Began reading: 11.4.2015
Completed reading: 14.4.2015
Overall rating: 4.5 stars
After thirteen years of marriage, Empress Josephine has failed to provide her husband, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, with an heir. Napoleon has decided that the young Austrian princess, Marie-Louise, would be the perfect replacement. For Marie-Louise, marrying the man who had conquered Austria disgusts her. Understanding that it is her duty to obey, Marie-Louise leaves behind her beloved family and love of her life. She finds little comfort as the new Empress of France, but develops an unlikely friendship with Josephine’s daughter, Hortense. The arrival of Marie-Louise at French court is a threat that Napoleon’s sister, Pauline, must destroy — whatever it takes.
The Second Empress is a European historical fiction novel, with the theme of romance mixed in to add a bit of emotion and drama to the plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, as historical romance is one of my favourite genres.
The use of figurative language could be seen throughout the novel. The use of figurative language provides readers with a deeper understanding of what the author is attempting to convey. My favourite example of figurative language in this novel was: “Now she buried her head in her hands, and tears slipped through her fingers like rain” (p. 26).
I liked that the story was limited to three different perspectives (Marie-Louise, Pauline Bonaparte and Paul Moreau). This prevented confusion, and assisted with developing a deeper connection with these characters. For example, throughout the novel, Pauline Bonaparte was portrayed as cruel and selfish; however, when she reflects on the death of her son, readers can’t help but feel sympathetic.
Michelle Moran provided readers with an afterword, historical notes and glossary, which made everything a lot easier to understand. I loved that I was able to read about what happened to each of the characters, following Napoleon’s exile to Elba in 1814. I was not left wondering what became of each character. I think more novels should include an afterword if they cannot write about the characters’ outcomes within the book.
I encourage readers to read the historical note at the back of the book, as it explains the accuracy of the novel, as well as the letters that have been incorporated into the story. Considering that The Second Empress is a fictional novel, much of the plot and information are accurate. Michelle Moran did a great job with her research, and it shows within the book.
Pauline Bonaparte’s close relationship with Napoleon has also been included in the novel. The possibility that their relationship could have been incestuous has been explored through the character’s dialogue.
Paul: ‘What? Did you think he would make you queen?’ When she doesn’t respond, I add heatedly, ‘You’re his sister.’
Pauline: ‘Cleopatra married her brother.’
Paul: ‘That was two thousand years ago!’
Pauline: ‘But it’s what I want’ (p. 135).
Though I am sure he will be happy with the Italian I’ve found for his pleasure, I know I am the one who fascinates him (p. 21).
My favourite character was Marie-Louise, closely followed by Hortense de Beauharnais. From the beginning of the story, Marie-Louise proved to be a strong, responsible and compassionate ruler. At just nineteen, Marie-Louise is told that Napoleon requests her hand in marriage. Even though she despises him, she believes that “…a people are a reflection of their monarch, and we must provide a good example for them” (p. 7).
Hortense is very much like Marie-Louise, which strengthens their friendship. When Napoleon divorces her mother, Josephine, Hortense bears no hatred for him or his replacement wife, Marie-Louise. According to Marie-Louise,
By right, she should hate me, yet I search her face and she is perfectly at ease, as if nothing on earth could be so normal as sitting with the woman who took your mother’s crown (p. 152).
I think my favourite part of the book would have to be the very beginning. From the start, readers begin to gain an understanding of Marie-Louise and her court. We learn that Napoleon had conquered Austria, and an alliance with France is essential. We also learn about Marie-Louise’s personality, her close relationship with her father, siblings, stepmother, and lover.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes “Marie Antoinette,” “The Other Boleyn Girl,” and “Girl With a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier. Also, if you like The Cousins’ War series by Philippa Gregory, you will love this book.
Happy reading!
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