Book Review: Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles
Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles by Peggy Joque Williams,
Published by Black Rose Writing, May 9, 2024, paperback, 374 pages
Reviewed by Catherine Marcroft
Peggy Joque Williams has written a delightful book. I thoroughly enjoyed A Novel of Versailles: Courting the Sun.
We meet our heroine, Sylvienne d’Aubert, on a sunny afternoon high in a tree following her curiosity about all things courtly to a perch where she can spy on lovers who, for all intents and purposes might be from another world. They have the time, money, freedom and beauty to indulge in activities just beginning to be of interest to our young Sylvienne.
She is followed into that tree by a village boy, the son of a cobbler, whose curiosity about Sylvienne sparks his climb. Their espionage begins their friendship. Their age and Sylvienne’s aspirations don’t allow her to consider Etienne Girard in any other light.
Sylvienne spends her days in the quiet, court-adjacent country village of Amiens, France, living with her beloved Maman and the dedicated older couple, Tatie and Blondeau, who have always been a part of the household as Sylvienne knows it. Memories of her dear departed Papa are cherished following his death years before and life goes on.
She attends a convent school for girls, reading the classics, sewing, and doing chores for the nuns alongside her dear friend Marie-Catherine. She excels as a student and still finds time for her preferred reading, the latest romance novel from Mademoiselle de Scudery. Her academic performance ignites jealously in a classmate, Claudette. Yes, even 17th century schools had their mean girls. Sylvienne gives a particularly delightful response turning a threat back on a bully with confidence and quick wit. That incident shows us how well Sylvienne can handle herself and that bullies always have a score to settle.
Time passes, and dreams of something beyond her village grow to a yearning. Her relationship with Etienne has progressed, and all as it should be for her dull, pleasant village life until one day, when she is 15, Sylvienne returns home to find her mother uncomfortably hosting King Louis XIV himself in their humble home. The visit brings the mysteries of her mother’s past to the forefront, even if her mother’s evasive answers do not satisfy.
On her sixteenth birthday, a parcel arrives from the King, a beautiful gown along with an invitation for Sylvienne to attend the his court. It would seem dreams do come true.
All of her life, Sylvienne’s mother has given her the gifts of solid values, curiosity, wit and intelligence, not realizing how much her daughter would need to rely on those gifts as she faces the expectations and opportunities of her new life at the dazzling court at Versailles. Will this naive country girl blossom in the warmth of the Sun King’s court or will the heat be too much too bear? Ms. Williams subtle revealing of Sylvienne’s strengths and character through her relationships with friends both old and new, more privileged than herself and less, give us hope that all might be well. But will it? And what of the steadfast and true Etienne Girard? We root for him, too.
I am no scholar of 17th century French nobility but have heard enough about the shenanigans of that era for this very good writing to allow me to trust the ring of truth I find here. We root for Sylvienne at every stage as she learns about herself, her talents, and the world of nobility, as well as when she faces the darker side of court life. We celebrate her sense of justice and defense of those with less power than herself. We bear witness to her growing up, discovering her own power, and coming into the understanding that the ability to make choices is the greatest freedom of all.
When I received this book for review, it was accompanied by a note that included news I’d love to share here – there is a sequel coming. That means only one thing for you: make Courting the Sun by Peggy Joque Williams a priority summer read so you are prepared for the next chapter. Braving the Dawn: A Novel of New France will be coming in January, 2026.
