This book is the first half of Henriette's incredible personal diary. We meet her as a young woman in the glittering, pre-revolutionary French court. She's close to Queen Marie Antoinette and lives a life of luxury. But then, everything changes. The Revolution erupts, and Henriette's world turns upside down overnight. The book follows her desperate struggle to protect her husband and children as they flee Paris, face imprisonment, and navigate a country at war with itself. It's a firsthand account of survival, from palace balls to life on the run.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because Henriette feels so real. She's not a perfect heroine; she's clever, sometimes funny, often scared, and always fiercely devoted to her family. Her writing pulls you right into the chaos. You feel the tension of a secret meeting, the terror of a mob outside the door, and the exhaustion of constant fear. It completely changes how you see this period. History becomes personal, not just dates and battles, but a story about people trying to make it through another day.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves a true story with more drama than fiction. If you enjoyed the human side of shows like 'Marie Antoinette' or books that make history feel alive, you'll be glued to this. It's not a fast-paced thriller, but the tension is real because it actually happened. Be prepared—you'll finish this half and immediately need to find the second volume to see how her family's story ends.