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The Blue Rose
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The Blue Rose
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
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Description
Moving between Imperial China and the 'Terror' of the French Revolution and inspired by the true story of the quest for a blood-red rose.
Viviane de Faitaud has grown up alone at the Chateau de Belisima-sur-le-Lac in Brittany. Her father, the Marquis, lives at the court of Louis XVI in Versailles. After a hailstorm destroys the chateau's orchards, gardens, and fields, an ambitious young Welshman, David Stronach, accepts the commission to plan the chateau's new gardens in the hope of making his name as a landscape designer.
David and Viviane fall in love, but it is an impossible romance. Her father has betrothed her to a rich duke whom she is forced to marry, and David is hunted from the property. Viviane goes to court and becomes a maid-in-waiting to Marie-Antoinette and a member of the extended royal family. Angry and embittered, David sails away from England with Lord Macartney, the British ambassador, who hopes to open up trade with Imperial China.
In Canton, the British embassy at last receives news from home, including their first reports of the French Revolution. David hears the story of The Blue Rose, a Chinese fable of impossible love, and discovers the blood-red rose growing in the wintry garden. He realises that he is still in love with Viviane and must find her.
Viviane escapes the guillotine and returns to the ruin of Chateau de Belisima to rebuild her life. David, carrying a cluster of rosehips, finds her there, and together they decide to grow the fabled red rose of China in France.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Blue Rose by Kate Forsyth blends history and romance within the backdrop of the French Revolution. Reviewers have praised its rich detailing of both historical and natural settings, complemented by Forsyth's captivating storytelling. Many readers appreciate the intertwining of different worlds and cultures, creating a tapestry of engaging characters and compelling plots.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780143786177
Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 July 2021
Country: Australia
Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 368
About the Author
Dr Kate Forsyth is an award-winning author, poet, and storyteller. Her most recent novel is The Crimson Thread, a reimagining of 'The Minotaur in the Labyrinth' myth set in Crete during the Nazi invasion and occupation of World War II. Other historical novels include Beauty in Thorns, a reimagining of 'Sleeping Beauty' told in the voices of four women of the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists and poets; The Wild Girl, the story of the forbidden romance behind the Grimm brothers' fairy tales which was named Most Memorable Love Story of 2013; and Bitter Greens, a retelling of 'Rapunzel' which won the 2015 American Library Association award for Best Historical Fiction. Kate has a Doctorate of Creative Arts in fairy tale studies, and is also an accredited master storyteller with the Australian Guild of Storytellers. She has taught writing retreats in Australia, Fiji, Greece, and the United Kingdom.
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