Thoughts on "Les quarante-cinq"
I recently finished this book and would like to share some thoughts about it.
The ending is magnificent. That last sentence by Chicot perfectly sums up not only this book but the entire trilogy. We see how Henri of Navarre, who in "La reine Margot" is humiliated to the point of being imprisoned, completely overshadows the proud Valois dynasty.
The fact that just when Anjou dies, the ray of light that illuminated the Valois shield disappears, symbolizing the sunset of this dynasty>>>>
One thing I love about Dumas' books is the parallels he draws, and this is no exception. Let’s compare the deaths of Anjou and Charles IX. They both die from poisoning. It is discovered how they have been poisoned through their two respective favorite animals, which have also ingested the poison. Both deaths involved a succession crisis. It is almost poetic that Anjou dies like the brother he murdered.
Normally, I wouldn’t have liked them to leave the guards' plot open, but this time I really do. I am convinced that if this plot had progressed Ernauton would have ended up killing my dear Sainte-Maline, so it's better that he didn't finish it.
One of the best things about the book is the relationship between Joyeuse and Bouchage. They are so tender. Here Dumas proves again that he is better at writing family relationships than romantic ones (I’m looking at you, Ernauton and Montpensier).
What I would have liked to see is more about the conspiracy of the Guises and, above all, their relationship with Flanders. A pity.
In conclusion, Dumas continues to write fire.
