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Informative,
Interesting,
Romantic

6 reviews

The Accidental Empress: A Novel
by Allison Pataki

Published: 2015-02-17
Hardcover : 512 pages
7 members reading this now
31 clubs reading this now
4 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs by 6 of 6 members
New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up on her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Traitor’s Wife, with the little-known and tumultuous love story of “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.

The year is 1853, and the ...
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Introduction

New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up on her critically acclaimed debut novel, The Traitor’s Wife, with the little-known and tumultuous love story of “Sisi” the Austro-Hungarian Empress and captivating wife of Emperor Franz Joseph.

The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe’s most powerful ruling family. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.

Fifteen-year-old Elisabeth, “Sisi,” Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. But shortly after her arrival at court, Sisi finds herself in an unexpected dilemma: she has inadvertently fallen for and won the heart of her sister’s groom. Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead.

Thrust onto the throne of Europe’s most treacherous imperial court, Sisi upsets political and familial loyalties in her quest to win, and keep, the love of her emperor, her people, and of the world.

With Pataki’s rich period detail and cast of complex, bewitching characters, The Accidental Empress offers a captivating glimpse into one of history’s most intriguing royal families, shedding new light on the glittering Hapsburg Empire and its most mesmerizing, most beloved “Fairy Queen.”

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:
 
 
by Susanne C. (see profile) 10/11/23

Thought Provoking. Interesting reflections from a world-influencing time still greatly affecting us today.

 
by Jill K. (see profile) 08/01/18

 
by Lynn M. (see profile) 05/04/16

 
  "A Great Read"by Cindy P. (see profile) 05/04/16

It was a very fun book to read and I was worried that maybe there would not be enough issues or topics to discuss but the club was extremely enthusiastic about the book and some of them had looked into... (read more)

 
by Dee C. (see profile) 12/15/15

 
  "A Love Story That Made History!"by Gail R. (see profile) 11/22/15

Helene (Nene), and Elizabeth (Sisi) are sisters; both are Duchesses of Bavaria. The elder sister, quiet and withdrawn, is the opposite of her younger sister who is a free spirit, independent... (read more)

 
  "The Pangs of Princesshood"by Katie C. (see profile) 11/16/15

This was a most enjoyable history lesson, travelogue, romance and etiquette lesson! Several of us want a sequel.

 
by Ellen E. (see profile) 10/09/15

 
by Carol B. (see profile) 06/17/15

 
  "The Accidental Empress"by Pam H. (see profile) 06/16/15

We liked the book overall; many of our club members did additional research on the people and the time period. Some members thought it slow at times and skipped over huge chunks of time and belabored others.... (read more)

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