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The Queen's Fortune Allison Pataki
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 6:14 AM
“Fortune favors the bold. One doesn't win glory by hiding behind the lines.”
Following a brief prologue, the novel begins in France during the summer of 1789 and continues through its epilogue set in Stockholm in December 1860. As a girl, Desiree Clary’s life becomes entangled with that of the Buonaparte family; her sister Julie eventually marries Joseph, the older brother of the man who will become known as Napoleon. Desiree, herself, is captivated by Napoleon, who pledges his love and seduces her before leaving to pursue his career. Eventually returning to France, Napoleon, along with Josephine, continues to be a major force and influence in the lives of the Clary family and of France. As the novel continues, Desiree finds happiness and fulfillment with Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, one of Napoleon’s generals, and an eventual rival. Allison Pataki does an incredible job developing the characters and their interactions with one another. Allowing Desiree to narrate the novel makes it far more personal than writing her story in the third person would have. Further, it accentuates Desiree’s emotions and personal growth, and developing maturity. This historical novel is filled with romance and emotion but never devolves into the typical bodice-ripping narrative into which so many purported “historical novels” descend. Although the characters and their conversations are imaginary, there is nothing that detracts from the history contained through the pages of this fine novel.
Favorite quote's of 2022
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 11:30 PM
FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2022
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 6:23 AM
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Book Wrap Up December
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 5:18 AM
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry (**)
I have no quibble about the quality of the writing here and many passages were absorbing and quite enchanting. However; I found this book quite tedious and was glad when I got to the last page-which felt like an achievement.
The Price of Innocence by Vicki Hopkins (**)
The vocabulary was elementary and, at times, used dull, modern phrases. I think what bothered me the most was the dialogue. Everything the characters said was dull and stilted, with a basic vocabulary.
As Red as Blood by Salla Simukka (**)
I thought the author had some wonderful words in helping the reader understand the beauty of cold Russian winters. The story is pretty predictable, but not the best.
Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr by N. Gemini Sasson (***)
An interesting book with some great characters. It’s well written, but I found it hard to follow at times with all the jumping around from Wales to Scotland to England and back to Wales, with subplots being played out in each area.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (****)
Well-written book about a girl who grew up in foster care and communicates through the language of flowers. Well researched with significant character development. Thought provoking. A little too idealistic of an ending for me, but thoroughly enjoyed it.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman (****)
I was captivated by this delightful, magical story and wanted more of the Owens family. Those who enjoy magical realism, women's fiction laced with romance, and stories about multi-generations of women should give this one a try.
2025: SF Novella by Stjepan Varesevac Cobets (****)
A book of survival and one we all could relate to given the world’s current events. Even though this isn’t my cup of tea, I have to say that it caught my attention. And I would recommend it with all my heart!
