read and I’m so happy I did!

Bought these for my sons fourth grade classroom and they are a big hit.

I loved the story, but I do not speak or understand French. Every few minutes, I had to stop and look up a French word or phrase for translation to English which I found to be very annoying after a while. I'm sure it was entertaining for those folks that do speak and understand French. I ended up having to get a French to English dictionary, as not all the words used in the book were in the back of the book i.e., the glossary. The Kindle version contains a glossary at the end which I didn't find out till I was almost finished, but still having to stop during the story, to look up a word made following the book tedious; and the story lost it's flow, each time I had to stop and look up a word. This is the 2nd book in a series of three. I was highly anticipating this second book. The first book I absolutely loved, and did not contain any French phases or terminology. This 2nd book was a bite disappointing to me! I hope that the author will consider using less French words and phrased in the third installment. I absolutely love stories about Marie Antoinette. I really loved & enjoyed the first book. I would have given a better rating if not for all the French, but if the third book is like the 2nd book I may have to decline reading it!!P.S. I do love the French language when I hear native speakers, and plan to someday take classes. Just to let people know I am not a French phobic.

I had a love/hate relationship with Marie Antoinette throughout this book. Early on she behavior like a selfish child, which she was. As the end of her reign approached, I was filled with great pity for the Queen. Alas, the perils of a monarchy.

OK book

I am so in love with Juliet Grey's trilogy of Marie Antoinette. She has thoroughly researched all important sources and her novels, while fiction, are right on the mark historically. As a amateur historian of Marie Antoinette, I highly recommend these books. It's a wonderful way to learn history (and believe me, the court of Versailles is fascinating in detail) while enjoying a good novel and getting to know the real Marie Antoinette and her entourage.

Read it when it first came out. Yesterday I had the joy of sitting in the local botanical gardens and reading it again under the shade of a tree--I pretended I was in the gardens of Versailles. Juliet Grey has a wonderful way of transporting us back in time...to relive the glorious splendors and to regret yet again that no one came to the rescue of Marie Antoinette--a woman with more courage than most of us and whose follies did not deserve the bitter ending that awaited her.

You need to read this for the continuation of the story however it’s the least interesting but keep going gets better flows into the final one

very good

A good read and gives another insight into Marie Antoinette.

As 2nd part of the trilogy very enjoyable couldn't put the book down!

good