What do you think?
Rate this book
Becoming Josephine
Rose Tascher sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris to trade her Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. She arrives exultant to follow her dreams of attending Court with Alexandre, her elegant aristocrat and soldier husband. But Alexandre dashes her hopes and abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution.
Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll.
After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.
Becoming Josephine is a novel of one woman's journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.
Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll.
After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.
Becoming Josephine is a novel of one woman's journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.
310 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2013
36 people are currently reading
4463 people want to read
About the author
Heather Webb
14 books1,281 followersHeather Webb is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of historical fiction, including Strangers in the Night, The Next Ship Home, Last Christmas in Paris, Meet Me in Monaco, Rodin's Lover, and more. In 2017, Last Christmas in Paris won the Women's Fiction Writers Association award, and in 2019, Meet Me in Monaco was shortlisted for both the RNA award in the UK and also the Digital Book World Fiction prize.
Heather's currently hard at work on a novel releasing in early 2024 called Queens of London about a true-to-life, all-female gang led by the most notorious criminal, Diamond Annie, set in grimy and glamorous 1925. Also, look for her fourth collaboration with her beloved writing partner, Hazel Gaynor, Christmas with the Queen releasing in the fall of 2024
When not writing, Heather flexes her foodie skills, geeks out on pop culture and history, or looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world.
***Heather's review policy on Goodreads is to only rate books that she enjoys. She believes there's enough negativity in the world and would rather share the positive with her reader friends. The negative she lets swirl down the drain of her bathtub.
Heather's currently hard at work on a novel releasing in early 2024 called Queens of London about a true-to-life, all-female gang led by the most notorious criminal, Diamond Annie, set in grimy and glamorous 1925. Also, look for her fourth collaboration with her beloved writing partner, Hazel Gaynor, Christmas with the Queen releasing in the fall of 2024
When not writing, Heather flexes her foodie skills, geeks out on pop culture and history, or looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world.
***Heather's review policy on Goodreads is to only rate books that she enjoys. She believes there's enough negativity in the world and would rather share the positive with her reader friends. The negative she lets swirl down the drain of her bathtub.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
April 5, 2024
Man bišk iš pačios savęs ima juokas, bet aš kasdien, dirbdama ar kažką kito svarbaus darydama, NUOLAT svajojau kaip tuoj tuoj eisiu skaityt šios knygos.
Pabaigiau! Kaip gaila iš tikro 😂
Man kaip tai putokšlei, kuri apie Scotto filmą putojo kaip apie blogiausią Phoenixo portfelio momentą, o dar ir negalėjo atsigaut, kad Napoleonas gyvenimo meilę tratina vos kelias sekundes ir tik sijoną iš nugaros pakėlęs, ši knyga tapo tuo geruoju popsu, kur neabejoji, kad Napis ne tik klostėse vis pasiklysdavo, bet iš esmės buvo nuginkluotas žaviosios kreolės Rozos 🤪
Webb giriasi, kad daug laiko leido gilindamasi į istorinius archyvus, kol parašė savo debiutinį romaną. Aš galiu tikėti ja nebent iš bendro išsilavinimo, nes nesu didelė Prancūzijos revoliucijos ar Napoleono žinovė. Įdomu būtų specialisto pasiklausyt!
Tačiau kas autorei tikrai pavyko, tai suregzti laaaaaaaaabaiiiiii įtraukiantį Žozefinos portretą, apimantį bemaž 30 metų. Su visomis intrigomis, šilkais ir muslinais, deimantais ir merengais, šampanu ir krauju. Neeilinė moterėlė buvo - drąsi, ištverminga, dosni, gudri ir jausminga. Lyg ir neįtikėtina tam laikui?
O jau gyvenimo verpetai, tai oioioioioioioioi.
Žodž, jei norit tiesiog nerealiai pailsėti - labai rekomenduoju.
Paskum vis tiek nenorom dar ir gūglint užsimanysit. Bent jau aš ketinu 😂
Pabaigiau! Kaip gaila iš tikro 😂
Man kaip tai putokšlei, kuri apie Scotto filmą putojo kaip apie blogiausią Phoenixo portfelio momentą, o dar ir negalėjo atsigaut, kad Napoleonas gyvenimo meilę tratina vos kelias sekundes ir tik sijoną iš nugaros pakėlęs, ši knyga tapo tuo geruoju popsu, kur neabejoji, kad Napis ne tik klostėse vis pasiklysdavo, bet iš esmės buvo nuginkluotas žaviosios kreolės Rozos 🤪
Webb giriasi, kad daug laiko leido gilindamasi į istorinius archyvus, kol parašė savo debiutinį romaną. Aš galiu tikėti ja nebent iš bendro išsilavinimo, nes nesu didelė Prancūzijos revoliucijos ar Napoleono žinovė. Įdomu būtų specialisto pasiklausyt!
Tačiau kas autorei tikrai pavyko, tai suregzti laaaaaaaaabaiiiiii įtraukiantį Žozefinos portretą, apimantį bemaž 30 metų. Su visomis intrigomis, šilkais ir muslinais, deimantais ir merengais, šampanu ir krauju. Neeilinė moterėlė buvo - drąsi, ištverminga, dosni, gudri ir jausminga. Lyg ir neįtikėtina tam laikui?
O jau gyvenimo verpetai, tai oioioioioioioioi.
Žodž, jei norit tiesiog nerealiai pailsėti - labai rekomenduoju.
Paskum vis tiek nenorom dar ir gūglint užsimanysit. Bent jau aš ketinu 😂
January 2, 2019
Before she became Josephine Bonaparte, the first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, she was a Creole girl named Rose Tascher.
Rose Tascher (1763-1814) grows up on Martinique plantation. She cherishes her Creole heart, but she dreams of France, “of the adventure of Paris and the grand court life of Papa’s tales. The elegant gowns and intrigue, the handsome men. And love without bounds.”
One night, her father informs her of “a marriage in a distant land.”
She moves to France to marry Alexandre de Beauharnais, an aristocrat and soldier. But he disappears for days at a time, sometimes weeks. Very quickly she learns about his liaisons.
A separation follows.
Meanwhile, the drift between Royalists and Republicans grows deeper with each day. The raiding of chateaus in the country and towns explodes.
King Louis XVI is beheaded. The same fate follows his wife Marie Antoinette.
One night at a party, she is introduced to a new general of the new Republic. This odd little man, lacking manners, doesn’t make the best first impression on anyone. And with his provincial thinking towards women he makes everyone uncomfortable. But his strong determination catches everyone’s attention. His name is Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon, born in Corsica to a family of Italian origin, is ambitious and leads many successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars and becomes the First Consul of the Republic. His public approval inspires him to become the first Emperor of the French in 1804 and ruling over the people and not the state.
The author skillfully captures turbulent life of Josephine, her first failed marriage, which matures her to a point to become an ardent lover fighting for her survivor to provide for herself and her children. With her second marriage to Napoleon, she becomes a beloved Josephine to the French people, known for her generosity towards those who need it the most. She becomes a mother to her children, her men, and her country.
I also highly recommend trilogy about Josephine Bonaparte by Sandra Gulland.
This book is about the first wife of Napoleon. If you’d like to follow his story and read about his second wife – The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon’s Court by Michelle Moran.
If you’re looking for a book bringing a vivid depiction of the French Revolution – Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
Rose Tascher (1763-1814) grows up on Martinique plantation. She cherishes her Creole heart, but she dreams of France, “of the adventure of Paris and the grand court life of Papa’s tales. The elegant gowns and intrigue, the handsome men. And love without bounds.”
One night, her father informs her of “a marriage in a distant land.”
She moves to France to marry Alexandre de Beauharnais, an aristocrat and soldier. But he disappears for days at a time, sometimes weeks. Very quickly she learns about his liaisons.
A separation follows.
Meanwhile, the drift between Royalists and Republicans grows deeper with each day. The raiding of chateaus in the country and towns explodes.
King Louis XVI is beheaded. The same fate follows his wife Marie Antoinette.
One night at a party, she is introduced to a new general of the new Republic. This odd little man, lacking manners, doesn’t make the best first impression on anyone. And with his provincial thinking towards women he makes everyone uncomfortable. But his strong determination catches everyone’s attention. His name is Napoleon Bonaparte.
Napoleon, born in Corsica to a family of Italian origin, is ambitious and leads many successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars and becomes the First Consul of the Republic. His public approval inspires him to become the first Emperor of the French in 1804 and ruling over the people and not the state.
The author skillfully captures turbulent life of Josephine, her first failed marriage, which matures her to a point to become an ardent lover fighting for her survivor to provide for herself and her children. With her second marriage to Napoleon, she becomes a beloved Josephine to the French people, known for her generosity towards those who need it the most. She becomes a mother to her children, her men, and her country.
I also highly recommend trilogy about Josephine Bonaparte by Sandra Gulland.
This book is about the first wife of Napoleon. If you’d like to follow his story and read about his second wife – The Second Empress: A Novel of Napoleon’s Court by Michelle Moran.
If you’re looking for a book bringing a vivid depiction of the French Revolution – Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran.
@FB/BestHistoricalFiction
March 2, 2015
Loved it. Absolutely loved it. I'm so glad I started off the year with this book. I've lamented how few books blew me away in the past year; I yearned for a book to get under my skin, pull me in deep, refuse to let go of me, and then haunt me afterward. This book did all of that to me and more, and the reason is no doubt the vibrant, poignant, masterful characterization of the woman who captivated lords, generals, politicians, and ultimately, the man who would become the first Emperor of France.
Ms. Webb has painted a portrait of a larger-than-life woman judged and labeled by contemporaries and historians alike, but who was, underneath it all, all too human. Josephine's heartaches were my heartaches, her triumphs my own, her anger, her fear, her humiliation, her happiness -- all of it lived within me as I was reading. She endured much at the whims of men, and much as a Patriot of France, and though there were moments that were difficult for me to read, through it all I was comforted by the knowledge that Josephine could handle anything life threw at her, and though things would not always turn out as she hoped, she would recover, regroup, and rise from the ashes as she ascended from a Caribbean planter's daughter to Empress of France.
This is the first novel I've read about Josephine, and I did not know much about her beforehand other than that she was Napoleon's wife and supposed great love until he divorced her, so all of the tumultuous events of her life were new to me -- and what a life she lived! I don't want to spoil the pleasure of discovering the story of this indomitable woman firsthand for others, so I will avoid a plot recap. But I will say that it was so chock full of drama and history that there was never a dull moment, and I could not put the book down. From the sultry heat of Martinique with its sugar plantations, island spirits, and terrifying rebellions, to the dichotomy of Paris with its glittering salons and glamorous, free-living elite, rotten streets and starving peasants, and chaotic and paranoid revolutionary fervor, I was transported and transfixed.
All that being said, the novel is not perfect. There are a couple of things I could point to that niggled at me, one or two areas in which the book may have fallen a bit short, but in the end, none of that mattered when weighed against the pure reading pleasure this book provided me. It's going to be hard for another 2014 historical fiction debut to top this one, and even harder for another historical heroine to live up to the bar set by Marie-Josephe-Rose de Tascher de La Pagerie de Beauharnais as envisioned by Heather Webb. Becoming Josephine is a must-read for my fellow historical fiction lovers!
Ms. Webb has painted a portrait of a larger-than-life woman judged and labeled by contemporaries and historians alike, but who was, underneath it all, all too human. Josephine's heartaches were my heartaches, her triumphs my own, her anger, her fear, her humiliation, her happiness -- all of it lived within me as I was reading. She endured much at the whims of men, and much as a Patriot of France, and though there were moments that were difficult for me to read, through it all I was comforted by the knowledge that Josephine could handle anything life threw at her, and though things would not always turn out as she hoped, she would recover, regroup, and rise from the ashes as she ascended from a Caribbean planter's daughter to Empress of France.
This is the first novel I've read about Josephine, and I did not know much about her beforehand other than that she was Napoleon's wife and supposed great love until he divorced her, so all of the tumultuous events of her life were new to me -- and what a life she lived! I don't want to spoil the pleasure of discovering the story of this indomitable woman firsthand for others, so I will avoid a plot recap. But I will say that it was so chock full of drama and history that there was never a dull moment, and I could not put the book down. From the sultry heat of Martinique with its sugar plantations, island spirits, and terrifying rebellions, to the dichotomy of Paris with its glittering salons and glamorous, free-living elite, rotten streets and starving peasants, and chaotic and paranoid revolutionary fervor, I was transported and transfixed.
All that being said, the novel is not perfect. There are a couple of things I could point to that niggled at me, one or two areas in which the book may have fallen a bit short, but in the end, none of that mattered when weighed against the pure reading pleasure this book provided me. It's going to be hard for another 2014 historical fiction debut to top this one, and even harder for another historical heroine to live up to the bar set by Marie-Josephe-Rose de Tascher de La Pagerie de Beauharnais as envisioned by Heather Webb. Becoming Josephine is a must-read for my fellow historical fiction lovers!
January 5, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
"France, armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine."
These, the final words of Napoleon Bonaparte, are what first sparked my interest in Joséphine de Beauharnais. In exile and faced with his own mortality, the former Emperor of France might have had any number of things on his mind, but why, I wondered, was the woman he abandoned so prominent among them? Who was this woman to have captivated him so?
Napoleon's reasoning will never be truly understood, but author Heather Webb has given readers the next best thing in Becoming Josephine. A fictional chronicle, the novel highlights Joséphine's fiery perseverance and generous spirit against the trials and tribulations that marked her life.
I knew going into this piece that my opinion would hinge on Webb's characterization of her heroine and generally speaking, I think she hit the nail on the head. Webb paints a wonderfully compelling portrait of Napoleon's first Empress. In these pages, as in life, Joséphine is a complex, dynamic, and self-reliant woman whose bold independence knows no bounds.
That being said, I found the scope of the novel something of a challenge. Spanning thirty years, the narrative's momentum wanes in several places, at times making it difficult remain engaged in the story. Don't misunderstand, I really appreciated Webb's interest in portraying Joséphine's story in its entirety and I completely understand how difficult it would be to compress the material, but I can't help feeling the extensive timetable was detrimental to the pacing.
My real criticism relates to Joséphine's relationship with Alexandre as compared to her relationship with Napoleon. Despite the ultimate failure of their union, Joséphine's first marriage comes full circle, feeling complete within the confines of the narrative. Her second, on the other hand, lacks closure and I think that really undermined and distorted the significance of Joséphine's sacrificial acceptance of Napoleon's decision to divorce. Her final act represents a powerful moment in terms of who she was and what she believed, but I felt that emotionally, it paled in comparison to her reconciliation with Alexandre.
Nitpicky? Yes, but that's me. A promising debut, Becoming Josephine delivers a fascinatingly vivid account of one of history's most captivating characters. Extensively researched and impeccably detailed, Webb's is a memorable story of political intrigue, steadfast persistence and passionate devotion.
"France, armée, tête d'armée, Joséphine."
These, the final words of Napoleon Bonaparte, are what first sparked my interest in Joséphine de Beauharnais. In exile and faced with his own mortality, the former Emperor of France might have had any number of things on his mind, but why, I wondered, was the woman he abandoned so prominent among them? Who was this woman to have captivated him so?
Napoleon's reasoning will never be truly understood, but author Heather Webb has given readers the next best thing in Becoming Josephine. A fictional chronicle, the novel highlights Joséphine's fiery perseverance and generous spirit against the trials and tribulations that marked her life.
I knew going into this piece that my opinion would hinge on Webb's characterization of her heroine and generally speaking, I think she hit the nail on the head. Webb paints a wonderfully compelling portrait of Napoleon's first Empress. In these pages, as in life, Joséphine is a complex, dynamic, and self-reliant woman whose bold independence knows no bounds.
That being said, I found the scope of the novel something of a challenge. Spanning thirty years, the narrative's momentum wanes in several places, at times making it difficult remain engaged in the story. Don't misunderstand, I really appreciated Webb's interest in portraying Joséphine's story in its entirety and I completely understand how difficult it would be to compress the material, but I can't help feeling the extensive timetable was detrimental to the pacing.
My real criticism relates to Joséphine's relationship with Alexandre as compared to her relationship with Napoleon. Despite the ultimate failure of their union, Joséphine's first marriage comes full circle, feeling complete within the confines of the narrative. Her second, on the other hand, lacks closure and I think that really undermined and distorted the significance of Joséphine's sacrificial acceptance of Napoleon's decision to divorce. Her final act represents a powerful moment in terms of who she was and what she believed, but I felt that emotionally, it paled in comparison to her reconciliation with Alexandre.
Nitpicky? Yes, but that's me. A promising debut, Becoming Josephine delivers a fascinatingly vivid account of one of history's most captivating characters. Extensively researched and impeccably detailed, Webb's is a memorable story of political intrigue, steadfast persistence and passionate devotion.
January 29, 2014
Josephine Bonaparte springs so vividly to live in these pages she practically walks right off them. Webb paints a full and charming portrait of the Creole beauty born and christened Rose Tascher, not side-stepping her faults but instead making them lovable. Whether she is running up dress bills by the mountain, scolding her children, or bed-hopping blithely between lovers in Paris, you want to shake your head indulgently and say "Rose, you scamp!" It's easy to see how Napoleon fell victim to her charm, why he showered her with more jewels than any queen ever owned, why he raged and lost his temper and then always came crawling back for more: Josephine's wayward lovability was perhaps the only thing ever to conquer the conqueror. Her tempestuous early marriage, her knife-edge survival during the Reign of Terror, and her years as Empress of France pass in a blur of love affairs, parties, politics, and occasionally bloodshed. If the novel has a fault, it's perhaps too short - with a life so colorful, I'd love to see what Webb could have done with another two hundred pages to stretch her narrative. But this is a strong debut for an author I was lucky enough to meet and congratulate in person at the last Historical Novel Society Conference, and I look forward to her next book on Rodin.
August 21, 2023
Žozefina Žozefina. Geriausiai plačiąjai auditorijai žinoma kaip Napoleono mylimoji, bet tiek pasakyti apie ją, tai nepasakyti nieko. Ši asmenybė daug plačiau įsitvirtinusi istorijoje ir vienas vyras, net jei tai pats Napoleonas, jos tikrai neapibrėžtų.
"Žozefina"- tai pirmasis Heather Webb kūrinys ir, sakyčiau, visai neprastas. Pasitelkiant šią neeilinę moterį autorė gana sėkmingai atskleidžia to meto istorijos ypatybes, aktualijas, jos luomo gyvenimo būdo niuansus. Reikia paminėti, kad Žozefina gimsta visai ne kaip Žozefina. 1763 metais Prancūzijai priklausančioje nedidelėje Martinikos saloje pasaulį išvysta Mari Žozefa Roza de Tašė. Mergaitės šeima nebuvo itin pasiturinti, tad teko suktis iš padėties. Taip, būdama vos šešiolikos, Roza išteka už Paryžiuje gerai žinomo Aleksandro de Boharnė. Roza pagaliau gali mėgauti prabanga, kurią itin mėgsta, bet santuoka nėra laiminga. Aleksandrui daug įdomesnis aukštuomenės gyvenimas, jis gėdijasi savo žmonos ir mieliau laiką leidžia meilužių glėbyje. Roza nesnaudžia. Ji puikiai supranta, kad jai reikia lavintis, mokytis aukštuomenės subtilybių ir infiltruotis į taip trokštamą kilmingųjų gyvenimą. Vėliau seka sėkmingas jos debiutas vakarėliuose, moteris tampa itin pageidaujama solonų viešnia kol galiausiai sutinka Napoleoną ir tampa Žozefina...
Faktas, kad Napoleonas ją "perkrikštija" ir suteikia naują vardą, manau, gana iškalbingas ir, bent jau man, gana šlykštus. Šis vyras puikiai suvokia itin tvirtą Rozos padėtį visuomenėje, jos svarbius ryšius ir nori jais pasinaudoti, bet kartu nori pervadinęs ją susikurti iliuziją, kad Žozefina yra tarsi nauja pradžia. Tapdama Žozefina, Roza tarsi ištrina savo praeitį, buvusius vyrus ir tampa nauja, skaisti ir skirta tik Napoleonui. Šis jo elegesys man labai puikiai paaiškina atsiradusį posakį "Napoleono sindromas". Tikrai turi būti gana egocentriškas, kad ryžtis pervadinti savo mylimąją dėl savo keistų polinkių būti pirmas, nugalėtojas ir vienintelis.
Nereikia įsivaizduoti, kad Napoleono ir Žozefinos meilės istorija yra tarsi meilė seilė. Taip tikrai nėra. Autorė labai aiškiai parodo, kad Napoleonas pameta galvą dėl Žozefinos ir tampa tarsi apsėstas. Mūšiuose jis randa laiko gana kartšligiškai rašyti laiškus Žozefinai. Net po kelis per dieną. Žozefina dvejoja. Napoleonas ją traukia, bet didesnių jausmų ir aistros teks palaukti. Moterį spaudžia laikas, nes jai jau virš trisdešims, jos pomėgiai reikalauja lėšų ir turtingas vyras būtų puiki išeitis. Vėliau, taip, jie myli vienas kitą, bet tie santykiai gana dramatiški, niekada nepasižymėję dideliu saugumu, o ir pabaiga - toli gražu ne laiminga.
Kiek teko domėtis istorikų įžvalgomis apie Žozefiną, visi kaip vienas itin pabrėžia jos protą, išlaidumą ir sugebėjimą atsitiesti po itin skaudžių gyvenimo išmėginimų. Autorė knygoje tą puikiai atspindi. Tiesa, man susidarė įspūdis, kad bent jau pradžioje ši meilės istorija gana nemažai rėmėsi išskaičiavimu. Storžievis prasčiokas Napoleonas nori ne tik sėkmingai kautis mūšio lauke, bet ir įsipaišyti ir būti pripažintas aukštuomenės, na o Žozefina nori stabilaus pagrindo pinigine prasme ir įžvelgia Napoleono perspektyvas, nes jo sėkmė yra nuolat auganti ir neįtikėtina.
Kas užkliuvo, tai knygos antroji pusė. Pasirodė, kad autorė gerokai nuvertino Žozefiną. Meilės istorijai klostantis ne taip, kaip ji norėtų, Žozefina vaizduojama desperatiška, itin priklausoma ir gana apgailėtina. Istorikai, manau, nesutiktų su tuo. Kodėl? Žozefina niekad nebuvo kvaila moteris. Net būdama kartu su Napoleono, vystė verslą ir atsidėdavo pinigų. Jų meilės istorijos pabaigoje net sugeba įsygyti itin prabangius nuosavus namus. Taigi ši dalis romane man nepasirodė adekvati.
Suskaičiau kaip skanų saldainį. Tekstas lengvas, įtraukus ir puslapiai tiesiog tirpsta. Žozefina kaip asmenybė itin įdomi, tad knygą tiesiog sunku padėti į šoną. Įdomu ir tai, kad Žozefina paliko pėdsaką istorijoje iki šių dienų. Jos palikuonių atrasime praktiškai visose Europos karališkų šeimų giminės medžiuose. Štai pavyzdžiui: Žozefinos anūkas Napoleonas III tapo Prancūzijos imperatoriumi, anūkė Žozefina - Švedijos karaliene, kita anūkė Brazilijos Imperatore. Kas dar svarbu - autorė puikiai per vienos asmenybės gyvenimą atskleidžia tuometines istorines realijas, kurios nėra vaizduojamos kaip šalti faktai, o labiau kaip įvykiai, tiesiogiai darantys įtaką Žozefinos gyvenimui. Jei dar autorė būtų pakapsčiusi giliau, išvis neturėčiau priekaištų. Bendrai - lengvas, įdomus romanas apie tikrai išskirtinę moterį.
📕 Susitikime IG: https://www.instagram.com/dar.viena.p...
📕 Susitikime Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dar.viena.puslapi
"Žozefina"- tai pirmasis Heather Webb kūrinys ir, sakyčiau, visai neprastas. Pasitelkiant šią neeilinę moterį autorė gana sėkmingai atskleidžia to meto istorijos ypatybes, aktualijas, jos luomo gyvenimo būdo niuansus. Reikia paminėti, kad Žozefina gimsta visai ne kaip Žozefina. 1763 metais Prancūzijai priklausančioje nedidelėje Martinikos saloje pasaulį išvysta Mari Žozefa Roza de Tašė. Mergaitės šeima nebuvo itin pasiturinti, tad teko suktis iš padėties. Taip, būdama vos šešiolikos, Roza išteka už Paryžiuje gerai žinomo Aleksandro de Boharnė. Roza pagaliau gali mėgauti prabanga, kurią itin mėgsta, bet santuoka nėra laiminga. Aleksandrui daug įdomesnis aukštuomenės gyvenimas, jis gėdijasi savo žmonos ir mieliau laiką leidžia meilužių glėbyje. Roza nesnaudžia. Ji puikiai supranta, kad jai reikia lavintis, mokytis aukštuomenės subtilybių ir infiltruotis į taip trokštamą kilmingųjų gyvenimą. Vėliau seka sėkmingas jos debiutas vakarėliuose, moteris tampa itin pageidaujama solonų viešnia kol galiausiai sutinka Napoleoną ir tampa Žozefina...
Faktas, kad Napoleonas ją "perkrikštija" ir suteikia naują vardą, manau, gana iškalbingas ir, bent jau man, gana šlykštus. Šis vyras puikiai suvokia itin tvirtą Rozos padėtį visuomenėje, jos svarbius ryšius ir nori jais pasinaudoti, bet kartu nori pervadinęs ją susikurti iliuziją, kad Žozefina yra tarsi nauja pradžia. Tapdama Žozefina, Roza tarsi ištrina savo praeitį, buvusius vyrus ir tampa nauja, skaisti ir skirta tik Napoleonui. Šis jo elegesys man labai puikiai paaiškina atsiradusį posakį "Napoleono sindromas". Tikrai turi būti gana egocentriškas, kad ryžtis pervadinti savo mylimąją dėl savo keistų polinkių būti pirmas, nugalėtojas ir vienintelis.
Nereikia įsivaizduoti, kad Napoleono ir Žozefinos meilės istorija yra tarsi meilė seilė. Taip tikrai nėra. Autorė labai aiškiai parodo, kad Napoleonas pameta galvą dėl Žozefinos ir tampa tarsi apsėstas. Mūšiuose jis randa laiko gana kartšligiškai rašyti laiškus Žozefinai. Net po kelis per dieną. Žozefina dvejoja. Napoleonas ją traukia, bet didesnių jausmų ir aistros teks palaukti. Moterį spaudžia laikas, nes jai jau virš trisdešims, jos pomėgiai reikalauja lėšų ir turtingas vyras būtų puiki išeitis. Vėliau, taip, jie myli vienas kitą, bet tie santykiai gana dramatiški, niekada nepasižymėję dideliu saugumu, o ir pabaiga - toli gražu ne laiminga.
Kiek teko domėtis istorikų įžvalgomis apie Žozefiną, visi kaip vienas itin pabrėžia jos protą, išlaidumą ir sugebėjimą atsitiesti po itin skaudžių gyvenimo išmėginimų. Autorė knygoje tą puikiai atspindi. Tiesa, man susidarė įspūdis, kad bent jau pradžioje ši meilės istorija gana nemažai rėmėsi išskaičiavimu. Storžievis prasčiokas Napoleonas nori ne tik sėkmingai kautis mūšio lauke, bet ir įsipaišyti ir būti pripažintas aukštuomenės, na o Žozefina nori stabilaus pagrindo pinigine prasme ir įžvelgia Napoleono perspektyvas, nes jo sėkmė yra nuolat auganti ir neįtikėtina.
Kas užkliuvo, tai knygos antroji pusė. Pasirodė, kad autorė gerokai nuvertino Žozefiną. Meilės istorijai klostantis ne taip, kaip ji norėtų, Žozefina vaizduojama desperatiška, itin priklausoma ir gana apgailėtina. Istorikai, manau, nesutiktų su tuo. Kodėl? Žozefina niekad nebuvo kvaila moteris. Net būdama kartu su Napoleono, vystė verslą ir atsidėdavo pinigų. Jų meilės istorijos pabaigoje net sugeba įsygyti itin prabangius nuosavus namus. Taigi ši dalis romane man nepasirodė adekvati.
Suskaičiau kaip skanų saldainį. Tekstas lengvas, įtraukus ir puslapiai tiesiog tirpsta. Žozefina kaip asmenybė itin įdomi, tad knygą tiesiog sunku padėti į šoną. Įdomu ir tai, kad Žozefina paliko pėdsaką istorijoje iki šių dienų. Jos palikuonių atrasime praktiškai visose Europos karališkų šeimų giminės medžiuose. Štai pavyzdžiui: Žozefinos anūkas Napoleonas III tapo Prancūzijos imperatoriumi, anūkė Žozefina - Švedijos karaliene, kita anūkė Brazilijos Imperatore. Kas dar svarbu - autorė puikiai per vienos asmenybės gyvenimą atskleidžia tuometines istorines realijas, kurios nėra vaizduojamos kaip šalti faktai, o labiau kaip įvykiai, tiesiogiai darantys įtaką Žozefinos gyvenimui. Jei dar autorė būtų pakapsčiusi giliau, išvis neturėčiau priekaištų. Bendrai - lengvas, įdomus romanas apie tikrai išskirtinę moterį.
📕 Susitikime IG: https://www.instagram.com/dar.viena.p...
📕 Susitikime Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/dar.viena.puslapi
February 12, 2025
Tikrai daugelis jūsų žino C.W. Gortner romanus ir kaip lengva mėgautis jų teikiamu malonumu ir istoriniais faktais persypinusia drama. Valio! Atradau dar vieną rašytoją, kuriuos stilius toks pat. Prašmatnu, detalu, gyva ir labai įdomu. O čia dar vaizduojama ir garsioji Bonaparto ir Žozefinos meilės istorija! Aistringa, netikėta, pilna melų ir įvykių. Ne veltui apie tai susuktas ne vienas filmas.
Patiko kaip taikliai ir be jokio sausumo vaizduojama Prancūzijos revoliucija ir visokio plauko veikėjai joje: nuo skurdžiausių miestelėnų, aršių kovotojų, puolusių turtuolių, parsidavėlių ir net monarchijos nukirsdinimo. Labai kinematografiškai kuriama visa laikmečio atmosfera, tad įsijaust nepaprastai lengva. Patiko ir Žozefinos personažas: jokiu būdu ji čia ne kažkokia mergelė geruolė. Tikroviška, gyva, klystanti, meluojanti, mylinti ir išduodanti. Ir visada iki paskutiniųjų kovojanti už savo vaikus ir garbę.
Įtraukė taip, kad net pamiršau jog čia istoriniais faktai grįsta (žinoma, persipynę su autoriaus vaizduote), o ne tiesiog nenuspėjamas ir įvykių kupinas romanas. Perskaičius daug googlinau ir ieškojau veikėjų portretų, įdomių faktų ir kitų detalių. Va taip patiko, kad perskaičius norėjos sužinot dar.
Patiko kaip taikliai ir be jokio sausumo vaizduojama Prancūzijos revoliucija ir visokio plauko veikėjai joje: nuo skurdžiausių miestelėnų, aršių kovotojų, puolusių turtuolių, parsidavėlių ir net monarchijos nukirsdinimo. Labai kinematografiškai kuriama visa laikmečio atmosfera, tad įsijaust nepaprastai lengva. Patiko ir Žozefinos personažas: jokiu būdu ji čia ne kažkokia mergelė geruolė. Tikroviška, gyva, klystanti, meluojanti, mylinti ir išduodanti. Ir visada iki paskutiniųjų kovojanti už savo vaikus ir garbę.
Įtraukė taip, kad net pamiršau jog čia istoriniais faktai grįsta (žinoma, persipynę su autoriaus vaizduote), o ne tiesiog nenuspėjamas ir įvykių kupinas romanas. Perskaičius daug googlinau ir ieškojau veikėjų portretų, įdomių faktų ir kitų detalių. Va taip patiko, kad perskaičius norėjos sužinot dar.
January 12, 2014
This is the best novel about Josephine since the Josephine B trilogy by Sandra Gulland. I hated to see it come to an end. Left me wanting more. Excellent!
April 9, 2014
Becoming Josephine is a debut novel by Heather Webb about Napoleon’s empress from her early days on the Caribbean island of Martinique to her tragic fall from grace in 1810. Much has already been written about her liaison with Bonaparte, who may have loved Josephine to distraction but was forced to divorce her when she could not produce an heir. Much less known is her life on Martinique and her first marriage to Alexandre de Beauharnais, a prominent politician and general who was guillotined during the Reign of Terror. Josephine’s relationship with Alexandre and their two children is the most interesting part of the book, and Napoleon’s larger-than-life persona is wisely downplayed so Josephine remains front and center. Webb peppers the book with colorful details about food and clothing, but rides roughshod over historical accuracy and often employs dialogue that is jarringly modern. Even frothy historical romances such as this owe it to the reader to get the facts straight, and I quickly wearied of the constant musical beds. This is hardly the definitive work on a complex persona who rose from obscurity to become the most famous woman in Europe and is recommended only for those who take their history in sweetly tweeted doses.
November 5, 2013
Enchanting prose takes the reader on an unforgettable journey . . . Captivating young Rose springs from the lush beauty of her family's sugar plantation in Martinique to shine in the eighteenth century elegance of Parisian salon society. When France is torn by revolution, not even the blood-bathed terror of imprisonment can break her spirit.
July 18, 2016
Sadly, I wrapped up this read on Friday and I was very disappointed...to end Josephine's story. Alas, another book that belongs on my BEST OF 2016. For every page turned I thought, why did it take you so long to read this fabulous book?! Seriously, if you love historical fiction and action set in Revolutionary Paris, THIS is THE BOOK for you!!! If a strong, fierce female protagonist appeals to your reading senses, read this book NOW! I could kick myself for neglecting Webb's book for as long as it's been on my Kindle. It wasn't until I actually won a physical copy through a favored blog giveaway that the novel finally captured my attention. After the first paragraph, I knew I was hooked and it only continued to get better with every turn of the page. Josephine's incredible transformation, from a simple Martinique island Creole girl to young wife of a French soldier, is remarkable and Rose, as she is originally known, fights for her freedom and independence every step of the way. This is a woman who more than earned her crown as Imperial Highness Josephine Bonaparte, Empress of France, Empress of Europe.
"I bent over my folded hands and serenity filled me. Empress of the French, Empress of Bonaparte's heart."
Listen, if I'm being completely honest, I tend to be generous with some of my five star ratings. Perhaps, after a bit of reflection, there may be a few books that I've given one too many stars to but Becoming Josephine earned every single point of all five shining stars. Infact, it's so magnifique that I give it TEN STARS!!
Heather Webb is a phenomenal storyteller. She knows how to bring characters to life, characters that leap off the page and get into your head and heart. Webb's colorful descriptions filled my five senses. I could perfectly visualize the beautiful Parisian fashions, smell the fresh sea air of Josephine's beloved isle of Martinique, the fragrant blossoms of her gardens, and the city streets of a bustling Paris. I could taste the petit fours and scrumptious bites served in the salons of the rich. I could imagine crystal goblets of the finest wines clinking together in celebratory toasts. Horrific as it is, Webb clearly conveyed the message of war and Revolution. Imagining the streets of Paris filling with angry riots and violent acts, I could hear the cries of those that screamed for help, see the blood that spilled from thousands. For a brief moment in time, I lived amongst the ghosts at the Palais des Tuileries, walking the same great halls as the doomed Marie Antoinette. Webb transported me through time and history and it was a magical journey. Yes! A favorite of 2016 and most definitely an addition to my all time favorites. Thankfully, I have another Webb novel on my Kindle, Rodin's Lover. With an author like Webb at the helm, I predict another fine atmospheric tale.
Want more Heather Webb? LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, written with bestselling author Hazel Gaynor, will release in Oct 2017 from Harper Collins.
More info at: www.heatherwebbauthor.com
"I bent over my folded hands and serenity filled me. Empress of the French, Empress of Bonaparte's heart."
Listen, if I'm being completely honest, I tend to be generous with some of my five star ratings. Perhaps, after a bit of reflection, there may be a few books that I've given one too many stars to but Becoming Josephine earned every single point of all five shining stars. Infact, it's so magnifique that I give it TEN STARS!!
Heather Webb is a phenomenal storyteller. She knows how to bring characters to life, characters that leap off the page and get into your head and heart. Webb's colorful descriptions filled my five senses. I could perfectly visualize the beautiful Parisian fashions, smell the fresh sea air of Josephine's beloved isle of Martinique, the fragrant blossoms of her gardens, and the city streets of a bustling Paris. I could taste the petit fours and scrumptious bites served in the salons of the rich. I could imagine crystal goblets of the finest wines clinking together in celebratory toasts. Horrific as it is, Webb clearly conveyed the message of war and Revolution. Imagining the streets of Paris filling with angry riots and violent acts, I could hear the cries of those that screamed for help, see the blood that spilled from thousands. For a brief moment in time, I lived amongst the ghosts at the Palais des Tuileries, walking the same great halls as the doomed Marie Antoinette. Webb transported me through time and history and it was a magical journey. Yes! A favorite of 2016 and most definitely an addition to my all time favorites. Thankfully, I have another Webb novel on my Kindle, Rodin's Lover. With an author like Webb at the helm, I predict another fine atmospheric tale.
Want more Heather Webb? LAST CHRISTMAS IN PARIS, written with bestselling author Hazel Gaynor, will release in Oct 2017 from Harper Collins.
More info at: www.heatherwebbauthor.com
November 6, 2013
If you love sweeping, gut-wrenching,and exciting historical fiction, Ms. Webb's stunning debut novel about Josephine Bonaparte is right up your alley. While most nineteenth century fiction about the famed beauty focuses only on her years with Napoleon, BECOMING JOSEPHINE tells the real tale of the naive young daughter of a Martinique plantation owner, who faced the horrors of the French Revolution to rise, phoenix-like to become the most famous woman in Europe.
Thrilling, yet drenched in historical accuracy, BECOMING JOSEPHINE will have you reading late into the night.
EXTREMELY highly recommend!!
Thrilling, yet drenched in historical accuracy, BECOMING JOSEPHINE will have you reading late into the night.
EXTREMELY highly recommend!!
March 10, 2016
Originally posted at Small Review
She may be getting sleepover party invites, but not from me!
Well, that was disappointing.
Becoming Josephine was my first attempt at getting to know Josephine on her own terms and not through a general history of the time, Napoleonic readings, and stories from the British perspective (which, granted, have always been understandably biased against old Boney and co.).
My gosh, I don't know if it was me, Heather Webb's portrayal, or Josephine herself, but it was a trial reading through 320 pages of that vapid harpy's drivel (and by "vapid harpy" I mean Josephine, NOT Heather Webb).
Josephine spent much of the book whoring her way through France's wealthiest men. And I mean that pretty much literally. She took men as her lovers with the mutual understanding that they did not love one another but he would provide her with the wealthy lifestyle she wanted because, hey, she was a looker.
But that's ok! I mean, I understand woman had different options back then. Plus, it's not like Josephine didn't have other totally redeemable qualities to make me like her, right? Right?
Well, no, not really.
She was a nag. And a limp dish rag. Her thoughts on the bloody life-changing revolution were to comment on how the revolutionary fashions were SO drab. She was flighty and dull.
She constantly talked about how she was a total saint of a lady, always pitying the poor and those wrongly accused by revolutionaries (why were the revolutionaries in the wrong? Well, because their prisoners were her friends! Not because she actually had political opinions). Instead of making me like her, all this do-gooder talk just made her sound like she was Mary-Suing herself.
THAT's the story you're going with?
A big reason I read historical fiction is because I want to take the lazy way out and get non-fiction info in an exciting fiction package. So, even though I know I'm reading fiction, I want the historical details to be accurate.
Yeah, that wasn't happening here.
Most of my Napoleon education comes from the British perspective, and they were not exactly his biggest fan. Despite that, you could still get the impression he was viewed as a worthy foe. He would have to be! He was NAPOLEON for crying out loud! Flawed to be sure, and I'm by no means fist-pumping his actions, but the man had skills.
He rose from a relative nobody to the leader of a nation who had just overthrown their monarchs, and then went on to build an empire across Europe. All in a relatively short period of time. And, with all sorts of scary secret dealings going on behind the scenes to bring about his rapid rise of which we still don't know the details!
Until now! Now, Heather Webb has answered that mystery with, ready for it? JOSEPHINE!
Yes, it was all Josephine.
Napoleon was a whiny, sulky, greasy, socially incompetent ninny and it was only thanks to Josephine's sweet diplomatic skills (you can add air quotes around that if you'd like) that he was able to gain allies, secure power, build an empire of awesome, and conduct himself appropriately in public.
SERIOUSLY? Apparently so.
Add in a slave revolt with embarrassingly anachronistic motivations and I seriously doubt the veracity of anything more than the broad strokes of the confirmed-by-history events.
Not that I was treated to an abundance of details anyway. We were too busy wooing cardboard cutout men to delve too deeply into politics (ugh SUCH a waste! Josephine had front row seats to some of the most interesting political actions of the time!)
Bottom line
Well, that was disappointing.
I've tossed in an extra half star on the chance that part of my dislike may stem from Josephine just not being a great person and not something Heather Webb can be held accountable for. I'll have to read Sandra Gulland's much praised Josephine trilogy to compare.
This is a standalone.
Originally posted at Small Review
September 5, 2013
Book Description:
“Rose Tascher sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris to trade her Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. She arrives exultant to follow her dreams of attending Court with Alexandre, her elegant aristocrat and soldier husband. But Alexandre dashes her hopes and abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution.
Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll.
After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.
BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a novel of one woman’s journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.”
More than two hundred years ago, women lived in a society where men held all power – including the power to determine a woman’s decisions and destiny. Very few women were self-sufficient. Most needed a man for many reasons. Safety, status, financial freedom and sometimes love. Let’s not forget many marriages at the time were “arranged” for convenience and status- rarely love.
In this epic mostly French Revolution novel, we learn of a woman with an affluent and prosperous upbringing in constant pursuit of reinvention. Guiding her with sheer perseverance, determination and endurance, Webb crafts a mesmerizing tale of the glamorous yet lackluster and downright deplorable life at times that Rose led.
We come to know her desires, her wants, fears and insecurities. The dedicated and loving mother that she was. Rose’s loyalty and patriotism towards her beloved France. We follow this journey until her final metamorphosis in becoming Josephine Bonaparte – a woman who would create her own destiny.
“Rose Tascher sails from her Martinique plantation to Paris to trade her Creole black magic culture for love and adventure. She arrives exultant to follow her dreams of attending Court with Alexandre, her elegant aristocrat and soldier husband. But Alexandre dashes her hopes and abandons her amid the tumult of the French Revolution.
Through her savoir faire, Rose secures her footing in high society, reveling in handsome men and glitzy balls—until the heads of her friends begin to roll.
After narrowly escaping death in the blood-drenched cells of Les Carmes prison, she reinvents herself as Josephine, a socialite of status and power. Yet her youth is fading, and Josephine must choose between a precarious independence and the love of an awkward suitor. Little does she know, he would become the most powerful man of his century- Napoleon Bonaparte.
BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a novel of one woman’s journey to find eternal love and stability, and ultimately to find herself.”
More than two hundred years ago, women lived in a society where men held all power – including the power to determine a woman’s decisions and destiny. Very few women were self-sufficient. Most needed a man for many reasons. Safety, status, financial freedom and sometimes love. Let’s not forget many marriages at the time were “arranged” for convenience and status- rarely love.
In this epic mostly French Revolution novel, we learn of a woman with an affluent and prosperous upbringing in constant pursuit of reinvention. Guiding her with sheer perseverance, determination and endurance, Webb crafts a mesmerizing tale of the glamorous yet lackluster and downright deplorable life at times that Rose led.
We come to know her desires, her wants, fears and insecurities. The dedicated and loving mother that she was. Rose’s loyalty and patriotism towards her beloved France. We follow this journey until her final metamorphosis in becoming Josephine Bonaparte – a woman who would create her own destiny.
January 27, 2016
Book review by Mara Buck: Becoming Josephine by Heather Webb
I’ve often felt humbled by the book I’m reading, especially historical fiction. Here I am, lounging in the twenty-first century, clad in paint-spattered sweats, hair unkempt, no makeup, garden dirt under my nails. This is no proper way to meet Josephine de Beauharnais, a beauty resplendent in shimmery tisane, pearls twirled in her coiffeur, her elegant feet in velvet slippers tapping out a quadrille --- I am decidedly unworthy. So, I don my best polyester pajamas, retrieve a lawn-sale afghan from the closet, tuck it tightly under my chin, suck in my stomach, and, lacking cognac or the odd Madeleine, I reach for the Cheetoes anyway and continue…what history can’t see, it can’t judge!
Thus I read “Becoming Josephine.” And I read --- and continued reading all that night. A tasty morsel. Of course, we all know the history of the times and there too many biographies of the Empress to count, but in this debut novel, author Heather Webb has pulled off a coup d’état of charm; she has given breath to Josephine, the woman, who beguiles us in a chatty, gossipy, yet quick-witted voice that whispers to us from behind a beribboned fan. I myself collected fans once-upon-a-time and my collection boasted an eighteenth-century “quizzing” fan with a tiny mirror set atop the ivory guard stick, affording the lady a discreet glimpse of her surroundings. Heather Webb has given us that tempting glimpse, offering different angles of Josephine the coquette, the distraught mother, the prisoner, the Empress, but most of all, the woman.
I’ve often felt humbled by the book I’m reading, especially historical fiction. Here I am, lounging in the twenty-first century, clad in paint-spattered sweats, hair unkempt, no makeup, garden dirt under my nails. This is no proper way to meet Josephine de Beauharnais, a beauty resplendent in shimmery tisane, pearls twirled in her coiffeur, her elegant feet in velvet slippers tapping out a quadrille --- I am decidedly unworthy. So, I don my best polyester pajamas, retrieve a lawn-sale afghan from the closet, tuck it tightly under my chin, suck in my stomach, and, lacking cognac or the odd Madeleine, I reach for the Cheetoes anyway and continue…what history can’t see, it can’t judge!
Thus I read “Becoming Josephine.” And I read --- and continued reading all that night. A tasty morsel. Of course, we all know the history of the times and there too many biographies of the Empress to count, but in this debut novel, author Heather Webb has pulled off a coup d’état of charm; she has given breath to Josephine, the woman, who beguiles us in a chatty, gossipy, yet quick-witted voice that whispers to us from behind a beribboned fan. I myself collected fans once-upon-a-time and my collection boasted an eighteenth-century “quizzing” fan with a tiny mirror set atop the ivory guard stick, affording the lady a discreet glimpse of her surroundings. Heather Webb has given us that tempting glimpse, offering different angles of Josephine the coquette, the distraught mother, the prisoner, the Empress, but most of all, the woman.
September 4, 2013
Sometimes when I’m familiar with the subject matter of a novel already, it disappoints. This one amazed! I’d only known “Josephine” as half of a famous couple before, but Webb introduced me to Rose Tascher, who was a force to be reckoned with. Napoleon did not make an appearance until about page 175, and I didn’t miss him. Not a bit. He’s not even named when he’s first introduced, and the description of him made me sputter my mocha latte all over myself at Starbucks. I was tempted to read that part aloud to those who stared at me for laughing.
Webb resisted the urge to turn the novel into NAPOLEONandJospehine from there, and I’m glad. He was there enough to make me love him, despite that he could be a smarmy little tyrant, but the story remained Rose’s.
And what a story it was…a sensual feast that begins in Martinique and catapults through thirty years of her life. Readers won’t just see Paris during the French Revolution. They’ll hear it, taste it, and smell it, too. (The latter is not always pleasant, especially during the scenes in Les Carmes. It’s a wonder anyone survived that.)
If you are a historical fiction fan, you must read this book. Set aside a weekend because you won’t want to put it down.
Webb resisted the urge to turn the novel into NAPOLEONandJospehine from there, and I’m glad. He was there enough to make me love him, despite that he could be a smarmy little tyrant, but the story remained Rose’s.
And what a story it was…a sensual feast that begins in Martinique and catapults through thirty years of her life. Readers won’t just see Paris during the French Revolution. They’ll hear it, taste it, and smell it, too. (The latter is not always pleasant, especially during the scenes in Les Carmes. It’s a wonder anyone survived that.)
If you are a historical fiction fan, you must read this book. Set aside a weekend because you won’t want to put it down.
December 31, 2013
Beginning her life as Rose Tascher from Martinique, an unplucked innocent as tender as her name, Heather Webb reveals Josephine's amazing, perilous, heartbreaking, and ultimately life-affirming transformation into a regal sophisticate as at home in society as in the bedroom.
The way Webb renders Josephine's life is mesmerizing, sumptuous, and surprising. Webb says so much in so few words, never bogging us down before she sweeps us up into the next scene.
I loved that we didn't meet Napoleon until halfway through the novel, and even then, his appearance was underwhelming to our heroine, This tickled me mightily because this is Rose Tascher's story, not Josephine and Napoleon's story, not even, really, Josephine's story because she was always tender Rose beneath it all. I loved this most of all - that we never lost Rose, the Creole girl from Martinique who became an empress.
The way Webb renders Josephine's life is mesmerizing, sumptuous, and surprising. Webb says so much in so few words, never bogging us down before she sweeps us up into the next scene.
I loved that we didn't meet Napoleon until halfway through the novel, and even then, his appearance was underwhelming to our heroine, This tickled me mightily because this is Rose Tascher's story, not Josephine and Napoleon's story, not even, really, Josephine's story because she was always tender Rose beneath it all. I loved this most of all - that we never lost Rose, the Creole girl from Martinique who became an empress.
June 11, 2014
In Becoming Josephine, Heather Webb's marvelous debut has spun the tangled web of a lively and intriguing Josephine, carrying the reader through her early life in Martinique to her near-death escapes during the French Revolution's Terror, and finally to her tumultuous years married to the mercurial Napoleon Bonaparte. (A man I never in a million years would have wanted to be married to.) This is a fast-paced read that immerses readers in the decadent smells of the Caribbean's sugar plantations, the dank prisons of Paris, and the Enlightenment salons replete with philosophes debating the ideas of the fledgling republic. Throughout it all, Josephine learns what it is to trust her own daring and stand on her own two feet.
January 13, 2014
Rose Tascher goes through a lot before she come Josephine Bonaparte. Her father arranges a marriage to a man she doesn't know and shows no affection for her. Her husband, Alexandre, leaves her with his parents months and months at a time while he spends his time running around with other women. It is common knowledge and is thrown in Rose's face repeatedly.
Despite Alexandre, she does find her place in high society and attends many salons and hooks up with other men. However, with the French Revolution, no one is safe, including Rose. Then, after the revolution, she meets her fate and becomes Josephine.
This book is a pulsating page turner, I just couldn't put it down. I did not want it to end. If you are a lover of historical fiction, don't miss Becoming Josephine!
Despite Alexandre, she does find her place in high society and attends many salons and hooks up with other men. However, with the French Revolution, no one is safe, including Rose. Then, after the revolution, she meets her fate and becomes Josephine.
This book is a pulsating page turner, I just couldn't put it down. I did not want it to end. If you are a lover of historical fiction, don't miss Becoming Josephine!
November 21, 2013
From the first page, Heather Webb’s deft storytelling swept me into the world of Rose Tascher, the Creole girl who would become the Empress Josephine Bonaparte. Rose is a lovable, believable character who has to seek her place in a tumultuous, almost unbelievable era in France. Sumptuous detail enriches this compelling page-turner.
March 29, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. There was a lot of historical fact that I didn't know, intertwined in this romance. I will never see Josephine as a mysterious shadow in the history of Napoleon again. I came to know Josephine as a flesh and blood woman, a woman caught up in the web of her times, the brutal reality of life, and the heartbreak that is inevitable with such a powerful love.
February 23, 2014
Far too frothy and frivolous to be considered good historical fiction. So much gratuitous filler (and for such a short book) one can only deduce the author had nothing better to say.
May 3, 2021
For the first book wrote by Webb is more then amaizing . It keept my attention up from beging till end and that is shown by the fact i finishet in 1 day max 2
February 5, 2019
I thouroughly enjoyed learning more about Josephine Bonaparte for my upcoming series CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS. It was fascinating to hear about her upbringing in Martinique, with her half-sister a slave to her-- OMG! eye-opening and wretched. When her husband chooses another woman, she is destitute and must live with their children in a convent. It is hard to imagine her there, trying to strategize her future for herself and her children. There is not much choice. She becomes a socialite in Paris when she meets the short, seven-years younger general Napoleon Bonaparte who falls in love and marries her. Reading other sources about Napoleon, he kept a picture of Josephine with him on his battles-- though she was not as enamored as he and had affairs which enraged him. Still, he loved her. The problem was she was too old to bear him the heir he needed for his thrown, and he finally divorced Josephine. After the divorce, Joséphine lived at the Château de Malmaison, near Paris. She remained on good terms with Napoleon.
February 25, 2017
I chose to indulge in another look at Josephine after reading an account that left a bad taste in my mouth. In the previous take, she is portrayed as a shallow and vain woman, only interested in her own survival and self-indulgence. I found few redeeming qualities in her. I didn't want that to be my last take on her so I cracked open this novel, knowing it had some great reviews. I'm glad I did as Heather Webb has woven an intricate tale of a woman caught in the maelstrom of change and revolution yet who is able to keep her personality intact, navigating cruel politics and personal relationships.
Josephine’s characterization in this book has saved her as a woman for me. She still has some of the hallmarks from the previous take on her I read; she still uses sex for survival of times and there still a hint of the self-serving there. Yet, in this portrayal, there’s so much more. She's a loving mother, a caring friend, compassionate to those less fortunate, and a sharp intelligence when it comes to politics and diplomatic maneuvering. As she navigates the agony of the French Revolution, a marriage on the rocks, and the turbulence of Napoleon’s Empire, one can't help but root for her, despite her flaws. I grew to appreciate her for all her aspects.
Besides Josephine, the item that really shines in this novel is the secondary characters. Where in the previous book secondaries are flat and stereotypical, they shine here. For example, Josephine's first husband Alexander is still a douche in the beginning in the way he treats her. Yet, he's also a passionate believer in change for the masses. He's a loving father and towards the end of his life, a friend to Josephine. They come to an understanding and part on good terms as the tragedy of the revolution enveloped them personally.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of Barras and Napoleon. Both are depicted as human with both virtues and vices. Barras isn't a sexual deviant; he's a caring friend who just enjoys the physical aspects of friendship and loving. Napoleon is still the intense autocratic leader of the French people. Yet, he's also a man who loves passionately, to the point of obsession. Even after his relationship with Josephine is altered irrevocably from betrayals, he still relies on her for diplomatic advice and cares for her deeply.
The whirlwind scene of revolution and bloodshed makes for a terrifying back drop to Josephine’s story. On both sides of the Atlantic, she faces death, destruction, and change. The author holds no punches back as she describes a world on the brink of upheaval. I felt like I was right there in the action along with Josephine, facing each scene of blood and tragedy. Webb also brings to life the glitter of balls and salons, the intellect and emotion of both things coming across sharp and clear.
This book breathed fresh air into Josephine, her fellow characters, and the bloody world of revolution. I found everything vivid in their portrayals, and the characters vibrant with life. I succeeded in my objective when I originally started this book; my understanding of Josephine and her life were revolutionized (pun intended LOL). This book was engrossing where previous was not. If you're looking for a look at Josephine and her life, look no further than this novel. Highly recommended!
Josephine’s characterization in this book has saved her as a woman for me. She still has some of the hallmarks from the previous take on her I read; she still uses sex for survival of times and there still a hint of the self-serving there. Yet, in this portrayal, there’s so much more. She's a loving mother, a caring friend, compassionate to those less fortunate, and a sharp intelligence when it comes to politics and diplomatic maneuvering. As she navigates the agony of the French Revolution, a marriage on the rocks, and the turbulence of Napoleon’s Empire, one can't help but root for her, despite her flaws. I grew to appreciate her for all her aspects.
Besides Josephine, the item that really shines in this novel is the secondary characters. Where in the previous book secondaries are flat and stereotypical, they shine here. For example, Josephine's first husband Alexander is still a douche in the beginning in the way he treats her. Yet, he's also a passionate believer in change for the masses. He's a loving father and towards the end of his life, a friend to Josephine. They come to an understanding and part on good terms as the tragedy of the revolution enveloped them personally.
I also enjoyed the portrayal of Barras and Napoleon. Both are depicted as human with both virtues and vices. Barras isn't a sexual deviant; he's a caring friend who just enjoys the physical aspects of friendship and loving. Napoleon is still the intense autocratic leader of the French people. Yet, he's also a man who loves passionately, to the point of obsession. Even after his relationship with Josephine is altered irrevocably from betrayals, he still relies on her for diplomatic advice and cares for her deeply.
The whirlwind scene of revolution and bloodshed makes for a terrifying back drop to Josephine’s story. On both sides of the Atlantic, she faces death, destruction, and change. The author holds no punches back as she describes a world on the brink of upheaval. I felt like I was right there in the action along with Josephine, facing each scene of blood and tragedy. Webb also brings to life the glitter of balls and salons, the intellect and emotion of both things coming across sharp and clear.
This book breathed fresh air into Josephine, her fellow characters, and the bloody world of revolution. I found everything vivid in their portrayals, and the characters vibrant with life. I succeeded in my objective when I originally started this book; my understanding of Josephine and her life were revolutionized (pun intended LOL). This book was engrossing where previous was not. If you're looking for a look at Josephine and her life, look no further than this novel. Highly recommended!
January 15, 2024
Labai patiko! Įtraukė, buvo sunku nustoti skaityti. :) nustebino tai, kad apie Žozefinos gyvenimą buvo pradėta pasakoti dar nuo vaikystės, kažkaip tikėjausi, kad bus nuo tos akimirkos, kaip susipažino su Napoleonu. Dar labai patiko ir tai, kad istorija pateikiama iš Žozefinos pusės ir ji pateikiama kitaip, negu prieš tai skaitytose knygose ar matytame filme. Tiesa, labai nustebino pabaiga.. tikėjausi, kad istorija bus pasakojama ir toliau, bet gal taip ir geriau. :) 5/5!
January 2, 2014
You cannot imagine how excited I was to read this book- and when I finally received it...I could not put it down. Let me begin by saying that it doesn't matter how many books you've already read on Josephine, BECOMING JOSEPHINE, will bring something new and of interest to you.
Written in the first person, BECOMING JOSEPHINE, offers an emotional story of Josephine's life, delivered with clarity, brevity, to the point and so much insight- this book will show you yet another side of our beloved 18th c. icon- I loved it!
I have to say that right from the beginning, Josephine is presented as not being the prettiest of the three sisters, and somewhat of a mischievous and curious young girl- making her so very real and not unlike a typical dreamy young teen. Seeing her off to Paris to marry her first husband and all that he put her through...well that's just the beginning...we all know where the juiciest parts of the story really happen...
All this to say, that no matter if you already know this story- BECOMING JOSEPHINE is a newer and refreshing take that will please not only seasoned readers who already know so much about her, but also a younger adult audience as well. Webb manages to bring us a Josephine that is understandable and relatable. The Josephine in BECOMING JOSEPHINE is real and not the passive, flighty dame that history often makes her out to be. In this book, you read about a business savvy Josephine who was actually very instrumental in designing her own destiny (Tarot cards aside!).
A quick yet thorough read, BECOMING JOSEPHINE brings you accurate history delivered in an entertaining and fulfilling read- sure to please both historical fictionistas and new Jojo readers alike.
You will love this book- a 2014 MUST!
January 1, 2015
Poignant epic historical novel, based on real people and events! I enjoyed the story, the characters, and the pace of the book. The history was well integrated into the storyline, so I never felt like I was reading a history textbook like I have felt while reading other historical pieces.
As I traveled the journey of the main character, Rose, becoming the Empress Josephine, I truly felt I was there. I am not a historian, nor have I ever been to the areas of the world in which this woman lived, yet I could clearly picture each scene in vivid detail. Exquisite!
I mentioned that I am not a historian. I would also like to mention that I'm not fluent in French. In fact, I completely lack any knowledge of how to read the French language, pronunciation as well as comprehension. That being said, I felt that the frequent use of the language throughout the story was distracting to me. I eventually learned to mostly ignore it and simply skip over it or gather context clues, but I imagine that it could be a real turn-off to some readers. It would be a shame for someone to miss out on the great lessons of courage and strength that this story has to offer because of the random, frequent French language throughout it. To the reader, who speaks no French, I recommend pushing through it and finding a way to overlook the distraction and just enjoy the story. To the author, I'd like to say that I really like what you have to offer here, but please remember that not everyone has a background in foreign languages.
This is definitely a book for those 18 and over due to some graphic sexual scenes and violence, (although I do feel they were realistically and tastefully portrayed).
As I traveled the journey of the main character, Rose, becoming the Empress Josephine, I truly felt I was there. I am not a historian, nor have I ever been to the areas of the world in which this woman lived, yet I could clearly picture each scene in vivid detail. Exquisite!
I mentioned that I am not a historian. I would also like to mention that I'm not fluent in French. In fact, I completely lack any knowledge of how to read the French language, pronunciation as well as comprehension. That being said, I felt that the frequent use of the language throughout the story was distracting to me. I eventually learned to mostly ignore it and simply skip over it or gather context clues, but I imagine that it could be a real turn-off to some readers. It would be a shame for someone to miss out on the great lessons of courage and strength that this story has to offer because of the random, frequent French language throughout it. To the reader, who speaks no French, I recommend pushing through it and finding a way to overlook the distraction and just enjoy the story. To the author, I'd like to say that I really like what you have to offer here, but please remember that not everyone has a background in foreign languages.
This is definitely a book for those 18 and over due to some graphic sexual scenes and violence, (although I do feel they were realistically and tastefully portrayed).
January 9, 2014
When Rose moved from a balmy, beautiful Martinique plantation to a cold, stark Paris, her life followed suit.
She went from a loving, warm family to a husband and a life that was cold and distant.
Rose's arranged marriage was supposed to be one that would be a wonderful new chapter in her life, but it was totally opposite. Her husband, Alexandre, was a philanderer and very critical of Rose. He thought she was beneath his social stature.
When the French Revolution broke out both Rose and Alexandre were imprisoned in a filthy, demeaning prison.
After her release, Rose was determined to change her life and never want for anything again. She worked at and reached that goal. Rose/Josephine was a very determined woman and led quite an interesting social life as she again looked for a husband. It is difficult to believe how she "hopped" from man to man.
BECOMING JOSEPHINE was very well written and kept my interest despite some of the political aspects. I would recommend BECOMING JOSEPHINE if you are a fan of historical fiction. It is historical fiction at its best. Ms. Webb definitely did her research.
I truly enjoy this time period in history with all the fashion. The strict rules about the rights of women during these times is always puzzling since there was no problem with the women and their sexual behavior. My rating is going to be a 4/5.
This book was given to me free of charge by he publisher in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2013
It has been awhile since I have read a book that excited me and inspired me and left me not wanting to put it down. I received Becoming Josephine as a LibraryThing’s early reviewer. I enjoy historical fiction, mainly to learn some history and more about the way things were in the past through a (hopefully) enjoyable story. Heather Webb did not disappoint! I was afraid this was going to be largely a love story about Napoleon and Josephine but what I got was an inspiring story of a strong and courageous woman as she rebounds time and again from life’s unfair circumstances. Her strength and endurance were remarkable. Miss Webb did a believable job of presenting Rose/Josephine’s thoughts and desires throughout her life, giving us a true inspiring heroine that finds herself through it all. As I finished this book I kept thinking of Sena Nuslund Jetters, Marie Antoinette in Abundance and also Scarlet O’Hara kept coming to mind. I can see this as a movie. The ending was fabulous! My favorite quote, “The old sorceress’s words echoed in my memory. “More than Queen”. And I was-a daughter and mother, the mistress of France. A woman toiling for what was right, striving to do her part. The summation of all my lifetimes: joy and pain, deeds and failings, and the lives I had touched. Now I would create my own destiny, a livelihood and a happiness, without expectation or fear.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews