Somehow reading the back of the book I thought this would be a 18th century ya love triangle story. They should have summarized it for what it is: an episode of French society during the revolution in all its ugliness. The story was a bit long to start but when it did, it never stopped. A moving tale or vengeance, war and sacrifice. It didn't feel at all like reading a history book. More like going through it through the people's eyes. 
 Oh and for the record it was so hot during my read that the sun melted the glue holding the pages together. Fun fun!