Josephine

Engaging

On the one hand, this book straddles the line between history and historical novel. There is a LOT of " she must have felt" or "she no doubt was feeling". If that does not bother you ( and it did not me) then I recommend it without hesitation just for the story alone - a very interesting biography of a woman constantly adapting to survive, first to the turmoil of France during the revolution, then to being the wife of a compelling ( but difficult) figure in world history. Good narratioon - takes a little bit to get used to ( she seemed a bit flat at the beginning) but that soon gave way to the story itself

24 people found this helpful

What an interesting subject!

I have long been fascinated by Josephine Bonaparte and I am eager to read anything about her. Had I not previously read Sandra Gulland's trilogy on Josephine I may have given this book a higher rating. Gulland's books are impossible to put down, and I am afraid it'll be hard for any book on Josephine to match up to those.

However, this book was interesting, better than her novel on Marie Antoinette, and the reader was pleasant to listen to. I would recommend this audio book.

10 people found this helpful

Agreeable starting point

There are probably both better and more inferior books, than this one, about Josephine, or the revolutionary and napoleonic era in general. But as a introduction to a historic person, which I realized I had no knowledge about when I bought the book, it worked marvelous. Sometimes the author seems to be taking some liberties. She also seems to be be fimly in Josephine's camp at all time. But I didn't find this intruding upon an enjoyable and flowing narrative concerning the woman who appears to have wielded more real social power before her marriage to Napoleon, than she did in it or as empress. It certainly commenced a greater interest in the era for my part.

6 people found this helpful

Dull

I was disappointed by this book. The reader was dispassionate, her monotone during even the most exciting parts of the story was distracting and ruined the pacing. Also, I feel that the author had strong biased against Napoleon. She was quick to emphasize every wrong that the emperor did to his wife, but overlooked the many things Josephine did to him. For instance, when Napoleon wrote romantic notes to his wife early in their marriage, she would mockingly read them out loud to her guests. Theirs was a troubled marriage, and I found it disappointing that the author chose sides because it gives an incomplete view of the subject. To me this book was maybe appropriate for people newly interested in this time period, but if you already know a lot about the Bonapartes and their times, this book is going to bore you.

4 people found this helpful

Biased, but a good read.

This book reads like fiction, the narrator was wonderful, and I found myself completely immersed in the ever changing life of this amazing woman. When Josephine died and the book ended, I almost felt like I lost a friend. However, be warned: this book is very biased. Josephine wasn't a saint and she wasn't always the victim. I will be following this book with a biography of Napoleon to get another view of their marriage. Good book, good narrator... I highly recommend it to anyone.

2 people found this helpful

For lovers of supposition

Good subject matter but it reads more like fiction than actual history. It is impossible to count the number of times you hear "she must have."

Dull narration coupled by a tedious story

I enjoy historical books including historical fiction. I can accept that some things must be assumed but this book seems to be primarily assumed; filled with “she must have felt” phrases. With that said, the author is completely in love with Josephine. She is never held to account for bad choices and always held in admiration and sympathy. No one is completely blameless. I would’ve preferred to read a more realistic reflection.

Not just tonight Josephine

I was blown away with the intriguing range of this remarkable historical woman's story. Such a marvelous story.

Boring and dry

I love history but this book is boring.To be fair I didn’t read it all the way through after chapter 10 I thought I’ve given this Book enough of my time.

She must have been very special.

I needed something different to listen to and this was just right. Over all, Josephine aka Rose must have been a very charismatic woman. This book is a little bit sad but definitely worth the time. Excellent narrator.