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Sisi

Empress on Her Own: A Novel

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Sisi

By: Allison Pataki
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
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Summary

 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A sweeping historical novel that tells the dramatic story of Sisi, the empress of Austria-Hungary who fought for her family, her people, and her empire in a changing world

“Irresistible—completely impossible to put down . . . Allison Pataki reimagines the reign of the nineteenth-century Princess Diana in this stunning book.”—Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Rebel Queen

Married to Emperor Franz Joseph, Elisabeth—fondly known as Sisi—captures the hearts of her people as their “fairy queen,” but beneath that dazzling persona lives a far more complex figure. In mid-nineteenth-century Vienna, the halls of the Hofburg Palace buzz not only with imperial waltzes and champagne but with temptations, rivals, and cutthroat intrigue. Feeling stifled by strict protocols and a turbulent marriage, Sisi finds solace at her estate outside Budapest, where she rides her beloved horses and enjoys visits from a man with whom she’s unwittingly become enamored. But tragic news brings the empressout of her fragile seclusion, forcing her to return to her capital and a world of gossip, envy, and sorrow where a dangerous fate lurks in the shadows.
 
Through love affairs and loss, dedication and defiance, Sisi struggles against conflicting desires: to keep her family together, or to flee amid the collapse of her suffocating marriage and the gathering tumult of the First World War. In an age of crumbling monarchies, the empress fights to assert her right to the throne beside her husband, to win the love of her people and the world, and to save an empire. But in the end, can she save herself?

Featuring larger-than-life historic figures such as Bavaria’s “Mad King Ludwig” and the tragic Crown Prince Rudolf, and set against many of Europe’s grandest sites—from Germany’s storied Neuschwanstein Castle to England’s lush shires—Sisi brings to life an extraordinary woman and the romantic, volatile era over which she presided. Biographical Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Royalty Marriage Biography Heartfelt Middle Ages
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Gorgeously written historic novel. A wonderful mix of fact with sympathetically added fiction. A guess at what might have transpired between the events we know to be true. A lovely book, the writing is beautifully descriptive and emotive - I cried, laughed, and totally loved Sisi. I got a true sense for who she was and how complicated her life was.

Beautifully written stirring book

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I would highly recommend this book. It gives such an insight into Empress Elizabeth of Austria’s life.

Beautifully read!

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Beautifully written with a captivating story from the beginning till the end. Couldn't stopped listening even if having only five minutes to spare :) Loved it!

Beatiful book

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Both books listened to back to back and what an interesting couple of books. So sad that this second book has mispronunciations and dreadful attempts at accents and voices. However, try not to let get in the way of hearing about all the vicissitudes of Empress Elisabeth! So clever to presage the end we all know is coming throughout the text!

Fascinating second part of Sisi’s story sadly spoiled by the narration

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sorry that it came to an end but a satisfactory one though , loved it

great story well rwad

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