A Review: The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon's Court by Michelle Moran

Ok, let's talk about these covers. Seriously. 

(The one on the left is the cover circulating in the states right now.) 

I mentioned the ugly cover situation when I read Moran's last novel, Madam Tussaud, and expressed my inability to understand why someone would ever have approved it. (I apologize if you enjoy these covers - I guess it's a preference). If it's an issue with my character, so be it. While I won't judge a novel on its cover art, or not entirely anyway, I'll admit a well designed cover will catch my attention and at least get me reading the jacket. This one... Not. so. much.

But I really liked Madame Tussaud. It was a historical novel about a female figure I didn't know much about and seemed to offer just enough truth and fiction for it to be smart and entertaining. So when I heard about The Second Empress I requested it from the library with the expectation that she would do it again.

Hmmm.. yes and no.

I'll be clear and say that I haven't read Moran's other novels about similar women in compromising/uncomfortable/crazy political situations in years past, but I've seen enough reviews to think she has a loyal following and reviews that state it's quality material.

The Second Empress follows the life of Maria Louisa of Austria after Napoleon Bonaparte has chosen her to be his "walking womb" wife once it's clear that his beloved Josephine will never bare him the heir he so desperately needs. Dragged from her home and the family she loves, she must learn to deal with Napoleon's erratic and selfish behavior in the hopes that she keeps both the Emperor and the French people happy (remember her great-aunt Marie Antoinette was beheaded just a decade before). Told from the perspectives of Pauline Bonaparte (Napoleon's sister and possible incestuous partner), Paul Moreau (Pauline's Haitian chamberlain) and Maria Louisa, we see numerous sides of the conqueror Napoleon Bonaparte and his life prior to his fall from grace.

After completing the novel, which I managed to polish off pretty quickly, I noticed that several people mentioned an annoyance with the multiple narrators and the fact that a story told from so many perspectives leaves a lot to be desired. It's clear that Maria Louisa finds herself in a miserable situation, but Moran doesn't ever really tap into Maria's emotions. The characters are one dimensional and lack their own voices. They all seem to possess the same pattern of thought, which seems highly unlikely as one character thinks of sleeping with and marrying their sibling, another longs to be home with their family and another reflects upon the life of conflict and misery they've left behind. I don't know about you, but it seems that three people in very different places wouldn't be going through the same steps of cognition and action. *I shrug my shoulders* Furthermore, despite the gossip the French court is infamous for, Maria Louisa speaks of her discomfort quite freely to individuals she's just met (all to keep the reader up to speed) which seemed completely unrealistic. So... I certainly had some issues.

Despite my annoyances with bits of this novel I did find it highly entertaining. Plus, I ended up walking away much more interested in each of these figures. Moran states that much of her writing is built on information she's gained from some of the most credible scholars of these public figures, but I wouldn't mind seeking out some nonfiction on these events to get another perspective. What type of person was Maria Louisa? Were Pauline and Napoleon actually engaged in incestuous relations? What role did Paul Moreau really play in the lives of Pauline and Napoleon?

If you enjoy historical fiction with a whole lotta drama this is a must-read!

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Favorite Reads of 2011: A Mid-Year Review

When I was a child I was told that as I grew older the years would begin to flash before my eyes, rushing past so quickly that I'd barely have time to grasp the subtleties that presented themselves before me.  While I agree that time seems to be more hurried, I also have days that seem to (so wonderfully) stretch before me.  Some of these days I'm busy getting in all the things I can't do when working, or spending time with my loved ones, but sometimes I get the chance to sit and read for as long as I wish.

Because I featured my favorite reads at the close of the following year, I felt it only right to provide a little mid-year review of six titles that I just couldn't put down.  I'm also excited to share that I've already read three books more than I did in all of 2010.  Goals!

1. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Mysteries and secrets.  Secrets and mysteries.  I'm kidding, but this novel sucked me in.  I distinctly remember my boyfriend having to pull me out of the groove of the couch I found myself in after not getting off the thing for hours.  In the end, you still have questions.  It was dark and fascinating and an awesome thriller.  All hands for The Thirteenth Tale.

2. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

I don't know if any of you remember, but a while back, Brenna from Literary Musings and I decided to host a little read-along.  The book was a little slow in the beginning, but I soon found that I didn't want to stop reading once I began the second half.  We got some great participation and were able to share our opinions and questions, which made the read even more enjoyable.  Edith Wharton is seriously amazing.

3. Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Another book that I couldn't peel my hands from and one that I mention as a "must read" to any bookworm I encounter.  I have this thing for historical fiction (as you probably already know) and thought this was perfectly entertaining and informative.  The cover art not so much.

4. The Bird Sisters by Rebecca Rasmussen

I know, I know. I haven't managed to post a review on this one yet.  But it has definitely been one of the best reads of 2011.  The storyline was not quite what I expected and made the novel that much better.  Maybe Milly and Twiss are described as old women who nurse birds back to health, but this title holds so much more.  I found Rasmussen's language authentic and engaging.  I strongly encourage giving this title a chance!

5. The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

I finished this novel last night.  And loved it.  I refused to give it up upon finding that the beginning was a little slow.  In the end, I am so glad I stuck with it because not only did I enjoy the historical element of the storyline, but I also really enjoyed the raw expression of emotions and the landscape Kent so delicately describes.  I didn't want this one to end.  

6. Shakespeare by Bill Bryson

Ok, so maybe I read this one during haze that follows the extraction of my wisdom teeth, but somehow I was able to remain attentive enough to finish the whole thing in a sitting.  Bryson is increasingly becoming a go-to when it comes to learning while laughing.


So close to making the list: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath & The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows

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A Review: Michelle Moran's Madame Tussaud

This was my introduction to Moran's work and was largely unaware that her historical fiction titles feature powerful women in such a unique perspective. *Start the cheese* Generally weary of novels that feature such, I hate to say, gaudy cover art, I have finally learned that you should never judge a book by it's cover.  *End of cheese*

Madame Tussaud, as you might have guessed, provides an intimate account of the life of one of the world's most well-known wax artists.  Alongside a fierce desire to become a highly successful artist, who can support herself, Marie Grosholtz (Madame Tussaud) witnesses the start and end of the French Revolution. Marie cleverly plays her role in a struggle to survive.  Morality, power, loss and art are themes explored quite heavily throughout the novel.

The novel loosely follows the progression of the revolution, showing numerous perspectives as Marie maintains contact with both the royal family and the leaders of the revolution.  Blood, guts and gore, Marie must make gut-wrenching decisions, from creating wax molds of the heads of cadavers, to sneaking molds into the royal family while they're held captive.  Events inspired from reality, Moran breathes life into this enigmatic female.

I found the novel most fascinating due to the fact that the storyline focused on a strong female character; one who possessed wit, intelligence and dedication to achieve stability in her life. Marie, forced to choose between domestic life and a career, faces the inevitable doubt that occurs when choosing one indefinitely.  The novel, however, did not rely upon a budding relationship with her male counterpart, Henri, but focused on the political upheavel of the day, making the novel much more informative. For a female (and really any citizen in her position) during this period, it was incredible to see such a feat. 

Madame Tussaud explores the intensely dark days of the French Revolution, and the disheartening extremes of humanity.  I'd say that the novel isn't necessarily for those who detest violence and devious sexuality, but is worth the read due to the historical figures it presents.  I've been on quite the historical hunt to find out more information about many of the individuals represented in the book. 

If you enjoy historical fiction that presses you to find out more about the subject, Moran's Madame Tussaud is a perfect selection.  Plus, a friend of mine let me borrow her copy of this book, so be sure to visit her site, Literature and a Lens, to see a more thorough review of the novel.

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