Review of the Week: The Valley of Heaven and Hell - Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette

'Funny, fascinating and informative  What a fascinating and at times very funny book. Susie and her husband Terry undertake a cycle trip from Versailles, through Paris and then taking in several towns situated along the Marne valley. Their route follows that taken by Marie Antoinette and Louis XV1 when they fled from Paris, were captured and brought back to face certain death by guillotine. Susie is a wonderful storyteller and there are many laugh out loud moments, though I suspect not always for her! She incorporates the tale of the ill-fated couple as well as giving us other more recent historical facts about the places they visit, some of which are quite harrowing. She has the knack of bringing history to life and she’s certainly done her research, something I like to do as well. From the cover to the end this is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative memoir. There’s plenty to smile at and lots to discover in this super book. ' 142nd UK Amazon review for The Valley of Heaven and Hell - Cycling in the Shadow of Marie Antoinette by Susie Kelly