Marie Therese, Child of Terror

Rosalyn Landor is a sympathetic narrator who mirrors Nagel's admiration of Marie Therese, daughter of Marie Antoinette. The book recounts the initial journey of Marie Antoinette to the French court and explores the political underpinnings and ramifications of the French Revolution, including the deaths of the king and queen and the imprisonment of their daughter and her younger brother, the dauphin. The story follows Marie Therese to her death in exile many years later. Landor's firm, well-paced narration is delivered in a serious tone. She projects a trace of indignation at the descriptions of the abominable treatment of Marie Therese and her brother in prison. The French language quotations, as well as people and place names, are dealt with smoothly and fluently. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine