It is fine that historical novels make up large chunks to fill in the blanks, but here rumours of her love life have been developed to a point where it does not feel real. There are many historical details woven in and echoes from the Romy Schneider films have been included, but it lacks the sweetness of the films as well as the hard complexities of her actual life. I have loved learning her story since childhood, which is why I listened to this novel. 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.'Įlisabeth of Austria-Hungary is a most fascinating historical woman, because she was a modern woman trapped in a golden cage. 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.

Franz Joseph reneges on his earlier proposal and declares his intention to marry Sisi instead. 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. With his empire stretching from Austria to Russia, from Germany to Italy, Emperor Franz Joseph is young, rich, and ready to marry.įifteen-year-old Elisabeth, 'Sisi', Duchess of Bavaria, travels to the Habsburg Court with her older sister, who is betrothed to the young emperor. The year is 1853, and the Habsburgs are Europe's most powerful ruling family. New York Times best-selling 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 accidental empress series