Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran (Quercus, £7.99) (From York Press)

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran (Quercus, £7.99)

2:23pm Wednesday 7th December 2011 in Books By Bill Spence

MADAM Tussaud’s waxworks museum is one of the most popular visitor attractions in London, but how many of us know about the remarkable woman who started it?

Although this is a novel based on the life of Madam Tussaud, she becomes a living person in it and we experience her turbulent times. Marie is a successful young woman making waxwork models with her uncle, whose Salon de Cire is where everyone comes to see what the rich and famous look like.

Her work is known throughout Paris and when she is called to Versailles to teach the king’s sister her skill, she is delighted and honoured to go.

But the people of Paris are starving and, as unrest on the streets turns to violence, the monarchy is overthrown and Marie and her family are in grave danger.

She is called upon to be a true patriot when she is expected to make death masks from the guillotined heads of key figures killed as the reign of terror begins and each day it takes its toll on her.

Her love for neighbour Henri is her one chance for happiness but when he escapes to England and she stays behind in France will she ever know joy again and will she survive the Revolution?

While this is a wonderful read, it is an uncomfortable one as we experience the horrors of the dark times of the reign of terror. Nevertheless, it is the story of a courageous, talented and astute woman who sacrifices much for the people she loves. I can highly recommend this novel.