“Beautiful and poignant.” —Allison Pataki, NY Times best-selling author of The Queen’s Fortune“Moving compassion, humor, and wit.” — Sandra Gulland, author of The Josephine B. TrilogyWith its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte’s real attempt to write a novel, Finding Napoleon offers a fresh take on Europe’s most powerful man after he’s lost everything. A forgotten woman of history—the … A forgotten woman of history—the audacious Albine de Montholon—narrates their tale of intrigue, love, 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 survive, Albine must decide whom to betray. To succeed, Napoleon must learn whom to trust.
Two hundred years after Napoleon’s death, this elegant, richly researched novel reveals the man history conceals.
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What a great story! Rodenberg has such a talent for dialogue, I felt like I was eavesdropping on history. Not only did I enjoy reading this wonderful, incredibly interesting, and well-researched historical novel, but I benefitted from her excellent presentation at my book club as well. (If you are lucky enough to “book” her busy schedule, through the magic of virtual presentation, she takes you on a visual experience of her own travels to discover how she began the journey by walking with Napoleon’s ghost when he was in exile on St. Helena.) Through her adept story-telling, I could actually see her characters come to life and was truly fascinated. Couple your book club with a glass of Chambertin, grapes, bleu cheese, and brie, you are in for a delightful evening and even better discussion. And the takeaway- build something that makes you proud- create your masterpiece. Kudos to this author-can’t wait to see what masterpiece Rodenberg creates next!
I find it nearly impossible to believe FINDING NAPOLEON is the author’s debut novel! It is like several tales rolled into one fantastic book. Rodenberg’s prose is eloquent and sophisticated. She discovered an unfinished manuscript belong to Napoleon and took it upon herself to finish the story for him. The tireless research that went into the creation of this story is apparent throughout these pages. I learned so much about the infamous Emperor as Rodenberg illustrated a very human side to her readers. The supporting characters were charming and cunning and I didn’t know what was going to happen next. You are in the hands of a true master of historical fiction!
This is a fascinating look at Napoleon’s exile on the island of Saint Helena off the coast of Africa. Rodenberg’s research is impeccable, and I was so impressed by her use of Napoleon’s lost manuscript to reveal his childhood experiences on Corsica. This novel is rich in description and historical detail, and the characters are well developed. Finding Napoleon is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about Europe’s most famous military leader or just wants an unforgettable escape to the past.
Margaret Rodenberg’s Finding Napoleon is such a beautiful gift to a historical novel fan like myself! I truly appreciate Rodenberg’s deep research on Napoleon Bonaparte’s life. With her eloquent writing, Rodenberg presents the reader an unforgettable story of Napoleon’s final years in exile on the remote island of St. Helena. I highly recommend it!
Intimate, engaging story about Napoleon!
Evoking the era skillfully, Margaret Rodenberg has written an engaging classic of historical fiction. Her intimate look at Napoleon during his last exile to a remote island, coupled with her imagined account of his view of his childhood and early adult years, had me, a Napoleon neophyte, turning the pages, laughing out loud, pounding in my heart, and musing on the characters between readings. The audio version provides the treat of the actors speaking in the British and French accents from that era. But it is Rodenberg’s writing that makes each scene sing with authenticity, and her graceful shaping of a perfect fictional plot without straying too far from actual events that makes the story such a delight to read. She leads us into the heart and mind of a powerful leader knowing when to fight and when to accept not only his exile, but the love and betrayal of the companions he has ended up with. There is not a spare word in the book, nor a dry eye in the house when it is done.
Beautifully, vividly, and expertly written. This feels authentic, like a historical document rediscovered rather than a novel constructed by a 21st-century author. Truly a treat for lovers of historical fiction. Napoleon’s escape plots were exciting, and I appreciated the inclusion of St. Helena’s enslaved population. I also loved the detailed Author’s Note. The audiobook narrators did a wonderful job as well. Their French pronunciations were spot-on. Magnifique!
So disappointed. After reading reviews I had expected much more.
All I knew about Napoleon before I read this book was that he had been emperor of France, was short (by today’s standards), liked to be photographed with a hand inside his jacket (that’s been my impression, right or wrong), and had lived in exile on the island of Elba. Margaret Rodenberg does an excellent job of painting a portrait of a complex man in the final years of his life, when he was exiled for a second time to far-away St. Helena. From the first sentence, the writing is poetic, filled with nuance, and the main characters–Napoleon and his married mistress Albine de Montholon–shown with all their failings and their devious machinations. And through all of it, Rodenberg expertly weaves in a secret unfinished novel Napoleon had written. That the author was able to finish the novel for him, without the reader being able to detect where Napoleon had left off and Rodenberg had picked up, is no small feat. If you like history and learning more about famous historical figures (and their not-so-famous compatriots), you’ll greatly enjoy Finding Napoleon.
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.
I loved this novel. Margaret Rodenberg writes with her whole heart as she sweeps the reader along in a rich whirlwind of romance, intrigue, betrayal, and honor. In Finding Napoleon, she opens wide an important historical window and lets us eavesdrop on Napoleon’s final days. Her flowing descriptions transported me to St. Helena, as I sat across from the emperor while he crafted elaborately escape plans. The author satisfyingly blends fact with fiction as she lovingly treats us to one of history’s greatest figures. You need to read this wonderfully-crafted book!
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.
Oh my. This book.
Born from a secret manuscript.
At age 26, Napoleon Bonaparte wrote the scant twenty pages—and kept “Clisson” hidden all his life, even carrying the seedling story with him into his final exile on the island of St. Helena.
When author Margaret Rodenberg learned of the story’s existence in 1999, she began a passionate research journey that carried her through decades and across tens of thousands of miles. Her goal: to flesh out the infant narrative about a young Napoleon and overlap it with an intimate, imagined retelling of the deposed emperor’s final years.
And wow, does she ever do it well.
Start to finish, the book is fascinating. Memorable. The characterization is superb, the well-paced storyline infused with betrayal, intrigue, tender love, and bawdy realities. With true artistry, the author gave me access not only to the brilliant mind and heart of Napoleon, but also to his resilient, wounded mistress Albine and his devoted protégée Tobyson, along with the settings that restricted, expanded, and shaped them all.
The story sent me scrambling to learn more—despite the fact that I have never had more than a yawning interest in Napoleon.
The author accomplishes what every historical novelist surely hopes to do, as she not only transports her readers into a past age, but awakens the lungs and limbs, thoughts and souls of her characters so profoundly that they live and breathe within inches of those readers.
I read an advance digital copy of this book with an opportunity to give it an independent review. I’ve since pre-ordered a hard copy. When it releases on April 6, I want this book on my shelf.
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Finding Napoleon by Margaret Rodenberg is an excellent historical fiction novel that depicts 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 man himself (Clisson).
This novel is beyond thought-provoking, unique, and honestly stunning. It is ingenious the way the author was able to take fact, fiction, and create a novel within a novel to bring us an impressive piece of work.
I only know a few things about Napoleon. I have read books depicting his first loves, but I have never read anything quite like this.
It is a wonderful story that kept me enthralled throughout. The author clearly has a passion for the subject and has done her research. What shows is a love-infused gift to the reader that has fiction, historic facts, ill-fated romance, passion, intrigue, and finality.
I enjoyed reading the Author’s Note at the end to give me ideas in what was real, what was elaborated on, and what was added in which to create a stunning narrative.
5/5 stars
Thank you EW and She Writes Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/6/21.