Thursday, April 11

Book Review: Clisson and Eugenie


Author: Napoleon Bonaparte
Title: Clisson and Eugenie
Genre: Historical Romance, Adventure, War, short story
Pages: ebook
First Published: 1795
Where I Got It: my shelf (Amazon)


"In Napoleon Bonaparte's novella, triumphant soldier Clisson turns his back on worldly success. He falls in love and marries Eugénie, and they live the simple life until Clisson is called back into battle.

The tragic story of Clisson and Eugénie reveals that Napoleon was also an accomplished writer of fiction, and offers a fascinating insight into how he viewed love, women, and military life.

Aged twenty-six, having already known success as a soldier, Napoleon was at a low ebb both professionally and personally when he beganClisson and Eugénie, and there are parallels between his life and their story."

First of all this is a novella...so it is rather short. Things do happen rather quickly.

Okay...I was utterly stunned that this had been written by the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte and it is a romance! What? Who would have known that the war-hungry man would have written a tragic love story. He's French, so I guess he has some romance naturally in his blood. 

I utterly adored this novella. It was quick and simple and it was tragic. Ah. And you all know how I LOVE my tragic tales, eh? I feel that the author did a lovely job, but it did seem a little rough around the edges. Perhaps it was the translation to blame.  The descriptions were good and the ending took me for a loop. I totally thought that I knew what was going to happen. My theory was partially right, but not in the way I thought it would be...well, I can't say much else without giving away any spoilers.

All-in-all, I adored this novella. It was fascinating how well Napoleon wrote. Perhaps he could have been great if stayed off the war-path! Ah, the what-ifs in life....but yeah, I recommend this book if you have any interest in the author or if you like novellas. Sorry the review is so short, but I had to limit what I shared for fear of being a dirty, rotten spoiler. *lips sealed* I grant this novella 5 stars. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Eugenie and Clisson
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Berville


*CaroleRae*


4 comments:

Anachronist said...

Oh I would love to read that one! Thank you for your review!

Blodeuedd said...

I do not like tragic :/

Melissa (My World...in words and pages) said...

Wow! That is stunning. I would never have thought he'd be a romance writer. lol. Thank you!

Carole Rae said...

Ana, I think you would get a kick out of it! Thanks for stopping by!

B, hahaha I'm sorry. :( For some sick reason I do. >.<

Melissa, :D neither could I! But he made it work and he did it pretty well.