The Exchange of Princesses A huge bestseller in France and based on a little known episode of early 18th-century French history, this twisted fairy tale of a novel is about two princesses whose marriages are arranged at the tender ages of four and twelve by Philippe d'Orléans, Regent of France, an unprincipled man eager to cement his power and forge an alliance with Spain. At the mercy of a society with no interest in nor understanding of children, these two girls are thrown into a courtly life that will devour them. As Elle notes, "Thomas recounts the disastrous destinies of Anna Maria Victoria and Louise Elizabeth: princesses destabilized, watched, married, undressed, exposed, and mistreated--at four and twelve years old, how could they not disappoint?" Paperback 07/07/2015