Madame Tussaud's Apprentice by Kathleen Benner Duble

Madame Tussaud's Apprentice

by Kathleen Benner Duble

Celie Rosseau is a talented young artist who, along with her partner Algernon, resorts to petty thieving on the streets of Paris to survive. It is 1789: rumours of rebellion against the monarchy are starting to spread in the capital and the two of them get involved in the idealistic revolutionary fervour. But when she is caught stealing from the brother of the King himself, Celie is saved only thanks to her drawing skills and the intercession of Marie Tussaud, the famous waxworks artist and a favourite at the French court, who decides to employ her. Suddenly Celie finds herself whisked away from the tumult of Paris to the safety and opulence of Versailles. This raises a difficult moral dilemma for the young lady who had until recently dreamt of overthrowing the very people who now treat her with kindness: should she compromise her ideals and risk losing Algernon - the man she loves - or should she stay true to the cause of the poor and the revolution?

Reviewed by Kelly on

4 of 5 stars

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I loved it. Over the past few months, I've developed a love for young adult fiction based upon the French Revolution, and Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is among the most passionate and engaging I've read thus far. Celie is homeless, thrown out onto the streets of Paris an orphan and not being able to afford the roof over her head. Rescued by Algernon, a young man living on the streets and has taught her to steal from the wealthy to survive. Algernon seems oblivious to her feelings towards him and while he promises to protect her, Celie is caught posing as a blind girl and swindles the Comte of his gambling winnings. In a stroke of luck, Manon Tussaud has also had her prized possessions stolen and seeing Celie's rare artistry, strikes a deal with the Comte to not only take the young orphan under her wing but to rid her of a life of crime.

Celie is no Eliza Dolittle, but a girl who now feels trapped by her debt to Madame Tussaud. She constantly worries for Algernon and his survival while she is seemingly living the high life according to her companion. I liked Celie's character, she was determined but also learnt from her mistakes and her indecisiveness only stemmed from her feelings for Algernon. He on the other hand was nothing more than a controlling presence that used guilt to keep Celie loyal. I loathed him. He isn't the villain, but I found no redeeming qualities within his character. Algernon is manipulative and only truly cared about his own interests.

At the heart of Madame Tussaud's Apprentice is the French Revolution, where the ruling monarchy was overthrown in favour of a republic. Lasting ten long and brutal years, Kathleen Benner Duble vividly describes the Revolution for the younger audience. But it does feature brutality and the execution of the royal family, beheadings and the gruesome task of creating wax models from the vigilante murders of officials and those deemed against the rebellion. Just a gentle warning for those who are sensitive to violence.

'Words are weapons Celie,' Manon says, 'as are symbols. Never forget that. The power of change can come not just by force, but by speech or a peaceful marching crowd.'

I loved Manon Tussaud. She was stern but incredibly patient and despite how abrasive Celie could be. She came to love the young orphan as her own child. I would have loved to have seen more interaction with the wax museum itself as it was such a big part of Manon's life.

Madame Tussaud's Apprentice was a fantastic read that will appeal to both young adult historical readers and those with a pendence towards the French revolution. Wonderfully written, it was a vivid tale depicting the Reign of Terror. Passionate, brutal and engaging. I loved it.
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  • Started reading
  • 3 November, 2015: Finished reading
  • 3 November, 2015: Reviewed