Alexandre Dumas writes this true account of the Marquise de Ganges partly like a biography, but in parts as though it were a novel.

“The Ganges Family” may have been a more apt title, as the Marquise’s story ends about two-thirds of the way through. The author states that he wanted to show how the family had been controversial for one reason or another for about a century, but only the unfortunate Marquise has had much “press”.

I’d never heard of any of the Ganges before reading this short account. The Marquise and her story is far and away the most interesting, though it’s a little slow to get going. Two descriptions by people who saw the Marquise portray her as one of the most beautiful women ever to walk the earth.

She was also rich and therein lies the problem. Can’t say too much without spoiling it for any potential readers who are unfamiliar with this segment of history, but will mention that the climax of the Marquise’s story in this bio is real edge of the seat stuff. It’s like a horror thriller, totally fascinating, and my heart went out to this beauty, who seemingly had the personality to match her looks. ( )