Wonderful ..., January 23, 2010
By
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
I love historial fiction, of any kind. I was stunned to see that there were no reviews on this book. I found this book years ago in a small town library. I will honestly tell you that I almost never read a book twice, but I have read this book about four times. I never get tired of it. It's rich in historical history regarding Napoleon, which at the time I wasn't interested in, but I soon became a fan.This is a fictional story about a true character in the life of Napoleon. Desiree was Napoleon's first love, BEFORE Josephine. When he leaves Desiree for Josephine, Desiree is devasated and runs out of a little salon in France where she discovered the relationship that Napoleon was hiding from her. She wants to throw herself off a bridge, but is waylaid by a tall, handsome gentleman who she eventually marries. It turns out Mr. Tall and Handsome is the man who is eventually Napoleon's right hand man, and finally Napoleon's downfall and is one of Generals that fight to defeat Napoleon. It is truly a real life twist of fate that I cannot believe has not had more mention. Desiree was even made into a movie with Marlo Brandow.
I giggle a lot in the book, because Desiree's character is very self reflective, she talks to herself a lot, and she's very down to earth. Read this book. It will not disappoint. If you can find it. Unforunately I don't think it is even in print anymore.
A must read!!!!!, May 21, 2009
By
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
What is it like to have been loved for two of the most powerful men in her time? Just read it!!!!!!
Original Romance Novel, Written in 1953, May 4, 2009
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This is a very good book. It was written in 1953. A historical romance. Well worth reading were it all began.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
But for the fact that she went to get her brother out of jail...., April 6, 2009
By
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
Bernardine Eugénie Désirée Clary, a wealthy silk merchant's daughter, would not have met young impoverished Napoleon Bonaparte and how different her life might have been. Enchanted by the young officer, she invites him and his brother Joseph to her home - where Joseph finds himself attracted to her sister Julie and her very generous dowry. Still too young to wed at fourteen, she and Napoleon are engaged, but the older Joséphine de Beauharnais has something to say about that. Although heartbroken, Désirée recovers and eventually marries French General Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, although he spends much of their marriage away from Paris in service to the now Emperor of France. Eventually Bernadotte is nominated to become Crown Prince of Sweden, and subsequently King with Désirée as its reluctant Queen.Written in diary format from Désirée's POV, her story give the reader an inside glimpse at the young Napoleon and his family, through his opulent days as Emperor lavishing gifts and titles on his family, on to his final defeat at Waterloo. As interesting as much of this history was, I found myself snoozing off at times as the author lost me with a too busy cast of characters, too many of which were always called "your royal highness" and nothing else that I had a hard time following who was who. Worse yet, the diary format really painted the author into quite a corner and she had a hard time getting herself out of it at times - frankly she fell out of that corner on more than one occasion. Writing in your diary and you quote verbatim a long long letter from your son? I don't think so. If you're a big fan of anything and everything Napoleonic and want to read more I'd go for it, but definitely not for a first time reader of this period in France's history. 3/5 stars.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Still a favorite, December 1, 2008
By
LRM "LRM" (Ferndale, WA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
I first read this book 46 years ago a the age of 13, and have reread it many times. For those of you who can read German, I would highly recommend the original version of the book, it is simply better. Miss Selinko was a very gifted writer and the translation does not do her justice. I am sure it can be purchased through Amazon.de
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Historical Romantic Page Turner, February 5, 2008
By
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
I was loaned this book by a friend of mine who is German. She was given this book by her mother and read it when she was a child in Germany. Years later she found it in a used book sale here in the states (her current residence) and fell in love with it again. She lent me this book, and I have to say it was wonderful. I learned so much reading this book everything from Napoleonic history to early French fashion. Desiree is a delightful character and her life is fascinating. I recommend this book for anyone. It is a light easy read. I was sad when I finished it because I wanted the story to continue.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Wonderful story!, April 19, 2006
By
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
This is one of my favorite historical novels. I read it first when I was a girl and a few more times since. Each time enjoying it more and more. I strongly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed books from Philippa Gregory, Posie Graeme-Evans and Anya Seton (all my favs).
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Excellent Read, October 8, 2005
By
Dawnie (Ohio) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Desiree (Hardcover)
I first read this book years ago while sitting at my grandma's house...I have since read it 4-5 times. It sparked my interest in all the history of that time, and I have since read numerous books on Napoleon...This is a great historical novel and remains one of my favorite books of all times.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
unforgettable, December 31, 2004
By
This review is from: Désirée (Paperback)
I read this book years ago and it made such a lasting impression that I am ordering it for my son's lady love who is a highschool english teacher and an avid reader. This was one book that I hated to see the last page come about. Enjoy!!
Help other customers find the most helpful review
No comments:
Post a Comment