Marie Bonaparte: A Life

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing, But Incomplete, Biography
Review: I came to Celia Bertin's "Marie Bonaparte: A Life", knowing absolutely nothing about the subject. After completing the book, I know a little about this fascinating woman, but still feel shortchanged. Bertin, to my understanding, looks at Bonaparte from a psychological standpoint -- which, based on the events in her life, is certainly a valid approach -- that unfortunately leaves out some much-needed facts. The first and last sections of the biography are wonderful and informative. The middle is a muddle, and very repetitive. My biggest problem with the narrative is the lack of followthrough in certain areas; for example, Bonaparte at one point attends a religious school and becomes devout. In the next sentence, she is a lifelong "atheist", with no explanation of why or how. Her daughter, Eugenie, is divorced twice. This is mentioned -- surprisingly in a psychological biography -- with no reason for these divorces. Bonaparte's grandson is ill; we never know from what, although 'illness' is mentioned several times in a serious manner. Her loveless marriage to a latent homosexual is not analyzed; yet, late in the book Marie confesses she does love her husband (her numerous lovers and her admittedly frigidity are interesting, but incomplete). Finally, Bertin assumes an extensive knowledge of the major players in French psychological analysis during the early 20th century, and many times refers to arguments and debates that not only digress from the biography, but remain unexplained and confusing. Would I recommend this book? Yes, as an introduction and starting point for a more extensive biography that hopefully will be published on this fascinating woman who mixed with royalty and science, and was, as Bertin states, "the last Bonaparte".