Stephanie Parkyn

I came across this book at the W.A. Maritime museum, after going to see an exhibition called “Empress Josephine’s Garden”, and I had to read it. The exhibition was magical, almost like a fairy tale. The book is more realistic. It is well researched, informative, also sad, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The authors note at the end is interesting and gives us an idea of the hard work that went into creating this novel. We see life as it was back then through the eyes of the Empress show more Josephine Bonaparte, Anne, wife of Félix the gardener, and Marthe, wife of the botanist Laballadiere. I also loved the link to Australia through plants and animals mentioned, all so familiar to us today. show less

Complicated allegiances from the time of the French revolution torment Marie-Louise as she disguises herself as a male steward during a voyage to seach for LaPerouse. Based on a real person, the novel details shipboard life during explorations of Australia and Pacific Islands.

Loved the detail about the challenges the gardeners had trying to grow eucalypts from seed - and the difficult relationship between Napoleon and Josephine.