I can't remember how many times I thought, "Poor Josephine!" Those Bonapartes are a family to be reckoned with and they stop at nothing to foil Napoleon's marriage to her.
This installment is probably going to end up being my favorite because it has my favorite character (so far): Captain Charles. The young captain is absolutely hilarious and adorable. I loved him.
As with all historical fiction, there are some liberties taken, but I'm still learning a lot about a period of time I didn't know much about. These books were no doubt extensively researched, and it shows. Josephine is a strong woman who has been through a hell of a lot. Despite the limitations of women at the time, she uses her brains and charm to get things done.
The world and characters in these books are exquisitely drawn up to where you feel like you're right there on the streets of Paris. The smells, colors and faces are clear as day.
Josephine's story is only going to get more intense from here.
Gulland has created an exquisite story, where it's hard to remember that these aren't Rose's actual words. The story is written through journal entries, so we're basically reading the events of her life through 'her words'. This first book starts on Rose's 14th birthday (June 23, 1777) and ends with her marriage to Napoleon (March 9, 1796), so I can just imagine all the good stuff to come in the remaining two books.
The change from child to adult is done masterfully. It's gradual. We see the events and people that shape Rose's world and character. We see her intelligence grow. We see a strong woman emerge from an unhappy marriage and the bloodshed of the Revolution. She fights for her friends and wants the best for her children.
I have become incredibly interested in learning more about this woman, who I knew absolutely nothing about when I ventured into this novel. I can't wait to get through the following two installments and stay in her world just a little longer.
