The Fascinating Madame Tussaud

The Fascinating Madame Tussaud:
Expresso Collection by Rene Follet

A historical and biographical graphic novel of a real life person by Rene Follet

Rating: Young adult-adult

Genre / themes: History, French Revolution, Madame Tussaud

Art level: Very good - beautiful art by Rene Follet

Star Rating: 4/5

Number of Books: One

Other notes: The best parts are the art and the history lesson. The storytelling itself is less impressive (limited by translation and possibly by the facts)


Amazon Blurb
Paris, 1793. Marie Crossholz manages the wax museum set up by her father. In exchange for bribes, some executioners allow her to mould the faces of guillotined aristocrats. . . After the French Revolution, Marie Crossholz becomes Mrs. Tussaud. Disappointed by her marriage, she leaves for London with the ambition to create a wax museum there. New struggles and other tumultuous adventures await her. . . Thirty years later, in 1835, she inaugurates the famous Tussaud Museum of Baker Street in London, which today continues to grow with new celebrities and attracts millions of visitors! Publish Post

My Review
This historical graphic novel tells the story of Madame Tussaud's life; it starts in France where she makes wax likenesses of heads, during the Revolution, after which she flees to England and finally establishes her famous waxworks. The story is interesting, historically, but stays true to the original story (which isn't always the best possible plot!). It was originally written in French and it's possibly that it reads better in its original language. The artwork needs no translation, however - it is incredible - expressive, lovely to look at, and perfectly suited.

The story starts off exciting - the young Madame Tussaud tries to keep together the family business in Paris, making wax heads of executed nobles during the Revolution, but then intrigue rears its head and she is forced to flee to England. Here the story meanders somewhat, as Madame Tussaud travels around in a caravan, and grows older, showing off her wax likenesses. However, chance and fortune gives her the chance to open her own display and establish her famous Wax Museum.

I love this for the art, and that's why I'd buy it, if I get the chance.