Why read Antoinette's Sister?

Book cover of Antoinette's Sister

Book description

As Marie Antoinette took her last breath as Queen of France in Paris, another formidable monarch-Antoinette's dearly beloved sister, Charlotte-was hundreds of miles away, in Naples, fighting desperately to secure her release from the revolutionaries who would take her life. Little did Charlotte know, however, that her sister's execution would…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Antoinette's Sister as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Louis Mendola

Author

Historical fiction, when well-researched, sometimes brings us uncommon insight into people and their times. This is one of those rare cases.

Very little has been written in English about Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples and Sicily (later the Two Sicilies) as the consort of Ferdinando I de Bourbon, except in dynastic histories such as those of Harold Acton.

In the absence of a major biography, I recommend this book as a worthy introduction, tracing the queen’s steps and considering her actions as the power behind the throne.

From Louis' list on The best books for insight into the history and society of southern Italy.

Alyssa Palombo

Author

Everyone knows Marie Antoinette, but did you know about her fierce and formidable sister, Queen Maria Carolina Charlotte of Naples? You will after reading Diana Giovinazzo’s incredible sophomore novel, and you’ll never be able to forget her. The book follows the story of Charlotte, as she likes to be known, from her childhood as a Hapsburg archduchess to her marriage to King Ferdinand of Naples, where she attempts to guide her feckless husband in taking the reins of power. This is a juicy novel full of drama and court intrigue, as well as a captivating look at southern Italy in…

From Alyssa's list on The best historical fiction set in Italy.