The Exchange of Princesses: A Novel
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âVivid, engrossing . . . one of the most fascinating historical narratives Iâve ever read.â âDiana Gabaldon, author of Outlander
 Philippe dâOrlÊans, the regent of France, has a gangrenous heartâthe result of a life of debauchery, alcohol, power, and flattery. One morning in 1721, he decides to marry eleven-year-old Louis XV to the daughter of Philippe V of Spain, who is only four. OrlÊans hopes this will tie his kingdom to Spain. But were Louis to die without begetting an heirâthe likeliness of which is greatly increased by having a child brideâOrlÊans himself would finally be king. OrlÊans tosses his own daughter into the bargain, the twelve-year-old Mlle de Montpensier, who will marry the Prince of Asturias, the heir to the Spanish throne.
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The Spanish court enthusiastically agrees and arrangements are made. The two nations trade their princesses in a grand ceremony in 1722, making bonds that should end the historical conflict. Nothing turns out as expected.
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Chantal Thomas is a noted philosopher and writer. She has taught at a number of American universities and is the author of twenty-five works, including novels, histories, short stories, plays, and essays. Her internationally acclaimed novel Farewell, My Queen, a fictional account of Marie Antoinetteâs final days in Versailles, won the Prix Femina in 2002 and was made into an award-winning film by Benoit Jacquot, and starred Diane Kruger. A film adaptation of The Exchange of Princesses, to be directed by Marc Dugain, is currently in the works.
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John Cullen is the translator of many books from Spanish, French, German, and Italian, including Philippe Claudelâs Brodeck, Juli Zehâs Decompression, Antonio SkÃĄrmetaâs A Distant Father, and Yasmina Rezaâs Happy Are the Happy. He lives in upstate New York.
