READERS' FAVORITES - Five-Star Review (K.C. Finn)
The Bastard Prince of Versailles, inspired by true events, is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, LGBTQ+, and interpersonal drama subgenres. Penned by author Will Bashor, it is best suited to the general adult reading list, and contains nothing graphic. This captivating historical novel offers readers a glimpse into the tumultuous life of Louis de Bourbon, the illegitimate son of King Louis XIV of France. Born as a prince but kept in the shadows due to his mother's abandonment and the threat he poses to the royal bloodline, Louis faces numerous challenges, from the scorn of courtiers to questions about his true parentage. What results is a tale of resilience and self-discovery set against the backdrop of the opulent and treacherous world of Versailles.
Author Will Bashor portrays the intrigues of the 17th-century French court with fantastic detail and a passion for atmosphere, filling every page with rivalries, betrayals, and political maneuvering. The character of Louis is sensitively drawn, and readers witness his struggles with identity, love, and the demands of royal life. The Chevalier de Lorraine's manipulation and the gay society subplot add depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of sexual identity and society's prejudices of the time. As Louis is exiled and later given a chance at redemption through military service, the novel delves into themes of heroism and self-sacrifice with some deeply compelling emotional scenes that tug at the heartstrings and help us relate to human beings from centuries ago on a modern personal level. Overall, The Bastard Prince of Versailles is a compelling historical novel that not only entertains but also educates about a lesser-known aspect of French history, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF BOOKS (Masa Radanic)
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
When Louis gazed into his eyes, the blood seemed to leave his body; he was chilled and feverish at the same time.
General Summary for Context:
This is a story about a boy who, from the time he was born, had been denied his birthright due to being an illegitimate son of the king and his lover. From a very early age, Louis was schooled in the rules of his homage, and although he tried his best, somehow he was never good enough. His strong friendship with Marcel, a stable hand, helped him develop friendship as well as confidence, yet joining a secret society for homosexuals turned the king and others against him. However, his drive to prove his worth pushed him on, to lead troops into battle and become celebrated for his fearlessness.
Concise Review:
This is a heart-rendering inside look at a royal family in 17th century France a
