Böcker av Mary Stuart Boyd

"A Versailles Christmas-Tide" is a historical novel written by Mary Stuart Boyd. It provides readers with a glimpse into the extravagant world of the Palace of Versailles during the late 18th century, particularly during the Christmas season. Published in 1905, the book combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and drama. The story is set in the magnificent and opulent Palace of Versailles, the grand French royal residence, during the final years of the Ancien Régime. It takes place against the backdrop of the French Revolution, which would soon bring about the downfall of the monarchy. The narrative is marked by the stark contrast between the lavish, extravagant lifestyle of the French court and the gathering storm of revolution outside the palace walls. At the heart of the story is the romance between two fictional characters, Lady Sue Rawson and Captain Percy Blakeney. Sue, a British aristocrat, is visiting Versailles with her family, and Percy is a dashing officer who becomes entangled with her. The novel explores their burgeoning love and the challenges they face amid the volatile political climate and societal expectations. The Christmas season serves as a backdrop for the narrative, with scenes of festive celebrations, glittering balls, and elaborate feasts that showcase the excesses of the French court. The opulence of Versailles contrasts with the growing discontent and poverty experienced by the French population. "A Versailles Christmas-Tide" provides a historical and atmospheric account of life within the palace walls, where the aristocracy seemed oblivious to the suffering of the common people. As the revolution looms on the horizon, the novel captures the tension and uncertainty of the time. Mary Stuart Boyd's writing in this book reflects her meticulous research into the period, and she creates a vivid portrayal of the historical setting and the complex characters. The book explores themes of love, class, political upheaval, and societal change. It offers a window into the decadence and extravagance of the French court while also highlighting the brewing unrest that would lead to significant historical events. Boyd's novel is a compelling work of historical fiction that immerses readers in the world of Versailles during a pivotal moment in history.

"A Versailles Christmas-Tide" is a historical novel written by Mary Stuart Boyd. It provides readers with a glimpse into the extravagant world of the Palace of Versailles during the late 18th century, particularly during the Christmas season. Published in 1905, the book combines elements of historical fiction, romance, and drama. The story is set in the magnificent and opulent Palace of Versailles, the grand French royal residence, during the final years of the Ancien Régime. It takes place against the backdrop of the French Revolution, which would soon bring about the downfall of the monarchy. The narrative is marked by the stark contrast between the lavish, extravagant lifestyle of the French court and the gathering storm of revolution outside the palace walls. At the heart of the story is the romance between two fictional characters, Lady Sue Rawson and Captain Percy Blakeney. Sue, a British aristocrat, is visiting Versailles with her family, and Percy is a dashing officer who becomes entangled with her. The novel explores their burgeoning love and the challenges they face amid the volatile political climate and societal expectations. The Christmas season serves as a backdrop for the narrative, with scenes of festive celebrations, glittering balls, and elaborate feasts that showcase the excesses of the French court. The opulence of Versailles contrasts with the growing discontent and poverty experienced by the French population. "A Versailles Christmas-Tide" provides a historical and atmospheric account of life within the palace walls, where the aristocracy seemed oblivious to the suffering of the common people. As the revolution looms on the horizon, the novel captures the tension and uncertainty of the time. Mary Stuart Boyd's writing in this book reflects her meticulous research into the period, and she creates a vivid portrayal of the historical setting and the complex characters. The book explores themes of love, class, political upheaval, and societal change. It offers a window into the decadence and extravagance of the French court while also highlighting the brewing unrest that would lead to significant historical events. Boyd's novel is a compelling work of historical fiction that immerses readers in the world of Versailles during a pivotal moment in history.

During the turn of the 20th century, an English couple discovers their son has come down with scarlet fever while away at school in Versailles. So, they make their way to the city through Paris in order to be there for their son during the peak of the Christmas holidays. " Look, Christophe, it snowed... My sister took my hand and kept it in hers. We remained glued to the window, drunk with surprise, laughing to hold our breath. We were shivering, the snowflakes were flying on all sides, covering the roofs and attics, the trees in the square..." It's Christmas and it's snowing in Versailles, like every year. The young boy walks rue de la Paroisse with his sister and parents embracing, looking for presents and under the bright lights. Later, he will graze the golden gates, seeking the silhouette of a little king in the windows of the castle. The snow makes us children. Place Hoche, an unloved general turns his back on the church. From the snow-covered Trianon, in the middle of the night, haunting music seems to escape which frightens the sister and the brother. And who is this slender, red skater on the ice, waving to the young man? So go the memories, magical and tender, until the first evenings in the residences of the city... In the tradition of the most beautiful Christmas tales, Christophe Bataille offers us a short paradise, which seems to escape as quickly as the snow melts in our hands. After La Brûlure, where the heat of summer defied life, Noël à Versailles awakens the charms of childhood in all readers, at the foot of the Christmas tree or in the whitewashed paths of the park. What if the snow had taken refuge in this unforgettable tale?"

" Look, Christophe, it snowed¿ My sister took my hand and kept it in hers. We remained glued to the window, drunk with surprise, laughing to hold our breath. We were shivering, the snowflakes were flying on all sides, covering the roofs and attics, the trees in the square¿¿It's Christmas and it's snowing in Versailles, like every year. The young boy walks rue de la Paroisse with his sister and parents embracing, looking for presents and under the bright lights. Later, he will graze the golden gates, seeking the silhouette of a little king in the windows of the castle. The snow makes us children. Place Hoche, an unloved general turns his back on the church. From the snow-covered Trianon, in the middle of the night, haunting music seems to escape which frightens the sister and the brother. And who is this slender, red skater on the ice, waving to the young man? So go the memories, magical and tender, until the first evenings in the residences of the city...In the tradition of the most beautiful Christmas tales, Christophe Bataille offers us a short paradise, which seems to escape as quickly as the snow melts in our hands. After La Brûlure, where the heat of summer defied life, Noël à Versailles awakens the charms of childhood in all readers, at the foot of the Christmas tree or in the whitewashed paths of the park. What if the snow had taken refuge in this unforgettable tale?"

"To me the Palace of Versailles is peopled by the ghosts of many women. A few of them are dowdy and good, but by far the greater number are graceful and wicked. How infinitely easier it is to make a good bad reputation than to achieve even a bad good one! "Tell us stories about naughty children," we used to beseech our nurses. And as our years increase we still yawn over the doings of the righteous, while our interest in the ways of transgressors only strengthens."