The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon's Court in Around the World in 80 Books

Jan 08, 2013 Jenifer rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2013-read

I actually rated this a 4.5

Funny thing...I don't remember ever reading a novel set during Napoleon's reign yet here we are in the third week of January and I've already read two this year! Whereas The Secret of the Pink Carnation was more of a romance/spy novel set in the height of Napoleon & Josephine's reign, The Second Empress is straight historical fiction and covers the last years of Napoleon's control over his empire. I'm not sure why but up to now, I've never really had much interest in I actually rated this a 4.5

Funny thing...I don't remember ever reading a novel set during Napoleon's reign yet here we are in the third week of January and I've already read two this year! Whereas The Secret of the Pink Carnation was more of a romance/spy novel set in the height of Napoleon & Josephine's reign, The Second Empress is straight historical fiction and covers the last years of Napoleon's control over his empire. I'm not sure why but up to now, I've never really had much interest in this time period (maybe because as an American history student I was always focused more on what was happen in America at the time). I am most definitely interested now!

I received this novel as an advance readers copy from the goodreads "first read" program but was unable to get to it until now. I am very happy that I was able to make time for it as I really enjoyed it. Moran provides a perfect amount of historical detail without getting to "teachy". Moran tells the story in three voices: Pauline, Marie-Louise, and Paul. We get the insider's view from Napoleon's sister, Pauline. Then we get the outsider's viewpoint from the second empress, Marie-Louise. And finally we get the commoner's viewpoint from Pauline's chamberlain, Paul Moreau. The use of these three voices gives the reader a more complete understanding of life in Napoleon's court.

I found the novel to be both enjoyable and educational as I knew little about this time period. Moran used many primary sources in the development of this novel. I was surprised to find that many of the more shocking storylines were indeed based on fact. You know how they say "truth is stranger than fiction"? That is most definitely true with the Bonapartes!

After having read The Second Empress, I am now fascinated with the life of Marie-Louise. Moran paints her as a sympathetic character doing her duty as a royal daughter and wife. Information that I've found online, shows a slightly different story. I am sure the truth is somewhere in between. ...more

1 like · Like · see review