The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.

Perfect blend of historical fiction and romance

Sandra Gulland has done it again for me. I first read a title by this author when I read Mistress of the Sun, which was also a great read. I was hesitant at first to pick this book up because I often find it hard to stay interested in a series. This series really did prove me wrong though. I felt the books historical parts were well reasearched, the descriptions were wonderful, I felt I could imainge myself right there in France with Josephine! The diary form it was written in made it easy to stop reading and start right back up without feeling like I missed anything. I couldn't wait to start the next book Tales of Passion Tales of Woe after I finished this book.

From the island where Rose grew up to France where she wed her first husband and became Madame Debeauharnais. From a widow to Empress of France. From a mother to a grandmother I was captivated by the life of Josephine. If you like historical fiction of any kind you will love this!

Could not tear myself away.

I found myself like a silly child hiding under the blankets with a flashlight reading until late into the night. (I really need to finally get that book light.) The writing style in diary form is great, because it breaks the story up. This allows you to walk away and go on about your life easily and pick it back up, should you be able to tear yourself away form the story! I loved Martinico and what it represented to her throughout the books.

Great & Very Interesting Read about the French Revolution!

Wonderful book and Great Trilogy! I read all 3 books in one week and did not want them to end!

Review

Great Boook Couldn't put it down

Great for History Buffs

I read this trilogy about a year ago and love it so I have purchased them for others. I love to read for entertainment and I have always loved learning about actual events in history but not from a dry text book. This series satified both of these loves. The way it was written in a diary format made everything interesting and easy flowing - even when actual historical facts about France and the war - which is usually dry and boring - were written in such a way that you felt like you were actually reading it from a personal account. After finishing the series I really wanted to know more about Josephine and Napolean and the rest of the family.

Great book!

Very interesting book. I knew nothing about Josephine B. prior to reading this. I love the diary format - makes for very quick reading. Can't wait to read the next one.

Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.

What can I say? This book, along with the other two in the series, are the best books i have ever read. EVER! The diary form lets you easily glide into Josephine's world, and worry and wonder and fall in love right along with her. This book will captivate you. If you stop reading to go to bed you will find yourself digging for a flash light. you'll find it shoved in your purse because you can't bear to set it down, lest you have to shower. You'll find yourself, when you're supposed to be cooking dinner, wondering 'I wonder what bonaparte will do next? I hope Hortense is okay. What will Eugene do?' You'll discover that you're becoming obsessed. You'll google and wiki this so many times you won't want to do anything else. You'll try to type a screenplay based on the trilogy 'and by the way, I'm already doing it'. You'll start saving to fly to france and take a tour of le chateau de malmaison. Sorry about that rant. But I want to convey to you, to readers, to the WORLD that they should read the Josephine trilogy. And i promise you on the life of johnny depp, that you won't be disappointed!

Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.

This book is unlike any other book in the world. Once you read it you will never be the same. It takes you on an unforgettabe ride from Josephine's childhood in the tropical island of Martinico to the reigon of terror, to the wooing of a dashing Corsican. I read it in one sitting! 'The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.' is a MUST READ for girls who love romance, terror, and destiny, from ages thirteen, to one hundred and thirteen!

Amazing

Amazing. Historically educational while entertaining at the same time. I haven't had the book in my room once over the past year, I've leant it out to all my friends.

You'll never put it down...

This book was excellent. I loved how it was written in the form of a journal, it made me feel closer to the character. When I read about her life I felt like I went back in time to her era and I never wanted to return.

BRILLIANT! MUST READ

The life of josephine was incrediable to read aobut. I could not put the books down. The triology was very cosuming and amusing. It's one of the best triology i have read.

Form an avid reader

I enjoyed this unusual novel, cum diary so much, immediately ordered the second volume.

Takes you to another time.

This is a well written account of the early life of Rose (Josephine). History has taught me very little about the life of this woman. It seems natural that events in Paris during the revolution could have been moved along by women. Accounts usually discuss their suffering and daily chores but do not discuss the women behind the revolution. The terror of the period is clear from the point of view of every citizen of Paris. Terror and stress reactions have not changed much over the centuries.

The begining of the best series

This is a must read, totally enjoyable and you even learn something and discover a part of history that I was not extremely familiar with, the first book is captivating you can't put it down but don't stop until you reached The Last Great Dance on Earth.

An entrancing tale

This novel was one of the most amazing pieces of literature I have ever read. A Christmas present, I never expected to seriously enjoy the book. But, from the moment I began reading, I could not put the book down. The novel is written in journal form, which made it a great read for vacation, when I could only read for short lengths of time. Since finishing the book, I have recommended it to all of my close friends, and most of my family. This is a book that nobody should miss. (wow, do I sound like a sales person or what?)

A must read historical novel

Josephine, alais Rose really had a much more difficult life than I originally perceived. Gulland's diary format is wonderful and most engaging. I,m in the middle of the sequel and can't get enough.

Just skims the surface

Although this was a fictional account of Josephine's life I was disappointed in the the way she was treated. I felt like the author just skimmed the surface of this woman; didn't present any concrete surface to land on. It was a quick read, unfortunately.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.