The Sisters of Versailles: A Novel (The Mistresses of Versailles Trilogy)

I truly enjoyed this story of the four Nesle sisters, three of whom became mistresses of Louis XV. I always like reading about lesser-known figures of important periods in history and how their lives are effected by the political machinations of the time. The fact that the story was told from the points of view of each sister added interest to the narrative. This book serves to reiterate the fact that women in previous centuries had little value to the men, and became survivors in their own right. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoys historical fiction and who is interested in this period of French history.

Since I've been watching Versailles the TV series, I've become more interested in the goings on in the Palace! So, I decided to find some novels on the subject. I get somewhat bored reading strictly "Historical Accounts", so novels suite me just fine. This first installment by Sally Christie about the mistresses of King Louis IV, is like they say a" fun romp" through the halls of Versailles. Imagine three sisters, one King! This book gives you a good peek into life at court and the "imagined" personality of an infamous King and three of his mistresses. I say" imagined" because who really knows what goes on in the intimate lives of anyone! It is a great "escape" novel, I enjoyed it very much and can't wait to read the next two novels! Also, I love to Google the real images of these illustrious characters to see famous paintings of them as I read!

I loved this book!!! I have had this love affair going with 18TH, 17THand 16TH CENTURY France going when I started taking French in the 4TH grade. I get absolutely everything I can find set in the periods and this is one of my absolute favorites. I didn't find it slow paced or simple at all. I loved seeing the dynamics between the sisters and can't wait to read the other two books in the series that feature the other sisters but involve them all. What makes sisters betray each other? I know about the first one from this first book in the series and can't wait to read the other two. Will there be a fourth?? ( I can dream, can't I?) At least for another book (or series set in the period 😀.). I believe you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I loved the proceeding novels in the series and found this one to be very interesting about the dynamics of these sisters. It seems very well researched and it’s wonderful to read the letters of the sisters to one another. They very much reflect letters only sisters would send one another.I loved getting to know the central characters in the other books and found myself missing a level of intimacy that I had with madame du Barry and pompadour.I wished that Marie Anne was the central character and it divulged on her relationship with the king. Since Louis said she was the greatest love of his life (stated in notes of book two), I would have loved to see that blossom in this book.Still an amazingly done piece of fiction. I found the sisters to be enthralling, and loved the back and forth of letters

I had a little trouble getting into the story, but once I did I couldn't stop until I had read all three books. I'm lucky in that we have visited Versailles and toured the Palace and the Trianon - so the books came to life for me. I have always loved historical fiction and Sally Christie really tells it like it was! If you have any interest in history you will love these books. I HIGHLY recommend the!!!!!!!

I liked this book because it was an interesting story about real people, with very few fictional characters. The writing style is good, keeping the reading experience flowing. It’s a quick read, not requiring a lot of concentration or vocabulary look ups. That being said, it would have been nice to have more historical research included in the book so the reader could learn more about the time in which the characters lived.

This was a fascinating read concerning the lesser known mistresses of France's Louis XV. That the king had such a predilection for 4 sisters from the same family is really kind of eye-opening. I think the writer does a very good job at differentiating the personalities of the sisters for the reader and, despite others' complaints on this score, I did enjoy the letter setup between the chapters.

So goes a line in this book. And it proves to be true. I have never explored French history, fact or fiction, and picked this book as an amusement for the cold winter days. I was very happy I did. Sally Christie offers a well written novel on Louis XV and his mistresses, sisters. Versailles as a background is well used with all the intrigue and jealousy that comes into play between the aristocracy and familial relationships.

order recieved looks like good read

Not a good read, so boring I didn't finish it, the chapters jump from one character to the next making in difficult and not allowing time to engage with each. Definitely won't bother with the next one

The 1st of a trilogy. I look forward to the next two.

This is a well researched and well written novel which in this writer's opinion would do best among female readers. Based on the reality of Louis XV's life and well-known (to students of history) womanizing , Christie weaves an attractive narrative written in large part in the first person of the sisters involved as the lovers of the king. It's a bit of a stretch at moments, but for the most part a good read. Christie's style welcomes the reader into her imagined world of Versailles and while hoping not to contradict myself having what I stated in my opening line, I as a long time student of French literature, art and history found her novel fun to read.

Awesome series by Sally Christie... Wow ! I am surprised at my love for this series. Can't wait for the last book in the triology to come out this month !!!This is a great story... hard to believe it is based on fact. These five sisters and their relationship with Louis. OMG ! An engrossing read for sure !

Love history, love non-fiction. Love the courts of Old France. This book has it all. I thought I knew about all the different King's mistresses; missed this King's first 4. A wonderful read for those who like royal gossip, based on fact.

Very good story providing a picture of life in the courts of early France. The lives of these women as shown through their stories makes one understand the development and growth of today's women.

I loved this book! It was a great read and I have already purchased another book from this author.

Great story based on true facts with humor and excitement. Really enjoyed it. Loved the way the author described the activities that took place in Versailles.Great choice of words. Loved it.

Was ok

Captured by this book. An entertaining, engrossing read. Highly recommended!!

Mundane plot.

Livre écrit en anglais, ce livre m'a énormément plu, savourant chaque page et la superbe façon dont Sally Christie présente les sœurs de Mailly-Nesle, partageant le lit du Roi Louis XV de France successivement.Intrigue géniale, style d'écriture parfait, et un roman magnifique!