Bitter Greens

Bitter Greens – Kate Forsyth

Three women, joined by time and fate and the story that connects them all.

This rejuvenated tale of Rapunzel is set in various centuries, skipping between Paris, Venice and, of course, Rapunzel’s tower. Except Rapunzel isn’t Rapunzel – she’s Margarita, and her captor isn’t an ugly crone, she’s a stunningly beautiful courtesan whose desire to never grow old causes her to commit unspeakable acts. Woven through this tale of magic, love and loss is the story of the second person to commit the Rapunzel tale to paper – Charlotte-Rose De La Force, her rise and fall in the salons of Paris and Versailles and the wild life which leads her to a nunnery to hear Rapunzel’s fate herself.

This is a beautifully written book, full of finely drawn characters and places or times. Kate Forsyth’s books always contain suspense, romance and magic, yet it is the thoroughly researched history that makes Bitter Greens such a delight to read – Paris and Venice come alive in Kate’s hands. As with all wonderful stories, I was sated and saddened when I reached the last page.

I was lucky enough to meet Kate last weekend - check out her Pintrest page for some of her inspiration! http://pinterest.com/kateforsyth/