New Feature on Our Blog

Reference Librarian Rachel Kingcade has added a new feature to our blog: Instant Messaging. The link on our blog is that green and black rectangle on the left that says "Yaplet" and "Chat Here." I can't monitor it all the time, but we could use it at the next meeting to communicate with others who can't come. Does anyone have a laptop you'd like to bring? We have WiFi in the meeting room so that we can IM.
Nex meeting: Thursday, March 15, 5:30 PM in the 2nd floor meeting room. See you there. Bring a friend!

Synopsis: Marie Antionette-The Journey

Was Marie Antoinette, heartless Queen or misunderstood royalty? These and many other ideas were discussed at the Beaufort Bookies first meeting on Thursday night. Antonia Fraser presents quite a different picture from the usual of Marie Antoinette. Instead of seeing her s the queen who said, “Let them eat cake!” readers are led to a completely different conclusion.

Throughout the book, the author shows the influences of Marie’s mother, the circumstances of Marie’s upbringing and how manipulations of people at the court of Versailles impacted on this often-misunderstood queen. Parallels were drawn in the discussion between Marie Antoinette, Princess Diana and Lady Sarah Ferguson. In the book, Marie Antoinette makes many decisions, which are unpopular with the populous, and the people at court. Her fall from the favor of the French people was fueled by financial excess, and suspicions that she was trying to further the influence of Austria at court.

Despite all of the troubles brought on by the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette chose to remain at the side of her King. Her courage at her trial and execution evoked admiration even from her enemies.

This book allows the reader to re-examine the view of history during that period, and obtain a different perspective of a Queen who may have simply been misunderstood.
Synopsis by Maura

Reading Group Site

Sandra Jordan has found a good site for synopsis of book plots/content for us. It is at:
www.ReadingGroupGuides.com.

Bring Someone Along With You

In response to a question today: Yes, bring someone, or several someones, along with you on February 15! This group is open to the public, so tell your friends. If someone cannot come, but wants to take part, I will publish an outline of our discussion for your comments on this blog. If you wish to comment on the book, Marie Antoinette: The Journey before the meeting, please feel free to do so through the blog.