The Greatest Thing: The Last Favorite’s Page – by Patti Flinn – independent book review – Historical Fiction (France)

NOTE: I received early access to THE GREATEST THING and am writing a review voluntarily. Thank you netgalley and Gilded Orange Books. Scheduled Publication: November 30, 2023. The book may be purchased here.

A saga of pre-revolutionary France from 1771 – 1789, focused on one small enslaved boy, Zamor, who winds up living as a page at the Palace of Versailles, a gift from King Louis XV (1710-1774) to his last mistress, Madame du Barry (1743-1793). In this position, Zamor is privy to the inner workings of the ruling class. Awarded four stars on Goodreads.

THE GREATEST THING: THE LAST FAVORITE’S PAGE is historical fiction (the first in a planned series of novels) about the a growing divide between rich and poor (sounds familiar, huh?) — showcasing unimaginable excesses among privileged royals and aristocrats, the struggle most ordinary French citizens faced simply to feed their families, and the mounting pressure for greater equality from the Sans-culottes. And, of course, about institutional slavery in society. All explored from the perspective of Zamor.

Despite the fact that Zamor lives among the wealthiest and most powerful in the country — with plenty to eat, a place to sleep, and fancy clothes — he nevertheless feels the chains of enslavement acutely. As one of the few Black-skinned people living at Versailles, Zamor is ostracized, tormented, and patronized. So his main goal is to win his freedom.

As years pass and he grows into manhood, first during the reign of Louis XV and later, after the King’s death, accompanying du Barry into exile, Zamor must continually find new ways to survive among the competitive and vindictive nobles (AND servants) who populate his world. Many of behaviors Zamor adopts are contemptible.

But he is a smart and perceptive man who has read the the philosophy of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, conversed with statesman Thomas Jefferson, and hung out with Gilbert du Motier, aka Marquis de Lafayette. Zamor watches as French support for change becomes more widespread.

A book written from the viewpoint of an enslaved boy/man puts a unique spin on the years leading to the French Revolution (1789-1799) and I found Zamor’s story compelling, though perhaps a bit too long. Toward the end I found some interactions became repetitive and couldn’t see how they were essential to the overall progress of the novel. But, to be fair, perhaps author Patti Flinn needs some of this material to set up her sequel novels.

I do recommend THE GREATEST THING and will likely read the continuing story of Zamor when the author’s future novels become available.

More about the author, Patti Flinn, who writes under other names as well.