Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Sourcebooks Landmark (2010), Edition: Reprint, 605 pages
Description
"An epic love story...irresistible reading." -Chicago Tribune To be young, in France, and in love: fourteen year old Desiree can't believe her good fortune. Her fiance, a dashing and ambitious Napoleon Bonaparte, is poised for battlefield success, and no longer will she be just a French merchant's daughter. She could not have known the twisting path her role in history would take, nearly breaking her vibrant heart but sweeping her to a life rich in passion and desire. A love story, but so much more, D sir e explores the landscape of a young heart torn in two, giving readers a compelling true story of an ordinary girl whose unlikely brush with history leads to a throne no one would have expected. An epic bestseller that has earned both critical acclaim and mass adoration, D sir e is at once a novel of the rise and fall of empires, the blush and fade of love, and the heart and soul of a woman. "This is a fascinating panorama, from the blood-and-sawdust reek of Robespierre's guillotine to the final collapse of the Hundred Days." -New York Times What Readers Are Saying "An absolutely marvelous story about a courageous woman in a difficult time who made difficult choices... one of the best books I have ever read." "D sir e seems to come alive when I read, and I become her. This book is so romantic, so colorful and full of adventure." "This book has meant so much to so many women." "History has never before been as human as it is here, told through the pages of D sir e's (fictitious) diary."… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member iubookgirl
Originally published in 1951, Annemarie Selinko's epic story of love, loss and war withstands the test of time. Through the eyes of Bernardine Eugénie Désirée Clary, the reader is transported through history from the French Revolution's Reign of Terror to the aftermath of Napoleon's rule.
I'm not sure my words can do this book justice. Désirée's story brought me to tears on several occasions with its raw emotion. She endures profound heartbreak both personally and as an observer of her country's pain yet is never defeated. You will root for Désirée and be completely captivated by her story. We readers are indebted to Sourcebooks for bringing this book back into print. Désirée is a beautiful and triumphant piece of historical fiction. I urge you to read it whether you are a fan of this genre or not.
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Désirée's fictitious diary is heartfelt and charts her course from a humble citizeness of the French Republic to the greatest heights.I'm not sure my words can do this book justice. Désirée's story brought me to tears on several occasions with its raw emotion. She endures profound heartbreak both personally and as an observer of her country's pain yet is never defeated. You will root for Désirée and be completely captivated by her story. We readers are indebted to Sourcebooks for bringing this book back into print. Désirée is a beautiful and triumphant piece of historical fiction. I urge you to read it whether you are a fan of this genre or not.
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LibraryThing member blodeuedd
This book was just enchanting, I was a little worried at first since it was published in the 50's but this latest version does not differ from books today. It was just like a historical novel should be like.
Desiree Clary was the daughter of a Silk Merchant from Marseille, and when she was 14 she
I do not need to say that this book was filled with history. Napoleon's struggle to the top, him becoming emperor and making all his siblings kings and queens. The years of wars, with the German states, Russia, and so on. And in the middle of all this stood Desiree. First as a relative to the family and then as a wife to one of the most known Generals in France, all of Europe. It was fascinating to see history unfold around her as she wrote in her diary and telling how it all was. I always did wonder. Napoleon and her, did they really never have an affair? This book makes it as she was deeply in love with her husband, who never strayed on her, and him only taking a mistress later on cos it was expected. But then I googled and read there was one maybe, and another man whose mistress she seems to have been. I am glad that was left out, because doing that this whole book is one romantic fantasy.
Desiree herself, well, she never gave Sweden a chance. Sure it's colder, and she was not a princess, but I felt she should have stayed cos of her son. Instead she left for France.
Other than the romance, there is the history, wars and political intrigues. This book never has a dull moment. It was very hard to put down in the end, even if it was really long. The author has of course taken artistic freedom but she stays true to the big picture.
One other thing, I have sure not read a book in a long while that mentions Finland so much, of course I enjoy that. The Swedes really wanted us back and hoped Bernadotte could go to war and conquer Finland back, alas no.
Final thoughts: A story about a fascinating woman who lived in an interesting period of time.
Desiree Clary was the daughter of a Silk Merchant from Marseille, and when she was 14 she
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met the poverished Napoleon Bonaparte. Her sister married his brother, and that was sure a catch since these two girls had a great dowry. Napoleon asked Desiree to marry him and that would take place when she turned 16. But sadly before that he went to Paris where he meet the enigmatic and beautiful, and older, Josephine. Desiree would later meet Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte whom she would marry. By then totally mixed up in the Bonaparte family and Napoleon's need for more. Later the Swedish asked Bernadotte to become crown prince of Sweden. And so this simple merchant daughter from France become a real queen.I do not need to say that this book was filled with history. Napoleon's struggle to the top, him becoming emperor and making all his siblings kings and queens. The years of wars, with the German states, Russia, and so on. And in the middle of all this stood Desiree. First as a relative to the family and then as a wife to one of the most known Generals in France, all of Europe. It was fascinating to see history unfold around her as she wrote in her diary and telling how it all was. I always did wonder. Napoleon and her, did they really never have an affair? This book makes it as she was deeply in love with her husband, who never strayed on her, and him only taking a mistress later on cos it was expected. But then I googled and read there was one maybe, and another man whose mistress she seems to have been. I am glad that was left out, because doing that this whole book is one romantic fantasy.
Desiree herself, well, she never gave Sweden a chance. Sure it's colder, and she was not a princess, but I felt she should have stayed cos of her son. Instead she left for France.
Other than the romance, there is the history, wars and political intrigues. This book never has a dull moment. It was very hard to put down in the end, even if it was really long. The author has of course taken artistic freedom but she stays true to the big picture.
One other thing, I have sure not read a book in a long while that mentions Finland so much, of course I enjoy that. The Swedes really wanted us back and hoped Bernadotte could go to war and conquer Finland back, alas no.
Final thoughts: A story about a fascinating woman who lived in an interesting period of time.
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LibraryThing member Kathleen828
What a strange experience to read this book 45 years after it was written. I read it not as a novel, but as a cultural artifact.
It was decently written, though there is no soaring prose, memorable dialogue or good characterization. It was workmanlike, but perhaps I miss the author's talent, as
This was written in German in 1952. Was the author in need of money after the war? Was she really discussing Hitler and his conquests and responsibility for the death of millions?
The most distressing thing about this, right up until the last 50 pages or so, was the "naturalness" of the idea that this young woman had absolutely no interest in the great events of her time. She is written as a consummate twit. Her husband constantly refers to her by diminutive nicknames. Did the author believe this stereotype? Did her readers? Was this deliberate or unconscious? How irritating to see women portrayed so!
This brings me back to my first statement -- this is indeed a cultural artifact.
It was decently written, though there is no soaring prose, memorable dialogue or good characterization. It was workmanlike, but perhaps I miss the author's talent, as
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Desiree is supposed to be essentially uneducated.This was written in German in 1952. Was the author in need of money after the war? Was she really discussing Hitler and his conquests and responsibility for the death of millions?
The most distressing thing about this, right up until the last 50 pages or so, was the "naturalness" of the idea that this young woman had absolutely no interest in the great events of her time. She is written as a consummate twit. Her husband constantly refers to her by diminutive nicknames. Did the author believe this stereotype? Did her readers? Was this deliberate or unconscious? How irritating to see women portrayed so!
This brings me back to my first statement -- this is indeed a cultural artifact.
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LibraryThing member Misfit
But for the fact that she went to get her brother out of jail, Bernardine Eugénie Désirée Clary, a wealthy silk merchant's daughter, would not have met young impoverished Napoleon Bonaparte and how different her life might have been. Enchanted by the young officer, she invites him and his
Written in diary format from Désirée's POV, her story give the reader an inside glimpse at the young Napoleon and his family, through his opulent days as Emperor lavishing gifts and titles on his family, on to his final defeat at Waterloo. As interesting as much of this history was, I found myself snoozing off at times as the author lost me with a too busy cast of characters, too many of which were always called "your royal highness" and nothing else that I had a hard time following who was who. Worse yet, the diary format really painted the author into quite a corner and she had a hard time getting herself out of it at times - frankly she fell out of that corner on more than one occasion. Writing in your diary and you quote verbatim a long long letter from your son? I don't think so. If you're a big fan of anything and everything Napoleonic and want to read more I'd go for it, but definitely not for a first time reader of this period in France's history.
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brother Joseph to her home - where Joseph finds himself attracted to her sister Julie and her very generous dowry. Still too young to wed at fourteen, she and Napoleon are engaged, but the older Joséphine de Beauharnais has something to say about that. Although heartbroken, Désirée recovers and eventually marries French General Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, although he spends much of their marriage away from Paris in service to the now Emperor of France. Eventually Bernadotte is nominated to become Crown Prince of Sweden, and subsequently King with Désirée as its reluctant Queen. Written in diary format from Désirée's POV, her story give the reader an inside glimpse at the young Napoleon and his family, through his opulent days as Emperor lavishing gifts and titles on his family, on to his final defeat at Waterloo. As interesting as much of this history was, I found myself snoozing off at times as the author lost me with a too busy cast of characters, too many of which were always called "your royal highness" and nothing else that I had a hard time following who was who. Worse yet, the diary format really painted the author into quite a corner and she had a hard time getting herself out of it at times - frankly she fell out of that corner on more than one occasion. Writing in your diary and you quote verbatim a long long letter from your son? I don't think so. If you're a big fan of anything and everything Napoleonic and want to read more I'd go for it, but definitely not for a first time reader of this period in France's history.
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LibraryThing member celticlady53
Desiree by AnneMarie Selinko is a re-released novel from Sourcebooks about Bernardine Eugénie Désirée Clary, a Frenchwoman who was engaged to Napoleon Bonaparte. Desiree was the daughter of a silk merchant who became Queen of Sweden and Norway. The story is told by Desiree and follows the lives
After Napoleon breaks off the engagement to marry Josephine de Beauharnais. Desiree marries Jean Baptiste Bernadotte and they have one child, Oscar. Desiree had not desire to be involved in politics, but due to her relationship with Bonaparte, she ended up being the go between and messenger between her husband and Napoleon. As her husband rises up the ranks, she is perfectly happy to have a simple life. That all changes when her husband is adopted by the King of Sweden as the king has no heirs. In 1810 Desiree goes to the Swedish court but feels that she is not treated well and returns to Paris. In 1818 her husband becomes King of Sweden but Desiree does not go to Sweden until 1823, when she goes with her daughter-in-law and at her own request is crowned Queen in 1829. I had not read a lot about Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars and I did enjoy this book. This is a story based on the history of France in the 1800's. A great story about a very courageous woman of her time.
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of the Clary and Bonaparte familys. It depicts Napoleon's rise and ultimate fall as Emperor of France.After Napoleon breaks off the engagement to marry Josephine de Beauharnais. Desiree marries Jean Baptiste Bernadotte and they have one child, Oscar. Desiree had not desire to be involved in politics, but due to her relationship with Bonaparte, she ended up being the go between and messenger between her husband and Napoleon. As her husband rises up the ranks, she is perfectly happy to have a simple life. That all changes when her husband is adopted by the King of Sweden as the king has no heirs. In 1810 Desiree goes to the Swedish court but feels that she is not treated well and returns to Paris. In 1818 her husband becomes King of Sweden but Desiree does not go to Sweden until 1823, when she goes with her daughter-in-law and at her own request is crowned Queen in 1829. I had not read a lot about Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars and I did enjoy this book. This is a story based on the history of France in the 1800's. A great story about a very courageous woman of her time.
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LibraryThing member Lindaosier
I had so much fun reading this book. It is about a young girl Desiree who lives in france during the period of time after the french revolution. she meets napoleon when he is poor and nothing and falls in love. Although they dont end up together they remain in eachothers lives and greatly impact
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eachothers. Napoleon become a great leader and Desiree becomes the queen of sweden. This was very relatable even though it takes place hundreds of years ago. It shows you that young girls are always go through the same funny and cute experiences. Show Less
LibraryThing member Maya47Bob46
Once of my favorite novels of all time. I first read it in HS and was caught up in the romance. When I found out these were real people and that she actually became Queen of Sweden, I liked it even more.
LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
A novelised biography of Desiree Clary Bernadotte (1777-1860), in the style of Jean Plaidy. German author AnneMarie Selinko penned this fictional account of Desiree's life in the 1940s, and both the translation and age of the writing show, but also add to the credibility of the narrative. I usually
Born Bernadine Eugenie Desiree Clary, daughter of a Marseilles silk merchant, Desiree is one of those incredible real life characters who are in the right place at the right time - or the wrong time, perhaps - to get caught up forever in the pages of the history books. Desiree was engaged as a young girl to Napoleon Bonaparte - and became his sister-in-law, through the marriage of her sister to his brother - but eventually wed one of his generals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, and became Queen Desideria of Sweden! You couldn't make this stuff up. Being slow on the uptake, I didn't even realise until halfway into the novel, that Desiree is not a fictional romance heroine (although some of the facts and dates have necessarily been 'embroidered' by Selinko) - finding her Wikipedia page made reading her story all the more exciting.
That said, the pace does flag in places - particularly towards the closing chapters - and Desiree's reporting of Napoleon's doings is slightly clunky at times, but all in all, an incredible life story well told. I might risk watching the film version, with Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons!
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hate the 'Dear Diary' format employed here, but grew to love 'Desiree's voice - honest, forthright and sympathetic.Born Bernadine Eugenie Desiree Clary, daughter of a Marseilles silk merchant, Desiree is one of those incredible real life characters who are in the right place at the right time - or the wrong time, perhaps - to get caught up forever in the pages of the history books. Desiree was engaged as a young girl to Napoleon Bonaparte - and became his sister-in-law, through the marriage of her sister to his brother - but eventually wed one of his generals, Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, and became Queen Desideria of Sweden! You couldn't make this stuff up. Being slow on the uptake, I didn't even realise until halfway into the novel, that Desiree is not a fictional romance heroine (although some of the facts and dates have necessarily been 'embroidered' by Selinko) - finding her Wikipedia page made reading her story all the more exciting.
That said, the pace does flag in places - particularly towards the closing chapters - and Desiree's reporting of Napoleon's doings is slightly clunky at times, but all in all, an incredible life story well told. I might risk watching the film version, with Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons!
Show Less