In Alexandre Dumas' "Marie Antoinette Romances, Vol 4: Taking the Bastile," readers are transported back to the tumultuous and turbulent days of the French Revolution. The novel follows the story of Marie Antoinette, the infamous queen of France, as she navigates the dangerous political landscape of the time.

Dumas' vivid storytelling brings to life the opulence of the court and the squalor of the streets, painting a vivid picture of a society on the brink of collapse. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with Marie Antoinette herself portrayed as a complex and conflicted figure, torn between her duty to her country and her desire for personal happiness.

The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Dumas expertly weaves together historical fact and fiction, creating a compelling narrative that is both informative and entertaining.

Overall, "Taking the Bastile" is a captivating read that offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in French history. Fans of historical fiction and political intrigue will surely enjoy this gripping tale of power, betrayal, and revolution.

Book Description:
This 4th volume of the Marie Antoinette Romances begins several years after the close of "The Queen’s Necklace.” It describes the events leading up to and including the storming of the Bastile. Past plots of Count Balsamo to destroy the French monarchy are resurrected by the mysterious Dr. Gilbert – a student of Balsamo’s occult arts and the Enlightenment philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Considered by many critics to be a highlight of the Marie Antoinette Romances, Dumas tells this quintessential story of the French Revolution through the lens of the people. As Dumas writes, “The Bastile was the seal of feudalism on the brow of Paris … the monument which had for five centuries weighed like an incubus on the breast of France—a rock of Sisyphus. Less confident than the Titan in her power, France had never thought to throw it off.” Here, history shows us the Titanic power that a people can wield! - Summary by jvanstan