This novel focuses on Napoleon's exile on St. Helena, when the deposed emperor lived at the mercy of his British overseers and with a tiny group of loyalists and spies. Napoleon makes for a sympathetic figure in this telling, as an older man in failing health separated from his family and surrounded by people he may or may not be able to trust. I enjoyed the author's portrayal of Napoleon interacting with his mistress, British officers, Black slaves on the island (who he pointedly tries to help), and hangers-on from his vanquished court. Overall, an interesting read for anyone who finds Napoleon fascinating. ( )

The life of Napoleon Bonaparte provides historical writers with one of the deepest wells of inspiration to dwell upon. His life, beginning as a poor child on the island of Corsica, once extended the French Empire to the far reaches of Europe. Yet it eventually collapsed, and he was sent into exile… twice. Paradoxically, he is associated with liberte, egalite, et fraternite, yet maintained slavery in Haiti for reasons of financial expedience. His love-life is equally storied. Modern writers either admire or despise him. Perhaps, his greatness is such that he ought to be both admired and despised in the same breath.

Rodenberg’s novel seeks to make sense of the last setting of Napoleon’s life – the island of St. Helena in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. She weaves together the historical facts into an entertaining, if not somewhat believable, tale. She ties in passionate love, the lust for more power, the hope of escape, enmity for the British, and the desire for a dynasty.

In Rodenberg’s telling, Napoleon falls for Albine, a French ex-patriot who was as ruthless and cunning as the Emperor himself. Her life was swept up with the romance of multiple men. She eventually bore a daughter named Josephine Napoleon Bonaparte who was believed to be Napoleon’s and who died due to a difficult sea-borne voyage to Europe. Of course, Napoleon famously died on St. Helena, constrained from gaining imperial rule again.

The story itself is worthwhile. I would have liked for it to delve more into psychology, however. Napoleon’s mind had many cross-currents, but I felt that Rodenberg’s story just skimmed the surface. She did not probe into his internal makeup much. Granted, he was a man of action, not contemplation. Albine’s psyche was explored more, but the characters in this novel still come out as somewhat flat. The author does a good job at fitting the narrative to a semblance of historical facts. Yet alas, I left the novel not feeling as though I had really gotten to know the characters much at all, only their dramas.

Like Napoleon’s life, this story has many dimensions that can appeal to a variety of audiences. Those interested in history will like learning about the arcane details of Napoleon’s last days; romance readers will find much fodder to dwell upon; feminists might like the resilient and egalitarian character of Albine; those with political interests will like the backdrop of international politics. I suspect this book, a new release at the time of my writing, will find a wide audience – and deservedly so. The dramatic telling of Napoleon’s last days contains many storylines worthy of exploration. Rodenberg’s work unfolds these with imagination and flair. ( )

Napoleon has been defeated and he is on the run. He and his lover, Albine, plus a few more of his trusted entourage, are exiled on a tiny island. This does not stop Napoleon from plotting and planning to escape, save his son, and become emperor again. But treachery is all around and Napoleon must decide where to turn and whom to trust!

I have not read very many books about Napoleon or books set in this time period. So this was a unique read for me. This is very well researched but the writing fell a little short for me. It almost was a little too basic. But, don’t let this stop you! It is a different story and I enjoyed it! This story has a wonderful setting and fabulous twists and turns.

Need a unique historical fiction book with a fabulous cover….THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review. ( )

This was a fascinating novel. I did not know much about Napoleon before reading this book, and although it is historical fiction, I learned a lot. I also really loved how the author wrote about St. Helena Island. It doesn’t sound as bad as what Napoleon had felt about it, although I guess it would be different if you were extradited to a place, versus going for pleasure.

Napoleon is extradited to St. Helena Island, which is located in the South Atlantic, thousands of miles from any other land. It took weeks by ship to get there. Napoleon and an entourage that went with him all unload and soon took over the island. He was quickly found a place to live, and it was changed to accommodate his wishes for the time being. Meanwhile, he is writing his romance novel that he had started, that no one knew about and often thinks about how to back to the mainland and to get his son back.

After this, it seems his life in a way fell apart. There are rumors he took on a mistress which caused heartache and pain in that he was never sure if he could trust her or not, but his heart had fell for her. He often was not sure who of his entourage he should trust and was worried about being poisoned or done in by someone. He seemed to be a bit of a self loather, but yet was consumed on how to get back to his son and mother. It was kind of sad, how he had to live out the rest of his life, although he brought it upon himself.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, and would be interested in reading more about Napoleon’s younger years. He seemed to be a man of feelings, but also a man of war for what was right. I really enjoyed reading about the various people of St. Helena’s island and about the island itself. Thank you to She Writes Press for the free novel. ( )