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The Princess of Nowhere
Prince Lorenzo Borghese, a descendant of the brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte, bursts boldly onto the historical fiction scene with The Princess of Nowhere —a captivating and richly atmospheric re-imagining of the life of the author’s famous ancestor, Princess Pauline Bonaparte Borghese. Author Borghese—whom TV viewers will recognize for his appearance on the hit ABC series, The Bachelor —will enthrall readers of Sarah Dunant and Suzannah Dunn with this masterful blend of fact and fiction, a story of passion, betrayal, and one woman who truly conquered all…even death.
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
1501 people want to read
About the author
Lorenzo Borghese
2 books6 followersPrince Lorenzo Borghese is an Italian-American businessman. He is a member of the House of Borghese, a cosmetics entrepreneur and animal advocate, and the featured "bachelor" the 9th season of ABC's "The Bachelor" in 2006.
His first book, "The Princess of Nowhere" (2010), is a fictional biography based on the life of his ancestor Princess Pauline Bonaparte Borghese.
His first book, "The Princess of Nowhere" (2010), is a fictional biography based on the life of his ancestor Princess Pauline Bonaparte Borghese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 12, 2011
I've seen some mixed reviews on this one, but I ended up really liking it. Pauline is a great character--she's charming, passionate, full of energy and a hunger to live life to the fullest. She's also vain, selfish, promiscuous, and at times utterly infuriating, but she always makes for great reading! Camillo's a big sweet potato, alternately excited and disgusted by Pauline's overt sexuality. But as time goes on, he tires of her infidelity and her trifling ways and devotes his time to his military career, which becomes quite illustrious thanks to Napoleon's faith in his abilities.
They are estranged during the later years of their marriage, but reunite shortly before Pauline dies. We'll never know to what extent they truly loved each other, but Lorenzo Borghese tells a convincing story of two people who were very different, yet loved each other in their own way, and the final scenes between Pauline and Camillo were heartbreaking and beautifully rendered. Pauline really did request to be buried next to her husband, and Camillo's tribute to his wife, the beautiful marble statue he commissioned from Canova, still stands today in the Galleria Borghese.
I had a couple of minor quibbles: I was a little put off with Sophie, who tells most of the story, and her unhealthy obsession with Pauline, and for a little while I thought that was going to end up overtaking the story, but thankfully it didn't. And I like racy reads, but I think some people may be put off by the sex scenes. But overall I thought it was a great story about two people I previously had known nothing about, it offered a fascinating glimpse into Napoleon's family and the aristocracy of Rome, and it really had all of the elements I like in a book. And it made me cry.
They are estranged during the later years of their marriage, but reunite shortly before Pauline dies. We'll never know to what extent they truly loved each other, but Lorenzo Borghese tells a convincing story of two people who were very different, yet loved each other in their own way, and the final scenes between Pauline and Camillo were heartbreaking and beautifully rendered. Pauline really did request to be buried next to her husband, and Camillo's tribute to his wife, the beautiful marble statue he commissioned from Canova, still stands today in the Galleria Borghese.
I had a couple of minor quibbles: I was a little put off with Sophie, who tells most of the story, and her unhealthy obsession with Pauline, and for a little while I thought that was going to end up overtaking the story, but thankfully it didn't. And I like racy reads, but I think some people may be put off by the sex scenes. But overall I thought it was a great story about two people I previously had known nothing about, it offered a fascinating glimpse into Napoleon's family and the aristocracy of Rome, and it really had all of the elements I like in a book. And it made me cry.
January 26, 2014
Questa biografia romanzata, seppur non storicamente accurata al 100%, tratteggia in maniera affascinante e credibile la figura ribelle, anticonformista e carismatica di Paolina Borghese.
L'autore, erede della famiglia Borghese, sottolinea nella postfazione che questa storia va letta soprattutto come "una lezione molto importante sull’amore, una lezione che desideravo condividere con tutti coloro che hanno voluto leggere questo libro: amore è capacità di comprendere, di perdonare e di comunicare. Senza questi elementi, l'amore semplicemente non può funzionare, nè crescere."
Lorenzo Borghese, con una scrittura scorrevole e molto piacevole, riesce a raccontare in maniera molto convincente la complessità e la difficoltà della tormentata storia d'amore tra Paolina e Camillo. Le vicende degli altri personaggi, che gravitano intorno a questa coppia magnetica, aiutano a inquadrare più precisamente gli eventi nel loro contesto storico.
E, se non siete proprio insensibili, non potrete evitare qualche lacrimuccia sul finale.
Nel complesso, un libro davvero ben scritto che consiglio a chi voglia avvicinarsi alla complicata vita di Paolina Borghese, magari dopo averne ammirato la bellezza immortalata per sempre nel marmo da Canova.
L'autore, erede della famiglia Borghese, sottolinea nella postfazione che questa storia va letta soprattutto come "una lezione molto importante sull’amore, una lezione che desideravo condividere con tutti coloro che hanno voluto leggere questo libro: amore è capacità di comprendere, di perdonare e di comunicare. Senza questi elementi, l'amore semplicemente non può funzionare, nè crescere."
Lorenzo Borghese, con una scrittura scorrevole e molto piacevole, riesce a raccontare in maniera molto convincente la complessità e la difficoltà della tormentata storia d'amore tra Paolina e Camillo. Le vicende degli altri personaggi, che gravitano intorno a questa coppia magnetica, aiutano a inquadrare più precisamente gli eventi nel loro contesto storico.
E, se non siete proprio insensibili, non potrete evitare qualche lacrimuccia sul finale.
Nel complesso, un libro davvero ben scritto che consiglio a chi voglia avvicinarsi alla complicata vita di Paolina Borghese, magari dopo averne ammirato la bellezza immortalata per sempre nel marmo da Canova.
November 13, 2010
3.5 stars
The story of Paulina Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte's "free spirited" sister, through her second marriage with Prince Camillo Borghese.
Paulina seemed like a spoiled, self-centered, uncontrollable teenage girl. By the halfway point, I only found her annoying. I didn't like Paulina and didn't understand how Camillo could tolerate her.
The sex scenes seemed like they didn't belong in the book. Most of the book felt like it was from the point of a view of a young teenager and then all of a sudden I was reading a detailed sex scene.
Was very readable, but I wish there was more to the book than just a few relationships. An alliance between a prince from Rome and the sister of Napolean Bonaparte couldn't have been so simple. In the book, Pauline and Camillo's relationship exists completely separate from the rest of the world.
The story of Paulina Bonaparte, Napoleon Bonaparte's "free spirited" sister, through her second marriage with Prince Camillo Borghese.
Paulina seemed like a spoiled, self-centered, uncontrollable teenage girl. By the halfway point, I only found her annoying. I didn't like Paulina and didn't understand how Camillo could tolerate her.
The sex scenes seemed like they didn't belong in the book. Most of the book felt like it was from the point of a view of a young teenager and then all of a sudden I was reading a detailed sex scene.
Was very readable, but I wish there was more to the book than just a few relationships. An alliance between a prince from Rome and the sister of Napolean Bonaparte couldn't have been so simple. In the book, Pauline and Camillo's relationship exists completely separate from the rest of the world.
July 14, 2011
I can always tell when it's a man writing the sex scenes. Lots of "he thrust," and "he pushed," but not much, well... I get a UTI just thinking about it.
A beach read that was completed before I ever made it there. Tasty fluff for the summertime.
A beach read that was completed before I ever made it there. Tasty fluff for the summertime.
May 8, 2011
Quello di Lorenzo Borghese (reale discendente della famiglia Borghese, con la quale Paolina, dopo un primo matrimonio con un generale francese, si imparentò, sposando per questioni politiche Camillo Borghese) è in primo luogo un romanzo, come lo stesso autore ribadisce, ma un romanzo dalla ricostruzione storica apparentemente piuttosto accurata.
In effetti, riuscire a trovare il punto esatto dove la storia cessa di essere tale è molto difficile tanta è stata la maestria di Borghese nel ripercorrere la vita di questa donna così ribelle, anticonformista ma soprattutto appassionata come solo poche sanno essere.
"I Segreti di una Principessa" è un romanzo che narra il magnifico e tormentato amore fra la sorella di Napoleone Buonaparte, Paolina, e Camillo Borghese. E' un amore triste e complicato che racchiude una grande lezione sull'amore: amarsi significa comprendersi, accettarsi, comunicare ma, soprattutto, perdonare.
Paolina Boghese è una donna irrequieta, capricciosa e troppo impetuoso per essere frenato e tenuto sotto controllo, neppure per amore. Lei ama la libertà e scandalizzare la società abbandonandosi liberamente verso altre passioni e altri amori, ma è anche una donna che sopporta un fardello forse troppo grande per le sue fragili spalle e che contrasta con l'aggressiva arroganza di cui si riveste per proteggersi.
Il romanzo inizia proprio con un nuovo tradimento di Paolina, è Camillo il personaggio principale del primo capitolo. Menzogne, menzogne e ancora menzogne. Il pensiero di un uomo consapevole che, mentre in casa sua si stava tenendo un ballo, sua moglie si trovava chissà dove in compagnia di un altro uomo.
Le scenate di gelosia, le liti, le riconciliazioni e i tradimenti si susseguono con scioltezza mentre leggiamo la "storia d'amore/odio" di questi due magnifici personaggi.
L'autore è riuscito a dare uno spessore incredibile a tutti i personaggi di questo romanzo, tratteggiandoli con accuratezza ed eleganza. Paolina, nonostante i suoi mille difetti che ci portano a biasimarla e forse odiarla, riesce sempre a rientrare nelle simpatie del lettore proprio per quel suo essere capricciosa ma disperatamente infelice. Camillo, Sophie Leclerc (cugina del primo marito di Paolina Victor Emmanuel Leclerc e pupilla di Napoleone) e i vari "amanti" che Paolina prova a imporre a Sophie (da sempre innamorata di Camillo) o con i quali intreccia lei stessa appassionanti ma brevi storie d'amore... Tutti, a modo loro, affascinano e colpiscono in maniera indelebile.
Senza dubbio la figura di Paolina Borghese come "moglie" non ne esce bene, da questa versione romanzata, ma Lorenzo Borghese riesce lo stesso a tramutarla in una carismatica eroina romantica mentre narra la sua vita intensa e scandalosa. Una magnifica storia d'amore dal finale amaro e un po' struggente per questa coppia che, troppo tardi, comprese l'importanza e l'unicità della loro unione.
In effetti, riuscire a trovare il punto esatto dove la storia cessa di essere tale è molto difficile tanta è stata la maestria di Borghese nel ripercorrere la vita di questa donna così ribelle, anticonformista ma soprattutto appassionata come solo poche sanno essere.
"I Segreti di una Principessa" è un romanzo che narra il magnifico e tormentato amore fra la sorella di Napoleone Buonaparte, Paolina, e Camillo Borghese. E' un amore triste e complicato che racchiude una grande lezione sull'amore: amarsi significa comprendersi, accettarsi, comunicare ma, soprattutto, perdonare.
Paolina Boghese è una donna irrequieta, capricciosa e troppo impetuoso per essere frenato e tenuto sotto controllo, neppure per amore. Lei ama la libertà e scandalizzare la società abbandonandosi liberamente verso altre passioni e altri amori, ma è anche una donna che sopporta un fardello forse troppo grande per le sue fragili spalle e che contrasta con l'aggressiva arroganza di cui si riveste per proteggersi.
Il romanzo inizia proprio con un nuovo tradimento di Paolina, è Camillo il personaggio principale del primo capitolo. Menzogne, menzogne e ancora menzogne. Il pensiero di un uomo consapevole che, mentre in casa sua si stava tenendo un ballo, sua moglie si trovava chissà dove in compagnia di un altro uomo.
Le scenate di gelosia, le liti, le riconciliazioni e i tradimenti si susseguono con scioltezza mentre leggiamo la "storia d'amore/odio" di questi due magnifici personaggi.
L'autore è riuscito a dare uno spessore incredibile a tutti i personaggi di questo romanzo, tratteggiandoli con accuratezza ed eleganza. Paolina, nonostante i suoi mille difetti che ci portano a biasimarla e forse odiarla, riesce sempre a rientrare nelle simpatie del lettore proprio per quel suo essere capricciosa ma disperatamente infelice. Camillo, Sophie Leclerc (cugina del primo marito di Paolina Victor Emmanuel Leclerc e pupilla di Napoleone) e i vari "amanti" che Paolina prova a imporre a Sophie (da sempre innamorata di Camillo) o con i quali intreccia lei stessa appassionanti ma brevi storie d'amore... Tutti, a modo loro, affascinano e colpiscono in maniera indelebile.
Senza dubbio la figura di Paolina Borghese come "moglie" non ne esce bene, da questa versione romanzata, ma Lorenzo Borghese riesce lo stesso a tramutarla in una carismatica eroina romantica mentre narra la sua vita intensa e scandalosa. Una magnifica storia d'amore dal finale amaro e un po' struggente per questa coppia che, troppo tardi, comprese l'importanza e l'unicità della loro unione.
February 21, 2011
I knew going into this book that Lorenzo Borghese was not a professional writer, and despite the flack I'm likely to hear for admitting to this I will confess, I actually watched him on 'The Bachelor' back in 2006, where he came across as a really nice guy.
I read the Afterword of this novel before reading the story Lorenzo Borghese created about Pauline Bonaparte. Learning how he came to hear the story of Pauline gives this novel a different context and I appreciated the perspective of the author in a way I wouldn't have if I had waited and read the Afterword after the novel rather than before.
I have been researching my family tree and can appreciate the desire to bring an interesting ancestor to life and share their story with people outside of the family. I see this novel as a loving tribute to family history and an interesting ancestor as well as a gift the author has made to his family.
I was moved by this very sad story but also wished there had been more details about the relationships and feelings between the main characters. There was a lot of telling the reader rather than showing the reader and more details about Pauline's daily routines would have added greater interest and realism to the story.
The story does read a bit like a parable and it's not surprising since that was the way it was first introduced to the author. I like this story for what it is, I would have offered a less favorable review to a professional writer but I have to say I have read quite a few less well written books by those who earn a living writing.
I read the Afterword of this novel before reading the story Lorenzo Borghese created about Pauline Bonaparte. Learning how he came to hear the story of Pauline gives this novel a different context and I appreciated the perspective of the author in a way I wouldn't have if I had waited and read the Afterword after the novel rather than before.
I have been researching my family tree and can appreciate the desire to bring an interesting ancestor to life and share their story with people outside of the family. I see this novel as a loving tribute to family history and an interesting ancestor as well as a gift the author has made to his family.
I was moved by this very sad story but also wished there had been more details about the relationships and feelings between the main characters. There was a lot of telling the reader rather than showing the reader and more details about Pauline's daily routines would have added greater interest and realism to the story.
The story does read a bit like a parable and it's not surprising since that was the way it was first introduced to the author. I like this story for what it is, I would have offered a less favorable review to a professional writer but I have to say I have read quite a few less well written books by those who earn a living writing.
January 2, 2011
When author Lorenzo Borghese visited The Galleria Borghese in Italy, a home that belonged to his family until the early 1900s, he was drawn to a marble statue of his ancestor Princess Pauline Borghese and inspired to tell the unique story of her life. Told from the view point of Sophie, the princesses’ long time companion and lady-in-waiting, the marriage of Pauline Bonaparte and Prince Camillo Borghese is explored in the pages of The Princess of Nowhere.
Pauline was charming, charismatic and one of the most wealthy and beautiful women of her time. She was also flirtatious, unconventional, and had a scandalous reputation. She and Camillo were attracted to each other at first sight. Though Camillo had reservations about marrying Pauline because of the rumors surrounding her, he soon became too enamored to care and they married soon after meeting, despite her brother Napoleon’s objections. Passionate and tumultuous, their union was a roller coaster of ups and downs. But through all the drama, fighting and betrayals, their love for each other stood the test of time.
A moving tale of love and forgiveness, I found The Princess of Nowhere to be a very enjoyable read and definitely recommend it.
Pauline was charming, charismatic and one of the most wealthy and beautiful women of her time. She was also flirtatious, unconventional, and had a scandalous reputation. She and Camillo were attracted to each other at first sight. Though Camillo had reservations about marrying Pauline because of the rumors surrounding her, he soon became too enamored to care and they married soon after meeting, despite her brother Napoleon’s objections. Passionate and tumultuous, their union was a roller coaster of ups and downs. But through all the drama, fighting and betrayals, their love for each other stood the test of time.
A moving tale of love and forgiveness, I found The Princess of Nowhere to be a very enjoyable read and definitely recommend it.
April 22, 2011
I'm excited to receive this win from First Reads. It looks like a very unique and interesting read. Look forward to digging in! Thanks, goodreads!!!!
***UPDATE***
I finally finished this selection. It's actually an easy and short read but I just got caught up on work. It was surprisingly interesting and it's made me do a little research on Princess Pauline Borghese. A fascinating character and a good story!
***UPDATE***
I finally finished this selection. It's actually an easy and short read but I just got caught up on work. It was surprisingly interesting and it's made me do a little research on Princess Pauline Borghese. A fascinating character and a good story!
August 17, 2013
A little jewel of a book focusing on Napoleon's sister, Pauline who married Prince Camillo Borghese. It's been sitting on my TBR shelf for a long time, and I'm not sure what took me so long to dig in. It's enjoyable and easy to read, offers glittering settings and historical figures, romance and betrayal. (And it was written by an actual member of the Borghese family.)
October 19, 2011
It's hard to choose a rating for this book. All of the characters were pretty one note, especially Sophie, and not particularly likable. On the other hand, the author did an excellent job redeeming Pauline and the entire last section was very emotional. In the end, I did like it and I'll probably remember the last chapter long after the rest has faded.
April 12, 2020
About Pauline Bonapartes life from widow to princess. To the known tragic ending of Napoleons life. I’ve read this many times over the years it’s quite a gem also it’s part of the authors heritage.
Want to read
December 5, 2013This was written by one of The Bachelors (The TV Show) Ha!
November 19, 2019
This is the story of Pauline Bonaparte, the sister of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, and her cousin, Sophie. Pauline is a stunningly beautiful, wild young widow who would rather be seducing handsome courtiers than donning mourning clothes. In an effort to control her scandalous behavior, it is arranged that she should be re-married to a Borghese prince, Camillo. Pauline's young ward Sophie, who is fascinated by her older, glamorous cousin, watches the two fall in love, only to be torn apart by Pauline's many affairs and selfishness. As Sophie grows up, she sees that her cousin is not so perfect as she would like to think, but cannot help but remain enamored with her. We see Pauline and Sophie go through life together, through Napoleon's reign, to his downfall and the ruin of their families.
I was skeptical when I learned that the author of this book was a Borghese prince himself, an actual relative of the characters in this book. The image of a spoiled prince writing a bad book, and getting it published through money and influence, came to mind.
However, I needn't have worried. Born with royal blood or not, Lorenzo Borghese is an author I will certainly be reading more of.
"The Princess of Nowhere" is a powerful, stunning picture of so many things - of life during the time period, of the intricate inner-workings of the infamous Bonaparte family, and of a doomed marriage that contains an odd sort of love story in the background.
The writing style was beautiful, yet realistic and grounded. I felt that I could touch every ostentatious silk gown that Pauline wore, that I could picture her grand palaces choked in glittering wealth.
Every character was well drawn, with Pauline, of course, being most memorable. Only recently did I discover that Pauline even existed, while reading another book. This glimpse into her life was such a realistic one that now I feel as if I have read twenty of her stories (as I have with Anne Boleyn, for example).
Pauline is a remarkably selfish, shameless individual. When her young son passes away, she lashes out in anger toward anyone she can possibly blame, including Sophie (for being there at the moment of his death) and her husband (even though he was hundreds of miles away at the time and never even knew Dermide was sick until it was too late). She has a talent for twisting circumstances around into whatever she wants them to be, and her logic often hardly makes any sense, though she seems to take her convictions seriously.
Pauline is a bit of a slut - there's no way around it. In her time period, her behavior would have been doubly shocking and scandalous. Her countless affairs are a regular feature in the gossip columns and cartoons, which everyone in the royal family finds embarrassing except for Pauline herself.
Since she thrives off of attention, Pauline often feigns illness. Her sicknesses are such a regular occurrence that she has made her royal doctor a rich man, and he is by now quite used to coming in and prescribing imaginary antidotes to her imaginary sicknesses. In one scene, Pauline poisons herself and Sophie with arsenic, so that she will truly get sick. Her husband has grown weary of her games, and will no longer believe that she is ill unless she is actually near death. I was shocked, and would like to know if there is any bit of truth in this part of the story.
In another scene, Pauline seduces a young man who Sophie had just told her she had her first crush on.
Pauline is selfish and, at times, evil. She is scheming and treacherous, and you would do best not to trust her.
And yet, you can't help but love her as well. Amidst her affairs, we see that she truly does love her husband Camillo. Her actions cause her to lose many of those that she loves, and she seems child-like in how she wants to take everything back now that it is too late. And her wild behavior, though never to anyone's benefit but hers, is without a doubt entertaining and lively reading. Pauline is charming in how spirited and unscrupulous she is.
She is the perfect embodiment of an anti-heroine: One that we love and hate all at once.
Sophie was set up to be the main character in the beginning, but ended up taking second place to Pauline. Since she is a child for a majority of the book, she is never as strong a character as her older cousin, but I loved her all the same. Her fierce devotion to Pauline, even after being so mistreated by her, was interesting and sad. By the end of the book, Sophie has grown into a strong young woman, and the reader cannot help but think that she is deeper and more "royal" than Pauline could ever have been.
Prince Camillo Borghese was also a very well done character. When he is engaged to be married to Pauline (but having doubts due to rumors), he is enamored by her beauty the first time he sees her. However, it is not until he accidentally sees her asleep, without makeup or fancy clothes, that he decides to marry her. He says that now she will always be beautiful to him, because he has seen her "when she thought that no one was looking."
I found this endearing and very sweet, but already, it sounded as if he was not exactly the type of man that Pauline would be suited for.
After they marry, Pauline finds that her husband is prudish in the bedroom, and that he does not take the news of her affairs well. Though he plays along with her games for a time, eventually he tires of this and ignores Pauline - the one thing she will never be able to take. Even her attempts at seducing him are unsuccessful, as what he really wants is not a whore but a wife.
Unlike Sophie, he eventually dismisses Pauline with no intention of ever seeing her again. I had to wonder who, in the end, made the right decision.
The setting was interesting as well, and we glimpse brief touches of politics, though the book focuses largely on the characters. Napoleon's wars are not mentioned very much in the book, save for the fact that Camillo goes off to war. While this may sound unrealistic, I actually believe that the author's choice to not involve the Napoleonic Wars was a fitting one.
Pauline, in her neglecting to ever mention her brother's, and the world's, news went with her character perfectly. The only news she cared to read was the gossip about herself.
As is necessary, of course, in a book about an infamously sleazy woman, "The Princess of Nowhere" contains quite a few sex scenes. I am normally very picky about sex in historical fiction. It often just doesn't feel... historical.
The scenes here were quite heavy on description, but I suppose that they were necessary to fill out Pauline's character as a very sexual woman. Just as the scenes were hovering on Harlequin, they moved on.
I loved the way that the story followed the character's lives over many years, giving you a sense of time passing.
Every emotion behind the events here was well written and believable.
I absolutely loved this book - it is my favorite Early Reviewer's read yet! Recommended.
I was skeptical when I learned that the author of this book was a Borghese prince himself, an actual relative of the characters in this book. The image of a spoiled prince writing a bad book, and getting it published through money and influence, came to mind.
However, I needn't have worried. Born with royal blood or not, Lorenzo Borghese is an author I will certainly be reading more of.
"The Princess of Nowhere" is a powerful, stunning picture of so many things - of life during the time period, of the intricate inner-workings of the infamous Bonaparte family, and of a doomed marriage that contains an odd sort of love story in the background.
The writing style was beautiful, yet realistic and grounded. I felt that I could touch every ostentatious silk gown that Pauline wore, that I could picture her grand palaces choked in glittering wealth.
Every character was well drawn, with Pauline, of course, being most memorable. Only recently did I discover that Pauline even existed, while reading another book. This glimpse into her life was such a realistic one that now I feel as if I have read twenty of her stories (as I have with Anne Boleyn, for example).
Pauline is a remarkably selfish, shameless individual. When her young son passes away, she lashes out in anger toward anyone she can possibly blame, including Sophie (for being there at the moment of his death) and her husband (even though he was hundreds of miles away at the time and never even knew Dermide was sick until it was too late). She has a talent for twisting circumstances around into whatever she wants them to be, and her logic often hardly makes any sense, though she seems to take her convictions seriously.
Pauline is a bit of a slut - there's no way around it. In her time period, her behavior would have been doubly shocking and scandalous. Her countless affairs are a regular feature in the gossip columns and cartoons, which everyone in the royal family finds embarrassing except for Pauline herself.
Since she thrives off of attention, Pauline often feigns illness. Her sicknesses are such a regular occurrence that she has made her royal doctor a rich man, and he is by now quite used to coming in and prescribing imaginary antidotes to her imaginary sicknesses. In one scene, Pauline poisons herself and Sophie with arsenic, so that she will truly get sick. Her husband has grown weary of her games, and will no longer believe that she is ill unless she is actually near death. I was shocked, and would like to know if there is any bit of truth in this part of the story.
In another scene, Pauline seduces a young man who Sophie had just told her she had her first crush on.
Pauline is selfish and, at times, evil. She is scheming and treacherous, and you would do best not to trust her.
And yet, you can't help but love her as well. Amidst her affairs, we see that she truly does love her husband Camillo. Her actions cause her to lose many of those that she loves, and she seems child-like in how she wants to take everything back now that it is too late. And her wild behavior, though never to anyone's benefit but hers, is without a doubt entertaining and lively reading. Pauline is charming in how spirited and unscrupulous she is.
She is the perfect embodiment of an anti-heroine: One that we love and hate all at once.
Sophie was set up to be the main character in the beginning, but ended up taking second place to Pauline. Since she is a child for a majority of the book, she is never as strong a character as her older cousin, but I loved her all the same. Her fierce devotion to Pauline, even after being so mistreated by her, was interesting and sad. By the end of the book, Sophie has grown into a strong young woman, and the reader cannot help but think that she is deeper and more "royal" than Pauline could ever have been.
Prince Camillo Borghese was also a very well done character. When he is engaged to be married to Pauline (but having doubts due to rumors), he is enamored by her beauty the first time he sees her. However, it is not until he accidentally sees her asleep, without makeup or fancy clothes, that he decides to marry her. He says that now she will always be beautiful to him, because he has seen her "when she thought that no one was looking."
I found this endearing and very sweet, but already, it sounded as if he was not exactly the type of man that Pauline would be suited for.
After they marry, Pauline finds that her husband is prudish in the bedroom, and that he does not take the news of her affairs well. Though he plays along with her games for a time, eventually he tires of this and ignores Pauline - the one thing she will never be able to take. Even her attempts at seducing him are unsuccessful, as what he really wants is not a whore but a wife.
Unlike Sophie, he eventually dismisses Pauline with no intention of ever seeing her again. I had to wonder who, in the end, made the right decision.
The setting was interesting as well, and we glimpse brief touches of politics, though the book focuses largely on the characters. Napoleon's wars are not mentioned very much in the book, save for the fact that Camillo goes off to war. While this may sound unrealistic, I actually believe that the author's choice to not involve the Napoleonic Wars was a fitting one.
Pauline, in her neglecting to ever mention her brother's, and the world's, news went with her character perfectly. The only news she cared to read was the gossip about herself.
As is necessary, of course, in a book about an infamously sleazy woman, "The Princess of Nowhere" contains quite a few sex scenes. I am normally very picky about sex in historical fiction. It often just doesn't feel... historical.
The scenes here were quite heavy on description, but I suppose that they were necessary to fill out Pauline's character as a very sexual woman. Just as the scenes were hovering on Harlequin, they moved on.
I loved the way that the story followed the character's lives over many years, giving you a sense of time passing.
Every emotion behind the events here was well written and believable.
I absolutely loved this book - it is my favorite Early Reviewer's read yet! Recommended.
January 20, 2022
Scorrevole e piacevole.
Tre i punti di vista che l’autore ha usato per raccontare la storia di Paolina che diventa Paolina Borghese. Camillo un uomo fiero che alla fine per amore riesce a mettere da parte l’orgoglio. Sophie la pupilla di Paolina che l’amava tanto da perdonarle tutto. E Paolina stessa che forse più di tutti amava se stessa e l’idea dell’amore.
Una storia d’amore tormenta, una donna ribelle e un po’ viziata. Ma pur sempre la donna più bella d’Europa.
Le ultime righe dell’autore dicono tutto: l’amore è capacità di comprendere, di perdonare e di comunicare. Senza questi elementi, l’amore semplicemente non può funzionare, né crescere.
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo questo libro che oltre alla storia romanzata di un personaggio intrigante fa riflettere anche su quello che la vita riserva e il fatto che domani potrebbe essere tardi per dire ti amo, tardi per perdonare, tardi per scusarsi.
Tre i punti di vista che l’autore ha usato per raccontare la storia di Paolina che diventa Paolina Borghese. Camillo un uomo fiero che alla fine per amore riesce a mettere da parte l’orgoglio. Sophie la pupilla di Paolina che l’amava tanto da perdonarle tutto. E Paolina stessa che forse più di tutti amava se stessa e l’idea dell’amore.
Una storia d’amore tormenta, una donna ribelle e un po’ viziata. Ma pur sempre la donna più bella d’Europa.
Le ultime righe dell’autore dicono tutto: l’amore è capacità di comprendere, di perdonare e di comunicare. Senza questi elementi, l’amore semplicemente non può funzionare, né crescere.
Mi è piaciuto tantissimo questo libro che oltre alla storia romanzata di un personaggio intrigante fa riflettere anche su quello che la vita riserva e il fatto che domani potrebbe essere tardi per dire ti amo, tardi per perdonare, tardi per scusarsi.
December 14, 2021
What a beautiful story. This story is about Paulina Borghese, who is the sister of Napoleon and her marriage with Prince Camillo Borghese. Their marriage is a very rocky one, with multiple affairs, jealousy and betrayals. This novel takes place before the marriage takes place and follows the marriage until Paulina's death. The beginning of this story was a little confusing because it takes a little while to figure out who everyone is. The author does provide a character list and who they are, etc. that helped out tremendously. However, once you know who everyone is the story takes on a life of its own. I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. Paulina is a character like no other and its very hard not to fall in love with her. I would highly recommend this book to someone who loves historical fiction who want to learn more about this charismatic woman in history.
December 12, 2020
I actually really enjoyed this book. I was interested in trying it because I’ve been to the Villa Borghese and the Galleria and gardens when I lived in Rome.
This story is a light, meandering tale, full of the intricacies of court life in the 1800s. It’s an interesting story, especially knowing it is based on real life, and there is a certain charm in the way it is written that made it enjoyable. The author was very good at keeping the reader informed about who was who, which can get overwhelming in some historical novels and I really appreciated that.
This story is a light, meandering tale, full of the intricacies of court life in the 1800s. It’s an interesting story, especially knowing it is based on real life, and there is a certain charm in the way it is written that made it enjoyable. The author was very good at keeping the reader informed about who was who, which can get overwhelming in some historical novels and I really appreciated that.
January 23, 2021
Tre stelle perché lessi questo libro anni fa e non ricordo bene lo stile di scrittura, quindi non vorrei sbilanciarmi troppo, però ricordo essere molto discorsivo e facilmente leggibile. Avendo un debole per le curiosità che circondano i personaggi storici, ho trovato l'argomento molto interessante, inoltre Paolina è stata una donna fuori dagli schemi.
Per chi si trovasse nei pressi di Roma, consiglio di andare a visitare Villa Borghese che contiene una quantità di opere artistiche dal valore e bellezza inestimabile, tra cui la splendida scultura di Paolina eseguita dal Canova.
Per chi si trovasse nei pressi di Roma, consiglio di andare a visitare Villa Borghese che contiene una quantità di opere artistiche dal valore e bellezza inestimabile, tra cui la splendida scultura di Paolina eseguita dal Canova.
September 12, 2017
This book didn't draw me in until the final section. Up until then, I hoped that there was no trace of true in what I had been reading. Still, I wish character of Sophie had been developed better -- or developed at all.
May 20, 2020
This is a novel about the life of Paulina Borghese, sister of Napoleon. The story begins in 1803 and continues past her death. Paulina was a woman who needed to be adored at all times by everyone especially men. The book was an easy read.
June 9, 2018
no developed characters & Pauline was a very selfish woman
February 23, 2024
Not bad. No one was a very good character, but I suppose if they're all based on real people maybe they really weren't. Interesting enough, I suppose.
April 24, 2025
i felt entertained in the drama start to finish! good romance and had some spicy scenes!! filled with beautiful setting and spanning many years, definitely a worth while, easy read
February 13, 2011
Last semester in my European Civilization History course I learned so many things I had always hoped to learn. Most of all, I learned about the French Revolution and that, of course, was what I was most interested in. One of the most revolutionary historical figures gets beheaded and then not very long after comes in one of the most powerful men in all of European history, Napoleon.
Therefore, reading this book just felt right.
We learned about Napoleon, of course, and his military strategies, his laws, his tremendous power over Europe and all the changes he imposed. However, in an hour class twice a week, one can hardly learn it ALL. Aside from their accomplishments and failures I really would have enjoyed learning in more detail about what happened to the Royal family after Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were put to death and where their children ended up. Or what became of Napoleon after being defeated at Waterloo.
This book doesn’t necessarily focus on such events but it does focus on a story in particular that connects, in some way, all of these events. A story, I am sure, not many know that it exist, a story that is as true as any other and a story of a woman, nonetheless, who was revolutionary in her own way.
It was the story of the Imperial Princess Paulina, sister of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon) and wife to Prince Camillo Borghese.
It’s a novel that will make one look back at those who have been and are a part of one’s life and wonder, “I am really appreciating what I have?”. In short, really, it is a story about a love that starts like any true love does. Passionately, blindly and unexpectedly. Paulina is a widow who is not ashamed of breaking the rules and Camillo is a hopeless romantic who is totally afraid of everything Paulina is not. She’s extravagant and rebellious while Camillo is modest and orderly. But in the end, after that blind passion, came pride and lust and dishonesty. On both their parts. And they both, unnoticeably, affected in each other in a way they had not planned. And she was selfish but in truth just wanted attention and love. And he was prideful and simply wanted a loyal companion.
But they loved each other nonetheless. They did, very much. They just realized it too late. Too, too, late.
Love and Hate, in this novel, form a line so thin that in every page you are just awaiting for the line to be broken, forever, and never repaired.
But that’s life sometimes, sometimes you end up hurting most those that you love most. And it’s because you love them and they love you, that it hurts.
This story really shows that- but the ending is so beautiful and pure in spite of its sadness. Camillo, like Shakespeare did in his sonnets, made Paulina immortal.
In his heart and in the world.
And like the book advises its readers, perhaps we should go visit her in Rome sometime and never forget the story of her love and Camillo’s.
I might have expected more from their relationship. Honestly, I might have expected disaster and I might have been disappointed to find, simply, that is was not some terrible hate or disaster that separated them, but instead just regular everyday feelings that any one can associate to.
Paulina really does go beyond Marie and even Juana of Castile. And for that, I can only admire her.
The ending finally approached and some tears were shed, but that’s okay. I guess in a way i run away from what I love as well. Simply so I don’t have to meet its end. But I always do, always, even if it does take me a month and two weeks to realize.
Therefore, reading this book just felt right.
We learned about Napoleon, of course, and his military strategies, his laws, his tremendous power over Europe and all the changes he imposed. However, in an hour class twice a week, one can hardly learn it ALL. Aside from their accomplishments and failures I really would have enjoyed learning in more detail about what happened to the Royal family after Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were put to death and where their children ended up. Or what became of Napoleon after being defeated at Waterloo.
This book doesn’t necessarily focus on such events but it does focus on a story in particular that connects, in some way, all of these events. A story, I am sure, not many know that it exist, a story that is as true as any other and a story of a woman, nonetheless, who was revolutionary in her own way.
It was the story of the Imperial Princess Paulina, sister of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleon) and wife to Prince Camillo Borghese.
It’s a novel that will make one look back at those who have been and are a part of one’s life and wonder, “I am really appreciating what I have?”. In short, really, it is a story about a love that starts like any true love does. Passionately, blindly and unexpectedly. Paulina is a widow who is not ashamed of breaking the rules and Camillo is a hopeless romantic who is totally afraid of everything Paulina is not. She’s extravagant and rebellious while Camillo is modest and orderly. But in the end, after that blind passion, came pride and lust and dishonesty. On both their parts. And they both, unnoticeably, affected in each other in a way they had not planned. And she was selfish but in truth just wanted attention and love. And he was prideful and simply wanted a loyal companion.
But they loved each other nonetheless. They did, very much. They just realized it too late. Too, too, late.
Love and Hate, in this novel, form a line so thin that in every page you are just awaiting for the line to be broken, forever, and never repaired.
But that’s life sometimes, sometimes you end up hurting most those that you love most. And it’s because you love them and they love you, that it hurts.
This story really shows that- but the ending is so beautiful and pure in spite of its sadness. Camillo, like Shakespeare did in his sonnets, made Paulina immortal.
In his heart and in the world.
And like the book advises its readers, perhaps we should go visit her in Rome sometime and never forget the story of her love and Camillo’s.
I might have expected more from their relationship. Honestly, I might have expected disaster and I might have been disappointed to find, simply, that is was not some terrible hate or disaster that separated them, but instead just regular everyday feelings that any one can associate to.
Paulina really does go beyond Marie and even Juana of Castile. And for that, I can only admire her.
The ending finally approached and some tears were shed, but that’s okay. I guess in a way i run away from what I love as well. Simply so I don’t have to meet its end. But I always do, always, even if it does take me a month and two weeks to realize.
December 17, 2010
Lorenzo Borghese’s The Princess Of Nowhere is a historical novel built around Pauline, one of his own ancestors, and is inspired largely by a famous marble sculpture of her from 1808. Reclining and lovely, Pauline’s reputation for being a temptress spread throughout Europe — and nearly destroyed her union with Camillo, which was always precarious at best. In his debut novel, Borghese himself interprets the whims of love and disgust between them, highlighted always by a seemingly physical pull back to one another.
I’ll say this from the onset: I didn’t come into this one with high expectations. Borghese is a familiar figure to me from his stint on “The Bachelor,” where his charming good looks and the “prince” before his name made him a favorite with the ladies. Since his unsuccessful attempts at finding romance on national television, Borghese has developed his own line of high-end pet supplies and appeared on a reality show overseas.
Basically, I didn’t fancy this guy a novelist.
But you know what? This book wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great, but it definitely wasn’t terrible — and I wouldn’t rank it anywhere near some of the novels I’ve loathed this year. For as ridiculous, shrewd and unlikeable as Pauline is, you can’t help but feel some sort of affinity for her. She’s beautiful, cunning and ill-tempered, capable of manipulating everyone around her and coming out ahead. But there’s something vulnerable there, too, especially as her own life is torn apart by sickness and grief. Inside her ability to be a puppet-master is a tender heart.
Or so we’re lead to believe.
My chief difficulty with The Princess Of Nowhere is this: I never really connected with Pauline . . . or anyone. Sophie is very interesting, having been taken in by Pauline as a child and growing up quickly as one of the ladies attending her at all times. She’s a Leclerc, the cousin of Pauline’s deceased first husband, and she’s as taken with her new provider as the rest of the world. As Pauline becomes more extravagant and falls further out of favor with her powerful brother, though, Sophie is confronted with the “real” Pauline . . . but still can’t bring herself to abandon her. Sophie can barely remember a time away from Pauline, who is as bright as the sun, and is terrified of what being away from that warmth might mean for her.
Richly textured and brimming with historical details, I enjoyed learning a bit about a woman I’d never even heard of: this mysterious, lovely sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. And the settings in France and Italy were gorgeous, though I never became completely immersed in my surroundings. Pauline and Camillo’s romance did feel real — especially the jealous rages — but I never really fell in step with Borghese’s storyline. It seemed to meander without destination, though when I finally realized where we were headed? Well, it was just sad.
I finished with an uneasy feeling, as though nothing had been resolved for me though the story reached a natural conclusion, and that’s not a great way for me to end a book. Still, for those interested in the Borghese/Bonaparte families or readers looking for historical fiction told from a different angle, it’s an enjoyable enough read. Just keep those expectations low.
I’ll say this from the onset: I didn’t come into this one with high expectations. Borghese is a familiar figure to me from his stint on “The Bachelor,” where his charming good looks and the “prince” before his name made him a favorite with the ladies. Since his unsuccessful attempts at finding romance on national television, Borghese has developed his own line of high-end pet supplies and appeared on a reality show overseas.
Basically, I didn’t fancy this guy a novelist.
But you know what? This book wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great, but it definitely wasn’t terrible — and I wouldn’t rank it anywhere near some of the novels I’ve loathed this year. For as ridiculous, shrewd and unlikeable as Pauline is, you can’t help but feel some sort of affinity for her. She’s beautiful, cunning and ill-tempered, capable of manipulating everyone around her and coming out ahead. But there’s something vulnerable there, too, especially as her own life is torn apart by sickness and grief. Inside her ability to be a puppet-master is a tender heart.
Or so we’re lead to believe.
My chief difficulty with The Princess Of Nowhere is this: I never really connected with Pauline . . . or anyone. Sophie is very interesting, having been taken in by Pauline as a child and growing up quickly as one of the ladies attending her at all times. She’s a Leclerc, the cousin of Pauline’s deceased first husband, and she’s as taken with her new provider as the rest of the world. As Pauline becomes more extravagant and falls further out of favor with her powerful brother, though, Sophie is confronted with the “real” Pauline . . . but still can’t bring herself to abandon her. Sophie can barely remember a time away from Pauline, who is as bright as the sun, and is terrified of what being away from that warmth might mean for her.
Richly textured and brimming with historical details, I enjoyed learning a bit about a woman I’d never even heard of: this mysterious, lovely sister of Napoleon Bonaparte. And the settings in France and Italy were gorgeous, though I never became completely immersed in my surroundings. Pauline and Camillo’s romance did feel real — especially the jealous rages — but I never really fell in step with Borghese’s storyline. It seemed to meander without destination, though when I finally realized where we were headed? Well, it was just sad.
I finished with an uneasy feeling, as though nothing had been resolved for me though the story reached a natural conclusion, and that’s not a great way for me to end a book. Still, for those interested in the Borghese/Bonaparte families or readers looking for historical fiction told from a different angle, it’s an enjoyable enough read. Just keep those expectations low.
February 5, 2017
3.75 stars.
The Princess of Nowhere follows the stormy marriage of Paolina Bonaparte, Napoleon's favourite sister, and her second husband, Camillo Borghese.
First of all, I have to say the title is a little misleading. This is not a novel that follows Paolina's life, but it only focuses on her marriage to Camillo. As a consequence, many important parts of her life are left out: for example her first marriage or the years she spent at Elba with Napoleon. So, if you are looking for a novel totally devoted to Paolina's life, this book will probably be a disappointment.
And still, it is true that Paolina is the undisputed protagonist of the story. I quite liked her portrayal: she is self-centered, manipulative, unfaithful and capricious: many times, during the book, I just wanted to slap her! And yet she is also a charismatic woman, full of life and passions, and overall you cannot help but like her at least a little. She is definitely the most original and unforgettable character of the book.
Her husband Camillo is very much her opposite: peaceful, quiet, conscientious, and sometimes even cold. He is a truly decent man, and most of the time he is much more likeable than Paolina, even if he remains secondary to her.
The third main character of the book is the fictional Sophie, a young cousin of Paolina's first husband. I did not much like her, mostly because I thought she did not have much of a purpose. Much of the story is told from her point of view, but not the most important parts. And she is also quite insignificant as a character, even irritating because of her obsession for Paolina. The relationship between them could have been interesting, but we never really understand why Sophie adores Paolina so much, and they never become equals.
I quite enjoyed the love story of the book. Paolina and Camillo's marriage is mostly confrontational and stormy because of their different temperaments. And yet they are also well suited for each other, and I found their feelings for each other quite realistic. Their relationship, ruined by many misunderstandings, is tragic, and the ending is quite moving.
Overall, I did enjoy The Princess of Nowhere, but be aware that it is mostly a love story and does not focuses on politics or important historical events. However, if you are intrigued by Paolina, this could be a good place to start.
The Princess of Nowhere follows the stormy marriage of Paolina Bonaparte, Napoleon's favourite sister, and her second husband, Camillo Borghese.
First of all, I have to say the title is a little misleading. This is not a novel that follows Paolina's life, but it only focuses on her marriage to Camillo. As a consequence, many important parts of her life are left out: for example her first marriage or the years she spent at Elba with Napoleon. So, if you are looking for a novel totally devoted to Paolina's life, this book will probably be a disappointment.
And still, it is true that Paolina is the undisputed protagonist of the story. I quite liked her portrayal: she is self-centered, manipulative, unfaithful and capricious: many times, during the book, I just wanted to slap her! And yet she is also a charismatic woman, full of life and passions, and overall you cannot help but like her at least a little. She is definitely the most original and unforgettable character of the book.
Her husband Camillo is very much her opposite: peaceful, quiet, conscientious, and sometimes even cold. He is a truly decent man, and most of the time he is much more likeable than Paolina, even if he remains secondary to her.
The third main character of the book is the fictional Sophie, a young cousin of Paolina's first husband. I did not much like her, mostly because I thought she did not have much of a purpose. Much of the story is told from her point of view, but not the most important parts. And she is also quite insignificant as a character, even irritating because of her obsession for Paolina. The relationship between them could have been interesting, but we never really understand why Sophie adores Paolina so much, and they never become equals.
I quite enjoyed the love story of the book. Paolina and Camillo's marriage is mostly confrontational and stormy because of their different temperaments. And yet they are also well suited for each other, and I found their feelings for each other quite realistic. Their relationship, ruined by many misunderstandings, is tragic, and the ending is quite moving.
Overall, I did enjoy The Princess of Nowhere, but be aware that it is mostly a love story and does not focuses on politics or important historical events. However, if you are intrigued by Paolina, this could be a good place to start.
January 21, 2011
I should start off by telling you that I had my doubts about this book from the time I accepted it for review. I am always skeptical about books that are written by someone who has spent time as a celebrity – especially a reality television personality. The author of this book was The Bachelor on The Bachelor: Rome and he is writing about his own family. So I really went into reading this with some skepticism as to how I would like it. And I am pleased to tell you that my skepticism was unwarranted. The story that evolved was very entertaining and kept my attention. This wasn’t the most serious historical fiction that you will read, but quite enjoyable none the less.
The story follows the life of Pauline, the sister of Napoleon, and her marriage to Camillo Borghese. In my mind I had always pictured Napoleon as an only child (I guess based on the way his personality was) so it was very interesting to see several members of his family as major characters in this book. Napoleon himself is a periphery character – you hear about him and what he is doing, but you never see him. Pauline is quite the entertaining woman – she is scandalous, can turn on the acting/charm when needed, and the center of attention; a great central character. Her story is told through the eyes of her young cousin – so you see her in a sort of idealized light at first and progressively more and more realistic as the narrator gets older.
The one thing that I had a problem with in this book was also one of the things that I liked about it. There is a large span of time that elapses between some chapters, but that space isn’t unaccounted for. There are usually several letters in this in-between space that are from Pauline to various members of her family that help you to string together what has elapsed. I thought that this was an interesting strategy to use, but sometimes I did still feel that I was missing something. Overall it was used effectively, but there were some hiccups.
This was quite the quick read and was easy to understand and enjoy. It was a nice choice to put in between a couple of more heavy books. I am glad that I gave the book a chance and had the opportunity to read about this woman and the rest of Napoleon’s family.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
The story follows the life of Pauline, the sister of Napoleon, and her marriage to Camillo Borghese. In my mind I had always pictured Napoleon as an only child (I guess based on the way his personality was) so it was very interesting to see several members of his family as major characters in this book. Napoleon himself is a periphery character – you hear about him and what he is doing, but you never see him. Pauline is quite the entertaining woman – she is scandalous, can turn on the acting/charm when needed, and the center of attention; a great central character. Her story is told through the eyes of her young cousin – so you see her in a sort of idealized light at first and progressively more and more realistic as the narrator gets older.
The one thing that I had a problem with in this book was also one of the things that I liked about it. There is a large span of time that elapses between some chapters, but that space isn’t unaccounted for. There are usually several letters in this in-between space that are from Pauline to various members of her family that help you to string together what has elapsed. I thought that this was an interesting strategy to use, but sometimes I did still feel that I was missing something. Overall it was used effectively, but there were some hiccups.
This was quite the quick read and was easy to understand and enjoy. It was a nice choice to put in between a couple of more heavy books. I am glad that I gave the book a chance and had the opportunity to read about this woman and the rest of Napoleon’s family.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
January 1, 2011
I received this book as a first read from goodreads.com.
I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book. Being that the author is a descendant of the main characters, as well as being known as a reality TV show bachelor, I wasn't too optimistic as to the quality of the story and writing style. I was sorely mistaken! This was a very well written and intriguing story and the author did not try to paint his ancestors in rosy colors. It is not only a loose history of the Napoleonic era in France and Italy it is also a tortured love story with two people who seem to love to hate each other (and vice versa). Also, the story is told mainly through a character removed from the immediate action of the storyline, which gives an intriguing "fly on the wall" sort of detail. My opinion and feeling for the characters seemed to shift often, which is exactly what I love to happen when reading a story.
Sophie Leclerc is sent to live with the recent widow of a relative. Her own mother is dead and the widow's brother, who happens to be Napolean Bonaparte, seems to think it will be beneficial for both Sophie and is sister, Pauline. Sophie arrives and finds that her cousin is not only extremely spoiled and self-centered but also unbelievably beautiful and appealing. Sophie just can't keep from being fascinated by this creature. Not long after Sophie joins Pauline Bonaparte's household, a suitor steps up that captivates Pauline as well as all the powerful people surrounding her: Camillo Borghese. He is a prince of Italy and would make a great match for this highly sexual and recently widowed mother. Afterall, it doesn't look good for Napolean's sister to be having lovers all over the city.
Life with Pauline isn't easy for anyone, though, including Camillo and Sophie. Over the course of decades both have to deal with Pauline's whims and wishes, none of which take anyone else into consideration. It doesn't make life any easier that, every once in a while, Pauline seems to show a kindness to those close to her that surprise and captivate the receiver. Will Pauline ever learn to truly care for anyone other than herself?
A great read for anyone wo loves historical fiction and a love story that is anything but traditional.
I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book. Being that the author is a descendant of the main characters, as well as being known as a reality TV show bachelor, I wasn't too optimistic as to the quality of the story and writing style. I was sorely mistaken! This was a very well written and intriguing story and the author did not try to paint his ancestors in rosy colors. It is not only a loose history of the Napoleonic era in France and Italy it is also a tortured love story with two people who seem to love to hate each other (and vice versa). Also, the story is told mainly through a character removed from the immediate action of the storyline, which gives an intriguing "fly on the wall" sort of detail. My opinion and feeling for the characters seemed to shift often, which is exactly what I love to happen when reading a story.
Sophie Leclerc is sent to live with the recent widow of a relative. Her own mother is dead and the widow's brother, who happens to be Napolean Bonaparte, seems to think it will be beneficial for both Sophie and is sister, Pauline. Sophie arrives and finds that her cousin is not only extremely spoiled and self-centered but also unbelievably beautiful and appealing. Sophie just can't keep from being fascinated by this creature. Not long after Sophie joins Pauline Bonaparte's household, a suitor steps up that captivates Pauline as well as all the powerful people surrounding her: Camillo Borghese. He is a prince of Italy and would make a great match for this highly sexual and recently widowed mother. Afterall, it doesn't look good for Napolean's sister to be having lovers all over the city.
Life with Pauline isn't easy for anyone, though, including Camillo and Sophie. Over the course of decades both have to deal with Pauline's whims and wishes, none of which take anyone else into consideration. It doesn't make life any easier that, every once in a while, Pauline seems to show a kindness to those close to her that surprise and captivate the receiver. Will Pauline ever learn to truly care for anyone other than herself?
A great read for anyone wo loves historical fiction and a love story that is anything but traditional.
February 6, 2019
This was quite the quick read and was easy to understand and enjoy. I am glad I gave the book a chance and read about this woman and the rest of Napoleon’s family. It would have been nice to have a little more substance, but it is a good read if you are looking for quick and entertaining.
March 24, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Lorenzo Borghese’s book. With him being a distant heir to the Borghese family and this being his first novel I thought this book would be full of bias and that I would be let down. Let me just say that that was not the case. I found this story to be charming, erotic, and amusing.
The characterization was perfection. It was apparent that Lorenzo did his research and really built the characters from the inside out. Paulina was so eccentric and wild that I just couldn’t help but envying her at times. Don’t get me wrong I don’t envy her being able to go out and have affairs with other men but what I do envy is her confidence and poise. Prince Camillo is the dark and handsome prince that every girl dreams about. Yes he was a little prude in the beginning but he did come out of his shell bit by bit. Now Sophie was a bit odd. At first she sort of gave me the creeps by always sneaking around and practically worshiping Pauline, however, I began to understand her better as the story progressed.
As witnessed through the eyes of Pauline’s young cousin and surrogate daughter, this book is full of scandal, passion, and humor. I loved the historical aspect of this book and getting to know Pauline and Camillo Borghese. I would recommend this book to any historical fiction enthusiast.
If you would like to read more of my reviews visit my Historical Fiction site: http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blo...
The characterization was perfection. It was apparent that Lorenzo did his research and really built the characters from the inside out. Paulina was so eccentric and wild that I just couldn’t help but envying her at times. Don’t get me wrong I don’t envy her being able to go out and have affairs with other men but what I do envy is her confidence and poise. Prince Camillo is the dark and handsome prince that every girl dreams about. Yes he was a little prude in the beginning but he did come out of his shell bit by bit. Now Sophie was a bit odd. At first she sort of gave me the creeps by always sneaking around and practically worshiping Pauline, however, I began to understand her better as the story progressed.
As witnessed through the eyes of Pauline’s young cousin and surrogate daughter, this book is full of scandal, passion, and humor. I loved the historical aspect of this book and getting to know Pauline and Camillo Borghese. I would recommend this book to any historical fiction enthusiast.
If you would like to read more of my reviews visit my Historical Fiction site: http://allthingshistoricalfiction.blo...
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