NOTICE: (Updated March 5, 2010)

Beginning December 19, 2009, Books 'N Border Collies will be posting but only intermittently while I pursue personal goals. I plan to share some reading I'm doing, but there will be no reviews. I will, however, be sharing my exploration of vegetarian cooking and the cookbooks and websites I use to educate myself. I hope you enjoy it!

Lezlie



Tuesday, June 3, 2008

MISTRESS OF THE SUN

by Sandra Gulland



Mistress of the Sun is the story of Louise de la Valliere from her humble beginnings through her ten-year affair with King Louis XIV, the Sun King.

What a wonderful novel! Eight years in the making, Ms. Gulland's meticulous research pulls you into every scene, every page. I loved the non-omniscient narration that left me to experience all of Louise's joys and confusions along with her as she tried to understand a life at court for which she was not prepared. When you don't get to see all the behind-the-scenes scheming of the high and mighty, it's easy to see how she was able to retain her innocence for as long as she did. And when the walls come tumbling down, as they inevitably would, her final decision is the decision of a woman much more world-wise, but one who has not been broken. The final scenes will move you to tears but make you proud to have known Louise de la Valliere.

Here's to hoping there won't be another eight years between books for this marvelous author!

Lezlie

For more information on Sandra Gulland and her work including this book and her Josphine B Trilogy, see her Official Website.

Other reviews:

Teddy Rose at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

8 comments:

Marg said...

I am soooo looking forward to this one!

Teddy Rose said...

Wonderful review Lezlie. I also intended to have a link to her website, thanks for reminding me. LOL!

Thanks for linking my review and I just linked to your review.

Lezlie said...

Marg ~ I can't wait to see your review once you get your hands on it!

Teddy Rose ~ Thank you! I find myself still thinking about the ending. I have "Love & Louis XIV" on its way from the library, and I found a book about Athenais at Border's yesterday. I didn't buy it, but I was sorely tempted!! :-)

Lezlie

Sandra Gulland. said...

Lezlie, thank you for that wonderful review. I've posted it to my website page:
http://mistressofthesunfanmail.blogspot.com/

Teddy Rose said...

I look forward to reading your review of "Love & Louis XIV"!

Lezlie said...

Ms. Gulland ~ Thank you so much for visiting me! I'm honored to have my review added to your website. And I'm just *dying* to know who you're writing about next. I don't suppose you'd give me and my readers a hint? :-) Whoever it is, I look forward to it!

Teddy Rose ~ I just got the notice that it's at the library waiting for me. It's going to take a lot of willpower to finish the few that have to come first!

Lezlie

Veronica said...

I'm always so happy coming to your blog and hearing of new historical books I need to read!

Lezlie said...

Veronica ~ Hi! You should see the fabulous advance review books I have coming! I'm going to post about them probably later this weekend. We're both in for a happy summer! :-)

Lezlie