Love is a chapter in a man's life, the whole story for a woman.
- Entry in Marie-Louise's notebook of reflections
Napoleon's Other Wife
The story of Marie-Louise, Duchess of Parma, the lesser-known wife of Napoleon Bonaparte.
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Eighteen-year-old Habsburg Archduchess Marie-Louise leaves Vienna in 1810 to marry Napoleon, Emperor of France, previously her father’s arch-enemy. Like her tragic great-aunt Marie-Antoinette who left Austria forty years earlier to marry the ill-fated Dauphin, Marie-Louise believes her marriage will secure peace between Austria and France. Unexpectedly, Marie-Louise finds Napoleon, an adorable, loving, romantic husband and duly produces a dynastic heir. But Napoleon’s miscalculations bring an abrupt end to their shared lives. From this moment on, Marie-Louise’s life becomes a fight for survival as the reactionary sovereigns of Europe heap humiliation upon her.
Navigating the unique challenge of being married to the most powerful monarch and later the most hated tyrant in the world, Marie-Louise struck out for independence. Her heroism, compassion, unswerving loyalty and dignity in adversity are inspirational.
Reviews
Ham & High
"Her debut biography reads like a novel, the material and personal details make it appear that Jay had interviewed the Empress in person."
Trevor Heaton, EDP
"Thousands of books have been written about Napoleon, but surprisingly very few about his second wife, the Hapsburg Archduchess Marie-Louise. That's about to be put right by this fine study by Deborah Jay."
Rebecca Wallersteiner, The Lady
"A compelling debut historical biography that reads like a novel, with lively opening chapters. It restores Marie-Louise to her rightful place in history."
Alan Samson, Weidenfeld & Nicolson
"A very impressive submission about a relatively unknown historical figure…Deborah’s biography merits attention… Deborah has not allowed herself to speculate but has simply allowed herself to imagine the Empress’s life and her response to the political situations in which she found herself…. I was impressed."
Further Reading
Napoleon.org - The True Story Of Marie-Louise: A Review
The Lady - Napoleon's Other Wife Review
Ham High - Deborah Jay uncovers the forgotten story of Napoleon’s other wife
History Extra - Napoleon’s other wife: who was Habsburg Archduchess Marie-Louise?