Napoleon's Willow

by Joan Norlev Taylor

In 1837, on remote St Helena’s Island, Frenchman François Lelièvre searches for a willow beside Napoleon’s grave, a tree in which he believes Napoleon’s spirit is alive, inspiring ideals of liberty, equality and brotherhood. This will grow in Akaroa, New Zealand, in a time of conflict, as the French and British compete to colonise the land.

From England a young schoolteacher, Marianne, sets out on a troubled path that will lead her to the same place, looking for her own sense of liberty. Meanwhile, a Maori of the region – Manako-uri – must face his own challenges as the newcomers plant their hopes and dreams in his land.

Based on real events, lives are twined together in an intense story of adventure, love and loss. This novel explores not only a dramatic chapter of New Zealand’s foundation, but also the deep forces that drive us.

Genres: Fiction

335 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

I write in different genres, and keep trying new things all the time. I read mysteries, thrillers, love stories, historical fiction, stories that are believable, passionate, true and gripping.
I have written under the name Joan Taylor but for my latest novel, Napoleon's Willow (RSVP, 2016) I have changed it to Joan Norlev Taylor, to include my Danish heritage (my Mum's maiden name is Norlev).

Reviews

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good local history of Banks Peninusla- will appeal to locals & New Zealand history buffs in general.

[Helen Cummings · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was interested to read this book as I am familiar with Akaroa but found the story line contrived and the writing unexciting and boring. It seemed as thought the author had a list of key points to include and I couldn't wait til the story concluded to a totally predictable ending.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5