Description - The Exchange Of Princesses by John Cullen
A huge bestseller in France and based on a little known episode of early 18th-century French history, this twisted fairy tale of a novel is about two princesses whose marriages are arranged at the tender ages of four and twelve by Philippe d'Orleans, Regent of France, an unprincipled man eager to cement his power and forge an alliance with Spain. At the mercy of a society with no interest in nor understanding of children, these two girls are thrown into a courtly life that will devour them. As Elle notes, "Thomas recounts the disastrous destinies of Anna Maria Victoria and Louise Elizabeth- princesses destabilized, watched, married, undressed, exposed, and mistreated--at four and twelve years old, how could they not disappoint?"
Set in the French and Spanish courts of the eighteenth century, this novel is based on a true story about the fate of two young princesses caught in the intrigues and secrets of the moment
Philippe d'Orleans, the regent of France, has a gangrenous heart-the result of a life of debauchery, alcohol, power, and flattery. One morning in 1721, he decides to marry eleven-year-old Louis XV to the daughter of Philippe V of Spain, who is only four. Orleans hopes this will tie his kingdom to Spain. But were Louis to die without begetting an heir-the likeliness of which is greatly increased by having a child bride-Orleans himself would finally be king. Orleans tosses his own daughter into the bargain, the twelve-year-old Mlle de Montpensier, who will marry the Prince of Asturias, the heir to the Spanish throne.
The Spanish court enthusiastically agrees and arrangements are made. The two nations trade their princesses in a grand ceremony in 1722, making bonds that should end the historical conflict. Nothing turns out as expected.
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