To share your reaction on this item, open the Amazon app from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Becoming Marie Antoinette: A Novel Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 612 ratings

This enthralling confection of a novel, the first in a new trilogy, follows the transformation of a coddled Austrian archduchess into the reckless, powerful, beautiful queen Marie Antoinette.
 
Why must it be me? I wondered. When I am so clearly inadequate to my destiny?

Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mother’s political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon.

Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change
everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen.

Filled with smart history, treacherous rivalries, lavish clothes, and sparkling jewels,
Becoming Marie Antoinette will utterly captivate fiction and history lovers alike.

Praise for Becoming Marie Antoinette

“A thoroughly enjoyable novel, brimming with delightful details. Grey writes eloquently and with charming humor, bringing ‘Toinette’ vividly to life as she is schooled and groomed—molded, quite literally—for a future as Queen of France, an innocent pawn in a deadly political game.”
—Sandra Gulland, bestselling author of Mistress of the Sun and the Josephine Bonaparte trilogy

“In her richly imagined novel, Juliet Grey meticulously recreates the sumptuous court of France's most tragic queen. Beautifully written, with attention paid to even the smallest detail, 
Becoming Marie Antoinette will leave readers wanting more!"—Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Madame Tussaud

“A lively and sensitive portrait of a young princess in a hostile court, and one of the most sympathetic portrayals of the doomed queen.”
—Lauren Willig, bestselling author of the Pink Carnation series
 
“Wonderfully delectable and lusciously rich, an elegant novel to truly savor. Juliet Grey’s Marie Antoinette is completely absorbing.”
—Diane Haeger, author of The Queen’s Rival

“[A] sympathetic take on the fascinating and doomed Marie Antoinette.”
Publishers Weekly

Shop this series

See full series
See included books
Shop this series
There are 3 books in this series.
Bundle price: Kindle price
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

This option includes 3 books.

Something went wrong.
Bundle price: Kindle price
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

Customers also bought or read

Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A thoroughly enjoyable novel, brimming with delightful details. Grey writes eloquently and with charming humor, bringing ‘Toinette’ vividly to life as she is schooled and groomed—molded, quite literally—for a future as Queen of France, an innocent pawn in a deadly political game.”—Sandra Gulland, bestselling author of Mistress of the Sun and the Josephine Bonaparte trilogy

“In her richly imagined novel, Juliet Grey meticulously recreates the sumptuous court of France's most tragic queen. Beautifully written, with attention paid to even the smallest detail,
Becoming Marie Antoinette will leave readers wanting more!"—Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Madame Tussaud

“A lively and sensitive portrait of a young princess in a hostile court, and one of the most sympathetic portrayals of the doomed queen.”
—Lauren Willig, bestselling author of the Pink Carnation series
 
“Wonderfully delectable and lusciously rich, an elegant novel to truly savor. Juliet Grey’s Marie Antoinette is completely absorbing.”
—Diane Haeger, author of The Queen’s Rival

“[A] sympathetic take on the fascinating and doomed Marie Antoinette.”
Publishers Weekly

“An extremely compelling read. The author blends very intricately detailed research with a narrative that is stunning in its poignancy.”—The Elliott Review

“Readers will see Marie Antoinette in a whole new light...A sympathetic and engaging read that presents the French queen in a manner seldom found in other novels...Anyone interested in French history will savor every page of this novel.”
—BookLoons

“Juliet Grey’s writing is exquisitely detailed and I enjoyed her lush descriptions of the clothing and decor of the time period. Grey possesses the rare ability to transform readers to a past only accessible by imagination.
Becoming Marie Antoinette is sure to appeal to lovers of quality historical fiction as well as those who are simply fascinated by Marie Antoinette.”—The Well Read Wife

“Fans of historical fiction will eat this one up. It's engaging, smart and authentic. Grey has done her homework.”
—January Magazine

“A lusciously detailed novel of Marie Antoinette's rise to power and the decadent, extravagant lifestyles of 18th-century Versailles.”
—Shelf Awareness

“This is historical fiction at its finest.”
—A Library of My Own

“A fascinating ride and I'm looking forward to the next book.”
—Endless Reading

“Well-researched and lovingly written with sparkling details--this new trilogy is not one to be missed by any lover of historical fiction or Marie Antoinette centered works. This book leaves you wanting more.”
—Stiletto Storyline

Becoming Marie Antoinette is a well researched and interesting novel.  For me, it's a fine example of what good historical fiction should be--it sticks to the facts and just uses the fiction genre to fill in emotions and conversations.”—Tiny Library

About the Author

Juliet Grey is the author of Becoming Marie Antoinette and Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow. She has extensively researched European royalty and is a particular devotee of Marie Antoinette, as well as a classically trained professional actress with numerous portrayals of virgins, vixens, and villainesses to her credit. She and her husband divide their time between New York City and Washington, D.C.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004J4WMXQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ballantine Books (August 9, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 9, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2225 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 482 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 612 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Juliet Grey
Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
612 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers

Customers say

Customers find the book enjoyable and well-written. They appreciate the interesting story about Marie Antoinette's arrival in France and her early years. The writing style is described as easy to read and informative, with plenty of facts to keep them entertained. Readers also enjoy the character development, finding each character interesting and getting a good feel for them. However, opinions differ on the pacing - some find it fast and consuming, while others feel it moves at a slow pace.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

41 customers mention "Readability"41 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it delightful and enjoyable, especially learning about Marie Antoinette's childhood. Readers consider it worth reading and say it's the start of an excellent trilogy.

"...All this is the start of an excellent trilogy that will appeal to those who like historical fiction, Marie Antoinette, French history and day dreams..." Read more

"...This is a fun and educational read...." Read more

"...Enjoyable, pace felt slow. Best enjoyed by readers looking for a lighter historical story." Read more

"...Worth your time & money!" Read more

28 customers mention "Story quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the story engaging and descriptive. They describe it as an excellent historical fiction novel that takes them into the time period. The storyline is based on actual historical events and is a must-read for history fans.

"...appeal to those who like historical fiction, Marie Antoinette, French history and day dreams about magnificient gowns and the distant trappings of..." Read more

"...A seamless story emerges of how, despite the desire to become what both the French and Austrians expect of her, Marie's thorough lack of..." Read more

"...Best enjoyed by readers looking for a lighter historical story." Read more

"Descriptive & so very interesting. I have read other Marie A books before bit this one was different...." Read more

24 customers mention "Writing style"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the first-person style, which is different from other types of books. The author is described as talented and descriptive.

"...character though she is not portrayed as a Disney princess, she is well written and we see her strengths and weaknesses...." Read more

"Easy reading with plenty of facts to keep the reader entertained from beginning to end...." Read more

"Easy read in a “first person” account of Marie Antoinette’s preparation to become Queen of France. Enjoyable, pace felt slow...." Read more

"Descriptive & so very interesting. I have read other Marie A books before bit this one was different...." Read more

17 customers mention "Information quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and insightful. They appreciate the well-researched content and the factual information that keeps them entertained. The story brings Marie Antoinette's life to life with an in-depth look at her life. The study guide questions at the end allow readers to explore new perspectives on the subject. Overall, readers find the book easy to read and provides a new perspective on one of history's most interesting periods.

"...In fact this novel (and the others) contains study guide questions at the end which allow the reader to contemplate their view of Marie and the..." Read more

"Easy reading with plenty of facts to keep the reader entertained from beginning to end...." Read more

"...This is a fun and educational read...." Read more

"...nothing to do with content, the book was extremely well written and researched...." Read more

11 customers mention "Character development"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters interesting and well-developed. They appreciate the attention to detail and get a good feel for the characters. The book provides an insightful perspective on one of history's most intriguing figures.

"...Marie is a likable character though she is not portrayed as a Disney princess, she is well written and we see her strengths and weaknesses...." Read more

"...Each character was interesting all on their own and the etiquette and attention to detail of the time period made this all the more delicious...." Read more

"...i liked the attention to detail and I got a good feel for the characters. I highly recommend it...." Read more

"...The characters are developed really well and you feel a connection with them." Read more

7 customers mention "Pace"4 positive3 negative

Customers have different views on the book's pace. Some find it fast and engaging, while others feel it moves slowly.

"...Events in the novel move at a slow, but consuming pace that made me not want to put it down...." Read more

"...Enjoyable, pace felt slow. Best enjoyed by readers looking for a lighter historical story." Read more

"...This was a fun, fast read and I really enjoyed it!" Read more

"very interesting but a slow read. almost more detail than I wanted." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2015
    This is the first of a trilogy taking the reader through Marie Antoinette's life and death. Told in the first person (mostly) from Marie's point of view the reader is immersed in history. Becoming Marie starts when Maria Antonia is just a child in Austria and deals with her relationship with her mother and sisters. I was shocked to find all the things Maria had to do in order to 'be suitable' to be wed to the future King of France. Maria's mother, Maria Theresa very much wants the marriage to take place to cement a political alliance and the novel devotes a good amount of time setting up this dynastic goal. However, Juliet Grey does a fantastic job of balancing this with all the splendor and radiance you would expect to find among Royals in the 18th century.

    In the second half of the book we see Marie's transition from an Austrian Archduchess to the French Dauphine and her stumbles and ordeals in the French court. Marie is a likable character though she is not portrayed as a Disney princess, she is well written and we see her strengths and weaknesses. In fact this novel (and the others) contains study guide questions at the end which allow the reader to contemplate their view of Marie and the Monarchy in general. The end of this book is breathtakingly beautiful, hopeful, and tragic considering we know how the story is going to eventually end up. All this is the start of an excellent trilogy that will appeal to those who like historical fiction, Marie Antoinette, French history and day dreams about magnificient gowns and the distant trappings of Royalty.
    10 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2014
    Easy reading with plenty of facts to keep the reader entertained from beginning to end. The author superbly describes the contrasts between Marie's idyllic, isolated childhood, and growing up in a close familial, religiously oriented po-dunk Austrian court. Versus the ruthless, amoral, audaciously hedonistic lifestyle awaiting her at the glittering French Versailles palace. In Grey's book, we see the pampered, well-loved daughter of a politically powerful mother, who continually fails to understand her Mother views her only as a pawn for advancing Austrian causes. Marie Antoinette's naivette and uneducated upbringing is historically well documented. Grey uses these facts to set the stage, and demonstrate Marie was raised in a fantasy of thinking she can live eternally among loving, congenial royals. As Revolution looms, readers see that reality will become a harsh teacher for the young innocent girl. The author makes a clear case how this foreign countrified princess possesses no skills, or understanding of anything in particular. Yet, she learns how to navigate among those who view her only as a mindless, frivlous, female; whose only purpose is to produce heirs, and further the reputation of an extravagnt, decadent, fashionable France. The author does an excellent job of describing Marie's plight trying to serve her adopted country of France, as she learns the langauge, customs, and ways to please her husband and the King. While, at the same time, she is expected to meet political demands arriving via courier on a regular basis, from her critical complaining mother and brother. A seamless story emerges of how, despite the desire to become what both the French and Austrians expect of her, Marie's thorough lack of preparation prevents Marie from succeeding. The book makes it clear, Marie never understands the peril surrounding her, until it is too late. As Revolution begins, the book reveals how the innocent, wide-eyed, bumpkin begins to slowly realize she is isolated and on her own to save her life, and the lives of those she loves. Though we all know the tragic ending of Marie Antoinette, this author's book offers insight into what life was like for Marie transitioning from Austrian to French, from bumpkin to ambassador, from child to woman; from princess to queen, from queen to captive, from captive to execution. In Juliet Grey's book, the reader is given a glimpse of how a young inexperienced Austrian princess, possessing no knowledge of French language or culture, through her death, becomes the most famous French Queen in history.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2013
    Becoming Marie Antoinette is the first installment of the Marie Antoinette trilogy by Juliet Gray. This is a fun and educational read.

    I previously knew very little about Marie Antoinette, only that she was the queen of France who was beheaded during the French Revolution and that she once said, of the starving masses, "Let them eat cake!" Now, I feel sympathetic toward her, having the weight of the world placed upon her young shoulders beginning at the tender age of 10, when it was first suggested that she should marry Louis XVI and cement the treaty between Austria and France. She was constantly reprimanded by her ambitious mother, who withheld the simplest demonstrations of affection or comfort, then at 14 sent to Versailles without the slightest hope of ever seeing her beloved Austria or family ever again.

    Once married and living in the palace at Versailles, I admire the way our heroine strove diligently to follow the often ridiculous French etiquette and to live above reproach. It was also fun to read about the crazy behavior of the upper echelon and to hear about the unusual circumstances of Marie Antoinette's marriage with a husband so shy that he could barely touch her for years and how she learned to love him, offering patience and understanding, for all his shortcomings.

    And, just for the record, Marie Antoinette never did say, "Let them eat cake!"

    This novel ends as Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI ascend the throne of France, and I am eagerly anticipating the next two books to learn how the rest of her story unfolds.
    8 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2018
    Easy read in a “first person” account of Marie Antoinette’s preparation to become Queen of France. Enjoyable, pace felt slow. Best enjoyed by readers looking for a lighter historical story.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2016
    Descriptive & so very interesting. I have read other Marie A books before bit this one was different. It was more behind the scenes & puts you in to your Antoinettes mind. Worth your time & money!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Miffy
    5.0 out of 5 stars ... and makes you wonder what life must have been like for Marie Antoinette before leaving Austria and settling into ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 29, 2014
    Very interesting start and makes you wonder what life must have been like for Marie Antoinette before leaving Austria and settling into Court life in Versailles. An enjoyable read.
  • Gamesmart
    4.0 out of 5 stars I like the way the author makes you feel like it ...
    Reviewed in Canada on November 15, 2014
    Interesting book. I like the way the author makes you feel like it really is Marie-Antoinette narrating her story.
  • Eliza
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2016
    Although it said used the book was as brand new
  • Darren Dalli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2017
    Good
  • Rebecca
    2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2018
    I'm sure it is a good book I don't know but I just couldn't get into it sorry

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?