Finding Napoleon

by Margaret Rodenberg

With its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte's real attempt to write a novel, 'FINDING NAPOLEON' offers a fresh take on Europe's most powerful man after he's lost everything. A forgotten woman of history - Napoleon's last love, the audacious Albine de Montholon - narrates their tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal.

After the defeated Emperor Napoleon goes into exile on tiny St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic, he and his lover, Albine de Montholon, plot to escape and rescue his young son. Banding together African slaves, British sympathizers, a Jewish merchant, a Corsican rogue, and French followers, they confront British opposition - as well as treachery within their own ranks - with sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but always desperate action.

Interspersed within the exile story, Napoleon finishes his real novel "Clisson" that he started writing as a young man. Now it's a father's message to the young son whom his enemies took from him, but how can they get it to the boy?

When Napoleon and Albine break faith with one another, ambition and Albine's husband threaten their reconciliation. To survive, Albine must decide whom to betray. To succeed, Napoleon must learn whom to trust.

Two hundred years after Napoleon's death, this elegant, richly researched novel reveals the man history conceals.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, France, Historical, Romance, Historical Romance, Adult

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

Margaret Rodenberg’s debut novel Finding Napoleon won the coveted IPPY GOLD MEDAL for BEST FIRST BOOK: FICTION AWARD and six other literary prizes.

Stephanie Dray, NYT best-selling author of historical fiction says of Finding Napoleon, “Rodenberg inventively uses Bonaparte's own unfinished novel to tell the story of the despot's rise to power juxtaposed against the story of his last love affair. Told creatively and with excellent research!”

Margaret loves to participate in ZOOM book club discussions. Check out her fabulous Book Club Kit on her website FindingNapoleon.com and contact her to arrange a date she can join yours. A recent book club in Woodland Hills said, the evening with Margaret was "their best meeting in ten years."

Her fascination with French history began when she lived in France as a young teen with her US Navy family. An avid traveler who has visited over sixty countries, she has journeyed more than 30,000 miles to conduct Napoleonic research, including to St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic, where Finding Napoleon takes place. She’s a former businesswoman, an award-winning writer, and a director of the Napoleonic Historical Society, a non-profit that promotes knowledge of the Napoleonic era. She's as happy in a kayak as she is in a museum.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

France, 1769. After losing everything, defeated Napoleon flees to the British shore and pleads with the British politicians to take him in. Instead, they exile him to a remote island of St. Helena in the South Atlantic. On the same ship, there are a few people who remain loyal to Bonaparte. Among them Charles de Montholon with his wife Albine, who becomes Napoleon’s lover.

Once on the island, Napoleon is under watchful eye of the British guards as he escaped from the island of Elba in the past. They want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. He does plot another escape and he needs help. Thus, he befriends certain island’s inhabitants to help him in his endeavor.

Once on the island, the pace of the story slows. There are descriptions and dialogue that don’t move the story forward.

The premise of the story is interesting. I’ve read other novels about Napoleon and was looking forward to reading this story as this one is uniquely set on the island after his defeat. And the plotting is interesting; I just wished it had a faster pace.

The idea of integrating Napoleon’s attempt at writing a novel is interesting too. However, it disrupts the flow. The narrative between Napoleon and Albine is smooth, but once the third narrative of the story written by Napoleon is introduced the flow feels choppy.

The story starts strong and I felt connected to the characters initially, but I lost that connection once on the island.

If you like stories that take time with descriptions, then you may still find this book engaging.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Napoleon by Margaret Rodenberg is an excellent historical fiction novel that depicts the last few years of Napoleon’s life in exile on St. Helena, his little-known and rumored last love Albine de Montholon, and an extension of a partial manuscript that was written by the man himself (Clisson).

This novel is beyond thought-provoking, unique, and honestly stunning. It is ingenious the way the author was able to take fact, fiction, and create a novel within a novel to bring us an impressive piece of work.

I only know a few things about Napoleon. I have read books depicting his first loves, but I have never read anything quite like this.

It is a wonderful story that kept me enthralled throughout. The author clearly has a passion for the subject and has done her research. What shows is a love-infused gift to the reader that has fiction, historic facts, ill-fated romance, passion, intrigue, and finality.

I enjoyed reading the Author’s Note at the end to give me ideas in what was real, what was elaborated on, and what was added in which to create a stunning narrative.

5/5 stars

Thank you EW and She Writes Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/6/21.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second story I have read recently with a novel within the novel, and, when done well, this form intrigues me. In this tale, the format takes on even more impact as the passages included are from a real manuscript: Napoleon Bonaparte’s unfinished tragic romance, Clisson et Eugénie. The emperor himself takes center stage in the story. Napoleon is taken from legend and notoriety and given a breathtaking, relatable humanity. He is a brilliant man exiled far from home in the South Atlantic on lonely Saint Helena, separated from his beloved son, defeated but not powerless, passionate and sensitive, doggedly plotting escape from his second exile. I loved this humane treatment of such an iconic historical figure. Albine de Montholon, his last mistress, shares the narrative, and she is drawn as a complex, multi-dimensional character. In the last years of Napoleon’s life, allegiances and loyalties are always in question, betrayal is a breath away. This is a slow, introspective read with a strong emphasis on the characters. The writing is lyrical, the story one of love, trust, betrayal, and loss. This is a poignant, thought-provoking blend of historical fact and moving fiction.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Napoleon is a fictionalized account of the final days of Napoleons second reign and subsequent exile, until his death. In addition to expanding on what is widely known or believed regarding his affairs and relationships, it takes an in depth look at what life on Sainte Helena was like. It also included the story of Clisson, a novel Napoleon had started to write but never actually finished.

I really enjoyed this book and it makes me want to study Napoleon more, including his first wife Josephine and especially his son. I really liked that although this book has been fictionalized, it’s not outrageously so. The point of view given by Albine, Napoleons final mistress, is complex in how easy it is to hate her; she’s a liar, a thief, and generally is only looking out for herself. With that in mind, I really liked reading her chapters and understanding what made her the way she was.

This book also hit home the fact of, when you’re on top of the world, everyone has their knives pointing up at you. There is no way to discern the traitors from your friends and at that point, you just have to guess and hope you chose correctly. Even if you’re Napoleon Bonaparte, the lesson is true all the same.

My favorite quote from the book is about the slavery in use on Saint Helena; at least in the book, it is one of Napoleon’s everlasting regrets. After being gifted a straw hat made by a slave, Napoleon says “No price can be placed on a slave’s labor freely given” regardless of whether Napoleon actually said this or not, this quote resonated with me.

Overall, I really liked the historical aspects of the book while still involving romance and action. The book was easy to read and enjoy. Around the middle of the book, the pacing really slows down, however.

ARC was provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Napoleon. Now there's a name that comes with some preconceptions. It's difficult to get around the power of history and legend to get a glimpse at the complicated human behind it all, but FINDING NAPOLEON manages it—and manages it beautifully.

The book follows Napoleon and his entourage through his final years in exile on the island of St. Helena, a period I had heard about in passing but really knew very little about. There are thwarted escape attempts and intrigue, including an attempted slave revolt, which I enjoyed enormously. But the real triumph of FINDING NAPOLEON is the creation of Napoleon himself as a complete man: tired, proud, ornery, regretful, determined, resigned. The author brings him to life masterfully. We don't excuse his excesses or missteps, but we start to think we can understand them.

The book also makes beautiful use of the conceit of a novel the historical Napoleon started writing in his twenties. It's fascinating to see Napoleon engaging in his own myth-making, while at the same time trying to make sense of his own history as he arrives at the end of his life.

As a less-important note, I am now obsessed with the character of Cipriani and will need to do my own side research into this quirky and suspicious man.

Historical fiction fans and Napoleonic enthusiasts will love FINDING NAPOLEON. I did!

[Raegan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. it’s a no for me luv😬

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating novel. I did not know much about Napoleon before reading this book, and although it is historical fiction, I learned a lot. I also really loved how the author wrote about St. Helena Island. It doesn’t sound as bad as what Napoleon had felt about it, although I guess it would be different if you were extradited to a place, versus going for pleasure.

Napoleon is extradited to St. Helena Island, which is located in the South Atlantic, thousands of miles from any other land. It took weeks by ship to get there. Napoleon and an entourage that went with him all unload and soon took over the island. He was quickly found a place to live, and it was changed to accommodate his wishes for the time being. Meanwhile, he is writing his romance novel that he had started, that no one knew about and often thinks about how to back to the mainland and to get his son back.

After this, it seems his life in a way fell apart. There are rumors he took on a mistress which caused heartache and pain in that he was never sure if he could trust her or not, but his heart had fell for her. He often was not sure who of his entourage he should trust and was worried about being poisoned or done in by someone. He seemed to be a bit of a self loather, but yet was consumed on how to get back to his son and mother. It was kind of sad, how he had to live out the rest of his life, although he brought it upon himself.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, and would be interested in reading more about Napoleon’s younger years. He seemed to be a man of feelings, but also a man of war for what was right. I really enjoyed reading about the various people of St. Helena’s island and about the island itself. Thank you to She Writes Press for the free novel.

[Jashaswi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well researched, incredibly creative, remarkable and tragic story of the final days of the man whose name rules history. Unlike the most highlighted years of his life, the conflicting politics under his rule, this book introduces us to an older Napoleon in exile sans title, power and followers. Far away in the remote island in the company of a handful of people who called themselves his followers, he reflected on his life, battles, losses and betrayals. He planned and plotted many failed escapes with the help of locals including African slaves, a merchant and his long time friend Francesco Cipriani. I loved the part where Napoleon accepted a straw hat from a slave and understood its priceless value. 
Here we learn of his final love affair with Albine de Montholon, faded in the pages of history. As we move through Napoleon's thoughts we can sketch Albine as selfish, a liar, and a thief. But when we read her chapters we understand the dimensions between which her motives and actions stretched. Albine understood the Emperor better and loved him with respect. However, they had different worlds to enter outside of the cage of St. Helena. If only circumstances were different there love could have been unconditional. But in a revolutionary world, constancy is a challenge, and betrayals are helpless actions.
Overall, I loved the story telling, all the characters, actions, love and the historical events intertwined with fiction. Rodenberg has immaculately weaved the incomplete pieces of Napoleon's novel, filling gaps and creating an epic story resonating with the disposition of the Emperor, thus, bringing the man behind the title to life. Finding Napoleon catches the man behind the fearless Emperor - lonely, skeptical and helpless. It envisions an understanding of his character and the passions that drove him to his actions.
I would definitely recommend this book to all Historical Fiction lovers and those looking for a great piece of literature.
Thank you Netgalley and She writes press for this amazing arc.

[Elizabeth (Alaska) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this piece of historical fiction set largely during Napoleon's exile on the island of St. Helena. Yes, I had to look at a map, too. St. Helena is out in the middle of the South Atlantic. I didn't highlight the numbers, but it is said there was a sign: eastward 2100 miles was Africa; westward 2500 miles was the coast of South America; north 5200 miles was England; and Hell was to the south. Anyway, it was clear the British had no intention of Napoleon escaping as he did Elba.

With a minor exception at the end, there are three points of view, each given section all of the chapters. Albine de Moncholon was in the enterouge that accompanied Napoleon in his exile. Though married, she was also Napoleon's mistress. Her story is told in the first person. Napoleon's story is told in the third person, but still with very good characterization. Whether Napoleon was a hero to some and a complete threat for others. The last point of view was very interesting. It was Napoleon's unfinished novel told in the person of Clisson. As I understand it, the author did not bring forth Napoleon's actual unfinished novel, but presented one that might have been.

I enjoyed my time spent with this. I know little enough of the details of Napoleon's life to have cared little how accurate was this portrayal. It was easy enough to just go with the storyline. But this isn't literature and there is no way I'm finding a 5th star. A full four of them is sufficient.

[Paloma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Review in English | Reseña en Español

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review

I unfortunately had to DNF this book at 45 percent. Having reached almost half of it, I never felt connected to any of the characters and I was bored most of the time as nothing in their lives made me interested. And we need to keep in mind this is historical fiction based on one of the most controversial, passionate, outstanding, loved and hated figures in world history –Napoleon Bonaparte- but still, I felt there was not plot nor pace to keep my attention on the story.

For me, the book’s two main faults centered on:

1. The assumption that the reader knows a lot about Napoleon and this specific historical period. While I agree that in order to read a book about this figure you should have some previous background that at first drew your interest in, the truth is that if you have a basic knowledge, the book won’t clarify anything nor provide context to understand what is going on. This might be at times confusing. There are no dates, no clear reference to when events of the past occurred, etc. There is not even an indication of where St. Helene is located and even though I consider my geography knowledge to be quite decent, I had no idea where the story was taking place.

2. The synopsis is very misleading, not only because it hints it will be a romance but also because it literally says: “A forgotten woman of history—the audacious Albine de Montholon—narrates their tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal.” The story did not seem a romance to me and it is definitely not narrated by Albine. The novel is told from the interchanged perspectives of Napoleon and Albine, and I would dare say Napoleon’s voice surpasses that of Albine. In terms of the ‘romance’ I found it odd that, at least in the 45 percent I read, I never felt the couple developed an interaction or a profound relationship. Albine was his mistress and she had her own interests in sleeping with the former emperor, and therefore, the only interaction we get to see –at least through almost half of the novel I read- is them being in bed. No serious or profound conversations there so the premise of “Napoleon seen in the eyes of a woman who loved him” was non-existent.

Overall, the book had all the elements to be an outstanding historical fiction but something was missing. There is certainly a cast of characters which is diverse and could have provided a very interesting picture of the society on an isolated island: there are conversations on slavery, racism, cultural differences and yet, I felt none were truly represented because the characters were very plain. I do not know how else to describe it. Once again, I did not finish the book but I feel that if you’ve read a third of any story, there should be something that makes characters appealing and this never happened.

Also, I was not interested in the actual novel Napoleon wrote, Clisson. The author puts parts of this novel in between Napoleon and Albine’s interventions, but I was not really interested and felt its placement a bit forced within the pages of this book.

I think this novel could work for those who love really slow-paced stories and who have a very clear idea of Napoleon and his life in which case, this story might present an innovative fictionalized perspective. Unfortunately, it was not the book for me. I wanted to be invested in the story not only because these were great historical figures but also because they lived in very complex historical times and yet, I found none of this richness within the pages of these book.
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Finding Napoleon o de cómo hacer la vida de Napoleón Bonaparte aburrida en la ficción. Siendo una novedad editorial reciente, quién sabe cuánto tarde en ser traducida al español, pero la verdad es que de esos libros que considero que no valen la pena. El tono es muy lento, al grado de desesperar; los personajes no evolucionan y la descripción del libro en sí es engañosa: se define como una historia narrada por la última mujer que amó a Napoleón en su exilio, con todo el drama y romance que esto pudiera implicar. Y la realidad es otra: la novela es narrada tanto por Napoleón como Albine de Montholon (y la voz del primero es mucho más fuerte que la de ella) y, por lo menos en el 45 por ciento que leí, jamás vi un romance o una relación profunda entre ambos personajes. Básicamente sus interacciones eran en la cama, y ya. Quién sabe si al final algo cambiaría pero creo que ir a la mitad de un libro y sentir a los protagonistas huecos es suficiente para tomar una decisión. Rara vez abandono libros pero en verdad que no hubo ningún elemento rescatable para continuar –una historia sencillamente mal narrada y aburrida.

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. This book.

Born from a secret manuscript.

At age 26, Napoleon Bonaparte wrote the scant twenty pages—and kept "Clisson" hidden all his life, even carrying the seedling story with him into his final exile on the island of St. Helena.

When author Margaret Rodenberg learned of the story’s existence in 1999, she began a passionate research journey that carried her through decades and across tens of thousands of miles. Her goal: to flesh out the infant narrative about a young Napoleon and overlap it with an intimate, imagined retelling of the deposed emperor’s final years.

And wow, does she ever do it well.

Start to finish, the book is fascinating. Memorable. The characterization is superb, the well-paced storyline infused with betrayal, intrigue, tender love, and bawdy realities. With true artistry, the author gave me access not only to the brilliant mind and heart of Napoleon, but also to his resilient, wounded mistress Albine and his devoted protégée Tobyson, along with the settings that restricted, expanded, and shaped them all.

The story sent me scrambling to learn more—despite the fact that I have never had more than a yawning interest in Napoleon.

The author accomplishes what every historical novelist surely hopes to do, as she not only transports her readers into a past age, but awakens the lungs and limbs, thoughts and souls of her characters so profoundly that they live and breathe within inches of those readers.

I read an advance digital copy of this book with an opportunity to give it an independent review. I’ve since pre-ordered a hard copy. When it releases on April 6, I want this book on my shelf.

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Finding Napoleon" is the story of Napoleon Bonaparte as he is defeated and exiled to the small island of St. Helena in the south Atlantic. While he is able to take some of his allies to include his mistress, Albine, and her husband, he is torn from his beloved son, who remains with his cruel wife, Marie Louise. This is a good book infused with a lot of historical detail, a treat for my fellow history lovers.

Before reading this book, I was not really familiar with Napoleon's time on St. Helena. I had read of him getting exiled but I don't believe I had read anything about what his time was like there. In fact, until I read this book, I don't think I had ever looked at where St. Helena was on the map and just how far from home Napoleon was. Once on St. Helena, Napoleon is under the ever watchful eye of the British soldiers who want to prevent another escape like Napoleon carried out on Elba. Napoleon is down but not out and is constantly plotting ways to make his escape and get back to the life he knew and the son he loves.

St. Helena comes with its own cast of characters that Napoleon and Albine interact with. I particularly loved Betsy, a young teen who fancies having Napoleon as a friend, and Tobyson, a young boy who always seems to be with Betsy and represents the tension between keeping slaves and allowing for more free men on the island. Although they are secondary characters, every scene with Betsy and/or Tobyson were some of my favorites. They add a lot of light to the book.

The book is partially narrated by Albine, which was a really interesting choice. The switching narration between third person and first person when Albine is narrating worked really well and breathed a lot of interest into the book. Another thing that I didn't realize until reading this book is that Napoleon wrote his own fictional book. I loved the inclusion of the "Clisson" passages in the book. You get to see another facet of Napoleon through his writing, which helps to bring some humanity to this larger than life man.

The writing of the book is really good. I loved the way the author wrote both the primary and secondary characters and wove them into the narrative. The book has some great bits of world building, particularly once Napoleon arrives on St. Helena. You can imagine what it looks like and what it smells like. The detail is really rich and wonderful.

I really enjoyed this debut novel and can't wait to see what Rodenberg writes next!

[Lorelei Brush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Finding Napoleon is a journey of wondrous discovery. I asked myself many times why my history classes had never covered numerous aspects of his family relationships and dropped him as a person of interest on his way to St Helena. Margaret Rodenberg has brought the character of Napoleon alive in this fictional account of his last years. Its focus on his love for his son is eye-opener, as I’d guess from our history lessons that all he cared about was his own winning of battles and his wild support by his people. The book rounds him out as a character with great passions – and a writer.

I’ll spend a moment on that novel of his. What a moving experience it must have been for Margaret to feel pages of his manuscript, and what an incentive those fragments were to her to complete his story. In it, we get a picture of Napoleon as a naïve youth falling in love. The sections of this novel, woven into Margaret’s greater work, juxtapose the young and old man – where he started and where he ended up.

The character of Albine, his last love (it is likely a stretch to call it “love”), was a poignant surprise. She felt uncomfortably placed, from the very start, when her husband (one of Napoleon’s generals) offered her to Napoleon to take care of his sexual needs. How incredible of him! It suggests loyalty beyond the reasonable and lays him open to many subsequent mixed feelings about his commander, let alone about his wife. The unpacking of Albine’s reactions to her circumstances makes an intriguing story all on its own.

I highly recommend this book for the originality of its layered stories, its look at a part of Napoleonic history we have rarely seen, and its explication of a complicated female character caught in the midst of this history.

[Jessica Hughes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was excited to read a historical fiction novel based on fact and a figure I was not too familiar with. Turned out my lack of knowledge on Napoleon was why I did not enjoy this book. Coming primarily from the perspective of his mistress during his second exile, I felt as a reader I was tossed into a storyline that had little to no background or buildup. I found myself googling who/what/where often as I was reading this trying to piece together the characters and what the political situation was. As confused as I was, I did find myself enjoying reading the snippets of Napoleons novel "Clisson" that were written into the book.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Napoleon has been defeated and he is on the run. He and his lover, Albine, plus a few more of his trusted entourage, are exiled on a tiny island. This does not stop Napoleon from plotting and planning to escape, save his son, and become emperor again. But treachery is all around and Napoleon must decide where to turn and whom to trust!

I have not read very many books about Napoleon or books set in this time period. So this was a unique read for me. This is very well researched but the writing fell a little short for me. It almost was a little too basic. But, don’t let this stop you! It is a different story and I enjoyed it! This story has a wonderful setting and fabulous twists and turns.

Need a unique historical fiction book with a fabulous cover….THIS IS IT!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel focuses on Napoleon's exile on St. Helena, when the deposed emperor lived at the mercy of his British overseers and with a tiny group of loyalists and spies. Napoleon makes for a sympathetic figure in this telling, as an older man in failing health separated from his family and surrounded by people he may or may not be able to trust. I enjoyed the author's portrayal of Napoleon interacting with his mistress, British officers, Black slaves on the island (who he pointedly tries to help), and hangers-on from his vanquished court. Overall, an interesting read for anyone who finds Napoleon fascinating.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Finding Napoleon" received a nice write-up in the Napoleonic Historical Society newsletter, so I thought that I would give it a read. Besides there are not many good historical novels about Napoleon, oddly enough. This book is actually two novels in one. One takes place at St. Helena at the end of the exiled Napoleon's life, and the other is an expanded version of a short novella that Napoleon wrote in his 20's (called "Clisson and Eugénie"). The book alternates back and forth between the two books. Much of the St. Helena sections are from the point of view of Albine de Montholon, who was the wife of Charles de Montholon (the man who probably poisoned Napoleon). Both parts of the novel are well-written and seem accurate for the time-period. All the famous people living on the island at the time are there (Betsy Balcombe, the heinous Hudson Lowe, etc.) along with others brought in for plot purposes. This is fiction of course, so much of the book is from the author's imagination, but it is very compelling and possible. The Emperor himself seems realistic. The "Clisson and Eugénie" expanded novel is quite good, you may also want to pick up a copy of the original by Napoleon (recently re-published) to see the differences. "Finding Napoleon" is interesting for anyone, not just "Bonapartists"!

[Mike Torreano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book! Margaret Rodenberg has written a wonderful story about Napoleon's last days in exile. Her characters captivated me as they wound around each other to create a lovely place to escape to. The author's lyrical writing style swept me along with unexpected twists and turns that spiraled to a heartfelt climax. Highly recommended!

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened via audible

Ok - I have to admit - I did get lost a few times reading this book but man, I loved it. I read reviews and several people mention getting lost somewhere in the middle - but I think that has to do with the fact that we, as Americans, don't really know much about the history of France and Napoleon! This book was a love story - in a way - and written so poetically. I loved the narrators which probably helped. I am on to read the history of Napoleon - I am just so interested now!

[Joanne Leddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gravitate towards books of the historical fiction genre and this novel was a great read! Expecting a focus about troop movements, battles, and European politics; I was delighted to learn of Napoleon’s youth, his sarcastic humor, and his unfinished novel! He was NOT what I expected nor how history portrays him and I’m so glad to have discovered this through reading Finding Napoleon. Be sure to reach out to the author. She’s a fabulous Book Club speaker! 5 stars from me!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well researched and so thoughtfully planned. I read many historical fiction novels, it is my favorite genre, and this one stands among the best. I felt like I really got to know Napoleon Bonaparte as well as the many formally unknown characters who went to exile with him. I think the author truly tried to understand Napoleon so that she could speak for him in this story and in completing his novel.

Added 1/23/22-If you ever get a chance to hear the author speak, or meet her in person or on zoom, you must do it. She is so interesting and has so much knowledge about Napoleon and his era. Truly a delight to listen to.

[Donna Kremer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to understand the writing in this book, to piece together the story, and to care about it. There were many characters who went by their first names and then by their last which made it confusing. Some of the pages were lost on me. Some of the writing and character development was outstanding, like “The woman he’d never known, the warmth of a body he never embraced- their loss was no less painful for having been imagined.” I appreciated the thorough research by the author and the knowledge I gained of Napoleon.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: Finding Napoleon

Author: Margaret Rodenburg

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 3/5

Recommended For...: historical fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Publisher: She Writes Press

Pages: 374

Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed

Synopsis: With its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte's real attempt to write a novel, Finding Napoleon offers a fresh take on Europe's most powerful man after he's lost everything. A forgotten woman of history--Napoleon's last love, the audacious Albine de Montholon--narrates their tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal.

After the defeated Emperor Napoleon goes into exile on tiny St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic, he and his lover, Albine de Montholon, plot to escape and rescue his young son. Banding together African slaves, British sympathizers, a Jewish merchant, a Corsican rogue, and French followers, they confront British opposition--as well as treachery within their own ranks--with sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but always desperate action.
When Napoleon and Albine break faith with one another, ambition and Albine's husband threaten their reconciliation. To succeed, Napoleon must learn whom to trust. To survive, Albine must decide whom to betray.

Two hundred years after Napoleon's death, this elegant, richly researched novel reveals a relationship history conceals.

Review: I had to DNF after 112 pages. While I thought the book was good and I loved the historical aspects of it, I felt like it was too slow for me and it focused too much on the characters rather than the history.

Verdict: It's good just not for me.

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before reading this I did not know much about Napoleon Bonaparte. I love a good historical fiction novel that brings you into a story with richly drawn characters and enough history that you learn something. While this book is beautifully written it is a chore to get through. This novel is slow moving and I found myself dreading it. It follows Napoleon during his final days as Emperor and his second exile on St. Helena until his death. A few “trusted” confidants join him on the island, including Albine de Monthlon and her husband. Napoleon and Albine begin a love affair, but it’s not as advertised. It’s basically two people with no other options while trapped on an island together. Albine is a quick witted but desperate woman who has been handed a bad hand in life. She truly cares for the Emperor and dreams of him retaining his greatness with her by his side. One major obstacle is Albine’s husband who is playing both sides in a deadly game of espionage. Between the alternating chapters of Napoleon’s and Albine’s points of view is Napoleon’s long lost manuscript, Clisson, which is loosely based on Napoleon’s own life. While these chapters were more entertaining than the Napoleon and Albine chapters they were still filled with unlikeable characters. The problem with this novel is the characters themselves. Not one of them is likable. They are all horrible, narcissistic people who are only looking out for themselves. I feel the author did the best she could with the material she had at her disposal. The novel is well researched and the writing is poignant, but the subject matter was just not for me. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finding Napoleon is about his last mistress Albine de Montholon. The book is mostly narrated by Albine, but obviously when she isn't around Napoleon must narrate his parts. There is also sections of the actual novella that Napoleon wrote, Clisson and Eugenie. I seem to be in the minority on this book, it was just okay for me, I never did feel pulled in and there were actually times I didn't really even want to continue reading. It felt formulated and predictable, and I never felt emotional about the characters. Not every book is for everyone, but I do hope others truly enjoy it, read what you love. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to give my voluntary and honest opinion on #FindingNapoleon.

[Dana K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll admit, I am not a great expert on Napoleon or that particular time in European history. For some reason, it's just an era that has not sparked my interest before now. When I got the opportunity from Booksparks to read Finding Napoleon, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge about an infamous figure which had previously been relegated to the dusty corners of my mind.

We join Napoleon as he is beginning to lose his final campaign and is entered into exile on St Helena where he will (spoiler alert - LOL) later die. We see his fierce devotion to his son, "Eaglet," and his sensitive heart as his second wife spurns him as he begins to fall from grace. As his confinement on St Helena progresses he maintains that he has asked for sanctuary from the British even though he is treated as a prisoner. He takes up writing a novel based on his life that he had abandoned years before and we learn more about what shaped him into the powerful leader he was. Meanwhile, his few trusted servants are trying to find a way for him to escape exile and he learns that not all are as trusted as he hoped.

I was stuck by his sense of justice and how his strong opinions shaped him as a leader but made him quite unliked among his peers even early on in his military career. I was also amazed by his passion and how deeply he fell in love. He was quite sensitive and easily hurt by a lover or his parents or friends when he perceived a slight. It is of course historical fiction and doubly so because parts of this novel are taken from his own novel which was surely embellished by a dying man. The nobility and devotion that he perceives of his own actions was really interesting to see a glimpse into the mind of someone with so much power who thinks they are doing the right thing but only seeing things from the one perspective.

I liked multiple POV and multiple time points as well as the book within a book as methods of telling the story. All in all a great read with lots of intrigue!

Thanks to Booksparks for a copy of this novel. All opinions above are my own.

[Ann Dudzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hundreds of books have been written about Napoleon Bonaparte but most focus Napleon the Emperor. Not nearly as much attention has been given to his last exile on St. Helena Island or on Napoleon as a person. This novel does much to rectify that.

A fun little story behind this book: I had a few hours to kill on a Saturday while one of my sons attended a computer class. So, I did what I usually do - headed for the nearest Barnes & Noble. At the entrance, a local author was signing copies of her newest book and she hooked me with her elevator pitch: “When Napoleon was a young man, he tried to write a novel. I decided to finish it.”

Finding Napoleon commences just days before the emperor’s final exile to St. Helena Island and is told by Napoleon, his last mistress Albine de Montholon, and through the novel, Clisson. Stranded on the remote island, surrounded by his last loyal retainers and the British army, Napoleon never stops making plans to escape. But who can he trust? Allegiances shift as quickly as the tide. Even his lover has her own agenda. As many of his retinue are arrested or killed, Napoleon’s health declines, his plans for escapte diminish until eventually the only joy he has left is finishing his novel.

I’ve read quite a bit of Napoleonic history and I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. The character’s voices are excellent and this author has done something I don’t see very often - she made Napoleon human, with feelings and dreams and an all encompassing love for his son. Albine was wonderful - even when she was deceitful, her flaws were so poignant that I couldn’t help but feel compassion for her. For readers who like to know how far from actual events historical fiction wanders, there’s a short fact vs. fiction section that delineates what really happened versus what the author portrayed.

[Carol Sente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging historical fiction book about Napoleon. I had vague recall of Napoleon’s history as France’s first emperor, his exile to Elba, the Battle of Waterloo and Hundred Day reign but failed to recall his second and final exile to St. Helena by the British. His exile to St. Helena was very different, much longer and more restricted compared to his exile to Elba. We meet some interesting characters in the novel, most real and some imagined. If you have read many other books about Napoleon, you may not find this as engaging but I had not and always enjoy a well-written historical fiction novel where I can get a better glimpse into an important figure’s life. I very much enjoyed the author’s concluding notes about her research and what elements were true and what aspects were created or expanded. Apparently Napoleon did write a short story, which the author called Clisson (a nickname for Napoleon?) and expanded it. This novel within a novel concept was appealing to me and shared some insight into Napoleon’s Corsican childhood and early adulthood. I found the characters of Albine Montholon, his mistress, and Tobyson (sp? listened via audiobook…which was delightfully read) St. Helena slave’s son that Napoleon sort of adopts to be my favorites; they track through the entire story until the very end but there are several additional well-developed characters. We even have a brief encounter with Napoleon’s fragile and ill son “The Eaglet” at the end.

[Mariya T (msbookworld) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. As a history buff I’ve found Napoleon’s life and achievements fascinating, because of their impact on European history. In “Finding Napoleon” we meet a Napoleon, who is in reduced circumstances after the Battle of Waterloo, but who has not truly conceded defeat. In exile on St. Helena, he is accompanied by a select few including Albine de Montholon. Albine is the wife of one of his generals and an aristocratic survivor of the French revolution, who becomes Napoleon’s last mistress.

While reading this book I found that Margaret Rodenberg did a great job of seamlessly combining the novel begun by a young Napoleon with his time in exile. The novel helps us get a glimpse into the mind of this contradictory man and allows us to better understand his relationship to Albine. Throughout the course of the novel I found myself sympathizing with these characters even though neither are what one would consider to be good people. Albine is very much the product fo the French Revolution. Having narrowly escaped execution, she is left with a severe case of PTSD and a desire for safety that she can never seem to obtain. Throughout the story she is caught between her husband and Napoleon. She loves them both in her own way and both men seek to use her for their own purposes. Though her choices are questionable, I feel bad for this woman who had experiences so many horrors in her life and found herself with few choices.

Then there is Napoleon himself. As his novel shows, Napoleon is also a product of revolution. First in Corsica and then in France. Yet while both revolutions espoused radical change neither were ultimately able to fully bring them about. It is little wonder then that while Napoleon sought to overturn the world order he also floundered in the attempt, as exemplified by his actions in Haiti. Meanwhile, his relationship with women seems to be colored by his relationship with his mother. While it may sound Freudian, Albine, Eugenie and his beloved Josephine remind me of how Napoleon describes his mother. All three women use their bodies for advancement and are faithless. Napoleon seems to reject all three, but at the same time is helplessly drawn to them.

Overall, I give this book a 5 out of 5. The plot is engaging and the author does a great job of getting the reader to sympathize with the main characters. I found the ending very poignant and a perfect way to end this story. If you enjoy reading about history then I think this is definitely the book for you.

For more reviews like this check out my blog at reviewsbym.com

[Marija · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rodenberg’s novel offers an interpretation of Napoleon’s final years—from his loss at the Battle of Waterloo to his final days of exile at St. Helena. The book is effectively a remembrance of things past, as Napoleon reflects upon his fragmentary novella Clisson et Eugénie. Discussions of prosperity and success, family, friendship and loyalties among brothers in arms, loves and betrayals abound. There’s upset, hope for change, understanding and a final acceptance.

The scenes involving Napoleon and his novella are counterbalanced by the story of Albine de Montholon, Napoleon’s mistress. Like one of Balzac’s later heroines, Albine is a woman of ambition, chasing money and recognition through deception. Some of her wily deeds are tempered by a maternal drive; however, her drive for survival keeps that underlying hardness ever present.

Readers who’ve studied French history and know the story of Napoleon and his relationships may find some inconsistencies in this fictional interpretation, however. For instance, there’s no mention of Albine’s other daughter, or her other two sons (she had three). Also, the story’s progression may confuse some readers, as years may pass from one chapter section to the next. The sections told from Napoleon and Albine’s points of view don’t include introductory dates, unlike the sections detailing Napoleon’s novella.