Yes, the pub date is tomorrow! Needless to say, I am on pins and needles. In the meantime, I invite you to follow this insightful discussion of For the King and its characters by the great bloggers of Historical Tapestry. I will just quote a few sentences: “To me it was a window to the […]
My mental images of the historical figures who appear in my novels are of course determined by their numerous portraits and the descriptions of eye witnesses. I don’t have to wonder what Napoléon Bonaparte looked like in 1800. But what about fictional characters, such as Roch Miquel or Blanche Coudert in FOR THE KING? Well, […]
Isn’t this great news? Here is what the Examiner writes: “Historical fiction fans will be transported to the corrupt world of 18th century Paris in this fast-paced novel, which chronicles the aftermath of an assassination attempt on Napoleon Bonaparte and the hunt by police inspector Roch Miquel to find who did it. A complicated love […]
Every time I visit the Getty Center in Los Angeles, I pay a visit to the splendid portrait of Louise de Kéroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth, by Sir Peter Lely. I knew of my countrywoman Louise, royal mistress, French agent in London and one of the 17th century’s famous beauties. However, when I read Susan Holloway […]
The Publishers Weekly review, released a month or two before publication, is a milestone in every book’s journey. PW is, of course, a major trade magazine targeted at publishing professionals, librarians and booksellers. People whose opinion is crucial to the success of a book.
Today is the feast of Caterina Benincasa, born in 14th century Siena into a large family of tradesmen. She is, like Joan of Arc a few decades later, one of those activist medieval women. Like Jehanne, she received a mission to enter the affairs of this world and, like Jehanne, she fulfilled this mission with […]
In 1817 Cassandra Austen was writing of her departed sister Jane: “Her dear remains are to be deposited in the cathedral – it is a satisfaction to me to think they are to lie in a building she admired so much.” Yesterday I visited the Cathedral, Jane’s tomb and the exhibition dedicated to her. I […]
As promised, Stephanie Cowell‘s guest post! —————————————————- The grave was overgrown, the headstone worn and tumbled when you used to walk through the graveyard of the old church of Vétheuil in search of Monet’s muse and first wife Camille. For a hundred and twenty years, the remains of the beautiful woman who died young had […]
Like the rest of her Juvenilia, this short work sparkles with wit and unconventionality. You may now view the whole manuscript on the site of the British Library. All the more precious and interesting because of the illustrations by Jane’s elder sister Cassandra Elizabeth.
Napoléon’s military campaign of 1812 ranks among the worst man-made catastrophes in history. Of his Grande Armée of 600,000 men, only 40,000 returned to France.
Now in trade paperback.
"One of the best reads of the year." -Associated Press
