The name Napoleon is arguably one of the most recognized names in history. Most people know Napoleon Bonaparte as the short guy in a funny hat who wanted to be Emperor and conquer the world. But he was so much more than that, including a lover of beautiful women.
I first learned about Napoleon when I was in 5th grade and tasked with doing a research project on a figure in world history. While all the other kids picked cool people like Alexander the Great or Henry the VIII, I randomly grabbed a book on Napoleon mostly because I liked his weird hat. It was that random choice that launched me into French history and I absolutely adore it! Napoleon of course if one of my favorites naturally and I have read a number of books on him both fiction and non fiction.
This book is high up on my TBR list mostly because I like that it’s about Napoleon when he was at his worst—-when he had nothing. So many of the books (fiction and non) focus on his glory days but this new book by Margaret Rodenberg, focuses on when he was down and out so to speak. I cannot wait to check out this new take on such a classic figure. I’m reading it this summer so I will report back and let you all know what I thought!
Summary
With its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte’s real attempt to write a novel, Finding Napoleon offers a fresh take on Europe’s most powerful man after he’s lost everything. A forgotten woman of history–Napoleon’s last love, the audacious Albine de Montholon–narrates their tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal.
After the defeated Emperor Napoleon goes into exile on tiny St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic, he and his lover, Albine de Montholon, plot to escape and rescue his young son. Banding together African slaves, British sympathizers, a Jewish merchant, a Corsican rogue, and French followers, they confront British opposition–as well as treachery within their own ranks–with sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but always desperate action.
When Napoleon and Albine break faith with one another, ambition and Albine’s husband threaten their reconciliation. To succeed, Napoleon must learn whom to trust. To survive, Albine must decide whom to betray.
Two hundred years after Napoleon’s death, this elegant, richly researched novel reveals a relationship history conceals. (summary from Goodreads)
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