The Queen's Fortune: A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire

I was very excited when I heard that another book about Desiree was written. 'Desiree' by author Annemarie Selinko was my favorite book in high school. I attended high school in the mid 1960's graduating in 1966. This book by Allison Pataki did not disappoint. I was thrilled again to read about this wonderful character. I love historical novels. Always knowing that Desiree was a real person adds to the stories written about her. You can put yourself in her place and look at history through the characters eyes & heart. A wonderful read!!

THE QUEEN’S FORTUNE provides an intimate way to see Napoleonic times through the quintessential “fly on the wall,” Napoleon’s first serious love. Although young Desirée Clary was cast aside for the alluring mature Josephine, she remains within Napoleon’s sphere all his life. In fact, she can’t escape it since she’s also his sister-in-law. Allison Pataki takes full advantage of Desirée’s perspective to do what historical fiction does best—intertwine an engrossing personal story with historical events.As an enthusiast for this historical era, I enjoyed the many side notes that give this novel so much life. For example, Pataki aptly and amusingly portrays Napoleon’s sisters as a clutch of jealous pecking hens (which they were). But you don’t need any special knowledge to fall in love with the compelling story of young Desirée, her quest for survival, and her ironic finale that outlives Napoleon himself.Desirée’s story was a favorite in the 1950’s with a popular book and movie, both of which are too dated to attract a current audience. I’m thrilled to see Pataki bring her back to life with the artistry and verve this complex heroine deserves.THE QUEEN’S FORTUNE has sent me scurrying to read Pataki’s WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS to get her take on the French Revolution.

As a young girl I took out a book at the library in that I was drawn to by the title. Desiree. Then I watched a Hollywood film in my teens about the life of Desiree. I recall Marlon Brando played Napoleone and Jean Simmons was Desiree. It was based on the novel I had read and authored by Annemarie Selenko. The movie was, as usually the way, lacking to inspire any further interest in Desiree for me. I am now 71. Last year I had read the Accidental Empress by Ms. Pataki and enjoyed every page. I committed to following her future books. I made a wonderful choice. The Queens Fortune is a spellbinding read for those who enjoy stepping first hand into periods of history. In this case Napoleon and Josephines incredible accent to rule France following the French Revolution. Desiree was reborn for me. Desiree and all the perfectly drawn historical characters that revolved in her sphere. And without whom this fabulous read would not have been written. Nor read by me. What a loss. It is simply grand and a must read.

Really good book. One of my favorite authors. But I think there's some manufacturer problems, this 3 stars. First copy I received, the binding was completely loose. The second copy was a little loose. Not exchanging again, what if my third copy is worse! I love this book so I will keep it, I just need to be careful.

As some reviewers before me, I had read and loved Desiree by Annmarie Selinko many years ago. So I was very excited when I read an article about this new book on Desiree by Alison Pataki. I am not disappointed, It's like catching up with an old friend. Why isn't there more written about this woman? And kudos to Governor Pataki for pointing Allison in Desiree's direction, If you are interested in historical fictions, this is the book for you.

I’ve loved all of Pataki’s novels, but this one is my favorite. Desiree is just so endearing and easy to root for. I so sympathized with her heartbreak (oh, to be 16 again) and cheered when she fell in love again, but with a good guy. Pataki makes her so relatable - no easy feat for a woman was a. a fantastically wealthy woman/royal and b. was born over 200 years ago. The way she weaves history with a magnetic love story is powerful. I feel like I have a better grasp of European history after reading it! And how she paints all the women around Desiree with such color. Josephine... Julie... I feel like I know each of these unique, sometimes flawed, always beautiful and cunning women. All the characters are richly developed and nuanced. Such a good read!

A good story. The character of Bernadotte wasn't as principled as appears here though.

I'm a Napoleon buff.. & I purchased this book bec it was watching film DESIREE having Napoleon played by Brando that first made me curious about Napoleon.. I was 16.then I read book Desiree''.. read his love letters to Josephine. I was hooked. that was a long time ago.. I have read & collected many N bios & his epoch since.I'm in the first chapters of this book.. almost at once.. it started turning me off.. granted this is in novel form.. still one must be at least,be accurate in details which is readily available by now.NO.. Napoleon wasn't short.. that he is almost as tall as Desiree.. who was around 5'1.. Napoleon was 5'6. & YES.. I have seen his personal effects including his general cloth coat at Musee' D'Armee..HIS eyes were NOT green but Bluish-grey.. & very intense.What's more.. very doubtful.. Napoleon was having his wicked way with Desiree who he called Eugenie.. Napoleon was NOT prone to quickies esp with well -bred buorgois young ladies like Desiree'.. that was TABOO ..Josephine was different.. she was an experienced woman of the world, a widow and was known to have had many lovers.. one of them..Paul Barras.. Napoleon's mentor.I shal try to finish this book.. BUT..