I received this book from the publisher – Grand Central Publishing.

Maria Theresa, Empress of the Austria-Hungary empire, ruled over her kingdom and all eleven living children. She believed in country first and that one of her most important tasks was to raise her children to make advantageous marriages for the Empire. Her daughters knew that they must do their mother’s bidding. The two youngest girls, Charlotte and Antionette, grew up together often creating mischief. As they entered marriageable age, they were kept from spending time together. The sisters were to concentrate on the lessons they were receiving on how to be royal. Maria Theresa negotiated marriages for the girls, however the death of older sister Josepha changed everything. Charlotte was to replace her sister Josepha as the Queen of Naples and Antionette was now to marry the Dauphin of France. As Charlotte left for Naples, she promised Antionette that they would stay in touch and support each other.

Charlotte heard rumors of her soon-to-be husband’s behavior but dismissed it. Upon meeting him, she realized they were all true. Her husband had been indulged by his father and never had a formal education. He liked to dress as a peasant and wander through town, play games with children, and act as an innkeeper. The country was ruled by a man named Tanucci and the king’s council. Ferdinand, Charlotte’s husband, thought meetings were boring and didn’t bother to attend. Raised by an Empress, Charlotte knew that she needed to step in and rule. According to her marriage contract, she wasn’t able to attend council meetings until she produced an heir. After giving birth to two girls, she had a boy. Charlotte earned her seat on the council and began her goal of truly ruling.

In France, Antionette was having a difficult time. The French people were not welcoming to her and her husband did not seem interested in her. Her correspondence with her sister shows a young, uncertain girl needing a friend or someone she could trust. Charlotte did her best to counsel her sister, but she was busy with Naples.

The rebellion in France prompted fear among other European rulers. Could Naples face a rebellion too? Would the Neapolitans tire of being ruled by Charlotte and depose her? While Marie Antionette is famous for her time in Paris, little has been said about her sister Charlotte. Diana Giovinazzo presents us with a richly detailed look at Naples and the struggles of royalty. Queens often entered their new country with no popular support. Developing relationships is a necessity for a new ruler. There a many anecdotes throughout this book that enliven the story. Ferdinand had decided to spend his day playing fish monger. Charlotte had an urgent question that only he could answer. Charlotte had to venture in to the town square and find the fish monger. She had to participate in Ferdinand’s act so that she could get her question answered. The king would rather play with smelly fish than rule! Similar illustrations of palace life provide a depth of experience for the reader. This novel is far from being dreary history, this is an enlightening look at two royal sisters.

Between chapters of the book, the author intersperses letters. Some letters are from Antionette and others are from her mother or brothers. Letter writing was their only method of communication. While letter writing is an uncommon method of communication today, the inclusion of these letters give insight into the relationships the family had. This special touch is invaluable.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: While reading this book I was struck by the difficulty of being a woman during those times. Women were used as a bond between families or countries. They were expected to bear a child as soon as possible. The birthing process was traumatic and many women and children died. Producing a male heir is what made a woman valuable, not our ability to think, speak, or reason.

In the myriad of history classes I had throughout my education, I had not heard of Marie Antionette’s sister or her historic significance. She was an admirable queen. As the author so deftly points out, how would things turn out if Charlotte had married the Dauphin? This is the type of historical fiction I enjoy. I learn about new places, people and circumstances that I otherwise would not have been exposed to. History is so much more than a collection of dates, names and battles. Understanding the whole picture is what makes our past so fascinating.