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The Force of Such Beauty
One sunny afternoon in an idyllic kingdom by the sea, a princess named Caroline pretends to sleep. When her keepers strike up a card game, Caroline sneaks into her maid’s car, turns the key, and drives right out of the palace. Alone for the first time in years, she gets on the next flight—only to land in the waiting arms of her guards. As she’s forcibly escorted back to her marble prison, something in Caroline breaks for good. It’s not her first failed attempt, and it won’t be her last. Caroline suspects that she’ll never escape. But she might find a way to be free.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2022
99 people are currently reading
11505 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Bourland
4 books268 followersBarbara Bourland is the award-winning author of three novels, most recently The Force of Such Beauty and Fake Like Me. A finalist for the 2020 Edgar Best Novel Award and the recipient of a 2022 Independent Artist’s Award from the Maryland State Arts Council, her writing has been translated into Japanese, German, Hebrew, and Mandarin. She is at work on her fourth novel, Fields and Waves, forthcoming from Dutton. She lives in Baltimore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 382 reviews
June 14, 2023
Now available in paperback! Gorgeous cover, right? With this opening, “After a failed escape attempt, the princess of a tiny kingdom begins to reevaluate her life,” you might think this story is a fluffy princess story. The truth is it’s so much more than it first appears. I have to say, though, that opening chapter had my heart racing as Caroline, former marathon runner, is literally running away from her royal marriage. Or trying to, anyway.
The story goes back in time to how Caroline and Finn meet in the US. They fall in love, but it’s not happily ever after.
The Force of Such Beauty is a smart novel about women living in a society that pushes fairy tales. Inspired by real life princesses, like Princess Charlene of Monaco and Princess Diana, it’s a completely original story with layers of complexity and plenty to think about.
Addressing disability, mental health, feminism, and the dark underbelly that can linger behind a glamorous (royal) facade, The Force of Such Beauty left a mark. Highly recommended, especially as a buddy or book club read, because you’ll definitely want to chat about it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
The story goes back in time to how Caroline and Finn meet in the US. They fall in love, but it’s not happily ever after.
The Force of Such Beauty is a smart novel about women living in a society that pushes fairy tales. Inspired by real life princesses, like Princess Charlene of Monaco and Princess Diana, it’s a completely original story with layers of complexity and plenty to think about.
Addressing disability, mental health, feminism, and the dark underbelly that can linger behind a glamorous (royal) facade, The Force of Such Beauty left a mark. Highly recommended, especially as a buddy or book club read, because you’ll definitely want to chat about it.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 2, 2022
Four Stars
My first thought when I read the premise of this book was its many similarities to the real life Princess of Monaco, the former Charlene Wittstock, an Olympic swimmer. There were rumblings in the press before her wedding to Prince Albert that she had tried to escape the principality of Monaco on perhaps two occasions before the wedding, and her passport was confiscated- preventing her from leaving. In recent times, there have been weird reports of Charlene spending a year away from Monaco with a sinus infection or exhaustion. In fact, while reading this book the main character of Caroline assumed the likeness of Charlene in my mind's eye. As the book begins, Caroline is attempting a desperate escape from the principality.
Caroline broke an Olympic record as a runner, but her career halted forever after a devastating fall. She had to have a hip and knee replaced, and a shattered cheekbone repaired with plastic surgery. This was all necessary because Caroline was signed on to lucrative advertisements as a result of her Olympic triumphs. The irony was that after the implants to repair the shattered side of her face as well as teeth bonding, she was more beautiful than ever. While in recovery at an upscale rehab she met what turned out to be a prince of a European principality, Ferdinand. After their engagement, she was subjected to a frank interview with his severe mother, as well as an impromptu exam to confirm she was able to have children. Caroline was already ensconced in the suffocating marble edifice of the Castle Talon prior to the marriage, but the more she learned about what her life would consist of as a royal wife, the more untethered she became from her reality- that she simply loved Ferdinand. There were staff to handle every single task such as to improve/maintain her physique and health, hair extensions, wardrobe creation, personal security, and the most important goal of birthing an heir.
Upon completion of the book, I found parallels in real life to both Princess Charlene of Monaco and Princess Diana. It may look like the grass is greener due to the status and opulence of living as a royal, but your life isn't your own and it seems really claustrophobic. The writing style was good overall, but I tuned out a bit in parts where the financial business of the principality was discussed. The book really seared into my mind how much a prisoner of the system you can become as a royal, and even with all its perks, it's not for everyone.
Thank you to the publisher Penguin Group / Dutton for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
My first thought when I read the premise of this book was its many similarities to the real life Princess of Monaco, the former Charlene Wittstock, an Olympic swimmer. There were rumblings in the press before her wedding to Prince Albert that she had tried to escape the principality of Monaco on perhaps two occasions before the wedding, and her passport was confiscated- preventing her from leaving. In recent times, there have been weird reports of Charlene spending a year away from Monaco with a sinus infection or exhaustion. In fact, while reading this book the main character of Caroline assumed the likeness of Charlene in my mind's eye. As the book begins, Caroline is attempting a desperate escape from the principality.
Caroline broke an Olympic record as a runner, but her career halted forever after a devastating fall. She had to have a hip and knee replaced, and a shattered cheekbone repaired with plastic surgery. This was all necessary because Caroline was signed on to lucrative advertisements as a result of her Olympic triumphs. The irony was that after the implants to repair the shattered side of her face as well as teeth bonding, she was more beautiful than ever. While in recovery at an upscale rehab she met what turned out to be a prince of a European principality, Ferdinand. After their engagement, she was subjected to a frank interview with his severe mother, as well as an impromptu exam to confirm she was able to have children. Caroline was already ensconced in the suffocating marble edifice of the Castle Talon prior to the marriage, but the more she learned about what her life would consist of as a royal wife, the more untethered she became from her reality- that she simply loved Ferdinand. There were staff to handle every single task such as to improve/maintain her physique and health, hair extensions, wardrobe creation, personal security, and the most important goal of birthing an heir.
Upon completion of the book, I found parallels in real life to both Princess Charlene of Monaco and Princess Diana. It may look like the grass is greener due to the status and opulence of living as a royal, but your life isn't your own and it seems really claustrophobic. The writing style was good overall, but I tuned out a bit in parts where the financial business of the principality was discussed. The book really seared into my mind how much a prisoner of the system you can become as a royal, and even with all its perks, it's not for everyone.
Thank you to the publisher Penguin Group / Dutton for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
November 28, 2022
The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland is a 2022 Dutton publication.
Oh, my goodness. What a chilling story!
By now, the fantasy of being a princess in real life has been tarnished. I think the reality of that life is not as hidden as it once was, and we’ve seen the tragedy of it play out in real time. That life, behind those castle walls, at the very least, is all about duty- it is not a life entirely your own, and I’m sure it is often very lonely and isolating. That duty may extend to the marriage as well- perhaps arranged- or sadly, as we’ve seen before- it could be a one-sided affair- and of course the pressure to provide heirs- but in this book we examine a situation that shows an even darker side of royalty…
Caroline is an Olympic athlete until her body gives out causing her to take a bad fall, where she lands hard, face first. This injury requires plastic surgery and lots of physical therapy, which is where she meets Finn. His stay in rehab is brief, but the two meet again, resulting in a complicated romance and engagement. But Caroline is clueless about Finn’s life as the heir of a small principality...
When reality sets in, Caroline decides to leave, only to be ambushed and ushered back to Finn, where he convinces her to go through with the marriage. Caroline learns soon enough that this is no fairy tale as her every move is monitored and her repeated attempts at escape are continuously thwarted…
Caroline’s voice is haunting and human. Her life is a nightmare, her choices limited, as she is held captive in a prison disguised a castle.
The story is cautionary in tone, powerfully unsettling and hard to come to terms with.
What makes it so difficult to absorb is that the novel is somewhat based on a real princess, and some of the elements in this novel are substantiated facts. More unnerving is that in real life this princess is struggling and that makes this tale even more troubling...
Overall, I admit I knew nothing of the real-life drama this book is based on, and now that I’ve done a little research, I have been plagued with a sense of sadness and claustrophobic foreboding I can’t seem to shake. Maybe this book should be in the thriller category!
Oh, my goodness. What a chilling story!
By now, the fantasy of being a princess in real life has been tarnished. I think the reality of that life is not as hidden as it once was, and we’ve seen the tragedy of it play out in real time. That life, behind those castle walls, at the very least, is all about duty- it is not a life entirely your own, and I’m sure it is often very lonely and isolating. That duty may extend to the marriage as well- perhaps arranged- or sadly, as we’ve seen before- it could be a one-sided affair- and of course the pressure to provide heirs- but in this book we examine a situation that shows an even darker side of royalty…
Caroline is an Olympic athlete until her body gives out causing her to take a bad fall, where she lands hard, face first. This injury requires plastic surgery and lots of physical therapy, which is where she meets Finn. His stay in rehab is brief, but the two meet again, resulting in a complicated romance and engagement. But Caroline is clueless about Finn’s life as the heir of a small principality...
When reality sets in, Caroline decides to leave, only to be ambushed and ushered back to Finn, where he convinces her to go through with the marriage. Caroline learns soon enough that this is no fairy tale as her every move is monitored and her repeated attempts at escape are continuously thwarted…
Caroline’s voice is haunting and human. Her life is a nightmare, her choices limited, as she is held captive in a prison disguised a castle.
The story is cautionary in tone, powerfully unsettling and hard to come to terms with.
What makes it so difficult to absorb is that the novel is somewhat based on a real princess, and some of the elements in this novel are substantiated facts. More unnerving is that in real life this princess is struggling and that makes this tale even more troubling...
Overall, I admit I knew nothing of the real-life drama this book is based on, and now that I’ve done a little research, I have been plagued with a sense of sadness and claustrophobic foreboding I can’t seem to shake. Maybe this book should be in the thriller category!
October 14, 2022
The service waited for me there, bu they were shadows; they have no depth. I don't acknowledge them. I swept down the hallway, gliding across the the silk carpets, past the floor-to-ceiling windows dating from 1355 and their heavy draperies, past paintings of other dead women and children, turning to the right and the left and then up some stairs to the playroom where my Jane and Henry spent their days. (PG. 8)
The Force of Such Beauty was a book I grabbed for the cover. I knew nothing about it so my reading wasn't swayed. It was an interesting topic; an Olympic medalist turned Princess. It was a romance but without the love. Strategy and deception play a big role in this novel. It had Diane Spencer and Charlene Wittstock and a sprinkle of Grace Kelly vibes. I think if Kate Middleton was allowed to speak freely she would feel like the fictitious Caroline Muller. But Kate Middleton is no Princess Di. You disagree you disappear; no one makes the monarchy gangsters look bad.
So the novel was good and that was all. Got a bit repetitive, could have been shorter and been better but overall it was enticing and I felt sorry for Caroline Muller throughout.
The Force of Such Beauty was a book I grabbed for the cover. I knew nothing about it so my reading wasn't swayed. It was an interesting topic; an Olympic medalist turned Princess. It was a romance but without the love. Strategy and deception play a big role in this novel. It had Diane Spencer and Charlene Wittstock and a sprinkle of Grace Kelly vibes. I think if Kate Middleton was allowed to speak freely she would feel like the fictitious Caroline Muller. But Kate Middleton is no Princess Di. You disagree you disappear; no one makes the monarchy gangsters look bad.
So the novel was good and that was all. Got a bit repetitive, could have been shorter and been better but overall it was enticing and I felt sorry for Caroline Muller throughout.
August 16, 2022
It feels like a lie to say that I'm rarely gagged by a book, that I feel discussion of the thing is not as important has having experienced the thing... but, y'all just gotta read this. I'm not sure I find every element of the story firing on all cylinders, and there are definitely aspects that I think are worthy of being slightly more fleshed out... but for a book I saw randomly on twitter and was convinced I was gonna enjoy, I can't complain.
I will say that the book does cover general infertility issues, descriptions of miscarriages, content that could definitely qualify as spousal abuse, aspects of trichotillomania, and periods of descriptions that felt like disordered eating habits. All of which I thought were included to further aspects of the narrative that Bourland really drives home in the third act, but obviously aren't going to be comfortable for every reader.
This was a good time, probably one of the best books I read this year, and overall couldn't recommend more highly.
I will say that the book does cover general infertility issues, descriptions of miscarriages, content that could definitely qualify as spousal abuse, aspects of trichotillomania, and periods of descriptions that felt like disordered eating habits. All of which I thought were included to further aspects of the narrative that Bourland really drives home in the third act, but obviously aren't going to be comfortable for every reader.
This was a good time, probably one of the best books I read this year, and overall couldn't recommend more highly.
January 7, 2024
Caroline is a former athlete from South Africa who meets and ultimately marries Finn, the royal leader of Lucomo. While there’s opulence, glitz and glam around every corner in this lifestyle, there are also strict protocols, demanding social obligations, and tension surrounding both monarch and family secrets. Caroline fulfills her duties yet can’t help feeling trapped at the same time.
“All fairy tales serve the same purpose. One woman's story, told to warn the others.”
Though The Force of Such Beauty is fictional, it’s easy to see inspiration drawn from real life stories of princesses, some of which are mentioned in the author’s note at the end of the book. I liked Caroline, I felt for her and was rooting for her. I was invested in this story — I could picture the grand settings, high fashion and feel the tension. I loved this book.
“All fairy tales serve the same purpose. One woman's story, told to warn the others.”
Though The Force of Such Beauty is fictional, it’s easy to see inspiration drawn from real life stories of princesses, some of which are mentioned in the author’s note at the end of the book. I liked Caroline, I felt for her and was rooting for her. I was invested in this story — I could picture the grand settings, high fashion and feel the tension. I loved this book.
March 12, 2022
THE FORCE OF SUCH BEAUTY
BY: BARBARA BOURLAND
Update: I have upgraded my review, because I have not been able to stop thinking about this beautifully written and heart wrenching novel. Therefore I have rated it with Five worthy stars plus! I have edited my review. Highly, Highly recommend this Unique and utterly Original Stunning work by Barbara Bourland, who is a brand new Author to me whom this novel is Unforgettable and a Favorite of 2022. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end for it gives you insight for the Author's inspiration for whom she was thinking about when she wrote this.
"The Force of Such Beauty," written by Barbara Bourland is an addictive and compelling reading experience. I really enjoyed reading this from the very beginning to the last page. The plot was masterly executed and the character development was just stunning.
Anybody who loves running or ran in any part of their lives will enjoy reading this. It chronicles Caroline Muller who grew up in Africa who had an early career of running at an early age and winning the Olympic medal and holding the record for an amount of time. She started running in South Africa when she was a young girl of eleven years old. She ran with a friend of hers named Zola who was older than her. She ran many miles and as she progressed she entered other races among many which included the ultra marathons which are held in today's culture
When Caroline and Zola first started out running together they would always start in the back of the group with the males in the front. Caroline and Zola always quickly outran the males and the rest of the group ending up leading being first to finish. That Caroline as a child started at the end of the pack of behind the males gives me wonder if this was the Author's foreshadowing how Princesses always walk behind their husbands and always wait to eat after their husbands.
Caroline meets Finn at a rehabilitation center which is fictional and she and him strike up a kinship that later in the novel results in her finding out that he comes from royalty. When she and him run into each other again there is no denying their chemistry and attraction for each other. He is from a fictional monarchy location and there is much described with atmospheric and vivid detail. They are at this upscale resort having both getting physical rehabilitation for both of them had been injured in accidents. Caroline will go through many surgeries but although she has gained a beautiful face, she is unable to run to compete as being unable to resume where she left off.
This reminded me of Allison Pataki's historical fiction based on the real life of Empress Elisabeth in many ways. Her book is called, "The Accidental Empress," which has a second novel called, "Sisi."
In this book Caroline marries Finn who rules with his mother a fictional country which her life resembles the real life of Empress Elisabeth and who was later in life becomes the Queen of Hungary for which she helped Hungary become a duel monarchy in the Hapsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Empress Elisabeth was only sixteen years old and was Duchess of Bavaria when she married into a much more formal and regimented lifestyle for which like Caroline in this story both are ill prepared for the roles that they much play. Like Elisabeth, Caroline doesn't expect to be isolated from her husband so soon after marriage and to have a mother in law who takes control of her children. The instant expectation of the pressures of producing an heir is apparent in both Caroline and Elisabeth's lives. Empress Elisabeth was at odds with her mother-in-law because her new husband Franz Joseph was immediately always working soon after marriage just as Finn is in this tale. Finn allows his mother Amelie to have access to their first born daughter and even name her and take her from Caroline even when Caroline doesn't want her baby to be whisked away. Empress Elisabeth was similarly denied access to her daughters because Franz Joseph allowed his mother the Arch Duchess of Austria to take Elisabeth's daughters and raise them. Her first born daughter named Sophie was snatched away and named after the Arch Duchess Sophie, Franz Joseph's mother and Elizabeth's mother-in-law.
Both Caroline and Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary are not prepared to be expected to focus primarily on producing an heir to the extent that they both are denied to do what they enjoy because it might affect their pregnancies.
This was so similar to Empress Elisabeth of Austria except Caroline was an Olympic runner who won many races first prize. Both women are expecting to have more control over their destinies and the immediate pressure to get pregnant and live according to formal protocol for which they weren't prepared for. In Empress Elisabeth's case she was only sixteen compared to Caroline who was in her twenties.
Because this was so closely related to a historical factual monarchy I already knew except Caroline was not a Duchess like Elisabeth but had a very interesting career in running I was drawn to this as I loved to run myself. That she was injured and still wanted to pursue the running community in representing herself as a speaker for the Special Olympics and was denied her career was reminiscent of Empress Elisabeth's life changing dramatically. Both women were raised differently and found the restrictions of always attending royal affairs smothering and unappealing.
This was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to women who enjoy reading about independent strong women with a mind of their own who hold on to their identities despite being ill prepared to be thrust into a completely different lifestyle. I would also recommend it to anybody who was passionate about running. In the Author's Note she mentions how women's formative years are begun by playing with dolls and then dollhouses. Females are given the message that they are to grow up and find husband's. They may have been play acting in their youth's as Princess's. Is it any doubt that young women are excited to marry a Prince. Little do we know but have learned with watching with the rest of the world when Princess Diana and then Megan Marckle told the world their truths that life at court isn't so wonderful. This also has aspects of Jennifer Egan's debut novel called, "Look at Me," which I met her 22 years ago and thought of her quite humble and certainly lovely and quite beautiful and well put together. Sadly I no longer have her brand new copy of that signed First Edition that was brand new. After reading this I am very much thinking of searching for one as close to mine as I can get. The Author of a Pulitzer Prize winner's first book in a capacity in which I wish to attain can be more rare and more expensive than their subsequent novels, including the one which won them the Pulitzer. Just a little book collector trivia, for you. I am definitely going to purchase the physical hard copy of this one as well. I do wish the Author, Barbara Bourland, my very best wishes for she is surely a talented writer and I have not read her before, but am interested to pursue whatever else she has written or any of her future work.
Just a short few more words in this very long review. I am guessing that this fictional account draws similarities to the factual Charlene Lynette Wittstock, born on January 25, 1978 who is the Princess of Monaco by marrying Albert II. He is the reigning Prince of Monaco and head of the Princely House of Grimaldi. Princess Charlene was a former Olympic swimmer. She had tried to escape which failed and cried during her wedding.
I really think that this was a fabulous novel and not only did I love it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was totally unexpected and shocked me. It left me feeling sad. I know it's fictional but I grew to love Caroline and I can't stop thinking about her.
Publication Date: July 19, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley, Barbara Bourland and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton-Dutton for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. PENGUIN GROUP Dutton-Dutton continues to publish high quality content in my opinion and all opinions are my own.
#TheForceofSuchBeauty #BarbaraBourland #PENGUINGROUPDuttonDutton #NetGalley
BY: BARBARA BOURLAND
Update: I have upgraded my review, because I have not been able to stop thinking about this beautifully written and heart wrenching novel. Therefore I have rated it with Five worthy stars plus! I have edited my review. Highly, Highly recommend this Unique and utterly Original Stunning work by Barbara Bourland, who is a brand new Author to me whom this novel is Unforgettable and a Favorite of 2022. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end for it gives you insight for the Author's inspiration for whom she was thinking about when she wrote this.
"The Force of Such Beauty," written by Barbara Bourland is an addictive and compelling reading experience. I really enjoyed reading this from the very beginning to the last page. The plot was masterly executed and the character development was just stunning.
Anybody who loves running or ran in any part of their lives will enjoy reading this. It chronicles Caroline Muller who grew up in Africa who had an early career of running at an early age and winning the Olympic medal and holding the record for an amount of time. She started running in South Africa when she was a young girl of eleven years old. She ran with a friend of hers named Zola who was older than her. She ran many miles and as she progressed she entered other races among many which included the ultra marathons which are held in today's culture
When Caroline and Zola first started out running together they would always start in the back of the group with the males in the front. Caroline and Zola always quickly outran the males and the rest of the group ending up leading being first to finish. That Caroline as a child started at the end of the pack of behind the males gives me wonder if this was the Author's foreshadowing how Princesses always walk behind their husbands and always wait to eat after their husbands.
Caroline meets Finn at a rehabilitation center which is fictional and she and him strike up a kinship that later in the novel results in her finding out that he comes from royalty. When she and him run into each other again there is no denying their chemistry and attraction for each other. He is from a fictional monarchy location and there is much described with atmospheric and vivid detail. They are at this upscale resort having both getting physical rehabilitation for both of them had been injured in accidents. Caroline will go through many surgeries but although she has gained a beautiful face, she is unable to run to compete as being unable to resume where she left off.
This reminded me of Allison Pataki's historical fiction based on the real life of Empress Elisabeth in many ways. Her book is called, "The Accidental Empress," which has a second novel called, "Sisi."
In this book Caroline marries Finn who rules with his mother a fictional country which her life resembles the real life of Empress Elisabeth and who was later in life becomes the Queen of Hungary for which she helped Hungary become a duel monarchy in the Hapsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Empress Elisabeth was only sixteen years old and was Duchess of Bavaria when she married into a much more formal and regimented lifestyle for which like Caroline in this story both are ill prepared for the roles that they much play. Like Elisabeth, Caroline doesn't expect to be isolated from her husband so soon after marriage and to have a mother in law who takes control of her children. The instant expectation of the pressures of producing an heir is apparent in both Caroline and Elisabeth's lives. Empress Elisabeth was at odds with her mother-in-law because her new husband Franz Joseph was immediately always working soon after marriage just as Finn is in this tale. Finn allows his mother Amelie to have access to their first born daughter and even name her and take her from Caroline even when Caroline doesn't want her baby to be whisked away. Empress Elisabeth was similarly denied access to her daughters because Franz Joseph allowed his mother the Arch Duchess of Austria to take Elisabeth's daughters and raise them. Her first born daughter named Sophie was snatched away and named after the Arch Duchess Sophie, Franz Joseph's mother and Elizabeth's mother-in-law.
Both Caroline and Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary are not prepared to be expected to focus primarily on producing an heir to the extent that they both are denied to do what they enjoy because it might affect their pregnancies.
This was so similar to Empress Elisabeth of Austria except Caroline was an Olympic runner who won many races first prize. Both women are expecting to have more control over their destinies and the immediate pressure to get pregnant and live according to formal protocol for which they weren't prepared for. In Empress Elisabeth's case she was only sixteen compared to Caroline who was in her twenties.
Because this was so closely related to a historical factual monarchy I already knew except Caroline was not a Duchess like Elisabeth but had a very interesting career in running I was drawn to this as I loved to run myself. That she was injured and still wanted to pursue the running community in representing herself as a speaker for the Special Olympics and was denied her career was reminiscent of Empress Elisabeth's life changing dramatically. Both women were raised differently and found the restrictions of always attending royal affairs smothering and unappealing.
This was very enjoyable and I would recommend it to women who enjoy reading about independent strong women with a mind of their own who hold on to their identities despite being ill prepared to be thrust into a completely different lifestyle. I would also recommend it to anybody who was passionate about running. In the Author's Note she mentions how women's formative years are begun by playing with dolls and then dollhouses. Females are given the message that they are to grow up and find husband's. They may have been play acting in their youth's as Princess's. Is it any doubt that young women are excited to marry a Prince. Little do we know but have learned with watching with the rest of the world when Princess Diana and then Megan Marckle told the world their truths that life at court isn't so wonderful. This also has aspects of Jennifer Egan's debut novel called, "Look at Me," which I met her 22 years ago and thought of her quite humble and certainly lovely and quite beautiful and well put together. Sadly I no longer have her brand new copy of that signed First Edition that was brand new. After reading this I am very much thinking of searching for one as close to mine as I can get. The Author of a Pulitzer Prize winner's first book in a capacity in which I wish to attain can be more rare and more expensive than their subsequent novels, including the one which won them the Pulitzer. Just a little book collector trivia, for you. I am definitely going to purchase the physical hard copy of this one as well. I do wish the Author, Barbara Bourland, my very best wishes for she is surely a talented writer and I have not read her before, but am interested to pursue whatever else she has written or any of her future work.
Just a short few more words in this very long review. I am guessing that this fictional account draws similarities to the factual Charlene Lynette Wittstock, born on January 25, 1978 who is the Princess of Monaco by marrying Albert II. He is the reigning Prince of Monaco and head of the Princely House of Grimaldi. Princess Charlene was a former Olympic swimmer. She had tried to escape which failed and cried during her wedding.
I really think that this was a fabulous novel and not only did I love it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending was totally unexpected and shocked me. It left me feeling sad. I know it's fictional but I grew to love Caroline and I can't stop thinking about her.
Publication Date: July 19, 2022
Thank you to Net Galley, Barbara Bourland and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton-Dutton for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. PENGUIN GROUP Dutton-Dutton continues to publish high quality content in my opinion and all opinions are my own.
#TheForceofSuchBeauty #BarbaraBourland #PENGUINGROUPDuttonDutton #NetGalley
August 19, 2022
I wanted so badly to love this book. It came highly recommended by someone I love on TikTok, but now I’m starting to wonder if she even read it. The premise of the book is great - retired star athlete meets and falls in love with the Prince of a small European country, only to find out this life is not all she bargained for. Ultimately, the writing is just poorly executed. The author goes into absurd detail about SO MUCH in the beginning, and the plot wanders around for so long that it’s almost halfway through before they even meet again, then suddenly they are engaged within a very chapter or so. The wedding and births of her children are so quickly glossed over, not to mention the character thinks nothing of leaving said children in the first scene of the book (a flash-forward) that the reader kinda wonders if the character really gives a hoot about her children. The book finally catches up with itself (the opening escape attempt) with less than 20 pages to wrap everything up. The last 20-40 pages felt like she was running out of paper and just threw it together as short as possible to get off to the editor. Nothing really happens in 85% of the book, and the events that DO happen are extremely glossed-over with no detail into the scene. I’m sure this review will either get a lot of hate or zero views, since it definitely appears my opinion is in the minority, but this was the first book in years where I’ve actually wanted my money back because it just didn’t even come close to the entertainment I wanted out of it.
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March 28, 2023
If you ever wanted to be a princess, I think reading this book would definitely erase any notions of romance...and change your mind on #Megxit (I am, and always have been, team Meghan).
The writing is gorgeous, the ways Bourland shatters the glass slippers of the fairy tale romance and slips the shards of happily ever after down the steep cliffs of a fake European country heavily inspired by Monaco with a dash of Princess Diana and all of the other modern day princesses walking two steps behind their prince.
Caroline is a woman who's entire life was running. She held the record for the marathon until an accident torpedoed her chances of ever running again. Cast adrift and searching for meaning, for feeling loved and special once again, she finds it in the form of the handsome prince of Lucomo, Finn. After a VERY rushed fling, she insists on marrying him, despite the warning from her lawyer friend and former running partner—and realizes that her only value is her beauty and her womb.
What price, happily ever after? Everything is orchestrated, everything handled, everything managed without a need for you to lift a finger or make a decision. Stripped of any independence, agency or value beyond her ability to pump out two children and smile, gaslit at every turn, Caroline lets herself sink into a decade-long depression, shutting her mind off and closing herself away to endure her life. It's not a bad life—for a kept animal. For a person—even a person severely lacking critical thinking skills and possessing an incredible ability at self-delusion—it slowly drains away any will to thrive and live.
Until one day Caroline wakes up and realizes she has to get out. It is a fascinating case study, and I really enjoyed the framing device, although Caroline never realizes her complicity in the entire structure even as it's pointed out to her both by her husband (who gave up and gave in to the machine of kingdom) and her lawyer friend (who, I think, had an idea of the end from the moment Caroline contacted her).
And the ending...well.
Happily ever after.
The writing is gorgeous, the ways Bourland shatters the glass slippers of the fairy tale romance and slips the shards of happily ever after down the steep cliffs of a fake European country heavily inspired by Monaco with a dash of Princess Diana and all of the other modern day princesses walking two steps behind their prince.
Caroline is a woman who's entire life was running. She held the record for the marathon until an accident torpedoed her chances of ever running again. Cast adrift and searching for meaning, for feeling loved and special once again, she finds it in the form of the handsome prince of Lucomo, Finn. After a VERY rushed fling, she insists on marrying him, despite the warning from her lawyer friend and former running partner—and realizes that her only value is her beauty and her womb.
What price, happily ever after? Everything is orchestrated, everything handled, everything managed without a need for you to lift a finger or make a decision. Stripped of any independence, agency or value beyond her ability to pump out two children and smile, gaslit at every turn, Caroline lets herself sink into a decade-long depression, shutting her mind off and closing herself away to endure her life. It's not a bad life—for a kept animal. For a person—even a person severely lacking critical thinking skills and possessing an incredible ability at self-delusion—it slowly drains away any will to thrive and live.
Until one day Caroline wakes up and realizes she has to get out. It is a fascinating case study, and I really enjoyed the framing device, although Caroline never realizes her complicity in the entire structure even as it's pointed out to her both by her husband (who gave up and gave in to the machine of kingdom) and her lawyer friend (who, I think, had an idea of the end from the moment Caroline contacted her).
And the ending...well.
Happily ever after.
Want to read
August 23, 2022Giveaway Win!
December 27, 2022
Holy shit. This was so beautifully written and heartbreaking. The ending is definitely going to haunt me. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading Taylor Jenkins Reid.
June 22, 2024
2.5 “forced myself to finish it” ⭐️
This book read like a meandering political essay written on a Burger King crown. The author’s emphasis seemed more on writing a statement piece rather than writing an engaging and well-paced plot.
The gist:
Marrying into the monarchy = married to the mob
Princess = Pawn
Palace= Prison
Like the BK crown, the characters felt stiff like cardboard and the storyline fell flat.
This book read like a meandering political essay written on a Burger King crown. The author’s emphasis seemed more on writing a statement piece rather than writing an engaging and well-paced plot.
The gist:
Marrying into the monarchy = married to the mob
Princess = Pawn
Palace= Prison
Like the BK crown, the characters felt stiff like cardboard and the storyline fell flat.
Want to read
July 21, 2022i see a pretty cover and i add it (to want to read) hehehe
September 19, 2022
I have Dutton Books to thank for putting this on my radar and @suethebookie for adding a trusted referral to it. I am embarrassed to say I probably would have skipped this otherwise, but thankfully I didn’t and I’m going to do my best to convince you all to pick this one up!
Whether you’re into following real life princesses or not, you probably have at least a vague idea of some of the very real downfalls of being part of a modern monarchy. (Think Diana & Megan Markle.) Yes, it looks glamorous and fun, but then there is reality. TFOSB deals with that very real reality. We meet Caroline or Caro, who is an Olympic marathon athlete who has a career ending injury. Fast forward some time and she marries a prince. What follows is a completely engrossing, harrowing and alarming account of her life. I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic the writing and storytelling is. I FLEW through this book. Could not turn the pages fast enough. It was all I thought about for the few days that I had the pleasure of reading it. Besides the book being fabulous, it was also nice to read a book that I didn’t feel I had read before. I am so grateful to have read it and I know this will definitely make it on my top books of 2022 list. It was that good. Barbara Bourland is now an auto buy author for me. 🏆🏆
Review Date: 07/25/2022
Publication Date: 07/19/2022
Whether you’re into following real life princesses or not, you probably have at least a vague idea of some of the very real downfalls of being part of a modern monarchy. (Think Diana & Megan Markle.) Yes, it looks glamorous and fun, but then there is reality. TFOSB deals with that very real reality. We meet Caroline or Caro, who is an Olympic marathon athlete who has a career ending injury. Fast forward some time and she marries a prince. What follows is a completely engrossing, harrowing and alarming account of her life. I cannot emphasize enough how fantastic the writing and storytelling is. I FLEW through this book. Could not turn the pages fast enough. It was all I thought about for the few days that I had the pleasure of reading it. Besides the book being fabulous, it was also nice to read a book that I didn’t feel I had read before. I am so grateful to have read it and I know this will definitely make it on my top books of 2022 list. It was that good. Barbara Bourland is now an auto buy author for me. 🏆🏆
Review Date: 07/25/2022
Publication Date: 07/19/2022
August 7, 2022
I’m so…. I’m so…. um ….. uhhhh ….. um…… rtc
April 14, 2024
Wow this book was so shocking and so well told. I underlined so many lines and I GASPED at one part. One of my fave reads of this year.
September 19, 2022
I liked this book but seem to be in the minority that did not think it was great.
I was interested in the main character because of her athletic background. Her romance with the prince was brief and underdeveloped. He needed a wife and heirs and, well, she got to become a princess. So they hurried up and got married after she was thoroughly prodded by an OBGYN. The similarities to Monaco were too obvious. I rolled my eyes when I read that the nationality of the people was "Lugasque" (or some blatant copy of Monégasque). The author could have been more creative. I felt as though I was reading a fictionalized story based on a real person's life. It was too thinly veiled to be taken seriously.
Caroline (the main character) is apparently a stand-in for Charlene, who married Albert of Monaco. However, I was thinking of Grace Kelly, who is probably too old school to appeal to the target audience for this novel. The ending was particularly reminiscent of the fate of Grace Kelly. I also felt the ending was too abrupt, underdeveloped and unsatisfying. I guess it is supposed to leave the reader wondering what really happened to poor Caroline. Caroline may have been an amalgamation of many modern day women who married into royal families and were disillusioned when the reality did not live up to the fairytale.
This main character's suffering was particularly depressing. I guess that was the point.
This book is a decent read, but it felt very unoriginal.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was interested in the main character because of her athletic background. Her romance with the prince was brief and underdeveloped. He needed a wife and heirs and, well, she got to become a princess. So they hurried up and got married after she was thoroughly prodded by an OBGYN. The similarities to Monaco were too obvious. I rolled my eyes when I read that the nationality of the people was "Lugasque" (or some blatant copy of Monégasque). The author could have been more creative. I felt as though I was reading a fictionalized story based on a real person's life. It was too thinly veiled to be taken seriously.
Caroline (the main character) is apparently a stand-in for Charlene, who married Albert of Monaco. However, I was thinking of Grace Kelly, who is probably too old school to appeal to the target audience for this novel. The ending was particularly reminiscent of the fate of Grace Kelly. I also felt the ending was too abrupt, underdeveloped and unsatisfying. I guess it is supposed to leave the reader wondering what really happened to poor Caroline. Caroline may have been an amalgamation of many modern day women who married into royal families and were disillusioned when the reality did not live up to the fairytale.
This main character's suffering was particularly depressing. I guess that was the point.
This book is a decent read, but it felt very unoriginal.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2022
When I was a young girl, I believed that the life of a princess would be the best life one could ever live. As I grew up, as I grew older, I began to see through the gauzy veil that’s thrown over the eyes of little girls. In my more mature years, I finally began to see the truth.
Princess Diana was my first difficult lesson in the art of being a princess. And Princess Charlene; surely now we’re keen enough to read between the lines. And history, when it actually tells the bare truth, is riddled with women who were destroyed after serving their purpose of providing an heir.
Barbara Bourland takes this taboo subject and writes a heartbreaking story from Caroline, who at one time was a record-breaking long-distance runner. Caroline talks to us throughout the book; about her childhood, her dreams, the accident that ruined her career, and how she met Finn as they were both recovering. As Caroline talks, we see her slowly being reshaped; her image first, her lifestyle, and her new royal family. The gauntlet her soon-to-be mother-in-law runs Catherine through is enough to give her fair warning, but Caroline sees no other choice.
With parallels to actual historical princesses, this book of fiction seems so natural, so exposed; euphoric happiness at one moment and dark depression the next. After the last page, you’ll have to remind yourself that Caroline is a figment of the author’s mind. But truly, is she?
Thanks so much to Penguin Group- Dutton for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Princess Diana was my first difficult lesson in the art of being a princess. And Princess Charlene; surely now we’re keen enough to read between the lines. And history, when it actually tells the bare truth, is riddled with women who were destroyed after serving their purpose of providing an heir.
Barbara Bourland takes this taboo subject and writes a heartbreaking story from Caroline, who at one time was a record-breaking long-distance runner. Caroline talks to us throughout the book; about her childhood, her dreams, the accident that ruined her career, and how she met Finn as they were both recovering. As Caroline talks, we see her slowly being reshaped; her image first, her lifestyle, and her new royal family. The gauntlet her soon-to-be mother-in-law runs Catherine through is enough to give her fair warning, but Caroline sees no other choice.
With parallels to actual historical princesses, this book of fiction seems so natural, so exposed; euphoric happiness at one moment and dark depression the next. After the last page, you’ll have to remind yourself that Caroline is a figment of the author’s mind. But truly, is she?
Thanks so much to Penguin Group- Dutton for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 23, 2023
Whether we openly admit it, most of us are intrigued by princesses, and I watched as 18 year old Diana Spencer became completely ruled by royal life and suffered greatly before her death (which was caused by her fame). This novel tells the story of Caroline, an athlete (originally from South Africa) who sets the women’s marathon world record. An injury forces her into rehab, where she meets the prince (named Finn) of an imaginary European country (close to Italy and France). Caroline falls deeply in love with Finn, moves into his castle and marries him. But the heart of the story is the smothering, limiting effect of living a royal life and the emotional effects of having one’s every move watched, planned and discussed. The “service” was ever present and the palace forces (including an evil queen mother-in-law) completely controlled her life as well as the lives of her children. Her husband became detached – he was too busy trying to solve the problems faced by the small country. Caroline was able to make “friends” among the wives of the palace courtiers, but was clearly limited to an extremely lonely life. All this took an incredible and tragic toll on her emotional life. This novel was so different from what I usually read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it - - and going forward I will watch both Meghan (I understand Megxit much better now!) and Catherine from a different perspective.
January 3, 2023
I feel like I’m cheating a little since I shared my thoughts on this one on Instagram, but I loved it so much I wanted to give it some dedicated time here.
The premise immediately intrigued me: the princess of a small country attempts to escape but fails, forcing her to face her reality. This was the first book in a while that kept me up, turning the pages. A much more honest portrayal of the fairytales girls are sold from the moment they’re born, Bourland created a world that is both fantastical and nightmarish.
You can find my full thoughts in my August Deep Dive newsletter.
Thank you to Barbara Bourland and Dutton for providing me with a free review copy. All opinions are my own.
The premise immediately intrigued me: the princess of a small country attempts to escape but fails, forcing her to face her reality. This was the first book in a while that kept me up, turning the pages. A much more honest portrayal of the fairytales girls are sold from the moment they’re born, Bourland created a world that is both fantastical and nightmarish.
You can find my full thoughts in my August Deep Dive newsletter.
Thank you to Barbara Bourland and Dutton for providing me with a free review copy. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2022
I devoured The Force of Such Beauty in big gulps, transfixed by the story of Caroline, an Olympic runner turned European princess. Bourland turns the princess trope upside down; it's ominous and at times terrifying, and yet more recognizable than the fairy tale version we all know. The loss of bodily autonomy; bargains with the devil; the banality of evil, and who gets to tell their own story....it's all here, wrapped up in a glamorous and sinister shell. Strange, ambitious, imaginative, beautifully written, and highly recommended!
July 17, 2022
The Force of Such Beauty by Barbara Bourland. Thanks to @duttonbooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Caroline has put her career as a runner behind her after an injury. Her future is with Finn, prince of a small European kingdom. As she settles in the palace as princess and uses her grace and charm as expected, she begins to wonder how free she is.
Excuse me because I just finished five minutes ago and I am still reeling from the ending. I did not see it coming. I loved this story. It is a little slow moving, but you dig in further and further as time goes by. The basis of the plot is something I never thought about, but will now often. There’s really not much more I can say except give it a read. While fiction, it is informative, political, and revealing.
“Fairy tales are not about sparkling shoes or white cats. They are about the ribbons that adorn, then sever your neck.”
The Force of Such Beauty comes out 7/19.
Caroline has put her career as a runner behind her after an injury. Her future is with Finn, prince of a small European kingdom. As she settles in the palace as princess and uses her grace and charm as expected, she begins to wonder how free she is.
Excuse me because I just finished five minutes ago and I am still reeling from the ending. I did not see it coming. I loved this story. It is a little slow moving, but you dig in further and further as time goes by. The basis of the plot is something I never thought about, but will now often. There’s really not much more I can say except give it a read. While fiction, it is informative, political, and revealing.
“Fairy tales are not about sparkling shoes or white cats. They are about the ribbons that adorn, then sever your neck.”
The Force of Such Beauty comes out 7/19.
March 29, 2024
I saw a TikTok comparing this book to the drama surrounding modern day royalty: Kate Middleton/Princess of Monaco/Meghan Markle. I am not a Royal Watcher, but the premise of this book immediately grabbed my attention: the princess of a small country attempts to escape her marble prison but fails, and something in her breaks for good. This story depicts an honest portrayal of the fictional fairy tales girls are sold.
It is beautifully written and heartbreaking. The ending made me gasp out loud and is definitely going to consume the corners of my mind for a bit.
“𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬.”
It is beautifully written and heartbreaking. The ending made me gasp out loud and is definitely going to consume the corners of my mind for a bit.
“𝘍𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬.”
June 11, 2022
What a riveting, gritty, heart wrenching book! Caroline is a record setting Olympic marathon runner, until an accident ends her promising career. She meets Finn while recovering from surgery, and their paths cross several times before she discovers he’s the prince of a small European country. After a whirlwind courtship they are wed, and she becomes Princess Caroline, and she finds that all is not gold in her new life. The revelations are startling, with Caroline caught in a web of lies and deception, making her desperate to escape her tarnished fairy take life. Although fictional, this book opens our eyes to the realities, domination, and sordidness of royal life.
October 5, 2022
I was a fan of Barbara Bourland's moody art world thriller Fake Like Me and have been watching to see what she’d do next. The Force of Such Beauty pries the lid off an even more rarefied institution, shining a light on the bizarrely anachronistic world of modern royals. Partly inspired by the life of Princess Charlene of Monaco, who reportedly tried to escape her marriage to human slime-drip Prince Albert three times before the wedding, it’s a jewel-toned gothic fairy tale about the invisible workings of power—especially the way the most powerful people in the world are able to persuade themselves they’re victims and martyrs, while bodies pile up in their wake. A lush, nightmarish read; Spencer by way of Jennifer Egan (especially Look at Me and The Keep).
February 15, 2025
WOW.
I’ve been such a picky reader lately. Not much has held my interest, or I guess a better way to put it is I’ve only been able to read books that completely capture my interest. The Force of Such Beauty had me in a chokehold.
The story opens with Caroline’s attempt to escape her life as the princess of Lucomo (read: Monaco), when she’s caught at the airport by palace guards. We then go back in time and watch her story unfold: first as a teenager falling in love with running in her native South Africa, then as an Olympic gold medalist in the marathon, and eventually falling in love with the prince of Europe’s wealthiest enclave.
Barbara Bourland’s writing is mesmerizing and dream-like. The tone this struck was dead on for what the story needed.
Also, can we please get more books about female athletes?! I’d love to see stories about female athletes that aren’t romance or YA, and sports don’t even need to be the main focus. Caroline’s identity as a runner is an important part of her story, but isn’t the central theme — it provided the backdrop for her trajectory.
I ate this up. Phe-nom-(nom nom nom)-enal!
I’ve been such a picky reader lately. Not much has held my interest, or I guess a better way to put it is I’ve only been able to read books that completely capture my interest. The Force of Such Beauty had me in a chokehold.
The story opens with Caroline’s attempt to escape her life as the princess of Lucomo (read: Monaco), when she’s caught at the airport by palace guards. We then go back in time and watch her story unfold: first as a teenager falling in love with running in her native South Africa, then as an Olympic gold medalist in the marathon, and eventually falling in love with the prince of Europe’s wealthiest enclave.
Barbara Bourland’s writing is mesmerizing and dream-like. The tone this struck was dead on for what the story needed.
Also, can we please get more books about female athletes?! I’d love to see stories about female athletes that aren’t romance or YA, and sports don’t even need to be the main focus. Caroline’s identity as a runner is an important part of her story, but isn’t the central theme — it provided the backdrop for her trajectory.
I ate this up. Phe-nom-(nom nom nom)-enal!
March 10, 2023
Hmmmm. RTC.
July 3, 2024
Gorgeous cover, cool concept, weird pacing. I liked it more after I’d had finished it but getting through it was kind of a struggle
July 19, 2025
imagine my surprise going into this thinking it was lit fic only for me to discover it’s horror.
more detailed review to come.
more detailed review to come.
September 2, 2022
how not to want to be a royal
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