The first book begins when Angélique is 12 years old, a tomboy and the daughter of a noble but impoverished landowner. The Angélique books tell the life story of Angélique de Sance de Monteloup and are set in 1600s France. And more than one person loudly announced, 'Ignore the cover art!'Īngélique is the first in a series of books, though not all of them were translated into English. One 80-year-old reviewer claimed it was the best book she'd ever read. She inspired vacations and relocations to France. I read some reviews on various sites, and was shocked.Īngélique led to the choice of college majors and career directions. The cover art made me want to run away, screaming, but the summary made it sound like very interesting historical fiction. I hunted, and discovered that Golon was the author of Angélique. Who? I recognized all the names except that one. I was reading a review for some book (I've forgotten which one), and one of the reviewers said her favorite French authors were _, _, _, and Sergeanne Golon.

Just look at the cover, right? Please allow me to explain. The climax of the book is a decision by the French court which has an impact on the whole of the rest of the story - destined to move to the dangerous streets of Paris for the second book. One of the scenes in the book sees Angélique and Joffrey attend the wedding of Louis XIV and his queen, Marie-Therese.Īs Angélique and Joffrey tangle with powerful forces, it is a classic and gripping adventure story, but we also learn about the couple's tender and often unpredictable relationship. The book also tells of Angélique's first meetings with two crucial characters - King Louis XIV of France and Joffrey. Angélique de Sance de Monteloup, a vibrant twelve-year-old tomboy, is the daughter of a simple nobleman impoverished by taxes and other burdens.Īngélique joins the local peasant children in their games, ranges the ancient forests and swamps of Poitou and when bandits visit destruction and rapine on the humble villagers, our heroine's leadership qualities come to the fore for the first time. The story begins in 1648 during a time of insurrection, terror and revolt in a divided France.

Angelique serge golon