Magical novel set in Paris

Submitted: 12th October 2025

Magical novel set in Paris

The Modern Fairies by Clare Pollard is one of those novels that seems perfect for a night time read when the nights are drawing in and there are twinkly lights to be lit…

The tagline is Brilliant and bawdy, witty and wise. Where do I sign up.. Let’s go to Paris for some fun!!!

Map of locations in The Modern Fairies

The Modern Fairies Clare Pollard

BOARDING PASS INFORMATION

Destination : Versailles, Paris

Author guide: Claire Pollard

Genre: historical, fairytale like, bawdy

Food and drink to accompany: anything on a silver platter!

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A novel to transport you to Versailles

Map of locations in The Modern Fairies

This book almost made me put on weight. The CAKES and the gluttony on display in Paris is just wonderful but careful not to let it seep into your mind when food shopping. The calorie count is through the roof.

This is a novel about decadence and more decadence. Those in Paris who live under the protection of King Louis can eat and drink what they want. There’s a select group of women there who meet, in a sort of literary club, to write stories and imagine the worlds where creatures from another world might live.

There’s a clever use of historical fact at play here too – Marie d’Aulnoy is a woman in the story who decides to create this literary salon just for women. She was in fact, a real historical figure (who coined the term ‘fairy tales”) so I was drawn into this world from the start. It was like stepping back in time and meeting one of the most fascinating women I have ever met. Imagine the world of fairy stories without her!

This club starts off as one thing but then, it starts to gain a notorious reputation for reasons you will have to read for yourself. But it’s glamourous and gorgeously dark fun.

The chapters each look at a different fairytale and that blends into the real story happening at the same time. Fact and fiction meet, dance and get up to all kinds of shenanigans. Life at court… leaves A LOT to be desired.

Right, I’m off now to lie down, be fed grapes by a naked man and imagine swishing around Versailles drinking wine, eating cake in the most fantastic French fabric money can buy.