The Queen of the Night
The Queen of the Night
Book Brief
576
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1880s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee follows the life of Lilliet Berne, an enigmatic opera singer in 19th century Paris. As Lilliet’s star rises, she is offered an opera based on her secret past, leading her to suspect betrayal by four individuals. The narrative unfolds her complex history through adventures in a circus, imprisonment, her tenure as a courtesan, and her navigation of love and deception, all set against the opera's dramatic backdrop and gothic elements.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Bittersweet
Emotional
Romantic
Reviews & Readership
13,168 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alexander Chee's The Queen of the Night captivates with its lush, operatic narrative and richly drawn 19th-century Paris setting. Readers praised Chee's storytelling and sweeping scope, though some found the plot convoluted and pacing uneven. The protagonist's journey is compelling, yet not all readers connected emotionally. Overall, a vivid and ambitious tale.
Who Should Read The Queen of the Night?
A reader who enjoys The Queen of the Night by Alexander Chee would likely be captivated by historical fiction blended with opera, mystery, and romance. Fans of novels like Kate Atkinson's Life After Life or Sarah Waters's Fingersmith will appreciate the rich, atmospheric narrative and complex heroine.
13,168 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alexander Chee's The Queen of the Night took over a decade to write, with Chee drawing inspiration from his own experiences in opera training and historical research.
The novel blends real historical figures with fictional characters, including Empress Eugénie of France, offering a vivid depiction of the Belle Époque era.
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Chee's book was praised for its lush, immersive prose, and was included in several "best of" year-end lists in 2016.
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576
Novel • Fiction
Paris, France • 1880s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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