The Shadow Queen

Summary (from the publisher): From the author of the beloved Josephine B. Trilogy, comes a spellbinding novel inspired by the true story of a young woman who rises from poverty to become confidante to the most powerful, provocative and dangerous woman in the 17th century French court: the mistress of the charismatic Sun King.

1660, Paris - Claudette’s life is like an ever-revolving stage set. From an impoverished childhood wandering the French countryside with her family’s acting troupe, Claudette finally witnesses her mother's astonishing rise to stardom in Parisian theaters. Working with playwrights Corneille, Molière and Racine, Claudette’s life is culturally rich, but like all in the theatrical world at the time, she's socially scorned.

A series of chance encounters gradually pull Claudette into the alluring orbit of Athénaïs de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV and reigning "Shadow Queen." Needing someone to safeguard her secrets, Athénaïs offers to hire Claudette as her personal attendant.

Enticed by the promise of riches and respectability, Claudette leaves the world of the theater only to find that court is very much like a stage, with outward shows of loyalty masking more devious intentions. This parallel is not lost on Athénaïs, who fears political enemies are plotting her ruin as young courtesans angle to take the coveted spot in the king's bed.

Indeed, Claudette's "reputable" new position is marked by spying, illicit trysts and titanic power struggles. As Athénaïs, becomes ever more desperate to hold onto the King's favor, innocent love charms move into the realm of deadly Black Magic, and Claudette is forced to consider a move that will put her own life—and the family she loves so dearly—at risk.

Set against the gilded opulence of a newly-constructed Versailles and the War of Theaters, The Shadow Queen is a seductive, gripping novel about the lure of wealth, the illusion of power, and the increasingly uneasy relationship between two strong-willed women whose actions could shape the future of France.

Review: I won a copy of this book as a giveaway on Goodreads.  

This book would be more aptly titled "In the Service of the Shadow Queen" because it is told from the perspective of Claudette, a young French girl from an impoverished active troupe family who eventually rises to serve Athenais de Montespan, mistress to Louis XIV, and the queen of the title. It was exciting to read about a historical figure with which I am unfamiliar. Gulland based her novel on fact and the true story of Claude des Oeillets. 

Before reading this, I didn't realize the low position that actors had during the 1600s in France. They could not be buried in hallowed ground and were believed to go to hell if they did not renounce acting before their death. "You mock the Eucharist in feigning to choose what you feel. [...] Only Christ has the power to choose what He feels, only Christ can choose to suffer. And He chose for us! A player will never cross the threshold of this sacred realm" (34). Similarly, Claudette's brother, who is simple or developmentally delayed in some respect is treated like a subhuman. It is amazing that Claudette was able to bring her family out of poverty and provide for her brother and other family members based on her circumstances, profession, gender, and societal condemnations.

The relationship between Athenais and Claudette was difficult for me to believe. Especially given the disregard for players during the time period, its difficult to imagine that a high born young woman, looking to rise still higher, would seek out an actress as a trusted companion. I was also frustrated with the timing in this novel. From one chapter to another several years sometimes passed with little warning. In one chapter, Claudette is a young woman and Athenais is getting married, in the next Claudette says, "I was thirty now - an old maid by any account" (159). It was difficult to keep up with the progression of time, as well as some plot developments, such as the on and off again relationship of Athenais with the king.

I think Gulland was likely far too kind in her imagining of Claudette. The court was a place of intrigue and backstabbing. There were many rumors that Claude was involved in numerous crimes, including plotting to kill the king. To not only rise but thrive in such a lethal and competitive environment a person would likely have to be devious and cunning, and I suspect the real life Claude did what she needed to in order to survive. However, I did like the image of the sweet and kind Claudette that Gulland portrays, who is constantly trying to live up to the traits of a knight to please her father. 

Stars: 3