In a France torn apart by revolutions and coups, it seemed that power was right there for the taking. And the Duchess of Berry wasn't going to pass up her chance. Together with her closest followers, she plotted to topple King Louis Philip I and put her own son on the throne. Her insurrection helped inspire the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris, which was later immortalised in "Les Miserables".In classic Dumas fashion, "The Last Vendée" uses these events as the backdrop for a florid romance. Pacy and packed with intrigues, this is top draw historical fiction from the author of "The Three Musketeers". -