Bestselling historical novel dives into the dark sides of the revolutionary Paris.
Author: Milja Kaunisto
Finnish original: Luxus
Publisher: Gummerus, 2016
Number of pages: 550 pp.
Reading material: Finnish original, English sample
Rights sold: Poland, Prószynski Media
Isidore Boreal has grown up with lies and in madness. Marie-Constance de Boucard has wallowed in lust and silk. Marquis de Sade has lived his life imprisoned by his demons.
When the revolution begins, they all meet in Maison de Luxe, a luxurious brothel in the heart of Paris and a meeting point of the revolutionaries. In order to survive each of them must give up something – be it their ideals, virtues, homes or possessions.
Kaunisto’s imagination is as unstoppable as her language is sharp and rich, taking its tune from the era and the characters themselves.
Luxus is the first book in the Purple Guillotine trilogy, set in Paris during the French revolution. In the series the capital of fashion, extravagance and culture shows none of its best sides: it is full of decapitation, rape, cold and hunger – but also sex, beautiful clothes and luxurious dinners. Luxus has sold so far over 14,000 copies in Finland.
“Kaunisto, who lives in France herself, describes the places and customs of the time with care, without exaggeration. Everything […] serves the story. Kaunisto’s language is clear and salacious, and she describes bodily functions, especially in the realm of sexuality, with a delightful candor.”
– Helsingin Sanomat newspaper
Also available:
Corpus (Purple Guillotine #2) 2017
Status (Purple Guillotine #3) 2018
About the author
Milja Kaunisto