Bitter Greens

Once there was a young woman living in the heart of Louis XIV's French court who dared to speak her mind, write, and fall in love, only to be banished to a convent because she could not hold her tongue. Many years earlier in Venice, a young girl was kidnapped and locked away in a tower by an evil witch. Australian novelist Forsyth (The Witches of Eileanan; The Wild Girl), in her U.S. hardcover debut, ties these two seemingly unrelated stories together to form a stunning interwoven tale based on the real-life story of Charlotte-Rose de la Force, the storyteller behind the most well-known version of Rapunzel. Charlotte-Rose's account of survival and hope is paired with that of her famous fairy tale heroine as both women face extraordinary circumstances. VERDICT Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind u--Katie Lawrence "Library Journal " "Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind us. Full of palace intrigue, dark magic, romance, and lush, evocative descriptions, this is historical fiction at its finest." --Library Journal (starred review)

"Fans of this type of fiction will doubtless be enchanted by the operatic nature of the stories and the fascinating historical details of life at Louis' court." --Booklist

"Forsyth undertakes an ambitious plot and, with a creative presentation, makes it work. She convincingly conveys a fairy tale-like quality in her writing and peppers the narrative with historical detail and some interesting twists that neatly tie together the strands of the story. This unconventional spin on a children's classic is a captivating read and unquestionably aimed toward adults." --Kirkus Reviews

"Kate Forsyth's Bitter Greens is an enthralling concoction of history and magic, an absorbing, richly detailed, and heart-wrenching reimagining of a timeless fairytale." --Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln's Rival

"See how three vividly drawn women cope with injustice, loneliness, fear, longing. See how they survive--or perpetrate--treachery. Surrender yourself to a master storyteller, to delicious detail and spunky heroines. Bitter Greens is a complex, dazzling achievement." --Susan Vreeland, New York Times bestselling author of Clara and Mr. Tiffany and Girl in Hyacinth Blue

"A magical blend of myth and history, truth and legend, Bitter Greens is one of those rare books that keeps you reading long after the lights have gone out, that carries you effortlessly to another place and time, that makes you weep and laugh and wish you could flip forward to make sure it all ends happily ever after--but for the fact that if you did so, you might miss a line, and no line of this book should be missed." --Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of The Ashford Affair

"Kate Forsyth wields her pen with all the grace and finesse of a master swordsman. In Bitter Greens she conjures a lyrical fairytale that is by turns breathtaking, inspiring, poetic, and heartbreakingly lovely. Set like a jewel within the events of history, it is pure, peerless enchantment." --New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn

"Bitter Greens is pure enchantment-gripping and lyrical. From the high convent walls where a 17th century noblewoman is exiled, to a hidden tower which imprisons an innocent girl with very long hair, to the bitter deeds of a beautiful witch who cannot grow old-Kate Forsyth weaves an engrossing, gorgeously written tale of three women in search of love and freedom. A truly original writer, Forsyth has crafted an often terrifying but ultimately redemptive dark fairy tale of the heart." --Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award-winning author of Claude & Camille

"Kate Forsyth's Bitter Greens is not only a magnificent achievement that would make any novelist jealous, it's one of the most beautiful paeans to the magic of storytelling that I've ever read." --C.W. Gortner, author of The Queen's Vow and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici

"Threads of history and folklore are richly intertwined to form this spellbinding story. Kate Forsyth has excelled herself with Bitter Greens. Compulsively unputtdownable." --Juliet Marillier, national bestselling author of Flame of Sevenwaters and Heart's Blood

"A must for all lovers of historical fiction--Philippa Gregory, watch out!" --Pamela Freeman, Aurealis Award-winning author of Ember and Ash

"The best fairy tale retelling since Angela Carter." --Kim Wilkins, author of Angel of Ruin and The Autumn Castle Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind us. Full of palace intrigue, dark magic, romance, and lush, evocative descriptions, this is historical fiction at its finest. Library Journal (starred review)

Fans of this type of fiction will doubtless be enchanted by the operatic nature of the stories and the fascinating historical details of life at Louis' court. Booklist

Forsyth undertakes an ambitious plot and, with a creative presentation, makes it work. She convincingly conveys a fairy tale-like quality in her writing and peppers the narrative with historical detail and some interesting twists that neatly tie together the strands of the story. This unconventional spin on a children's classic is a captivating read and unquestionably aimed toward adults. Kirkus Reviews

Kate Forsyth's Bitter Greens is an enthralling concoction of history and magic, an absorbing, richly detailed, and heart-wrenching reimagining of a timeless fairytale. Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln's Rival

See how three vividly drawn women cope with injustice, loneliness, fear, longing. See how they survive--or perpetrate--treachery. Surrender yourself to a master storyteller, to delicious detail and spunky heroines. Bitter Greens is a complex, dazzling achievement. Susan Vreeland, New York Times bestselling author of Clara and Mr. Tiffany and Girl in Hyacinth Blue

A magical blend of myth and history, truth and legend, Bitter Greens is one of those rare books that keeps you reading long after the lights have gone out, that carries you effortlessly to another place and time, that makes you weep and laugh and wish you could flip forward to make sure it all ends happily ever after--but for the fact that if you did so, you might miss a line, and no line of this book should be missed. Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of The Ashford Affair

Kate Forsyth wields her pen with all the grace and finesse of a master swordsman. In Bitter Greens she conjures a lyrical fairytale that is by turns breathtaking, inspiring, poetic, and heartbreakingly lovely. Set like a jewel within the events of history, it is pure, peerless enchantment. New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn

Bitter Greens is pure enchantment gripping and lyrical. From the high convent walls where a 17th century noblewoman is exiled, to a hidden tower which imprisons an innocent girl with very long hair, to the bitter deeds of a beautiful witch who cannot grow old Kate Forsyth weaves an engrossing, gorgeously written tale of three women in search of love and freedom. A truly original writer, Forsyth has crafted an often terrifying but ultimately redemptive dark fairy tale of the heart. Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award-winning author of Claude & Camille

Kate Forsyth's Bitter Greens is not only a magnificent achievement that would make any novelist jealous, it's one of the most beautiful paeans to the magic of storytelling that I've ever read. C.W. Gortner, author of The Queen's Vow and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici

Threads of history and folklore are richly intertwined to form this spellbinding story. Kate Forsyth has excelled herself with Bitter Greens. Compulsively unputtdownable. Juliet Marillier, national bestselling author of Flame of Sevenwaters and Heart's Blood

A must for all lovers of historical fiction--Philippa Gregory, watch out! Pamela Freeman, Aurealis Award-winning author of Ember and Ash

The best fairy tale retelling since Angela Carter. Kim Wilkins, author of Angel of Ruin and The Autumn Castle

" Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind us. Full of palace intrigue, dark magic, romance, and lush, evocative descriptions, this is historical fiction at its finest. "Library Journal (starred review)"

Fans of this type of fiction will doubtless be enchanted by the operatic nature of the stories and the fascinating historical details of life at Louis' court. "Booklist"

Forsyth undertakes an ambitious plot and, with a creative presentation, makes it work. She convincingly conveys a fairy tale-like quality in her writing and peppers the narrative with historical detail and some interesting twists that neatly tie together the strands of the story. This unconventional spin on a children's classic is a captivating read and unquestionably aimed toward adults. "Kirkus Reviews"

Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is an enthralling concoction of history and magic, an absorbing, richly detailed, and heart-wrenching reimagining of a timeless fairytale. "Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincoln's Rival"

See how three vividly drawn women cope with injustice, loneliness, fear, longing. See how they survive--or perpetrate--treachery. Surrender yourself to a master storyteller, to delicious detail and spunky heroines. "Bitter Greens" is a complex, dazzling achievement. "Susan Vreeland, New York Times bestselling author of Clara and Mr. Tiffany and Girl in Hyacinth Blue"

A magical blend of myth and history, truth and legend, "Bitter Greens" is one of those rare books that keeps you reading long after the lights have gone out, that carries you effortlessly to another place and time, that makes you weep and laugh and wish you could flip forward to make sure it all ends happily ever after--but for the fact that if you did so, you might miss a line, and no line of this book should be missed. "Lauren Willig, New York Times bestselling author of The Ashford Affair"

Kate Forsyth wields her pen with all the grace and finesse of a master swordsman. In "Bitter Greens" she conjures a lyrical fairytale that is by turns breathtaking, inspiring, poetic, and heartbreakingly lovely. Set like a jewel within the events of history, it is pure, peerless enchantment. "New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn"

"Bitter Greens" is pure enchantment gripping and lyrical. From the high convent walls where a 17th century noblewoman is exiled, to a hidden tower which imprisons an innocent girl with very long hair, to the bitter deeds of a beautiful witch who cannot grow old Kate Forsyth weaves an engrossing, gorgeously written tale of three women in search of love and freedom. A truly original writer, Forsyth has crafted an often terrifying but ultimately redemptive dark fairy tale of the heart. "Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award-winning author of Claude & Camille"

Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is not only a magnificent achievement that would make any novelist jealous, it's one of the most beautiful paeans to the magic of storytelling that I've ever read. "C.W. Gortner, author of The Queen's Vow and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici"

Threads of history and folklore are richly intertwined to form this spellbinding story. Kate Forsyth has excelled herself with "Bitter Greens." Compulsively unputtdownable. "Juliet Marillier, national bestselling author of Flame of Sevenwaters and Heart's Blood"

A must for all lovers of historical fiction--Philippa Gregory, watch out! "Pamela Freeman, Aurealis Award-winning author of Ember and Ash"

The best fairy tale retelling since Angela Carter. "Kim Wilkins, author of Angel of Ruin and The Autumn Castle"" "Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind us. Full of palace intrigue, dark magic, romance, and lush, evocative descriptions, this is historical fiction at its finest."--"Library Journal" (starred review) "Fans of this type of fiction will doubtless be enchanted by the operatic nature of the stories and the fascinating historical details of life at Louis' court."--"Booklist ""Forsyth undertakes an ambitious plot and, with a creative presentation, makes it work. She convincingly conveys a fairy tale-like quality in her writing and peppers the narrative with historical detail and some interesting twists that neatly tie together the strands of the story. This unconventional spin on a children's classic is a captivating read and unquestionably aimed toward adults."--"Kirkus Reveiws ""Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is an enthralling concoction of history and magic, an absorbing, richly detailed, and heart-wrenching reimagining of a timeless fairytale." --Jennifer Chiaverini, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Mrs. Lincoln's Rival ""See how three vividly drawn women cope with injustice, loneliness, fear, longing. See how they survive--or perpetrate--treachery. Surrender yourself to a master storyteller, to delicious detail and spunky heroines. "Bitter Greens" is a complex, dazzling achievement." --Susan Vreeland, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" and" Girl in Hyacinth Blue ""A magical blend of myth and history, truth and legend, "Bitter Greens" is one of those rare books that keeps you reading long after the lights have gone out, that carries you effortlessly to another place and time, that makes you weep and laugh and wish you could flip forward to make sure it all ends happily ever after--but for the fact that if you did so, you might miss a line, and no line of this book should be missed." --Lauren Willig, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Ashford Affair ""Kate Forsyth wields her pen with all the grace and finesse of a master swordsman. In "Bitter Greens" she conjures a lyrical fairytale that is by turns breathtaking, inspiring, poetic, and heartbreakingly lovely. Set like a jewel within the events of history, it is pure, peerless enchantment."--"New York Times" bestselling author Deanna Raybourn ""Bitter Greens" is pure enchantment-gripping and lyrical. From the high convent walls where a 17th century noblewoman is exiled, to a hidden tower which imprisons an innocent girl with very long hair, to the bitter deeds of a beautiful witch who cannot grow old-Kate Forsyth weaves an engrossing, gorgeously written tale of three women in search of love and freedom. A truly original writer, Forsyth has crafted an often terrifying but ultimately redemptive dark fairy tale of the heart."--Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award-winning author of "Claude & Camille ""Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is not only a magnificent achievement that would make any novelist jealous, it's one of the most beautiful paeans to the magic of storytelling that I've ever read."--C.W. Gortner, author of "The Queen's Vow" and "The Confessions of Catherine de Medici" ""

"Threads of history and folklore are richly intertwined to form this spellbinding story. Kate Forsyth has excelled herself with "Bitter Greens." Compulsively unputtdownable."--Juliet Marillier, national bestselling author of "Flame of Sevenwaters" and "Heart's Blood" "A must for all lovers of historical fiction--Philippa Gregory, watch out!"--Pamela Freeman, Aurealis Award-winning author of "Ember and Ash ""The best fairy tale retelling since Angela Carter."--Kim Wilkins, author of "Angel of Ruin" and "The Autumn Castle" A "Library Journal" Best Book of 2014- Historical Fiction

"Forsyth, a PhD candidate in fairy tale retellings, reflects her depth of knowledge in this captivating novel that enchants with its gorgeous narrative and memorable characters who discover how the choices we make define and bind us. Full of palace intrigue, dark magic, romance, and lush, evocative descriptions, this is historical fiction at its finest."--"Library Journal" (starred review) "Fans of this type of fiction will doubtless be enchanted by the operatic nature of the stories and the fascinating historical details of life at Louis' court."--"Booklist ""Forsyth undertakes an ambitious plot and, with a creative presentation, makes it work. She convincingly conveys a fairy tale-like quality in her writing and peppers the narrative with historical detail and some interesting twists that neatly tie together the strands of the story. This unconventional spin on a children's classic is a captivating read and unquestionably aimed toward adults."--"Kirkus Reveiws ""Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is an enthralling concoction of history and magic, an absorbing, richly detailed, and heart-wrenching reimagining of a timeless fairytale." --Jennifer Chiaverini, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Mrs. Lincoln's Rival ""See how three vividly drawn women cope with injustice, loneliness, fear, longing. See how they survive--or perpetrate--treachery. Surrender yourself to a master storyteller, to delicious detail and spunky heroines. "Bitter Greens" is a complex, dazzling achievement." --Susan Vreeland, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" and" Girl in Hyacinth Blue ""A magical blend of myth and history, truth and legend, "Bitter Greens" is one of those rare books that keeps you reading long after the lights have gone out, that carries you effortlessly to another place and time, that makes you weep and laugh and wish you could flip forward to make sure it all ends happily ever after--but for the fact that if you did so, you might miss a line, and no line of this book should be missed." --Lauren Willig, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Ashford Affair ""Kate Forsyth wields her pen with all the grace and finesse of a master swordsman. In "Bitter Greens" she conjures a lyrical fairytale that is by turns breathtaking, inspiring, poetic, and heartbreakingly lovely. Set like a jewel within the events of history, it is pure, peerless enchantment."--"New York Times" bestselling author Deanna Raybourn ""Bitter Greens" is pure enchantment-gripping and lyrical. From the high convent walls where a 17th century noblewoman is exiled, to a hidden tower which imprisons an innocent girl with very long hair, to the bitter deeds of a beautiful witch who cannot grow old-Kate Forsyth weaves an engrossing, gorgeously written tale of three women in search of love and freedom. A truly original writer, Forsyth has crafted an often terrifying but ultimately redemptive dark fairy tale of the heart."--Stephanie Cowell, American Book Award-winning author of "Claude & Camille ""Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is not only a magnificent achievement that would make any novelist jealous, it's one of the most beautiful paeans to the magic of storytelling that I've ever read."--C.W. Gortner, author of "The Queen's Vow" and "The Confessions of Catherine de Medici" ""

"Threads of history and folklore are richly intertwined to form this spellbinding story. Kate Forsyth has excelled herself with "Bitter Greens." Compulsively unputtdownable."--Juliet Marillier, national bestselling author of "Flame of Sevenwaters" and "Heart's Blood" "A must for all lovers of historical fiction--Philippa Gregory, watch out!"--Pamela Freeman, Aurealis Award-winning author of "Ember and Ash ""The best fairy tale retelling since Angela Carter."--Kim Wilkins, author of "Angel of Ruin" and "The Autumn Castle" "Kate Forsyth's "Bitter Greens" is an enthralling concoction of history and magic, an absorbing, richly detailed, and heart-wrenching reimagining of a timeless fairytale." --Jennifer Chiaverini, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Mrs. Lincoln's Rival ""See how three vividly drawn women cope with injustice, loneliness, fear, longing. See how they survive--or perpetrate--treachery. Surrender yourself to a master storyteller, to delicious detail and spunky heroines. "Bitter Greens" is a complex, dazzling achievement." --Susan Vreeland, "New York Times" bestselling author of "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" and" Girl in Hyacinth Blue ""A magical blend of myth and history, truth and legend, "Bitter Greens" is one of those rare books that keeps you reading long after the lights have gone out, that carries you effortlessly to another place and time, that makes you weep and laugh and wish you could flip forward to make sure it all ends happily ever after--but for the fact that if you did so, you might miss a line, and no line of this book should be missed." --Lauren Willig, "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Ashford Affair ""Kate Forsyth wields her pen with all the grace and finesse of a master swordsman. In "Bitter Greens" she conjures a lyrical fairytale that is by turns breathtaking, inspiring, poetic, and heartbreakingly lovely. Set like a jewel within the events of history, it is pure, peerless enchantment."--"New York Times" bestselling author Deanna Raybourn ""Bitter Greens" is pure enchantment-gripping and lyrical. From the high convent walls where a 17th century noblewoman is exiled, to a hidden tower which imprisons an innocent girl with very long hair, to the bitter deeds of a beautiful witch who cannot grow old-Kate Forsyth weaves an engrossing, gorgeously written tale of three women in search of love and freedom. A truly original writer, Forsyth has crafted an often terrifying but ultimately redemptive dark fairy tale of theo