Rating: 
Summary: Josephine--a woman of her time
Review: Sandra Gulland is quoted as saying that Josephine "is a woman more of our time than her own." NOT SO! In this otherwise wonderful triology, it is, I think, hard for the contemporary woman to see Josephine as anything except a victim--of her first husband, of the Revolution, of Napoleon, of her mother-in-law and the viper's brood she bore. Within the constraints of her victimhood, she is an admirable woman, generous, a good mother, a (belatedly) devoted wife, a fine empress, but always victimized by those around her and by her era. I strongly recommend the triology. Once I began reading the first book, I couldn't stop until the last page of the third novel, yet, over and over, I felt emotionally distanced from Josephine when she became a door-mat for those around her. She deserved a better life; instead, she got three wonderful novels written about her.
Rating:
Summary: Josephine--a woman of her time
Review: Sandra Gulland is quoted as saying that Josephine "is a woman more of our time than her own." NOT SO! In this otherwise wonderful triology, it is, I think, hard for the contemporary woman to see Josephine as anything except a victim--of her first husband, of the Revolution, of Napoleon, of her mother-in-law and the viper's brood she bore. Within the constraints of her victimhood, she is an admirable woman, generous, a good mother, a (belatedly) devoted wife, a fine empress, but always victimized by those around her and by her era. I strongly recommend the triology. Once I began reading the first book, I couldn't stop until the last page of the third novel, yet, over and over, I felt emotionally distanced from Josephine when she became a door-mat for those around her. She deserved a better life; instead, she got three wonderful novels written about her.
Rating:
Summary: Josephine--a woman of her time
Review: Sandra Gulland is quoted as saying that Josephine "is a woman more of our time than her own." NOT SO! In this otherwise wonderful triology, it is, I think, hard for the contemporary woman to see Josephine as anything except a victim--of her first husband, of the Revolution, of Napoleon, of her mother-in-law and the viper's brood she bore. Within the constraints of her victimhood, she is an admirable woman, generous, a good mother, a (belatedly) devoted wife, a fine empress, but always victimized by those around her and by her era. I strongly recommend the triology. Once I began reading the first book, I couldn't stop until the last page of the third novel, yet, over and over, I felt emotionally distanced from Josephine when she became a door-mat for those around her. She deserved a better life; instead, she got three wonderful novels written about her.
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully written and captivating trilogy
Review: The trilogy consists of these novels:1. The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.: Here we are introduced to Rose Tascher. She lives at a sugar plantation with her family at Martinico. Soon she is chosen to move to France and marry Alexandre Beauharnais. Rose and her family experience the French Revolution/Terror, the death of friends, and the change of life as they know it. At the end of this novel, which covers many years, Rose meets and marries Napoleon Bonaparte, and she soon must change her name to Josephine. 2. Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe: Josephine is witness to futher battles and scandal of the Revolution. Napoleon is victorious in his wars, and is elevated in popularity. Soon, after more scandal, the Directors of the Revolution are overcome and Josephine and Napoleon are the new leaders of France. This novel ends with the couple moving in to the palace. 3. The Last Great Dance on Earth: Josephine and Napoleon have been married for several years. Josephine is unable to produce an heir and rumors say that Napoleon will take another wife. Meanwhile, the Bonaparte clan would do anything to get rid of Josephine. In a few years, Napoleon does indeed divorce Josephine, and it takes a great toll on both. He is losing wars and France is falling into the enemy's hands. This is unfortunately the end of this wonderful story. When I first began to read the trilogy, I was confused on my opinion of it because I hadn't read many novels that were like this. Yet, as I read on, I was to the point where I couldn't stop! Sandra Gulland is a great author, and I am eagerly awaiting any future novels written by her.
Rating:
Summary: Definate ADD to your MUST READ list!
Review: This book is not only a uniquely woven story of Josephine Bonaparte's life, it is written in journal format. It's intelligent and compelling novel - Absolutely Fantastic, gripping, heart wrenching and so completely unlike any other novel I've ever read. It has to be in the top ten books of my life. I couldn't put it down. The third book is the best! (read the publisher's review for more information on the storyline). It compares to "Memoriors of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden, "I Know This Much is True" by Wally Lamb, "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood: A Novel" by Rebecca Wells; "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb, "When It Rains" by Marjorie Spoto, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier, and "Mystic River" by Dennis Lehane. A Must Read.
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