Emilie's Voice
Emilie is the daughter of a poor luthier in Paris. Her angelic voice is discovered by the real-life composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier, who is captivated both by her singing and her pure beauty. Hoping that she will be his ticket to fame and fortune, Charpentier introduces her to Parisian society. But her life takes an abrupt turn when she is taken to Versailles and becomes embroiled in the power struggle between Louis XIV’s current mistress, and the woman who would eventually become his second wife.
Praise for Emilie's Voice
Dunlap has crafted a lyrical and lovely tale, as well as a suspenseful one. Her portrayal of the intrigues at Versailles brings the setting to life, and her depiction of the machinations of the characters that populate the court imbues the atmosphere with palpable menace...Dunlap's forte lies in her description of the music, Emilie's voice, and the effect Emilie's remarkable gift has on herself and others. The expressive prose, which is faintly reminiscent of Susan Vreeland, adds depth and charm to the story without detracting from the gripping plot. Recommended.
Bethany Skaggs, Historical Novels Review
" . . .musicologist Dunlap's first offers a vivid, entertaining panorama of the period." - Kirkus Reviews, February 15, 2005
" Music scholar Dunlap not only paints a lovely portrait of 17th-century France, she also makes readers feel as if they live there." - Romantic Times, April, 2005
