2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #1 discussion

French politics of the Napoleonic era are the substance of the story. Were you aware of the theories regarding the death or survival of Marie Antoinette's son? Do you think it possible he was removed from the prison and replaced with a deaf mute urchin?

I somehow did know about this: one of the few history lessons I can actually recall.

As with the Russian Anastasia question much later, I have a hard time with theories that children of slaughtered royals survived.

I wasn't aware of the theories presented in this story and my knowledge of this period of history is pretty shaky. The "lost Dauphin" most probably died in prison given his treatment, IMO.

I don't see them being able to sneak him away. I'm sure the revolutionist were expecting such a trick and would have been keep a close on eye on the comings and goings.

While I know a great deal about British history, my knowledge of French history is very limited. So, this was a very interesting story as I learned so much about the Bourbons. I didn't even know that any of them had lived in exile during Napoleon's regime let alone the theories surrounding the Dauphin's death. It reminded me of The Man in the Iron Mask

That's exactly what it reminded me of too, Lauren. Though I know it's unlikely that the little Dauphin survived (or Anastasia too), a part of me hopes that it's true. :-)

Veronica wrote: "That's exactly what it reminded me of too, Lauren. Though I know it's unlikely that the little Dauphin survived (or Anastasia too), a part of me hopes that it's true. :-)"

Yes, very unlikely.

They have also found Anastasia's remains (proven with DNA) so she definitely didn't survive.

DNA ends mystery