The Second Empress

Published in the year 2012, The Second Empress is a historical fiction novel that throws light on the relationship between Napoleon and his second wife, Marie-Louise.

Summary Of The Book

While a number of authors and readers have been captivated for years with the love story of Napoleon and Josephine, there is not much that people know about his second wife. In The Second Empress, the readers are acquainted with Marie-Louise of Austria, who is Napoleon’s second wife. The novel starts off with Marie-Louise leaving the content life she had at her father’s house to stay with the cruel Emperor Napoleon. The reason behind Marie-Louise marrying Napoleon was that she desired to prevent her country from going to war.

Marie-Louise desires to present Napoleon with something he desired greatly, and that was an heir. During her time at France, things begin to get difficult for Marie-Louise due to her moody husband and jealous sister-in-law. Even after giving birth to an heir, she feels lost, and under constant comparison with the first Empress, Josephine. Her sister-in-law, her brother, as she was with the first Empress.

Pauline is now struck with a painful disease, however, she is willing to do anything for her brother. As the story progresses, the readers are introduced to Pauline’s committed Haitian servant, Paul, who is deeply in love with her. Paul left his home to serve Pauline, and becomes a highly-respected member in their family. However, Paul soon begins to realize that the two siblings are not willing to give him what he desires, which was freedom for all slaves and Pauline’s hand in marriage. The Second Empress is set during the last days of Napoleon’s rule and downfall. This novel throws light on the impact that Napoleon’s life had on these three individuals.

About Michelle Moran

Michelle Moran is a well-known historical fiction novelist.

Apart from this book, Moran has written The Heretic Queen, Madame Tussaud: A Novel, Cleopatra’s Daughter, and Nefertiti: A Novel.

Moran was born on the 11th of August, 1980, in San Fernando Valley, California. She began writing at an early age, and submitted her work to publishers since she was 12 years old. Moran completed her degree in English from Pomona College. Following that, she began working as a volunteer archaeologist in Israel for one summer. She later completed her master’s degree from Claremont Graduate University. She has travelled to numerous archaeological sites across the globe, which have been her inspiration to write historical fiction. Moran has worked as a public high school teacher for 6 years, and currently works as a full-time author. She currently lives in California.