Quickly paced, accessible story of France, from Versailles to the Revolution, told from the perspective of a family of Irish immigrants, the Murphys. The detail is incredible, listing snippets of historical fact in way that illustrates the extravagant rise and destructive fall faced by Marie-Louise Murphy, who becomes mistress of Louis XV; this remains her story, as she defies and survives fifty years of extreme wealth and poverty. Her Irish heritage is not used to excuse her or disassociate her from what she becomes, but quietly shapes her personality with superstition and practicality. Duncan Sprott's descriptions are vivid and sensory, painting pictures of golden luxury and filthy poverty with equal effect. ( )