Tales Of Passion, Tales Of Woe

This is the second novel in the Josephine Trilogy; here the story takes us to the beginning of Josephine's marriage to Napoleon. We are witness to the horrid and formidable Bonaparte clan, In-laws that would make anyone think twice about marriage, and the rise of Napoleon's power. Through Sandra Gulland, Josephine brings us into her world as she deals with her new and ever evolving role in society. It is an interesting and refreshing point of view, which Gulland brings to the pages. We see history through human eyes and actually experience this period time. If the Napoleonic Wars are of interest to you, or you enjoy getting a sense of history and a different society I highly recommend this book. Gulland makes Josephine real to us, sometimes we want to shake her, and sometimes we want to congratulate her. Always we want to sympathize with her.

A wonderful book, far more interesting than the first volume. Once you begin to read the first words of this book, you will be slowly hypnotised into her world. You will be transformed into Josephine herself and relive the wars, the romance, the terror, her emotions and thoughts. A three dimensional feeling will overcome you, and suddenly you'll find that you are imprisoned in the world of the past; deep in a dark winter night in a jasmine-scented room, writing a letter with the light of a single candle where you can only hear the sound of the fire crackling and the cold wind rustling. And you WON'T want to return. You will bring Josephine to your dreams, in a mysterious night in the alluring melancholic music of a harp. Oh, it's completely mesmerizing!

This book starts after Josephine and Napolean are married. It gives a deep insight into their marriage, their quarrels, and how they shaped and liberated France. While it is a love story, it isn't terribly gushy. It has its footholds in reality, making it a pleasant read for a man. It touches briefly upon war, but primarily explains the preparations and after effects. It doesn't really go into what happened on the fields. The author filled this book with so many facts that it would make a great reference. It would also give a highschool student who was anti-learning about history a different view, perhaps even peak their interest. The entire book is footnoted.

Absolutely mesmerizing. This is a book that invades your mind and soul completely. Historically rich, refreshing, provocative yet deep. Unique perspective on a subject often ignored in history- the role of the significant other. Definitely one of the best historical fiction books I've read.

I was a nervous wreck waiting for "Tales of Passion..." to be released. And when it arrived in NY stores, I had a salesclerk pull it right from the shipping boxes! It took me 3 days to complete this fabulous continuation of Josephine's life. I had feared it wouldn't even compare to the first, but now I can't decide which one I LOVE more. I haven't been this excited about a book since Memoirs of a Geisha (which I read 3 years ago.) I'll be in withdrawl from now until Part III. Hurry up Ms. Gulland! What will I do when its over!