The Affair Of The Necklace Book
The Affair Of The Necklace Book is a historical novel by Alexandra Ripley, published in 1995. The book tells the story of the infamous diamond necklace scandal that rocked the court of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette of France in the late 18th century. The scandal involved the theft of a diamond necklace worth 1.6 million livres, the largest sum of money ever spent on jewelry in the 18th century. The Affair Of The Necklace Book is a fascinating account of power, greed, and scandal, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution.
The Plot
The Affair Of The Necklace Book follows the story of Jeanne de La Motte-Valois, a beautiful and cunning woman who was once a member of the French nobility. Jeanne is desperate to regain her lost status and fortune, and she schemes to obtain the diamond necklace that was originally intended for Queen Marie Antoinette. Jeanne convinces a wealthy cardinal to buy the necklace for her, but when the deal falls apart, she resorts to theft and forgery to obtain the necklace. Jeanne's actions set off a chain of events that lead to her downfall and the downfall of many others involved in the scandal.
The Characters
The Affair Of The Necklace Book features a cast of fascinating and complex characters, including Jeanne de La Motte-Valois, the ambitious and manipulative protagonist; Cardinal Louis de Rohan, the wealthy and gullible cardinal who falls for Jeanne's schemes; and Marie Antoinette, the queen who becomes embroiled in the scandal through no fault of her own. Other characters include Jeanne's husband, Nicolas de La Motte, who is portrayed as a cowardly and abusive man; Count Cagliostro, a mysterious and charismatic figure who plays a key role in the scandal; and many others.
The Historical Context
The Affair Of The Necklace Book is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, a time of great upheaval and change in France. The book explores the tensions between the French nobility and the common people, as well as the corruption and excesses of the French court. The diamond necklace scandal is seen as a symbol of the decadence and moral decay of the French monarchy, and it played a role in undermining the legitimacy of the monarchy in the eyes of the French people.
The Author
Alexandra Ripley was an American author best known for her historical novels. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1934, and she passed away in 2004. Ripley was a prolific author who wrote many bestselling novels, including Scarlett, the sequel to Gone with the Wind. Ripley was known for her meticulous research and attention to detail, and her books were praised for their vivid descriptions of historical events and characters.
The Reception
The Affair Of The Necklace Book received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the book for its engaging characters and vivid portrayal of the French Revolution, while others criticized it for being too long and overly melodramatic. Despite the mixed reviews, The Affair Of The Necklace Book was a commercial success, and it remains a popular historical novel to this day.
The Legacy
The Affair Of The Necklace Book has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The diamond necklace scandal has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows, and it continues to fascinate people to this day. The Affair Of The Necklace Book is a vivid and engaging portrayal of this scandal, and it remains a popular choice for readers who are interested in the history and politics of the French Revolution.
Conclusion
The Affair Of The Necklace Book is a gripping and entertaining historical novel that tells the story of one of the most infamous scandals in French history. The book is a fascinating exploration of power, greed, and scandal, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply interested in the history and politics of the French Revolution, The Affair Of The Necklace Book is a must-read.