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1789: Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries – and magicians . . .
1789: Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries – and magicians . . .
When smallpox kills her parents, seventeen-year-old Camille is left to provide for her frail sister and her volatile brother. In desperation, she survives by using the petty magic she learnt from her mother. But when her brother disappears Camille decides to pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
Using dark magic Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine‘ and presents herself at the court of Versaille, where she soon finds herself swept up in a dizzying life of riches, finery and suitors. But Camille’s resentment of the rich is at odds with the allure of their glamour and excess, and she soon discovers that she’s not the only one leading a double life . . .
Paris in 1789 was undergoing a dramatic period in history. The French Revolution is just beginning and the people are already up in arms, They are starving and rioting, while Marie Antoinette and other aristocrats ignore their pleas. Some people take their struggle for survival a little easier by wielding a unique sort of magic to improve their lives as best they can.
There are three types of magic in this Paris world:
Magie Ordinaire – where someone can changing thing, Magie Glamoire – where a person can change themselves, and Magie Bibelot – where the person can make objects sentient.
This is where the most magic happens! The Nights at Versailles are a feast for all the senses. The fun of the fair ranges from drinking, gambling and fashion comparisons but it’s the hot air ballooning that’s the most exciting. The backdrop of the royal palace is stunning.
When Camille arrives at Versailles she discovers she’s not the only cheater there – or even the only magician. The cast of characters in and around this iconic French setting is a circus of possibilities!
There is a lot of mentions of whores in this book. Women are not to be liked and trusted it would seem. They face constant abuse by men. Men gamble, are addicted to gambling and abuse their wives.
Destination:Paris Author/guide: Gita Trelease Departure Time: 1789
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