What do you think?
Rate this book
Josephine Bonaparte #3
The Last Great Dance on Earth
The Last Great Dance on Earth is the triumphant final volume of Sandra Gulland's beloved trilogy based on the life of Josephine Bonaparte. When the novel opens, Josephine and Napoleon have been married for four tumultuous years. Napoleon is Josephine's great love, and she his. But their passionate union is troubled from within, as Josephine is unable to produce an heir, and from without, as England makes war against France and Napoleon's Corsican clan makes war against his wife. Through Josephine's heartfelt diary entries, we witness the personal betrayals and political intrigues that will finally drive them apart, culminating in Josephine's greatest tragedy: her divorce from Napoleon and his exile to Elba. The Last Great Dance on Earth is historical fiction on a grand scale and the stirring conclusion to an unforgettable love story.
373 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
63 people are currently reading
2623 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Gulland
34 books840 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 365 reviews
April 26, 2016
“What time is it?”
“Almost three. Come outside with me.”
“Now?” I asked, but threw back the covers.
“It’s a little chilly,” he said, draping a cape over my shoulders.
A full moon hung over the river, bathing the gardens in a radiant light. “It reminds me of something you once wrote to me,” I said, taking Bonaparte’s hand. “That we are born, we live and we die – in the midst of the marvellous.”
Don’t you just love when a book is so all consuming that every minute of your leisure time is spent between its covers? The fact that I read this entire trilogy in ten days is testimony to how addictive this story is and how well it is written. I decided at the very beginning of this journey to enter these books individually even though it was the Josephine B Trilogy that I held in my hands. Truth is I wasn’t sure this story would hold my attention through all three volumes and assumed I would need a break from it. Not! And now that it is over I absolutely mourn the loss.
The Last Great Dance on Earth begins after Josephine and Napoleon have been married for four years. They are still hard at work at what Napoleon calls their great project but sadly Josephine has yet to bear a child. During the course of this period of their lives she travels to different spas to be treated for infertility on four separate occasions and mon Dieu the fact that she survived these treatments and willingly put herself through them again is in itself a testimony to the great love she held for Napoleon. (In fact during the first four years of their marriage Josephine visited a mountain spa at Plombieres in Belgium where she fell from a balcony and miraculously survived but the cure almost killed her.)
This is not the only battle being fought: Napoleon’s efforts at an armistice with England fail, revolutionaries attempt to assassinate Bonaparte and his Corsican clan wage all out war against Josephine. They will and do go to any length to undermine Josephine and drive her and her husband apart. Oh if ever there was a time that I seriously wished I could reach through time and bitch slap someone, that someone would have been Caroline, Napoleon’s younger sister. She was truly evil personified and would stop at nothing and step on anyone (man, woman or child), do anything, to get a crown.
This is a tumultuous time for both Napoleon and Josephine that ends in a very sad and tragic way. I really do not want to disclose too much, for if you are not aware of how and why this great romance ended then I harbour no desire to give you the abbreviated version. Better that you read it all: their lives, their love, their history. It is endlessly fascinating and I for one shall miss being a guest in their parlour.
On a final note, this trilogy focused on Josephine but I would love to read one that focuses on Napoleon. Egad there are so many, how does one choose?
“Almost three. Come outside with me.”
“Now?” I asked, but threw back the covers.
“It’s a little chilly,” he said, draping a cape over my shoulders.
A full moon hung over the river, bathing the gardens in a radiant light. “It reminds me of something you once wrote to me,” I said, taking Bonaparte’s hand. “That we are born, we live and we die – in the midst of the marvellous.”
Don’t you just love when a book is so all consuming that every minute of your leisure time is spent between its covers? The fact that I read this entire trilogy in ten days is testimony to how addictive this story is and how well it is written. I decided at the very beginning of this journey to enter these books individually even though it was the Josephine B Trilogy that I held in my hands. Truth is I wasn’t sure this story would hold my attention through all three volumes and assumed I would need a break from it. Not! And now that it is over I absolutely mourn the loss.
The Last Great Dance on Earth begins after Josephine and Napoleon have been married for four years. They are still hard at work at what Napoleon calls their great project but sadly Josephine has yet to bear a child. During the course of this period of their lives she travels to different spas to be treated for infertility on four separate occasions and mon Dieu the fact that she survived these treatments and willingly put herself through them again is in itself a testimony to the great love she held for Napoleon. (In fact during the first four years of their marriage Josephine visited a mountain spa at Plombieres in Belgium where she fell from a balcony and miraculously survived but the cure almost killed her.)
This is not the only battle being fought: Napoleon’s efforts at an armistice with England fail, revolutionaries attempt to assassinate Bonaparte and his Corsican clan wage all out war against Josephine. They will and do go to any length to undermine Josephine and drive her and her husband apart. Oh if ever there was a time that I seriously wished I could reach through time and bitch slap someone, that someone would have been Caroline, Napoleon’s younger sister. She was truly evil personified and would stop at nothing and step on anyone (man, woman or child), do anything, to get a crown.
This is a tumultuous time for both Napoleon and Josephine that ends in a very sad and tragic way. I really do not want to disclose too much, for if you are not aware of how and why this great romance ended then I harbour no desire to give you the abbreviated version. Better that you read it all: their lives, their love, their history. It is endlessly fascinating and I for one shall miss being a guest in their parlour.
On a final note, this trilogy focused on Josephine but I would love to read one that focuses on Napoleon. Egad there are so many, how does one choose?
March 18, 2017
The first half of this book was enthralling. Between the battles, the separations, the different Bonaparte brothers and sisters having so much drama/escapades and mating /birthing tales, the politico intrigues of possible assassination! But it didn't grasp the relationship or the core of Josephine herself, IMHO, as book #2 and those days of the Terror did. Clearly at the beginning of their relationship Napoleon was bonkers for Rose, and actually renamed her. But after her spending and associations with men when he was gone? He was burned by the Paris updates from aides (Junot) who told him what he didn't want to hear and in that very act of telling, also fell from favor. And so by 1800 or shortly after, Josephine was divided from her former life's allies/associated- mostly by dictate of her husband's decisions. Then after 1804 it became nearly the opposite balance between the two. Josephine was the one who suffered an unfaithful spouse and was pining for her husband. Regardless of his presence or not, she never quit the levels of spending and splendor display. Especially for her own court and her daughter's activities.
So many seem to read this love story as such a strong connection that lasted beyond the need for a second Napoleon marriage and obtaining an heir. It did. But it was far, far from the aspect of the deep love connection of total trust that has been so long encompassed in great gobs of fiction. Here, with the letters and diary entries, you get the name dropping and ever constant gossip of the absence, news of alliances and dissolving of such that were truthfully the core of those years from 1804 until Josephine's death. The last half of this book was sad, more than it was interesting. Everyone had backed themselves into social and politico context corners, IMHO. At least half of those people being married to people they actively disliked. Or took positions in other countries they did not want to take in their hearts.
The book ends with aftermath lists of outcomes for most of the offspring, down to the great-grandsons and granddaughters. And for all of those disingenuous Bonaparte sisters, those especially.
As an afterthought of my own! Some of his brothers and a few of the offspring's spouses, they truly did NOT want the kind of life this became. And in my own thoughts- throughout the entire last 100 pages, I could not understand how Josephine seemed STILL so entrenched in the material. Of course she was generous in spirit and also forgiving, but somewhat like her daughter after losing her oldest child (could not cry, just felt frozen), IMHO, Josephine was actually quite cold. She was a survivor and most of her life in considerable physical pain, as well. And as soon as she left the Creole life completely, she spent many more days living her own life (dire and splendid both) alone (but of course there are 4 women waiting on her in her own quarters or country manor) than with children or husband in company.
So many seem to read this love story as such a strong connection that lasted beyond the need for a second Napoleon marriage and obtaining an heir. It did. But it was far, far from the aspect of the deep love connection of total trust that has been so long encompassed in great gobs of fiction. Here, with the letters and diary entries, you get the name dropping and ever constant gossip of the absence, news of alliances and dissolving of such that were truthfully the core of those years from 1804 until Josephine's death. The last half of this book was sad, more than it was interesting. Everyone had backed themselves into social and politico context corners, IMHO. At least half of those people being married to people they actively disliked. Or took positions in other countries they did not want to take in their hearts.
The book ends with aftermath lists of outcomes for most of the offspring, down to the great-grandsons and granddaughters. And for all of those disingenuous Bonaparte sisters, those especially.
As an afterthought of my own! Some of his brothers and a few of the offspring's spouses, they truly did NOT want the kind of life this became. And in my own thoughts- throughout the entire last 100 pages, I could not understand how Josephine seemed STILL so entrenched in the material. Of course she was generous in spirit and also forgiving, but somewhat like her daughter after losing her oldest child (could not cry, just felt frozen), IMHO, Josephine was actually quite cold. She was a survivor and most of her life in considerable physical pain, as well. And as soon as she left the Creole life completely, she spent many more days living her own life (dire and splendid both) alone (but of course there are 4 women waiting on her in her own quarters or country manor) than with children or husband in company.
November 29, 2021
"I was never an Empress. Only Yeyette, Rose, Josephine -- an ordinary woman from Martinico. An ordinary woman who loves her husband."
This is the last installment of the Josephine Bonaparte trilogy and what a treasure it was to read. Gulland does a phenomenal job of making the reader fall in love with Josephine. I highly recommend this series. The ending was bitter-sweet, but it's nice to know that her legacy lived on through her children and grandchildren.
This is the last installment of the Josephine Bonaparte trilogy and what a treasure it was to read. Gulland does a phenomenal job of making the reader fall in love with Josephine. I highly recommend this series. The ending was bitter-sweet, but it's nice to know that her legacy lived on through her children and grandchildren.
August 6, 2015
This review stands for the entire trilogy - 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.
I've read many books about The Terror. One of them, Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution, even mentions Rose Beauharnais (later Josephine) during her first marriage and then after her marriage to Napoleon. Beyond that I knew nothing about this couple except what I learned in 9th grade World History. That was a tad bit of time ago and since we covered the entire history of the world Napoleon and his Empress did not receive much more than a small mention in one lesson of the year. After reading this trilogy I feel like I'm much more familiar with the period. However, this is Josephine's story and therefore the focus is a bit narrow. That in no way decreased my enjoyment of the writing, the style or the story. It just made me realize that I'd like to read more about the Bonaparte's and the people that surrounded them in that time.
The books themselves are written 'diary style' which is a style I love and hate. Love because one seems to become so much more attached to the diarist, sharing their most intimate thoughts and emotions. Hate because I'm horrible at paying attention to dates and find myself continually scrolling backwards to find out how long ago the last segment took place. Love, once again, because the short, personal entries seem to move the action along in the narrative even if there isn't much actually happening at the time.
I won't tell you much about the content of the book other than it starts in Martinico (Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean) when Rose is a teenager. It ends with her death at her beloved Malmaison in 1814. In between those times she is married, becomes a mother, is jailed, is widowed, runs a salon, is the toast of the town, remarries, and becomes Empress. Despite her later fame and 'royalty', Josephine and her children are extremely likeable people. I even found myself liking Napoleon and by the end, even though I was angry with him, I understood. However, every fictional book must provide someone or something that thwarts or vexes the main character. In Josephine's case there is no need to fictionalize an enemy, Bonaparte's real life family is a nightmare and I was thoroughly and happily disgusted by them from start to finish. Bravo to Sandra Gulland for a truly enjoyable read!
I've read many books about The Terror. One of them, Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution, even mentions Rose Beauharnais (later Josephine) during her first marriage and then after her marriage to Napoleon. Beyond that I knew nothing about this couple except what I learned in 9th grade World History. That was a tad bit of time ago and since we covered the entire history of the world Napoleon and his Empress did not receive much more than a small mention in one lesson of the year. After reading this trilogy I feel like I'm much more familiar with the period. However, this is Josephine's story and therefore the focus is a bit narrow. That in no way decreased my enjoyment of the writing, the style or the story. It just made me realize that I'd like to read more about the Bonaparte's and the people that surrounded them in that time.
The books themselves are written 'diary style' which is a style I love and hate. Love because one seems to become so much more attached to the diarist, sharing their most intimate thoughts and emotions. Hate because I'm horrible at paying attention to dates and find myself continually scrolling backwards to find out how long ago the last segment took place. Love, once again, because the short, personal entries seem to move the action along in the narrative even if there isn't much actually happening at the time.
I won't tell you much about the content of the book other than it starts in Martinico (Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean) when Rose is a teenager. It ends with her death at her beloved Malmaison in 1814. In between those times she is married, becomes a mother, is jailed, is widowed, runs a salon, is the toast of the town, remarries, and becomes Empress. Despite her later fame and 'royalty', Josephine and her children are extremely likeable people. I even found myself liking Napoleon and by the end, even though I was angry with him, I understood. However, every fictional book must provide someone or something that thwarts or vexes the main character. In Josephine's case there is no need to fictionalize an enemy, Bonaparte's real life family is a nightmare and I was thoroughly and happily disgusted by them from start to finish. Bravo to Sandra Gulland for a truly enjoyable read!
November 3, 2019
It was an excellent ending to a brilliant trilogy. Gulland has done her research and France comes alive through the eyes of Josephine Bonaparte. Compassionate, kind and well-loved in France, Josephine also gives us a very intimate and sympathetic insight to Napoleon Bonaparte. I enjoyed this whole series and would heartily recommend it to anyone interested in the French Revolution, the French Republic and the rise of Napoleon. It is engrossing, humorous and heart-rending. Full review on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...
December 3, 2013
What a sad conclusion to the Josephine B. trilogy. I really enjoyed these books and am glad I read them. What a life! Josephine had much more going on than the average person. It truly amazes me the things she survived and accomplished. This trilogy follows Josephine’s life from early age to her death. To have it end as it did, really broke my heart – but this is the real deal, so it had to happen this way. And to think; I actually understand Bonaparte to some extent, and cared for him as her husband. This unkempt, abrupt little man.
There’s something to be said of a spiritual bond giving strength. It seems Josephine was indeed Bonaparte’s lucky token. With all of the threats on his life I can understand Bonaparte’s issue with wanting to secure the empire, but what I’m confused at is his turnabout feeling for needing an heir. He seemed perfectly happy with adopting Hortense’s son as his successor – why change your mind? Oh wait, the crazy in-laws?! What a mess they were. It’s a shame most lived to a ripe old age, if anyone should have been taken down, it was this family. It’s a shame Bonaparte didn’t leave them in Italy. They had no right to power and certainly couldn’t handle it.
While I really came to like Josephine, was she created too sweet, too humbling a person? Not wanting the crown, only her simple life and husband. Was this really her?! I’d like to think so, but am not so sure. I’ll have to read a biography next to see if it is so.
There’s something to be said of a spiritual bond giving strength. It seems Josephine was indeed Bonaparte’s lucky token. With all of the threats on his life I can understand Bonaparte’s issue with wanting to secure the empire, but what I’m confused at is his turnabout feeling for needing an heir. He seemed perfectly happy with adopting Hortense’s son as his successor – why change your mind? Oh wait, the crazy in-laws?! What a mess they were. It’s a shame most lived to a ripe old age, if anyone should have been taken down, it was this family. It’s a shame Bonaparte didn’t leave them in Italy. They had no right to power and certainly couldn’t handle it.
While I really came to like Josephine, was she created too sweet, too humbling a person? Not wanting the crown, only her simple life and husband. Was this really her?! I’d like to think so, but am not so sure. I’ll have to read a biography next to see if it is so.
March 9, 2013
I really enjoyed Gulland's last book in the Josephine B series, The Last Great Dance on Earth. It spans Napoleon's rise to First Consul for life to Emperor (and Empress) to their eventual divorce and Napoleon's first exile. It ends with the death of Josephine's death, but Gulland adds an epilogue to tell the rest of the story (Napoleon's 100 days, second exile, and the other characters' ultimate fates).
My impressions of this series: It is a really great and fun historical fiction. It feels very researched and contains lots of details about the everyday life (from the horrible medicine to the latest fashion) and covers all the major political events; however, the reader doesn't feel as if they are reading detailed historical account. Gulland nicely melds the plots and characters of a "chick lit" with the history. I really feel that I learned a lot about the French Revolution and that I really know Josephine. I was not only reading about the time period but was in the time period. I highly recommend the series.
My impressions of this series: It is a really great and fun historical fiction. It feels very researched and contains lots of details about the everyday life (from the horrible medicine to the latest fashion) and covers all the major political events; however, the reader doesn't feel as if they are reading detailed historical account. Gulland nicely melds the plots and characters of a "chick lit" with the history. I really feel that I learned a lot about the French Revolution and that I really know Josephine. I was not only reading about the time period but was in the time period. I highly recommend the series.
July 3, 2010
What a sad story. Although Josephine had from the outside looking in a perfect life. She was married to a national hero, had two children who loved her, lived in a palace or two and was loved by the French people, her life was far from being a fairytale. Her in-laws were horrid, greedy people who hated and plotted against her, her husband was unfaithful, and in the end she lost her husband, her home and her crown. She didn't much care about losing the crown, but losing her husband was more than she could bear. He divorced her because she could not give him an heir, and called it "their great sacrifice for the country". If I am to believe the author and all the extensive research that she did into this subject, they did love each other, and did until the day they both died. What a waste and tragedy. After reading any historical fiction, I am so glad that I am living in a day and age that women have control of their own destiny!
December 19, 2009
I enjoyed the accomplishment of finishing the 3-book series (it only took me 5 years...) But also, I was simultaneously watching the wonderful mini-series called JOHN ADAMS, and it was one of those "a-ha" learning moments when all the disjointed pieces of info and random dates came in to focus... and then as I neared the end of the book, I was glad that I had previously read WAR AND PEACE. History makes so much more sense with fiction and movies...
November 18, 2020
I can count the number of books that have made me cry on one hand. This is one of them. So why 4 stars for this one when I have the last 5? I just liked the characters a little less. This is not as much Gulland's fault as history's. If you average out my ratings for the trilogy combined it comes overall to 4.8. That seems about right.
August 26, 2010
This book was my least favorite of the trilogy because it just seemed to drag on a little longer than needed. That said, it was still a great book and I'm glad I finished all three.
January 25, 2018
Personally I found this last part least absorbing out of trilogy. Character of Josephine, woman who could get by after all bad things that happened to her in previous two parts, who was so inspiring and fascinating to discover, slowly faded in the shadow of Napoleon and his mean family.
Can't say that I didn't enjoy the book because it still was incredible feeling to discover history anew. As a reader from Poland it was so interesting to find bits of my country's history in this book.
I really feel bad for Josephine. Wonderful woman with incredible life (not easy though). I'm so glad I could read her story and learn some more. I will miss some of characters.
Can't say that I didn't enjoy the book because it still was incredible feeling to discover history anew. As a reader from Poland it was so interesting to find bits of my country's history in this book.
I really feel bad for Josephine. Wonderful woman with incredible life (not easy though). I'm so glad I could read her story and learn some more. I will miss some of characters.
January 11, 2019
The final book in this trilogy about Joséphine Bonaparte was moving and engaging just like the other two. This book showed the struggles she and Napoléon faced from his family and did an excellent job of portraying Joséphine realistically. The ending nearly moved me to tears after spending so much time with Joséphine and her family.
May 2, 2019
The Last Great Dance on Earth is the concluding volume in Sandra Gulland’s trilogy about Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon. It follows The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. and Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe. This volume begins in 1800, with Napoleon as First Consul, and ends with Josephine’s death in 1814, shortly after Napoleon’s fall from power and exile to Elba. As with the previous two volumes, it is told in the form of fictional diary entries by Josephine, interspersed with letters to her from Napoleon and others, which tell the story of Napoleon’s battles and other events which Josephine could not have witnessed herself. In my opinion, this is an excellent technique, because it gets the reader inside Josephine’s head, and the reader learns about these important events along with her. As Gulland explains in her author’s note, she uses actual letters that Napoleon sent to Josephine.
The story told in this volume is a tragic one. I do not consider this a spoiler, since it is all based on historical fact. It left me feeling drained at the end. No matter how you feel about Napoleon, what comes through is the tragedy of a woman who desperately wanted a child and could not have one. Josephine, of course, had two loving children by her first husband, who was guillotined during the Terror, but she could not give Napoleon, the man she loved, an heir to his empire. Gulland shows Josephine going to various spas for horrible fertility treatments so she could conceive a child by Napoleon, but all in vain. Gulland’s theory is that Josephine went through early menopause because of the traumatic events she experienced during the Terror, and that other women went through the same thing.
In Gulland’s novel, Napoleon and Josephine are deeply in love. They did not marry for love, but they came to love each other over the years. Josephine is forced to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s many affairs, but he always manages to convince her that she’s the only woman he really loves. Various plots to assassinate Napoleon, both by royalists and revolutionaries, lead him to realize he needs a son to inherit his empire. Otherwise, it could have all vanished if one of these assassination attempts had succeeded. At first, he and Josephine think about adopting an heir: either Josephine’s son by her first husband or Napoleon’s brother Louis’ son by Josephine’s daughter Hortense (family relations are definitely complicated). Louis’ son, known as “Little Napoleon” is the favored heir for a while, and his early death is another tragedy in the novel. (Much later, this boy’s younger brother, Louis Napoleon, became emperor as Napoleon III.) Eventually Napoleon’s scheming siblings, who have always hated Josephine, convince him that only a son of his own could be his heir, and that he needs to divorce Josephine and marry a young princess. Leading the plot against Josephine is Napoleon’s nasty, manipulative sister Caroline, who will stop at nothing to gain a crown for herself. When Napoleon eventually makes her Queen of Naples, Caroline is still not satisfied because she considers Naples too small a kingdom. In Gulland’s interpretation, Caroline is definitely the character you love to hate.
Of course, Napoleon eventually decides to divorce Josephine for the sake of an heir to his empire, but they never stop loving each other, even after his marriage to Marie-Louise of Austria and the birth of his longed-for son. Josephine had been very popular with the French people, who thought she brought good luck to Napoleon. It is an interesting coincidence that Napoleon’s defeats in battle, which eventually led to the fall of his empire, began shortly after his divorce from Josephine. After the divorce, Josephine goes to live on her country estate where she tends her garden, especially her roses. The reader feels her heartbreak at the loss of the husband she loved, and his fall from power and eventual exile. After Napoleon’s fall, Josephine meets with the Tsar of Russia in order to get favorable terms for her children after Napoleon’s fall, but she dies of a fever shortly afterwards.
Gulland portrays the pageantry and the balls and banquets of Napoleon’s empire in loving detail and makes you feel as if you were there. She especially shows the splendor of Napoleon’s coronation, from the point of view of Josephine, who never wanted a crown. Parts of Gulland’s descriptions make the reader want to laugh out loud: Napoleon’s sisters, to their indignation, having to carry Josephine’s train while their attendants carry theirs, which makes the whole procession look like a centipede. Gulland makes the times come alive for the reader.
Although each book in the trilogy can be read on its own, I highly recommend reading the whole trilogy from the beginning, starting with The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., in order to get the full effect. Following Josephine’s life from her childhood in Martinique to the end is an unforgettable experience. The whole trilogy taken together is, in my opinion, one of the great works of historical fiction, and I read a lot of historical fiction, so I do not say this lightly. It is very highly recommended.
The story told in this volume is a tragic one. I do not consider this a spoiler, since it is all based on historical fact. It left me feeling drained at the end. No matter how you feel about Napoleon, what comes through is the tragedy of a woman who desperately wanted a child and could not have one. Josephine, of course, had two loving children by her first husband, who was guillotined during the Terror, but she could not give Napoleon, the man she loved, an heir to his empire. Gulland shows Josephine going to various spas for horrible fertility treatments so she could conceive a child by Napoleon, but all in vain. Gulland’s theory is that Josephine went through early menopause because of the traumatic events she experienced during the Terror, and that other women went through the same thing.
In Gulland’s novel, Napoleon and Josephine are deeply in love. They did not marry for love, but they came to love each other over the years. Josephine is forced to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s many affairs, but he always manages to convince her that she’s the only woman he really loves. Various plots to assassinate Napoleon, both by royalists and revolutionaries, lead him to realize he needs a son to inherit his empire. Otherwise, it could have all vanished if one of these assassination attempts had succeeded. At first, he and Josephine think about adopting an heir: either Josephine’s son by her first husband or Napoleon’s brother Louis’ son by Josephine’s daughter Hortense (family relations are definitely complicated). Louis’ son, known as “Little Napoleon” is the favored heir for a while, and his early death is another tragedy in the novel. (Much later, this boy’s younger brother, Louis Napoleon, became emperor as Napoleon III.) Eventually Napoleon’s scheming siblings, who have always hated Josephine, convince him that only a son of his own could be his heir, and that he needs to divorce Josephine and marry a young princess. Leading the plot against Josephine is Napoleon’s nasty, manipulative sister Caroline, who will stop at nothing to gain a crown for herself. When Napoleon eventually makes her Queen of Naples, Caroline is still not satisfied because she considers Naples too small a kingdom. In Gulland’s interpretation, Caroline is definitely the character you love to hate.
Of course, Napoleon eventually decides to divorce Josephine for the sake of an heir to his empire, but they never stop loving each other, even after his marriage to Marie-Louise of Austria and the birth of his longed-for son. Josephine had been very popular with the French people, who thought she brought good luck to Napoleon. It is an interesting coincidence that Napoleon’s defeats in battle, which eventually led to the fall of his empire, began shortly after his divorce from Josephine. After the divorce, Josephine goes to live on her country estate where she tends her garden, especially her roses. The reader feels her heartbreak at the loss of the husband she loved, and his fall from power and eventual exile. After Napoleon’s fall, Josephine meets with the Tsar of Russia in order to get favorable terms for her children after Napoleon’s fall, but she dies of a fever shortly afterwards.
Gulland portrays the pageantry and the balls and banquets of Napoleon’s empire in loving detail and makes you feel as if you were there. She especially shows the splendor of Napoleon’s coronation, from the point of view of Josephine, who never wanted a crown. Parts of Gulland’s descriptions make the reader want to laugh out loud: Napoleon’s sisters, to their indignation, having to carry Josephine’s train while their attendants carry theirs, which makes the whole procession look like a centipede. Gulland makes the times come alive for the reader.
Although each book in the trilogy can be read on its own, I highly recommend reading the whole trilogy from the beginning, starting with The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., in order to get the full effect. Following Josephine’s life from her childhood in Martinique to the end is an unforgettable experience. The whole trilogy taken together is, in my opinion, one of the great works of historical fiction, and I read a lot of historical fiction, so I do not say this lightly. It is very highly recommended.
March 11, 2020
Book three of the trilogy. I have wept buckets this evening. Bereft!
January 20, 2024
Have recommended this series to many people. Such a good historical fiction.
October 17, 2018
Can't stand that the trilogy is over... My world is so much richer with Josephine Bonaporte in it!! What an outstanding achievement, author Sandra Gulland!
March 14, 2018
A beautiful conclusion to the trilogy. Josephine's story is both inspiring and heartbreaking.
February 4, 2010
As always when I've kind of bonded with the characters, I was sad to see this series (a trilogy, actually) end. I now look at the whole Napoleon/Josephine Bonaparte era in a whole new light. This series of books personalized, informed and entertained me throughout each one. I grew to love Josephine (as did all of France, it seems) and felt a new admiration for Napoleon. He accomplished quite a few miraculous feats in his life in spite of constant threats from every area of his own government, as well as bordering countries.
This book is full of direct quotes and passages from his and Josephine's diaries and journals, newpapers from that period and various letters from friends, family members and enemies. Very interesting!
Galland's style of writing puts you right in the midst of the chaos of that time in history. Even though I knew what was going to happen (some of the history from high school must have remained buried in my brain!), I stayed up late many nights reading 'just one more chapter'.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction, or just stories of strong women who prevail in spite of the odds.
This book is full of direct quotes and passages from his and Josephine's diaries and journals, newpapers from that period and various letters from friends, family members and enemies. Very interesting!
Galland's style of writing puts you right in the midst of the chaos of that time in history. Even though I knew what was going to happen (some of the history from high school must have remained buried in my brain!), I stayed up late many nights reading 'just one more chapter'.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes historical fiction, or just stories of strong women who prevail in spite of the odds.
April 24, 2008
The author states in the closing sections of the book "In closing, a word of caution: this subject is addictive." I seem to have discovered this before even reading her warning as I was already planning what other books I'd read about these historical figures and this part of history. I'm thinking I'm going to limit myself to just one more book on the topic though.
I loved this book even more than the second. It was quite an embarrassing read...I got to the really emotional parts on a flight back from a business trip recently. I've never cried on a plane but I couldn't hold it in so the tears started to roll. This sweet older lady next to me started crying about 10 minutes later. I seriously thought I started one of those chain reactions but it turns out as I talked to her at the baggage claim area that her book was also very sad. She wanted to cry but was really fighting back the tears until she saw me crying and figured it was okay.
I will recommend this series of books to anyone!
I loved this book even more than the second. It was quite an embarrassing read...I got to the really emotional parts on a flight back from a business trip recently. I've never cried on a plane but I couldn't hold it in so the tears started to roll. This sweet older lady next to me started crying about 10 minutes later. I seriously thought I started one of those chain reactions but it turns out as I talked to her at the baggage claim area that her book was also very sad. She wanted to cry but was really fighting back the tears until she saw me crying and figured it was okay.
I will recommend this series of books to anyone!
January 14, 2020
Even when we think we know how things end for historical figures, like Josephine and Napoleon Bonaparte, there are surprises that come when we get to see the whole picture in the context of all the complex variables. This final book of the Josephine Bonaparte series was powerful, heart wrenching, and complete.
We see in this book how the jealousies and personal wants of Napoleon's family were used against Josephine. We read endlessly about the way they "fertility shamed" her when she couldn't conceive an heir for Napoleon, a reality that led in part to the demise of his rule. We see what it means to love someone both loveable and not so loveable in good times and in bad. We get a full dose of palace deceit and the fragility of governments as they come and go.
This was a fascinating series based on the actual letters between Josephine and Napoleon as well as documents of all kinds from the period. Structured as ongoing diary entries, it brings the reader into the situation, reading it and feeling it as it was written and felt. I was sorry it had to end.
We see in this book how the jealousies and personal wants of Napoleon's family were used against Josephine. We read endlessly about the way they "fertility shamed" her when she couldn't conceive an heir for Napoleon, a reality that led in part to the demise of his rule. We see what it means to love someone both loveable and not so loveable in good times and in bad. We get a full dose of palace deceit and the fragility of governments as they come and go.
This was a fascinating series based on the actual letters between Josephine and Napoleon as well as documents of all kinds from the period. Structured as ongoing diary entries, it brings the reader into the situation, reading it and feeling it as it was written and felt. I was sorry it had to end.
February 7, 2009
I LOVED this series, perhaps because I'm a bit burned out on Henry the VIII -era England but I love historical fiction. I have never taken a class on French history, nor did I have any clarity as to how and when Napoleon fit into the scheme of things, and this series actually did clear up a few historical points for me. This isn't heavy reading, but the journal-style writing is effective and clearly illustrates Josephine's experiences. This is no Nobel-winning literature, but this book is SUCH an escape, and so intriguing... I entirely fell into the tale.. makes me completely thankful I never lived in that era and that I've never pursued or been a part of another person's pursual of power.
April 25, 2017
This was a fantastic trilogy! Gulland's research is commendable, so many authentic quotes from letters and other sources. But really, her gift is creating people we relate to and root for even though their circumstances are so difficult to imagine. Neither napoleon nor Josephine is guiltless. But thier motives and mutual devotion are so apparent, so relateable, I was completely engrossed in their story, and saddened by their cruel fate. Even 250 years ago, fame was fleeting and adoring "fans" were fickle.
Books 1 and 3 of this trilogy rated 5 stars for me, with book 2 rating 4 stars, only because i didnt connect with the characters as deeply.
Books 1 and 3 of this trilogy rated 5 stars for me, with book 2 rating 4 stars, only because i didnt connect with the characters as deeply.
April 20, 2010
I think this is a great trilogy and I really enjoyed this last book in the series about Josephine Bonaparte.
I felt a lot of sympathy for her, especially near the end of her life. As with many royal families, Josephine was put under a lot of pressure to produce a male heir. Sadly, this was never to be, and ultimately resulted in her divorce from Napoleon. Like him or hate him, what I learned through Josephine's diary entries that she really did love the man. It was very sad when they divorced, for clearly they were still very much in love.
I felt a lot of sympathy for her, especially near the end of her life. As with many royal families, Josephine was put under a lot of pressure to produce a male heir. Sadly, this was never to be, and ultimately resulted in her divorce from Napoleon. Like him or hate him, what I learned through Josephine's diary entries that she really did love the man. It was very sad when they divorced, for clearly they were still very much in love.
March 19, 2013
Satisfying end to a good series: I never expected to like these books as much as I did, or at least I figured they would end up just being a guilty pleasure. But all three of these, including the last, were really nicely written, genuinely informative, and just plain good books. I found myself hoping, that maybe this time Napoleon wouldn't be defeated by a land war in Russia. (I should have remembered those wise words from the Princess Bride...)
August 30, 2012
The last in Sandra Gullard’s fascinating trilogy about the life of Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s first wife., I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about life during this turbulent period. Make sure you read them in order though! Start with ‘The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B’.
December 28, 2012
This book made me cry. You can really feel Josephine's love for Bonaparte, and it's heartbreaking that they couldn't be together in the end. I loved this whole series, I learned a lot about Josephine and this time period. I kept fact-checking things I was reading as I went along, and it's very historically correct.
June 20, 2008
This is a great trilogy. This is the 3rd book.
I cried at the end of this book... probably the the last quarter of the book. Josephine was an amazing woman i don't think i could have endured what she did... WOW! Great writing! i didn't want this series to end.
I cried at the end of this book... probably the the last quarter of the book. Josephine was an amazing woman i don't think i could have endured what she did... WOW! Great writing! i didn't want this series to end.
April 15, 2010
I have written a review of the entire trilogy and put it under the firt book entitled The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews