A Woman as a Muskeeter
5 stars
“The Three Muskeeters” do not need an introduction; but what if they are women? In this historical romance, Kate Silver brings us to 17th century France when Louis XIV reigned as king. With only a very light reference to “The Three Muskeeters” as in presenting three women as soldiers, “My Heart’s Desire” follows the adventures of Miriame Dardagny and Jean-Paul Metin.
On his way to Paris to follow his lover Francine (a mistress of Louis XIV), Jean-Paul Metin was stabbed and left for dead. Starving and cold, with only rags as shoes for the winter, Miriame Dardagny found Jean-Paul dying on the streets of Paris. Thinking that he would not last the night but did not want him to die in the streets, Miriame brought Jean-Paul to an inn to be helped. But, it did not stop her from stealing all of Jean Paul’s gold, clothes, his horse and his letter of introduction to the Muskeeters, which Miriame, disguised as a boy promptly used to enlist as a Muskeeter.
Miraculously, Jean-Paul survived and was surprised to find out when he enlisted with the Muskeeters that there was a fellow who claims to be him. Worst of all, he finds out that his paramour Francine is also very taken with the other Jean-Paul Metin, thus confounding his hatred for the guy.
In a simple twist of fate, Jean-Paul and Miriame met during a wedding when Miriame was dressed as a woman. And this is where the story becomes very interesting as Miriame walks the tightrope of being Jean-Paul’s new paramour and his nemesis.
***MY TAKE ON THE STORY***
This is a fictional story of course, but the author was very meticulous in her description of 17th century France. Some historical figures were even mentioned in the story, though personally, I don’t like the author’s negative portrayal of Louis XIV. That said, I should also mention that the author is correct in saying that the Sun King had several mistresses during his reign.
The three muskeeters as women was also fun, though of course that subplot was very short lived. Nevertheless, Kate Silver was able to flesh out the girls nicely and thus though two of them bowed out early, they were not easily forgotten.
Jean Paul and Miriame were also developed fully and thus, readers could easily emphatize with them. Surprisingly, though Francine was a supporting character, she was also a very strong one, and thus she shone through the whole book.
There was no comic relief, but the interaction between Jean-Paul and Miriame was great dialogue. First, Miriame as a girl and then Miriame as boy! Jean-Paul was great also.
With three unforgettable characters, this book is a sure hit, hence the 5 stars rating.
This book is Rated PG 17 due to adult situations and sexual innuendos
