In the Shadow of the Empress: The Defiant Lives of Maria Theresa, Mother of Marie Antoinette, and Her Daughters

Being the eldest daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor in the early 1700s was never going to be easy, and it is something that Maria Theresa was able to hold as much of her empire together after she ascended the throne speaks of her testament, though her three daughters all had different fates. This book looks at Maria Theresa and the role her three daughters played in the dynastic games of 18th Century Europe, especially toward the latter half when the old ways were falling away and many families struggled with the transition. The author writes it at a fairly quick pace, with many descriptions of battles on the field and battles in the castle walls. There is not too much historical jargon or digging deep into the causes and consequences of specific actions or inaction, as the book is written for a general audience and fairly decently done. The 18th Century was one of which many changes were happening in Europe, and some families and dynasties did not survive – France – while others struggled one for another century – Hungary – before dissolving. This is a good way for average readers to get a sense of this era.