The Force of Such Beauty

A Novel

By: Barbara Bourland

Narrated by: Tessa Jubber

“This is not your grandma’s fairy tale… Brilliant.” —The Washington Post

“The Force of Such Beauty grips with the strength of an Olympian and holds it with the endurance of a marathoner … [to] an ending that actually caught my breath, not once, but twice in quick succession.”—The Associated Press

One sunny afternoon in an idyllic kingdom by the sea, a princess named Caroline pretends to sleep. When her keepers strike up a card game, Caroline sneaks into her maid’s car, turns the key, and drives right out of the palace. Alone for the first time in years, she gets on the next flight—only to land in the waiting arms of her guards. As she’s forcibly escorted back to her marble prison, something in Caroline breaks for good. It’s not her first failed attempt, and it won’t be her last. Caroline suspects that she’ll never escape. But she might find a way to be free.

Barbara Bourland’s stunning third novel, a phantasmagorical fable of love and marriage, is her most ambitious and inventive book to date. Inspired by the alleged escape attempts of real-life princesses, The Force of Such Beauty is both the story of an idealistic young woman trapped by a corrupt promise, and a deeply moving reminder that power structures around the world ultimately rest on the subjugation of women’s bodies.

“A fascinating novel about bodies, the way we use them, and the way we break them. It’s one of several works to come out this year concerned with the appropriation of female beauty by powerful men, and examines a harsh choice in the lives of women dubbed desirable by the patriarchal state: do you participate, or do you say no?…Bourland is skilled at finding the noir in the everyday, and illustrating the mechanisms of control that keep us in our place.”—Crime Reads, Best Books of the Year (So Far)

Slow to start, but worth it

I heard about this book on Tiktok. Someone said they couldn't put it down so I bought the audio version right away. I wasn't impressed right away. It was done well, but not "I can't put it down", at least not for me. The end is absolutely worth it and it truly is just a really good book!

Love love loved!

Sooo good! Beautifully written, beautifully read. This book will stay with me for a long time

Intricate and Haunting

Such a wonderfully written tale that stays with you long after the credits. Reminiscent of all the princesses who have to hold it together despite falling apart. If you liked the movie Spencer and looking into the dynamic of the royal family, you’ll love this book.

amazing

I couldn't stop listening. the author brought me into a strange world described vividly.

Harrowing.

You feel like you're there, like you're trapped too. Incredibly well written and narrated.

I hope the narrator does more, her voice is perfect for audiobooks.