Karen H. (SashaFletch) reviewed Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe (Josephine B., Bk 2) on + 121 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found the first book in this trilogy while taking a cruise in 2005. It was in the library swap section, so I started it then and there and took it home with me. I had never read anything on Josephine Bonaparte or Napoleon before, so it was all new to me and I really enjoyed it. I subsequently got this second book in the trilogy as a gift.
This book, and the other 2 books, are very pleasant reading. They are fiction, but Ms. Gulland has done her research of the times thoroughly, so I felt that I had also learned an accurate account of French history from those years.
Since reading these books, however, I have read a purely historical, non-fiction book about Josephine and found that this trilogy of books is extremely sympathetic to Josephine to the point of leaving out some the less honorable parts of her life. So, even though the historical events are correct, I didn't feel her life was presented accurately at all. For example, in the non-fiction book, the introduction states that many people did not like Josephine and that she has not been portrayed kindly among historians. This was a shock to me since in Ms. Gulland's books, Josephine is shown in such a favorable, sympathetic light.
The books are written in diary form, so maybe the author is presenting the skewed facts as how Josephine would want them to appear to the public, conveniently leaving out some of her extramarital affairs for example, or turning them into platonic friendships. That could be the case. Anyway, the book was fun to read and very enjoyable as fiction.
This book, and the other 2 books, are very pleasant reading. They are fiction, but Ms. Gulland has done her research of the times thoroughly, so I felt that I had also learned an accurate account of French history from those years.
Since reading these books, however, I have read a purely historical, non-fiction book about Josephine and found that this trilogy of books is extremely sympathetic to Josephine to the point of leaving out some the less honorable parts of her life. So, even though the historical events are correct, I didn't feel her life was presented accurately at all. For example, in the non-fiction book, the introduction states that many people did not like Josephine and that she has not been portrayed kindly among historians. This was a shock to me since in Ms. Gulland's books, Josephine is shown in such a favorable, sympathetic light.
The books are written in diary form, so maybe the author is presenting the skewed facts as how Josephine would want them to appear to the public, conveniently leaving out some of her extramarital affairs for example, or turning them into platonic friendships. That could be the case. Anyway, the book was fun to read and very enjoyable as fiction.
Leigh F. (phredhome) reviewed Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe (Josephine B., Bk 2) on + 27 more book reviews
Second in the Josephine trilogy, a fascinating fictionalized account of Josephine's early marriage to Napoleon, the war in Egypt, etc.
Paula D. (eddiandizosmom) reviewed Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe (Josephine B., Bk 2) on + 134 more book reviews
Beautifully written. I can't wait to read the third in this wonderful series.
This book which is part of a trilogy is one of my all time favorites!
Very interesting and compelling.
Wonderful!! Great trilogy for a book club!
Still reading this book (in between others), but have enjoyed it a great deal. Wonder how much of it is an accurate portrayal of the historical figures in the story.
Story starts right after night that Bonaparte is married to Rose/Josephine. Loved the story. Trilogy is great. can't wait to start the last book.
Fabulous read! Highly recommend reading the trilogy.
Beth T. (moonivy285) reviewed Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe (Josephine B., Bk 2) on + 63 more book reviews
The second volumne in Gulland's trilogy about Josephine Bonaparte - very good.
The second in the trilogy of historical fiction about Josephine Bonaparte. Wonderful.
Joan A. K. (Jak) reviewed Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe (Josephine B., Bk 2) on + 82 more book reviews
Second in the series. Very good read.
Jody F. (writetime) reviewed Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe (Josephine B., Bk 2) on + 117 more book reviews
Great insight into Josephine Bonaparte.
