Finding Napoleon
Finding Napoleon is an excellent historical fiction novel that tells the story of the last few years of Napoleon’s life in exile on St. Helena, his little-known and rumored last love Albine de Montholon, and an extension of a partial manuscript that was written by the Emperor himself (Clisson). I’ve read several historical fiction books that pertain to Napoleon’s sister and wife, but none that pertain to the man himself, so it was wonderful to finally dive into this superbly rich and well researched novel!
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.
This was a beyond thought-provoking, unique, and honestly magnificent story. Rodenberg is a genius. She was able to take fact and fiction, meld the two together, and create a novel within a novel to bring the reader into Napoleon’s life during exile.
The story was told by Albine and Napoleon, and the transition between narrators was smooth easy to follow. I loved following their interwoven story along with the novel that Napoleon had started to write when he was younger. My favorite part of this story was learning the dynamics and drama between the couple, and I found myself completely bewitched with their story and love affair.
Finding Napoleon was a wonderful story that kept me enthralled and engaged throughout. Rodenberg clearly has a passion for research and Napoleon, and the research she has done is meticulous. This novel is a love-infused gift to the reader that has fiction, historic facts, ill-fated romance, passion, and intrigue.
On a final note, I love it when an author includes an Author’s Note at the end. It is so wonderful to learn the facts about the book, what was elaborated on, and what was added in which to create a fascinating story. Thank you so much Margaret Rodenberg. I’m truly looking forward to reading more of your publications.
