Customer Reviews:
 Great stuff, with some horrific moments March 9, 2008
There are some moments of genuine horror and pathos during this story, during the Massacre of St Bartholomew's Eve itself, when thousands of Huguenots were killed at the behest of Catherine de Medici by Catholic officers, soldiers and civilians; at the climax when the romantic heroes are tortured and executed; and at one point when Catherine de Medici tricks and kills a servant. Most of the rest of the time it is standard swashbuckling Dumas, with a strong air of theatricality and even farcicality.
Excellent - but not as good as the film January 7, 2007
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
I agree with the reviewer below that this is a far superior novel to The Three Musketeers (as much as I love that book!) but I can't help thinking it's one of those rare cases where the film is actually better than the book.
Dumas sets this is the French renaissance, when France is being effectively ruled by Catherine de Medici, and throws himself whole-heartedly into the poisonings, murder, manipulations and duplicity of the court and various political factions. Like other Dumas novels (particularly the 3 Musketeer series) you do need to understand the historical background, although the notes in the Oxford edition do an admirable job of filling that in for the unitiated among us! Just be wary of when the editor slips in a 'spoiler' to the notes, contrasting the historical career of a character with his/her role in Dumas' novel - very iritating for the first time reader.
Margot is fascinating, though I cannot read the book without seeing Isabelle Adjani in the film, and the same with Vincent Perez as La Mole, and the seering sensuality of the film is definitely elided in the novel.
Still, it's an excellent read and really made me want to read Marguerite's real memoirs.
 Beyond all expectation November 15, 2005
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Don't know why The Three Musketeers remains Dumas' most celebrated work when his true talent is illustrated in books of real substance and humanity like this. La Reine Margot is a novel of power, written by a master in his element, in my view, second only to his Monte Cristo. Passionate, dark, sinister, thrilling, glorious. Everything you could want from a novel and more. Will leave you with a thirst for literature, history and life.
Definately worth the read! July 23, 2001
16 out of 18 found this review helpful
I was recommended this book by a friend and loved every minute of it. It is the story of two couples, both in love, and the friendship between the four of them. However, in true Dumas fassion, the intregues and plots of the French court are all mixed in as well: the attack on the Huguenots, the scheming Catherine de Medicis and many more. This book will keep you gripped from start to finish; you'll really be in 16th century France!
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