Hello Readers,
I was hooked on Anya Bergman’s writing after reading The Witches of Vardø, so I couldn’t wait to dive into The Tarot Reader of
Versailles. It absolutely delivered a rich, immersive story that blends
history, mysticism, and politics in the most captivating way.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an eBook copy of The Tarot Reader of Versailles by Anya Bergman in exchange for an honest review. Since the book was officially published just yesterday, this review will be completely spoiler-free. Please note: I do not own the rights to the cover image included in this post. It is being used under Fair Use for the purpose of review and recommendation, in accordance with sections 29 and 30 of the Copyright Act.
Author: Anya Bergman
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 480
Cover Image:
Synopsis: She can see the future, but can she change it?
It is the early days of the French Revolution and, on the streets of Paris, terror reigns.
Marie Anne Adelaide Lenormand is a young woman with an extraordinary power - through her tarot cards, she can commune with the dead. Her reputation is such that revolutionaries and the aristocracy alike seek her out to divine their fortunes, though she is loyal to Marie Antoinette and the dauphin of France. But Lenormand has seen the queen's fate in the cards, and must take care that it doesn't become her own.
Then, one fateful day, she comes across Cait, a scullery maid from Ireland who has travelled to Paris for love. Cait has powers too - she can read people's pasts as Lenormand reads their futures. The two young women have an instant connection, drawn to each other's abilities. But Cait is hiding something from her new as much as she loves Lenormand, she loves freedom and her country more. What will she do - and who will she betray - to bring revolution to the shores of Ireland?
Set against the background of the French Revolution and the Great Rebellion in Ireland and entwining dark folklore with tarot mysticism, this is a novel of fate and free will, where allegiances and romances can be forged or broken by the turn of a card.
Miniature Review
There’s a lot going on at the start: different timelines, multiple points of view, and loads of historical detail. It takes a bit of concentration, but it’s 100% worth it. Once you get into the rhythm, it all clicks into place and what unfolds is a gripping, layered story that constantly surprises you.
The French Revolution is a period I thought I knew fairly well but this book gave me a fresh perspective. It made me realise just how much women were pushed to the sidelines during that time. And the connection with the Irish rebellion was completely new to me I learned so much, and it definitely sent me down a few historical rabbit holes after reading.
What really stood out was the way Anya wove tarot into the story. It’s not just a background detail it’s central to the plot and adds a sense of danger, mystery, and even fate. I loved how the story explored the idea of destiny, and how much control we really have over our own lives.
The characters are compelling, and I was really drawn to both main voices. Their stories are distinct but beautifully layered together. And the settings whether it’s the lavish French court, the gritty streets of Paris, or the windswept beauty of Ireland are described so vividly that I felt completely transported.
Knowing it’s inspired by the real-life Marie-Anne Adelaide Lenormand made it even more fascinating. Her story, combined with the political upheaval and the mystical elements, makes for a really unique read.
This book has everything I love in historical fiction: strong characters, real emotional stakes, a sense of place, and that magical feeling of learning something new without it ever feeling like a history lesson. If you're into historical fiction with a bit of intrigue and mysticism, definitely pick this one up.
Comments
Post a Comment