In exitu Israel : an historical novel, volume 2 (of 2)

A vivid portrait of Paris on the brink of upheaval, this novel follows Gabrielle, a modest country girl thrust into the glittering yet ruthless world of Versailles. Sent by her mother to sell flowers to the court, she quickly discovers how beauty and charm are traded like commodities among the aristocracy. In a cramped bedroom, she confides in Madeleine, a sharp‑tongued Parisian flower‑seller, about her desperate mission to free a woman imprisoned in the Bastille. Their conversation reveals the stark contrast between the starving poor and the indulgent elite, setting the stage for a clash of ideals.

Through Gabrielle’s eyes, the reader experiences the harsh realities of famine, speculation, and the limited avenues open to women of her class. As she plots to appeal to the king and queen, the narrative weaves together personal courage, social critique, and the looming tensions that threaten to erupt. The story captures the fragile hope of one young woman determined to make a difference, even as the world around her seems determined to keep her in place.