Book Review of Marie Thérèse
Marie Thérèse, Child of Terror by Susan Nagel
Marie Antoinette is one of the most popular figures in Western European history. A victim of gross propaganda, Marie Antoinette met an untimely fate at the Guillotine during the French Revolution. But what became of her two surviving children, Madame Royale and the Dauphin Louis-Charles (future Louis XVII)? In her latest book, Susan Nagel unwraps the mystery that surrounds the fate of Marie Antoinette’s daughter. Nagel paints a through portrait of Marie Thérèse, beginning with her parents’ marriage. She gives a good account of the harrowing days leading up to the French Revolution and the downfall of the royal family.
Early Life of Marie Thérèse
Born into unprecedented splendor at Versailles, Marie Thérèse was well loved by both her parents, though she always clung more to her father. Much of the early life of this French princess is centered around her mother. Marie Antoinette chaffed under the tight restrictions and etiquette of the French Court and often escaped to her private haven of Petite Trion and her small model peasant “village.” Nagel describes the idyllic life Marie Thérèse led, along with her younger siblings. She also recounts how tragic the deaths of the first dauphin, Louis-Joseph and Marie Thérèse’s youngest sister, Sophie, helped establish a strong bond between the girl and the new Dauphin.
Marie Thérèse and the French Revolution
Life changes abruptly for Madame Royale and her family during the French Revolution. Nagel paints a vivid portrait of life during and after the executions of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Because the politics of the era are so complicated, the reading is sometimes confusing. However, Nagle does a good job outlining the important events of the revolution and how they pertain to Marie Thérèse and the rest of the royal family.
It is amazing the dedication and love that Marie Thérèse bore for her birth country after suffering three years of harsh imprisonment during the early part of the French Revolution. Once she is released into the custody of her Austrian family, Marie Thérèse continues to work toward putting her uncle, now King Louis XVIII back on the French Throne. Through the rest of her life she would dedicate herself to France and its people.
The Later Life of Marie Thérèse
After marrying her cousin Louis-Antoine, the Duc d’Angouleme (wishes of Louis XVIII) Marie Thérèse spent of her time traveling Europe, rallying people against Napoleon and his false claim to the French throne. Once the Bourbon family is restored to the throne, Marie Thérèse spent most of her time devoting herself to the people of France, while still maintaining her regal bearing. With no children of her own, Marie Thérèse on her niece and nephew, Princess Louise and Henri, Duc de Bordeaux.
Mysteries Surrounding Marie Thérèse
Nagle addresses several popular mysteries and conspiracy theories that have surrounded both Marie Thérèse and her brother, Louis XVII. Did Louis really die while in custody during the French Revolution? Was Marie Thérèsereally the Dark Countess? An enduring romantic legend in Europe.Want to know more? Then pick up a copy of Marie Thérèse, Child of Terror: The Fate of Marie Antoinette’s Daughter for an enjoyable and thoroughly knowledgeable story about history’s forgotten princess.
Marie Thérèse and her brother the Dauphin
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