Marie Antoinette

The Journey

By: Antonia Fraser

Narrated by: Donada Peters

Length: 20 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

France's iconic queen, Marie Antoinette, wrongly accused of uttering the infamous "Let them eat cake", was alternately revered and reviled during her lifetime. For centuries since, she has been the object of debate, speculation, and the fascination so often accorded illustrious figures in history. Married in mere girlhood, this essentially lighthearted child was thrust onto the royal stage and commanded by circumstance to play a significant role in European history. Antonia Fraser's lavish and engaging portrait excites compassion and regard for all aspects of the queen, immersing the listener not only in the coming-of-age of a graceful woman, but in the culture of an unparalleled time and place.

©2001 Antonia Fraser (P)2001 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The portrait is drawn delicately, with pleasant touches of humor...Fraser's approach is controlled and thoughtful." (Publishers Weekly)
"Absorbing as ever. Fraser's blend of insight and research persuade us that this unfortunate queen deserves neither the vilification nor the idealization she has received." (The New Yorker)
"Donada Peters...excels at injecting subtle irony into seemingly flat narrative. She handles the snotty comments and the lewd scandal-mongering of the court with equal aplomb. Fraser is one of the most highly respected and best-selling biographers of our time, and it's easy to see why in this enlightening glimpse into the turbulent France of the 1770s." (AudioFile)

Interesting but Easy on the Details

The overall story was enjoyable and well written. However, this story drags you down with too much detail.

A groundbreaking book, but a fumnel-view of M.A.

This book is highly regarded and for the time it was published, very groundbreaking in busting the myths around Marie Antoinette. I found the first few chapters difficult for audiobook, since they mostly cover Royal family lineage and there are a bazillion names and ranks to remember. Midway, it picks up as MA becomes a Queen and ends strong with her demise. However, if you're looking for a larger view of what the Revolution was about or anything outside of palace doors, you'll be disappointed. I was as mystified as MA at deciphering the politics surrounding her. The reader is expected to have a basic knowledge of the main players of the French Revolution. Key leaders are given no backstory and even Louis XV's part in the cause of the Revolution is given short shrift. The main focus is on the daily life of MA, her relationship with her family and how she dealt with 'haters.' I feel like i know who she was as a woman now, but I'll have to read a separate book on the Revolution itself. The movie actually added more detail that wasn't in the book. Overall, I'd say read it for a foundation on MA, but go elsewhere for the bigger picture.

Detailed and thought provoking

Any additional comments?

Yes, this is a long book. I purchased it because I was interested in getting allot more details of daily life and a story that was not rushed. I was not disappointed. This book offered detailed information about the complex relationships and hierarchy of French Court. It did an excellent job of pointing out the precise change in the public's view of Marie Antoinette and the probable causes. I found myself increasingly empathetic toward her. She did her very best to live up to all of the requirements of her role, but was sadly ill-prepared for some aspects of married life and politics. This book is for the person who wants a deeper look into the everyday life, relationships, politics, and obstacles of the premier queen of France.

Superb detail and well-read

Antonia Fraser writes a detailed account of Marie Antoinette's life supported by primary sources of differing perspectives. As a history teacher, I was delightfully surprised to learn so much more about circumstances surrounding the Queen's life and Europe as a whole during this time period. At times, the story seemed to move a bit slowly because of the detail, but it didn't impact my overall enjoyment. Also, I appreciated the epilogue, which resolved many unanswered questions about MA's legacy.

I was also very satisfied with Donada Peters' narration, especially after reading such critical reviews from others. I love that she used different voices and accents to personalize the LARGE number of people cited in this story, which made it much easier to put everything in context while listening.

Marie Antoinette Gets a Bad Rap!

What made the experience of listening to Marie Antoinette the most enjoyable?

I loved the narration and story of M.A. It goes to show that she was misunderstood in her times and ours. It shows how she grew from a naive and frivolity loving young girl into a woman (near the end) trying her best to understand France, politics and saving her children. The court intrigues are always fun and amusing. And her personal life, loves, losses, and tragedies are an interesting time in history.

Very Interesting

I really enjoyed this book. I usually read books on the Tudors, but found Marie Antoinette’s story just as compelling. Antonia Fraser has done it again, and, hats off to Donada Peters for her fine narration!

Impeccable research

This work is fascinating, dense, and impeccably researched. It features the perspectives of numerous people in the royal household, through their writings, her personal letters, and the government minutiae. Much of Marie Antoinette's story is heartbreaking; being married off at 14 to a weak husband who refused to consummate their marriage, a cruel press, and a conniving Royal Court full of social climbers who hated Austrians. The stuff this child had to put up with! If you've seen the movie by Sofia Coppola, you're familiar with some of the content. By the way, she never said, "Let them eat cake," and Fraser shares the history of this phrase in the book. It's a long slog, but I learned a lot from it.

Excellent, gripping detail, and fine narration.

Finally, an indepth portrait of a much misunderstood woman, mother, and monarch. well worth the listen.

It goes by fast

Making my way through royalty through centuries via audio books and this was an excellent, quick(er) and - yes - emotional, read. I found my preconceived knowledge or what I thought I knew challenged and re-educated through this tome. Not only are you learning about Marie-Antoinette, but Louis XVI, their family, relations, events of the Revolution. It is easy to keep up with events and names while listening. I am sad it has ended - I am well read on many monarchs but I have not cried for any like I did for Marie Antoinette (Mary Queen of Scots would have been it emotionally). If you are thinking about it, just get it. The 2006 movie featuring Kirsten Dunst also is nearly fact for fact up until about 1787 (where the movie ends).

Great book Rough Listen

Once again Antonia Fraser does a magnificent job bringing what could be bland historical research, to life. The problem with this audiobook is the reader. Her voice, once you get used to it is fine. It is her choice of doing foreign accents, male/female voice characters and even children's voices that is .... freaky. I wanted to pull off my headset more than once. Please, next time, just a good solid read would suffice.