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A review by kelseyjobrien
Becoming Josephine by Heather Webb
4.0
I loved this book! I wasn't expecting much from it, to be honest, but it wildly exceeded my expectations.
Though historical events are technically not spoilers, this review will be limited, just in case you want to read this book, but don't know the history of Josephine Bonaparte.
Though this book is short, it moves along extremely quickly, because Webb has managed to fit years and years of history into 300 pages. At first, I wasn't used to the pace, and didn't know if I would like it, but I actually came to love it. The fast pace works here, because Webb is looking at Josephine as a person, not just an historical figure, and really understands the feelings and goals of this woman, who you can tell is incredibly important to her.
Going along with this, the book is, though quietly, incredibly feminist, which gets huge points from me! Josephine is outspoken, does the things she wants to do, and never judges a woman for their own choices. It was so refreshing to read about women making their own choices, regardless of if it was buying an extravagant dress, or sleeping with men, and not having to read other women gossiping about them being "sluts" and "whores". In fact, Josephine even makes a point to say that women can and should do what they want when they want, and it doesn't matter to her, and it shouldn't to anyone else, either. Her best friend, Fanny, also makes sly comments about women making the big decisions that men get credit for, and it had me smiling from ear to ear.
My only complaint is the end. Not because it was bad, in any means, but because I wanted to know more! It ended with Josephine going back to her house, Malmaison, to live out the rest of her days, and that's where it ends. I wanted to know about the rest of her life! Did the French citizens still love her? Did she still practice tarot? How did she spend her days? I want to know!
If you're a fan of French history, or just historical fiction in general, I highly recommend this book. It's a quick read, but I can (almost) guarantee you'll fall in love with Josephine, like I did.
Though historical events are technically not spoilers, this review will be limited, just in case you want to read this book, but don't know the history of Josephine Bonaparte.
Though this book is short, it moves along extremely quickly, because Webb has managed to fit years and years of history into 300 pages. At first, I wasn't used to the pace, and didn't know if I would like it, but I actually came to love it. The fast pace works here, because Webb is looking at Josephine as a person, not just an historical figure, and really understands the feelings and goals of this woman, who you can tell is incredibly important to her.
Going along with this, the book is, though quietly, incredibly feminist, which gets huge points from me! Josephine is outspoken, does the things she wants to do, and never judges a woman for their own choices. It was so refreshing to read about women making their own choices, regardless of if it was buying an extravagant dress, or sleeping with men, and not having to read other women gossiping about them being "sluts" and "whores". In fact, Josephine even makes a point to say that women can and should do what they want when they want, and it doesn't matter to her, and it shouldn't to anyone else, either. Her best friend, Fanny, also makes sly comments about women making the big decisions that men get credit for, and it had me smiling from ear to ear.
My only complaint is the end. Not because it was bad, in any means, but because I wanted to know more! It ended with Josephine going back to her house, Malmaison, to live out the rest of her days, and that's where it ends. I wanted to know about the rest of her life! Did the French citizens still love her? Did she still practice tarot? How did she spend her days? I want to know!
If you're a fan of French history, or just historical fiction in general, I highly recommend this book. It's a quick read, but I can (almost) guarantee you'll fall in love with Josephine, like I did.