Madame Tussaud

A Novel of the French Revolution

By: Michelle Moran

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to begin….

Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated wax museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador Thomas Jefferson to her tableau of the royal family at dinner, Marie's museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, even politics. Her customers hail from every walk of life, and when word arrives that the royals themselves are coming to see their likenesses, Marie never dreams that the king's sister will request her presence at Versailles as a royal tutor in wax sculpting. Yet when a letter with a gold seal is delivered to her home, Marie knows she cannot refuse---even if it means time away from her beloved Salon and her increasingly dear friend Henri Charles.

As Marie becomes acquainted with her pupil, Princess Elisabeth, she is taken to meet both Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, who introduce her to the glamorous life at court. From lavish parties with more delicacies than she's ever seen to rooms filled with candles lit only once before being discarded, Marie steps into to a world entirely different from her home on the Boulevard du Temple, where people are selling their teeth in order to put food on the table.

Meanwhile, many resent the vast separation between rich and poor. In salons and cafes across Paris, people like Camille Desmoulins, Jean-Paul Marat, and Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there's whispered talk of revolution. Will Marie be able to hold on to both the love of her life and her friendship with the royal family as France approaches civil war? More important, will she be able to fulfill the demands of powerful revolutionaries who ask that she make the death masks of beheaded aristocrats, some of whom she knows?

©2011 Michelle Moran (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Moran is a sprightly and gimlet-eyed writer, so this should be fun - and a possible breakout." ( Library Journal)

Loved it

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend. It gives a good idea for the happenings of the French Revolution while introducing you to the life of A great historic female artist.

Which scene was your favorite?

When she was brought the first decapitated heads, not because it was so gruesome, but because of the situation it placed her in and how she dealt with it.

If you could take any character from Madame Tussaud out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Madame Tussaud

fascinating story

I was totally enthralled with this book. The story is great and I learned a lot. Enjoyable to listen to!

Very enjoyable listen

Loved the story, the way was written-gave new insight about events of French Revolution. The narration was the best-great voices, phrasing and perfect French pronunciations-really helped carry the story along. Also appreciate the author doing a little follow up on the characters lives after the revolution.

Incredible

Rosyln Landor is my favorite narrator. So very talented. I am truly spoiled by her captivating style- hard to listen to anyone else!

Story was also amazing. Thank you!

very good..great character development

great exciting book to enjoy
a great lesson in history of the French Revolution. a must read

The French Revolution

An inside view of the French Revolution, very graphic, a bit long but extremely interesting.

Entertaining and enlightening!

What did you love best about Madame Tussaud?

Learning about the "real" people that played huge parts in the French Revolution.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Madame Tussaud. A sculptor, as am I. What an adventure to be so closely entwined in the terrible events of the time.

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

It was fluid and well done.

If you could take any character from Madame Tussaud out to dinner, who would it be and why?

It would be her. Obviously she was an amazing artist, who worked and lived hard. She is strong, and could fit easily into this modern time.

Any additional comments?

If you like historical novels, this one is packed with so much first hand information.
Wow!

Michelle Moran Does or Again!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Michelle Moran is an amazing historical futon writer. She gives you enough history so you learn something but also adds her personal touch so the story stays interesting. The narrator was also clear and engaging.

Surprised

I love it when I find a new author. After a string of books I couldn't finish, I found this one especially delightful.

A Great Journey

This listen is both well-written and well-performed. The story has a very authentic feel and really puts the listener in the heart of the revolution. Very entertaining and informative.