The Ball at Versailles : A Novel

The Ball at Versailles by Danielle Steel takes us back to 1959 when four young ladies get the opportunity to be presented to Paris Society at a ball to be held for the first time at the Palace of Versailles. It is an invitation only issued to forty American young women. Amelia, Felicity, Caroline, and Samantha are the four young women we get to follow along with their parents (and one mean sister). I was quickly drawn into The Ball of Versailles. I found the story to be easy to read. I liked that each young woman had a different personality and background. It was interesting to get a behind the scenes look at being a debutante at an exclusive event. This ball is happening at a time when women are getting more options. Women no longer need to be presented to society to find themselves a husband who will take care of them. Women can attend college and have a career. The four women experience a special night that will end up changing their futures. A parent or two may end up making a special connection. The author captured the time period. I enjoyed the descriptions of Paris, Versailles, and the clothes. Each lady not only gets a once in a lifetime evening at a gorgeous venue, but they also learn some lessons along the way. This event can bring out the best or the worst in a person. The ladies get to traverse the rocky road of love and heartbreak. I did feel that the story lacked depth, and there is a repetition of details (I got it the first five times). That said, I still enjoyed reading The Ball at Versailles. It is a story that provides a break reality. I have read all of Danielle Steel's books (been reading them since I was twelve), and I look forward to each new release. The Ball at Versailles is an appealing tale with a distinctive invitation, swanky dresses, a nasty sister, a misunderstood scientist, lifelong friends, and lasting love.