What do you think?
Rate this book
Josephine Bonaparte #1-3
The Josephine Bonaparte Collection: The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe, and the Last Great Dance on Earth
Just in time for the holidays, here are Sandra Gulland's three gripping, historical novels based on the epic life of Josephine Bonaparte in one gorgeous package. All are works of historical fiction on a grand scale that recount a stirring, unforgettable love story.The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. traces Josephine's early years as she leaves the exotic, lush, and remote Martinico for the heart of European society. There she meets Napoleon, whose destiny will prove to be irrevocably intertwined with hers.Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe continues the saga as Josephine awakens to her new life as Mrs. Napoleon Bonaparte and we witness the political intrigues and personal betrayals that result in death, ruin, and victory for those closest to Josephine.The Last Great Dance on Earth is the triumphant final volume that opens four years into the passionate yet troubled union of Josephine and Napoleon. The tumultuous times will, ultimately, drive them apart, culminating in Josephine's greatest her divorce from Napoleon and his exile to Elba.
1216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
63 people are currently reading
2844 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Gulland
34 books842 followersI'm the author of the JOSEPHINE B. TRILOGY, the internationally best-selling novels based on the life of Josephine Bonaparte, Napoleon's wife. The Trilogy has been published in 17 countries.
The Trilogy was followed by MISTRESS OF THE SUN and then THE SHADOW QUEEN, a "sister" novel. Both novels are set in the Court of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
THE GAME OF HOPE, a Young Adult novel about Josephine Bonaparte's daughter (and Napoleon's stepdaughter), has been published in Canada and the US.
I am now writing another Young Adult historical novel about a young falconer in Elizabethan England.
An American-Canadian, I was born in Miami, Florida, and lived in Rio de Janeiro, Berkeley and Chicago before immigrating to Canada in 1970 to teach in an Inuit village in northern Labrador.
Settling in Toronto, I worked as a book editor for a decade before moving with my husband and two children to a log house in northeastern Ontario, where, in 1985, I began writing full-time.
Our two children grown, my husband and I now live half the year in Ontario, and half in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
For more information about me, my research and work, go to my website at www.sandragulland.com. I also write a blog, and can be found on the Net in a number of locals:
Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/sgullandFacebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland
The Trilogy was followed by MISTRESS OF THE SUN and then THE SHADOW QUEEN, a "sister" novel. Both novels are set in the Court of Louis XIV, the Sun King.
THE GAME OF HOPE, a Young Adult novel about Josephine Bonaparte's daughter (and Napoleon's stepdaughter), has been published in Canada and the US.
I am now writing another Young Adult historical novel about a young falconer in Elizabethan England.
An American-Canadian, I was born in Miami, Florida, and lived in Rio de Janeiro, Berkeley and Chicago before immigrating to Canada in 1970 to teach in an Inuit village in northern Labrador.
Settling in Toronto, I worked as a book editor for a decade before moving with my husband and two children to a log house in northeastern Ontario, where, in 1985, I began writing full-time.
Our two children grown, my husband and I now live half the year in Ontario, and half in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
For more information about me, my research and work, go to my website at www.sandragulland.com. I also write a blog, and can be found on the Net in a number of locals:
Website: http://www.sandragulland.com/
Blog: http://sandragulland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://bit.ly/sgullandFacebook
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sandra_Gulland
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews
January 20, 2009
I have finished the first one and have to say that it is one of those rare books where you wonder why your children cannot make their own dinner . . . after all, you need to get back to your book! ;-) Seriously, it was a truly wonderful read. (Thank you, Laurie!) I am on page 200 of the second book now and am also enjoying it. I am not as spellbound as with the first, but it is with me wherever I go . . .
I have now finished all three! Amazing. I was bawling at the end at 2 am Sunday night.
I have now finished all three! Amazing. I was bawling at the end at 2 am Sunday night.
August 30, 2008
These three books are sooooooo good. They are written in the form of a diary - Josephine Bonaparts diary and so you get a very intimate look into the lives of Jesephine, Napoleon, and their surrounding friends and family.
They begin with Josephine as a young girl on the Island of Martinico and take the reader all the way through the Reign of Terror, Napoleons rise to power, his exile, and eventually the death of Josephine. There are tons of fascinating characters and all the stories are so fascinating from the prospective of Josephine.
They begin with Josephine as a young girl on the Island of Martinico and take the reader all the way through the Reign of Terror, Napoleons rise to power, his exile, and eventually the death of Josephine. There are tons of fascinating characters and all the stories are so fascinating from the prospective of Josephine.
January 2, 2008
Few times have I read a trilogy where all three books were equally good. I could not put them down. You will be shocked how much you don't know about the French Revolution and the Bonaparte's. What an eye opener. I bought this hard to find and out of print collection online and gave it to my mother for Christmas.
September 9, 2008
What can I say about this collection. Utterly addictive.
This book still haunts me- but in a good way. I just finished it a couple days ago and I'm hungry for more. I think about Josephine Bonaparte all time. I just loved being a part of her world!
First off Sandra Gulland is a polite, accurate and graceful writer. The three books connected perfectly and I really formed a strong connection with every character. After I read this I went on to find another Josephine book that might give me even more- but I left unsatisfied. Sandra's historical accuracy is pristine.
The first book sets the tone and introduces you to all of the people in Josephine's life. There's so much French history to learn along the way that it really teaches you about the French Revolution but in a first person perspective. Great and tragic.
The second book (or diary, rather) starts with Josephine married to Napoleon (right where the first book left off). Since you've already drawn attachments to the characters in book one, this book really lets yo focus on Josephine and Bonaparte's relationship. As Josephine falls in love with him, so do you! I was in tears!
The third book was my favorite. This book is all about the glory and tragedy of her prophecy. I thought I was going to hate the ending, but it made me fall in love with Josephine all over again. I miss her.
I think I'm going to read all three of them again- and definitely give them to my girlfriends for Christmas. This book taught me a lot. It taught me about realistic love, motherhood and the importance of gratitude. I highly recommend this trilogy to everyone.
This book still haunts me- but in a good way. I just finished it a couple days ago and I'm hungry for more. I think about Josephine Bonaparte all time. I just loved being a part of her world!
First off Sandra Gulland is a polite, accurate and graceful writer. The three books connected perfectly and I really formed a strong connection with every character. After I read this I went on to find another Josephine book that might give me even more- but I left unsatisfied. Sandra's historical accuracy is pristine.
The first book sets the tone and introduces you to all of the people in Josephine's life. There's so much French history to learn along the way that it really teaches you about the French Revolution but in a first person perspective. Great and tragic.
The second book (or diary, rather) starts with Josephine married to Napoleon (right where the first book left off). Since you've already drawn attachments to the characters in book one, this book really lets yo focus on Josephine and Bonaparte's relationship. As Josephine falls in love with him, so do you! I was in tears!
The third book was my favorite. This book is all about the glory and tragedy of her prophecy. I thought I was going to hate the ending, but it made me fall in love with Josephine all over again. I miss her.
I think I'm going to read all three of them again- and definitely give them to my girlfriends for Christmas. This book taught me a lot. It taught me about realistic love, motherhood and the importance of gratitude. I highly recommend this trilogy to everyone.
February 22, 2012
History was never my strongest subject. I've never been good at remembering names & dates, and it all seemed so dull to me, I couldn't find the meaning of what I was learning. I think, now, that the problem was not so much that I couldn't remember, but it didn't hold interest for me because it wasn't personal. Josephine B takes care of that (kinda). It does (as the author acknowledges) leave out certain 'characters' and events, in order to simplify the narrative - so it can be contained within the scope of a trilogy. But it uses the personal experiences (good & bad) of Josephine to illuminate the historical events which occurred around (and sometimes through or because of her). Or, maybe it uses the historical events to illuminate her personal experiences - that works too.
In any case, it is incredibly readable, and brought me to a level of interest in the subject that no previous teacher could achieve. (I frequently googled questions I had during the reading, or images of the places I was reading about - though I refused to read too much about Napoleon in my research - I didn't want to ruin the story!) Yes, it's fiction! That's ok with me.. it's how the fiction was used - to illustrate the events of Josephine's life, and of Bonaparte & the politics of the time - that fascinated me. And who knows, maybe this imagining of Josephine's diary comes closer to the truth (of her thoughts, feelings, motivations) than we could actually know?
PS - who ever thought I would actually cry over the fate of Napoleon? Seriously!
In any case, it is incredibly readable, and brought me to a level of interest in the subject that no previous teacher could achieve. (I frequently googled questions I had during the reading, or images of the places I was reading about - though I refused to read too much about Napoleon in my research - I didn't want to ruin the story!) Yes, it's fiction! That's ok with me.. it's how the fiction was used - to illustrate the events of Josephine's life, and of Bonaparte & the politics of the time - that fascinated me. And who knows, maybe this imagining of Josephine's diary comes closer to the truth (of her thoughts, feelings, motivations) than we could actually know?
PS - who ever thought I would actually cry over the fate of Napoleon? Seriously!
July 19, 2016
I've already rated and reviewed this book, probably 5 stars and probably a glowing review, b/c it is one of my all-time favourite novels. I've read it 3 times over the past 10 or so years, and I love it the same or more each time. I am just fascinated with this woman who grew up on a sugar plantation in the Caribbean, who married into aristocracy at a young age, who survived an unhappy marriage, being separated at a time when a woman would have very few options to support herself, who survived the Terror in France when King Louis and Queen Marie-Antoinette were jailed and executed, who survived imprisonment, and who eventually met and married Napoleon Bonaparte. Gulland has a gift for making historical fiction come alive, and Josephine is presented as a lovely, strong, powerful, emotional, intelligent woman. It is an amazing book (3 novels in 1) that I highly recommend. You don't need to know about the French Revolution to appreciate this novel, as Gulland provides enough details to educate the reader as well.
July 24, 2008
It took some time to get into the first book, but through most of the first and the second and third, I was very emotionally connected to the characters and the story. I enjoyed learning about Napolean and all that went on in his day. I was mad at him one day and pleased with him the next. I would definitely recomend these ones.
August 28, 2008
Just finished the first book, and I really enjoyed it. I wanted to wait until I finish the series to write my review, but so far, very enjoyable.
Update: Finished the second book in the series. Josephine/Rose is a very charismatic character, and I like the letters/diary format.
New Update: I finished the third book. A wonderful series!
Update: Finished the second book in the series. Josephine/Rose is a very charismatic character, and I like the letters/diary format.
New Update: I finished the third book. A wonderful series!
August 4, 2015
Wow that was a great read. I loved her character and I loved the history.
July 29, 2011
Book 1- Really fascinating. The format made the reading go quickly...combining diary entries and letters received by Rose (Josephine). Interesting portrayal of Rose's experiences during the French Revolution and the people involved. I thought it was very educational but done in a way that didn't make it seem like I was reading a history book. Rose's life before, during, and after the Revolution truly was fascinating. I kept wondering when Bonaparte would enter the picture and it didn't happen the way I thought it would. Book 1 was full of love, loss, friendship, sacrifice, heartbreak, hope, and following one's destiny. I can't wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.
Book 2- Picks up not long after the end of Book 1. Like Book 1, Book 2 is a fast read because of it's format and the writer's ability to pull the reader into Josephine's life very quickly. This installment covers Josephine's life while Napoleon is gaining even more popularity and leaves to fight in Africa. Josephine must deal with the Bonaparte family while Napoleon is away and they are intent on destroying her marriage and making her life difficult. Friendships are tested and Josephine must decide for herself if she really feels love for Napoleon. A believeable tale of Josephine's life...excellent character development of Josephine and her children. I like that the reader gets to know Napoleon through Josephine's eyes...that he can be quirky (at times seeming crazy), passionate, caring, and power-hungry. Their relationship is so interesting...I hope Book 3 is as well thought out and written as Books 1 and 2.
Book 3- For me, reading this book was like watching a train wreck...I wanted to look away but I was too absorbed to not watch. In the letters to Josephine and her interactions with Napoleon, the Bonaparte family, her friends, and political confidants it was easy to see that things were quickly coming to a tragic end for the Bonapartes. Greed was rampant amongst Napoleon's siblings and the government seemed to be moving farther and farther away from the Republican ideals. It was heartbreaking to read about Josephine's trials at the end of her life. I wanted so much more for her than she was willing to accept for herself. A wonderfully written conclusion to the trilogy...I highly recommend the series.
Book 2- Picks up not long after the end of Book 1. Like Book 1, Book 2 is a fast read because of it's format and the writer's ability to pull the reader into Josephine's life very quickly. This installment covers Josephine's life while Napoleon is gaining even more popularity and leaves to fight in Africa. Josephine must deal with the Bonaparte family while Napoleon is away and they are intent on destroying her marriage and making her life difficult. Friendships are tested and Josephine must decide for herself if she really feels love for Napoleon. A believeable tale of Josephine's life...excellent character development of Josephine and her children. I like that the reader gets to know Napoleon through Josephine's eyes...that he can be quirky (at times seeming crazy), passionate, caring, and power-hungry. Their relationship is so interesting...I hope Book 3 is as well thought out and written as Books 1 and 2.
Book 3- For me, reading this book was like watching a train wreck...I wanted to look away but I was too absorbed to not watch. In the letters to Josephine and her interactions with Napoleon, the Bonaparte family, her friends, and political confidants it was easy to see that things were quickly coming to a tragic end for the Bonapartes. Greed was rampant amongst Napoleon's siblings and the government seemed to be moving farther and farther away from the Republican ideals. It was heartbreaking to read about Josephine's trials at the end of her life. I wanted so much more for her than she was willing to accept for herself. A wonderfully written conclusion to the trilogy...I highly recommend the series.
October 11, 2011
This trilogy is absolutely amazing! It is written in a very personal diary-style and therefore we see everything through Josephines point of view. It's a true story (though Sandra Gulland definetly changed a few things or maybe 'interpreted' them in her way), and I really love reading books about true happenings.
Josephine lived a very adventurous life; she went through great and terrible fases but she always maintained optimistic and strong. And that tone is very dominant throughout the whole story.
Sandra Gulland researched a lot for these books (and I think it took her 8 years to finish them off) and while I read it I learned so much about the French Revolution and about people's lifestyle at that time. This book will forever have a special place in my heart, because I really felt everything what Josephine was going through and she became kind of one of my idols. I think she was a very strong woman, very intelligent and also kind of a feminist. Every single person in this book is described in such detail that I feel like I know them.
Am I exagerating? I don't know, you have to read it yourself and see if you agree with me or not. For me, it is an amazing trilogy that I will always re-read.
Josephine lived a very adventurous life; she went through great and terrible fases but she always maintained optimistic and strong. And that tone is very dominant throughout the whole story.
Sandra Gulland researched a lot for these books (and I think it took her 8 years to finish them off) and while I read it I learned so much about the French Revolution and about people's lifestyle at that time. This book will forever have a special place in my heart, because I really felt everything what Josephine was going through and she became kind of one of my idols. I think she was a very strong woman, very intelligent and also kind of a feminist. Every single person in this book is described in such detail that I feel like I know them.
Am I exagerating? I don't know, you have to read it yourself and see if you agree with me or not. For me, it is an amazing trilogy that I will always re-read.
August 28, 2012
The Josephine B. Trilogy comprises three acclaimed, bestselling novels that draw the reader into the delicate yet passionate relationship between Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte: The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.; Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe; and The Last Great Dance on Earth. Together they form an irresistible epic, tracing Josephine’ s transformation from impressionable young girl to canny and compassionate wife, to confidante empress and one of the most sophisticated and powerful women in history.
Adored by readers of historical fiction, the Josephine novels are a sweeping tale of love and loss, political intrigue and revolution during one of the most tumultuous periods in European history
Adored by readers of historical fiction, the Josephine novels are a sweeping tale of love and loss, political intrigue and revolution during one of the most tumultuous periods in European history
April 6, 2009
I've decided we need additional book categories. This particular book, rather than being "historical fiction," would fall under "historical fiction fiction fiction." I'm giving it a 3, therefore, because it was a little too much fiction for my taste. That being said - it DOES inspire me to read more about Napoleon and Josephine, so I may choose one of the books that Gulland recommends in her "Selected Biography" list. Stay tuned! Also - we need a little tag to indicate when we've not finished a book. I read two of this trilogy and am going to stop. Also, didn't and won't finish Marco Polo.
January 31, 2009
This was such a good series! I'm a huge history buff and I especially love stories based on, in or around the French Revolution and English Monarchy. This series chronicles the life of Josephine Bonaparte before her rise as the 1st Empress of France through her married and rise to fame as Napoleon's famous wife. Gulland writes it through Josephine's diary entries which makes for a fast and relatable read. I really enjoyed these books and reccomend them to anyone who is interested in this period of history. I learned some new things about the period that I hadn't before so it kept me riveted!
September 9, 2014
If I haven't recommended this trilogy to you, it's only because we haven't met yet. My hands down favorite historical fiction read...to paraphrase my sister in law who recommended it to me, it's the only book where I've ever gotten up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, started reading, and ended up staying up three hours. Perfect summer read and with three parts, it should last you through August (but you'll probably finish all three before May ends, if you start now.)
June 23, 2007
This is a 3 book series that you will love. It really gives a sweeping portrayl of Josephine's life and a time in history when things were different. These books carry you from her childhood, through turmoil with her first husband, and then into her falling for Napoleon and all that happens.
You will really love this series if you like historical fiction.
You will really love this series if you like historical fiction.
September 11, 2008
These are my favorite books of all time. I learned so much about the French revolution. Also I just love Josephine. I also loved the way the books explained so much about the 1800's. It was even interesting to read about the plays that they would go to. I really wish that some more of my sisters would read them!
March 19, 2008
It brings back the positive image of Josephine that was so common in her time and even later (she is affectionately portrayed, for example,in Conan Doyle's historical novels)in a believable and intelligent way. Loved it.
April 15, 2008
The historical novel captivated my imagination....in spite of the number of pages, the book was a relatively quick read. Insightful, historical and credible, I really enjoyed reviewing my French historical knowledge. I want to visit Mal Maison...Josephine's country property outside France.
February 28, 2011
An epistolary novel that brings the French Revolution and not only Josephine, but many of France's most intriguing personalities to such life, it sometimes seemed hard to believe I was reading fiction. Gorgeous.
June 8, 2010
Wow. I could not put this triology down. Napoleon does not appear until the end of book one. However, the life of his wife Josephine is so interesting. This book is written in journal form, so you sense her feelings about what is happening around her. A must read. I bet you can't read just one.
February 2, 2011
Five stars aren't enough for this trilogy. The series has special meaning to me. After a more than three year dry spell, these were the first three books I not only read, but fairly flew through. I have since become a huge fan of Sandra Gulland.
July 21, 2011
Highly recommend
Read
March 13, 2017It was very interesting to see actual letters written from Napoleon to Josephine. It was very good.
October 4, 2012
One of the best books I have ever read!!!
September 13, 2007
Such great historical fiction! I absolutely sped through this entire series.
April 7, 2021
This trilogy was incredibly immersive! I thoroughly enjoyed it and devoured it in about a week (it helps that it was a long weekend). Reading about the French Revolution and the rise and fall of Napoleon through the eyes of a gentle-hearted yet smart woman, Josephine (Rose, a woman of many names), was a really good experience. I feel like we would have really gotten along. Despite the brutality of the material and the period in history, I really admired Josephine for her perseverance and yes, maintaining her heart through her difficult first marriage, horrible loss of her first husband, her wrenching four (five?) months in prison, and all the harrowing experiences that followed with her marriage to Napoleon.
I loved the format of the novel - the journal notes and observations and the letters that Josephine received from others, leaving the reader to make inferences about what was in the white space. It made the novel feel intimate very quickly. I have a great love of the epistolary form, and think it was used very effectively here. (I note that it is also true to the period of history!). The deep research in the novel really shows, and added to great effect. One of the moments I found very arresting in the novel was in the second book, where I think it was Josephine's daughter, Hortense, was telling Josephine about receiving a midnight caller, and the pounding on the door startled her and the household. However, Josephine recalled the terror of the knocking that used to happen during the Terror that followed/was a part of the Revolution. Associating that fear with that sound felt so emotionally true to me.
The only thing I found a little bit jarring were some of the historical footnotes; some were interesting, some were spoilers, some felt just a bit out of tone (the objective voice of the author/narrator poking through).
I loved the format of the novel - the journal notes and observations and the letters that Josephine received from others, leaving the reader to make inferences about what was in the white space. It made the novel feel intimate very quickly. I have a great love of the epistolary form, and think it was used very effectively here. (I note that it is also true to the period of history!). The deep research in the novel really shows, and added to great effect. One of the moments I found very arresting in the novel was in the second book, where I think it was Josephine's daughter, Hortense, was telling Josephine about receiving a midnight caller, and the pounding on the door startled her and the household. However, Josephine recalled the terror of the knocking that used to happen during the Terror that followed/was a part of the Revolution. Associating that fear with that sound felt so emotionally true to me.
The only thing I found a little bit jarring were some of the historical footnotes; some were interesting, some were spoilers, some felt just a bit out of tone (the objective voice of the author/narrator poking through).
February 14, 2024
The first two books are decent. I struggled to get through the third. The books are addicting, I’ll admit, but they were unfulfilling at the same time. I read these books to gain a better understanding of Josephine, the French Revolution, and to enjoy the love story between her and Napoleon. I have mixed feelings about how these things were handled. While I learned something, I did not get a good sense of France for that time. Overall, I hated how Josephine was portrayed. Josephine is often morally demonized, but the author paints her as a blameless saint instead of understanding the historical context for her actions. Consequently, Josephine is portrayed as a victim of her circumstances instead of the hustler that she was. The real Josephine is so much more complex, fascinating, and dynamic than this book portrays.
Napoleon was given a somewhat one-dimensional treatment with a very minimalistic approach to the love story. In some ways, this made their scenes more powerful, but ultimately it doesn’t pay off. There is so much documentation this author could’ve used to flesh out their relationship and help a modern reader understand why she loved him so fiercely, but the restrained quality of her writing doesn’t do their story justice. There was nothing remotely restrained about Napoleon when it came to Josephine. The realstory is already juicy. How could the author miss the boat?
Little things bothered me, like them waiting till marriage to have sex when they became lovers a few months before that or Josephine feeling self-conscious of her “aging” body compared to Napoleon’s youthful one. I mean, this woman’s boudoir walls were covered floor-to-ceiling with mirrors. Am I really supposed to believe Josephine was self-conscious of her body when she was comfortable enough to watch herself during sex? I did not like the prim and proper Josephine in this book.
Napoleon was given a somewhat one-dimensional treatment with a very minimalistic approach to the love story. In some ways, this made their scenes more powerful, but ultimately it doesn’t pay off. There is so much documentation this author could’ve used to flesh out their relationship and help a modern reader understand why she loved him so fiercely, but the restrained quality of her writing doesn’t do their story justice. There was nothing remotely restrained about Napoleon when it came to Josephine. The realstory is already juicy. How could the author miss the boat?
Little things bothered me, like them waiting till marriage to have sex when they became lovers a few months before that or Josephine feeling self-conscious of her “aging” body compared to Napoleon’s youthful one. I mean, this woman’s boudoir walls were covered floor-to-ceiling with mirrors. Am I really supposed to believe Josephine was self-conscious of her body when she was comfortable enough to watch herself during sex? I did not like the prim and proper Josephine in this book.
November 10, 2018
I love this author's voice and the structure of these novels. Written as though from the personal journals of Josephine Bonaparte, Sandra Gulland brings to life the woman we all know as Josephine, but who began life in Martinique as a girl named Rose. Her trials (did you know she went to prison during the Revolution?), her loves (did you know she was married and had two kids before Bonaparte?), and how she helped shape history are all revealed in a most intimate way.
Even the often overlooked but fascinating part of history, how Corsican Napoleon became a French Emporer, is revealed in this well-crafted trilogy. Although the books are twenty years old now, they are timeless and an enjoyable Historical Fiction read. I devoured them!
Even the often overlooked but fascinating part of history, how Corsican Napoleon became a French Emporer, is revealed in this well-crafted trilogy. Although the books are twenty years old now, they are timeless and an enjoyable Historical Fiction read. I devoured them!
September 3, 2025
This is my new gold standard for historical fiction.
Twenty years ago, the love of my life told me to read this book. I finally have, and it’s ironic to read a book that’s so beautifully about love, and yet so much more.
This is a work of incredible research and knowledge. It’s a historical treatise.
And yet, it’s also a work of compelling, believable, and robust characterization.
And yet, these characters are all historical figures written as near as possible to what is known.
And yet, it’s passionate, beautifully written, heart-wrenching.
And yet, it’s also a work of feminism, pointing out the wrongs a woman of a time and place had to live through.
And yet it’s so much more.
Historical fiction is one of my single favourite genres. It now has a new crown.
Twenty years ago, the love of my life told me to read this book. I finally have, and it’s ironic to read a book that’s so beautifully about love, and yet so much more.
This is a work of incredible research and knowledge. It’s a historical treatise.
And yet, it’s also a work of compelling, believable, and robust characterization.
And yet, these characters are all historical figures written as near as possible to what is known.
And yet, it’s passionate, beautifully written, heart-wrenching.
And yet, it’s also a work of feminism, pointing out the wrongs a woman of a time and place had to live through.
And yet it’s so much more.
Historical fiction is one of my single favourite genres. It now has a new crown.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 458 reviews