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| image: amazon.com |
Hardcover, $26, ISBN: 978-1-4767-9022-0.
Book Review:
Sisi is the wild and carefree daughter of a nobleman, who has grown up in Bavaria. Her mother is the sister of Queen Sophie, the reining queen of Hapsburg family, of Austria. Even with this noble connection, Sisi has been raised away from Vienna, and is happily unaware of the intrigue and turmoil that embroils the empire.
When Sisi's mother announced the engagement of Sisi's older sister, Helene, to the Emperor of Austria, the family's life changes forever. Sisi, Helene, and their mother travel to the Hapsburg court to announce the formal engagement of Helene and Hans.
Things take an unexpected turn when Hans decides that he prefers the younger sister.
Fighting for the love of his life, Hans takes on his formidable mother, and breaks his engagement with Helene and pronounces his intention to marry Sisi. The unexpected young girl is thrust into the limelight of the empire, along with the maze of court protocol and the depths of court intrigue.
Shrouded by the protocols that rule her every waking moment, Elisabeth struggles to keep the interest of her husband, fight her mother in law for possession of her children, and become her own woman.
My Note:
This fascinating tale is based upon the life of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi) of Austria. She was beloved by her people, and considered to be the most beautiful woman of her time. The author has done endless research into the intrigues of the Hapsburg Court at this time, and it shows in the rich attention to detail: from the court protocols, to the clothing, to the descriptions of the castle and the countryside. You will find yourself swept into 19th century Vienna.
It's interesting to note, that while I was reading this, I frequently found myself reminded of Princess Diana of Wales. There were many similarities between the two stories.
Author's Web Site: http://allisonpataki.com/about/
(And hey, I noticed on her website that she's releasing a second book about Sisi that starts right where this book stops, and will take us through the Hapsburg Family declaring the start of World War 1. I can't wait to read that... I'm a history junkie, too.)
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