What a fabulous debut novel! I found myself thinking...when I was not even 50 pages in...how well-written it is. Coming in at only 300 pages, this novel packs a lot of punch. It easily rivals any of its more chunky counterparts.

Reading a book centering on Josephine was so refreshing. I have not, as of yet, read any historical novels about her. I was surprised by what an illustrious life she led. Not having read much non-fiction-wise about her, I have no way of determining how accurate Ms. Webb's story is, but I think it's safe to say that it is accurate and impeccably researched at that. I will now be in search of an excellent non-fiction book about Josephine. Any recommendations?

What Ms. Webb did best, in my opinion, was completely capture Napoleon's character as I imagined he would be. Such a passionate and intense person. Despite his faults, I found reading the parts involving him utterly fascinating.

Again, a strong debut novel here. An engaging and exciting story that will clearly delight even non-regular readers of historical fiction. I look forward to future offerings by Heather Webb. I hope I won't have to wait too long.

( )

I chose to indulge in another look at Josephine after reading an account that left a bad taste in my mouth. In the previous take, she is portrayed as a shallow and vain woman, only interested in her own survival and self-indulgence. I found few redeeming qualities in her. I didn't want that to be my last take on her so I cracked open this novel, knowing it had some great reviews. I'm glad I did as Heather Webb has woven an intricate tale of a woman caught in the maelstrom of change and revolution yet who is able to keep her personality intact, navigating cruel politics and personal relationships.

Josephine’s characterization in this book has saved her as a woman for me. She still has some of the hallmarks from the previous take on her I read; she still uses sex for survival of times and there still a hint of the self-serving there. Yet, in this portrayal, there’s so much more. She's a loving mother, a caring friend, compassionate to those less fortunate, and a sharp intelligence when it comes to politics and diplomatic maneuvering. As she navigates the agony of the French Revolution, a marriage on the rocks, and the turbulence of Napoleon’s Empire, one can't help but root for her, despite her flaws. I grew to appreciate her for all her aspects.

Besides Josephine, the item that really shines in this novel is the secondary characters. Where in the previous book secondaries are flat and stereotypical, they shine here. For example, Josephine's first husband Alexander is still a douche in the beginning in the way he treats her. Yet, he's also a passionate believer in change for the masses. He's a loving father and towards the end of his life, a friend to Josephine. They come to an understanding and part on good terms as the tragedy of the revolution enveloped them personally.

I also enjoyed the portrayal of Barras and Napoleon. Both are depicted as human with both virtues and vices. Barras isn't a sexual deviant; he's a caring friend who just enjoys the physical aspects of friendship and loving. Napoleon is still the intense autocratic leader of the French people. Yet, he's also a man who loves passionately, to the point of obsession. Even after his relationship with Josephine is altered irrevocably from betrayals, he still relies on her for diplomatic advice and cares for her deeply.

The whirlwind scene of revolution and bloodshed makes for a terrifying back drop to Josephine’s story. On both sides of the Atlantic, she faces death, destruction, and change. The author holds no punches back as she describes a world on the brink of upheaval. I felt like I was right there in the action along with Josephine, facing each scene of blood and tragedy. Webb also brings to life the glitter of balls and salons, the intellect and emotion of both things coming across sharp and clear.

This book breathed fresh air into Josephine, her fellow characters, and the bloody world of revolution. I found everything vivid in their portrayals, and the characters vibrant with life. I succeeded in my objective when I originally started this book; my understanding of Josephine and her life were revolutionized (pun intended LOL). This book was engrossing where previous was not. If you're looking for a look at Josephine and her life, look no further than this novel. Highly recommended! ( )

The name Josephine Bonaparte is undoubtedly familiar to readers with an interest in Revolutionary and Napoleonic-era France. While Josephine is a relatively popular figure, there are surprisingly few historical novels that feature her as a central character. As such, Becoming Josephine, Heather Webb's debut novel chronicling Josephine's life, is a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre.

Born Rose Tascher on the French island of Martinique, the woman who would become wife to French Emperor Napoleon lived the type of life well suited for a novel. Josephine endured a loveless first marriage to French aristocrat Alexandre de Beauharnais, but through this marriage was able to befriend some of France's most prominent citizens. Although she survived the horrors of the French Revolution and Robespierre's Terror, not everyone she knew was as fortunate. Once she caught the eye of Napoleon, Josephine's life again takes a dramatic turn, one that ultimately led to her becoming Empress of the French. Each of these episodes and aspects of Josephine's life is featured in Becoming Josephine, a novel that is sure to please readers hoping to learn more about this fascinating woman.

Having previously read a few novels about Josephine I was already familiar with her life prior to reading Becoming Josephine. Despite this familiarly, I enjoyed the fresh perspective brought to her life by Heather Webb, who presents Josephine as charming, kind, compassionate and caring. Josephine experienced a few rough periods in her life, but she never let her own disappointments or hardships stop her from trying to help others. This is most evident during the French Revolution. Webb's characterization of Josephine is one of the novel's greatest assets, as readers will undoubtedly come to care about Josephine as much as the author does. Becoming Josephine is further enhanced by Webb's attention to detail, which comes through most prominently in her often vivid and eloquent descriptions of people and settings. Given this novel is a work of biographical fiction, it necessarily includes the historical figures with whom Josephine interacted and the major events she lived through. Of the secondary figures featured in the book, I enjoyed getting to know Napoleon best, and think Webb does a great job showing the development of his relationship with Josephine.

While Becoming Josephine covers a significant period of time and a number of important events, it is nevertheless a quick read. There are a few instances in the novel where I wish certain aspects of Josephine's life had been explored in more depth, most particularly the early years of her marriage to Alexandre and her life while French Empress, which I think were passed over a little too quickly. Overall, however, Webb does a good job of conveying just the right amount of information to ensure readers garner an appreciation for Josephine and her story while not bogging them down with too much detail.

Recommended to all fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras of French history.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Source: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review ( )

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the Empress Josephine. Webb painted a beautiful portrait of the rise and fall of Josephine. The detail of this period of French history was amazing. This is a must read for historical fiction fans.

I received a free copy from the publisher.

A 2013 favorite! ( )

Quick read but very fascinating. the pace was perfect and historically accurate. I feel the author did a brilliant job in bringing Josephine to life. ( )