The Embroidered Book

Historical fantasy is an interesting subgenre, weaving fantastical elements into well established historical events. The best ones of these really manage to capture the time period with the fantastical elements used more to drive the story and fill in blanks rather than attempting major revisionism. At this The Embroidered Book most definitely succeeds.

Here we take on the story of Marie Antoinette and Maria Carolina, two sisters who had a major impact on European history. Marie Antoinette needs no real introduction as Queen of France during the French Revolution. Maria Carolina was Queen of Naples during the same period, and effectively the power in the country as her husband was disinterested in matters of state.

Kate Heartfield manages to weave a story of magic into a well researched history of the period. She prevents a much more sympathetic view of Marie Antoinette than is usually found in the popular discourse. It was also fascinating to read more of the story behind Maria Carolina, whose own history is really interesting!

Overall a well worked take on the history in the period. Possibly a bit on the long side (it drags a little in the middle) but it provides a fun fantasy read with a fascinating take on some important historical figures.

Pros: fascinating period, clever interweaving of magic into history, interesting characters and events

Cons:

After finding their murdered governess’s book of magic, archduchesses Maria Carolina (Charlotte) and Maria Antonia (Marie Antoinette) start teaching themselves spells. They hope this forbidden skill will help them in their upcoming political marriages to King Ferdinand I of Naples and the Dauphin of France respectively. One joins forces with a magical society that wants to control the use of magic, while the other is forced to hide her skill and work with rogues. Dreaming of how they’ll change the world for the better, politics, magic, and the whims of fate propel the sisters into the arms of revolution and a world very different from what they’d hoped to create.

Carefully following the events of history from 1767 to 1798, the author weaves magic into the story, using it to often explain natural disasters, political upheaval, and personal triumphs and defeats in the womens’ lives.

Magic requires 5 sacrifices, including a personal treasure, a memory, and an emotion (the love of a pet, for example). These sacrifices slowly leach the life and vivacity from the girls and the other practitioners around them. Magic itself varies between simple frivolous spells and truly dangerous spells.

It’s sad seeing how circumstances gradually change the sisters’ relationship with each other. Each one tries to do the best for their country, their family, and themselves, but that ultimately causes discord between them.

The author is kinder to Marie Antoinette and her actions and motivations than history has been. I didn’t know much about Naples or Charlotte’s reign, so I found her part of the story utterly fascinating. It’s clear the author did a lot of research on the people and time.

If you like alternate history and fantasy, this is an enjoyable read.