The Queen's Fortune

A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon, and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire

By: Allison Pataki

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

A sweeping novel about the extraordinary woman who captured Napoleon’s heart, created a dynasty, and changed the course of history - from the New York Times best-selling author of The Traitor's Wife, The Accidental Empress, and Sisi.

“I absolutely loved The Queen’s Fortune, the fascinating, little-known story of Desiree Clary - the woman Napoleon left for Josephine - who ultimately triumphed and became queen of Sweden.” (Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times best-selling author of Lilac Girls)

As the French revolution ravages the country, Desiree Clary is faced with the life-altering truth that the world she has known and loved is gone, and it’s fallen on her to save her family from the guillotine.

A chance encounter with Napoleon Bonaparte, the ambitious and charismatic young military prodigy, provides her answer. When her beloved sister, Julie, marries his brother, Joseph, Desiree and Napoleon’s futures become irrevocably linked. Quickly entering into their own passionate, dizzying courtship that leads to a secret engagement, they vow to meet in the capital once his career has been secured. But her newly laid plans with Napoleon turn to sudden heartbreak, thanks to the rising star of Parisian society, Josephine de Beauharnais. Once again, Desiree’s life is turned on its head.

Swept to the glittering halls of the French capital, Desiree is plunged into the inner circle of the new ruling class, becoming further entangled with Napoleon, his family, and the new Empress. But her fortunes shift once again when she meets Napoleon's confidant and star general, the indomitable Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte. As the two men in Desiree’s life become political rivals and military foes, the question that arises is: Must she choose between the love of her new husband and the love of her nation and its emperor?

From the lavish estates of the French Riviera to the raucous streets of Paris and Stockholm, Desiree finds herself at the epicenter of the rise and fall of an empire, navigating a constellation of political giants and dangerous, shifting alliances. Emerging from an impressionable girl into a fierce young woman, she discovers that to survive in this world she must learn to rely upon her instincts and her heart.

Allison Pataki’s meticulously researched and brilliantly imagined novel sweeps listeners into the unbelievable life of a woman almost lost to history - a woman who, despite the swells of a stunning life and a tumultuous time, not only adapts and survives but, ultimately, reigns at the helm of a dynasty that outlasts an empire.

©2020 Allison Pataki (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“In The Queen’s Fortune, Allison Pataki chronicles Desiree, the secret lover of Napoleon Bonaparte. When Napoleon chooses Josephine over her, the heartbroken Desiree finds herself entangled with Napoleon, Josephine and the new ruling class. Pataki deftly weaves a tangled web of passion, deception and intrigue, set against one of the most tumultuous periods in history, making for a heady cocktail which readers will devour.” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times best-selling author of The Lost Girls of Paris)

“I absolutely loved The Queen’s Fortune, the fascinating, little-known story of Desiree Clary - the woman Napoleon left for Josephine - who ultimately triumphed and became queen of Sweden.” (Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times best-selling author of Lost Roses and Lilac Girls)

“Allison Pataki is a masterful historical author at the top of her game. From the very first lyrical lines of The Queen’s Fortune, I was wholly swept into the entrancing world of Desiree Clary Bernadotte. Painstaking research and page-turning prose placed me directly at the side of this remarkable yet lesser-known figure, journeying from innocent girlhood to seasoned royalty, a survivor of guillotine threats, palace politics, and strains of the heart. I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end.” (Kristina McMorris, New York Times best-selling author of Sold on a Monday and The Edge of Lost)

Unnatural Narration

I cannot tell you how many books I have had to send back to audible because I can hardly bear the unnatural and strange intonation of the narrators. If I were the author I would be simply furious at some of the narrators chosen to read their works. This is a fantastic story! I am enjoying the information and the history so much. However the unnatural rising of the voice at the end of nearly every phrase and sentence is simply not the way that people talk!!! I wish the narrators would just speak in a much more natural voice. Many of them do this theatrical business where they try to change internation and inflection I guess to create interest. But it is very irritating to listen to and you fall Into only listening to the sing- songy and in natural movement of the speech rather than the story.
If I could say anything to the professional narrators out there many of whom are wonderful I would say just speak in a normal inflection and tone of normal speech.

Great Story about France

I learned a lot about France after the revolution. My favorite kind of historical fiction!

Magnifique!

A truly captivating story performed by an exceptional actress! I was enthralled by Désirée‘s story from the beginning to the end. It is amazing how one woman’s life was entwined with so many famous historical figures - and I’d never heard of her until reading this book. I admire Desiree for her long life and for surviving everything that had been happening in her world at the time. An incredible story of an incredible woman and of France!

Really fabulous!

Couldn’t put it down! I thought the writing was so good I felt as if I were there. Of course Justine Eyre is flawless! This book just zipped by so fast I intend to listen to it again!

Excellent account of history

These historical accounts should be used in classes to capture young students instead of the history typically taught.

The Queen’s Fortune

Captivating story about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte and his loves. I thought the title was completely misleading. I enjoyed the story very much, but didn’t understand until the end just how the title fit. My only complaint was, as so many other reviewers have stated, the narrator. I have listened to her narrate other novels, so I knew what I was in for. I just really wanted to listen to this story, so I gritted my teeth, and bought this book. Unfortunately, she hasn’t changed. It was exactly as I remembered. Some of her pronunciations are laughable, and I had to take a few breaks while listening. That being said, I was very engrossed in the story from beginning to end. I don’t know how Justine Eyre became a narrator, but, in my opinion, she should find a new line of work.

Great storytelling!!!

This is how I like my novels…engrossing and informative about historical events. One of the best I’ve listened to. Excellent narration!!!

Fantastic History And Story

Wonderful story about the lives of historic people you may not have heard about but are important to the bigger picture. Interesting connections to Napoleon and Josephine and the Swedish crown, to this day. I enjoyed the narrator’s different voices and intonations used for the different characters.

Captivating

Great story about women’s challenges and strengths throughout history. The narrator’s pronunciation and voice is captivating and warm that makes you connect with the character immediately.

Very Enjoyable!

I found this book very interesting from start to finish. Great Read! I always looked forward to having time to spend spend listening.