The Accidental Empress Paperback – 1 Nov. 2015

Sisi always fascinates, so it isn't surprising that she should be featured in the novel version of a docu-drama, historical fiction that draws heavily on fact. The book and its sequel "Sisi" are a faithful rendering of the information, and it's clear the author has researched her character's life thoroughly.However, a large part of Sisi's charm was her undoubted eccentricity, and we have no hint of this. She is a glossy, beautiful aristocrat, but she is not written in such a way as to bring out the neuroses and the contradictions that make her so interesting. This Sisi could be a Hollywood wife, or a Forties film star - she is made so ordinary and normal as to be stripped of everything that made her the striking, fascinating and unique individual she was. This book would be a perfect candidate for a mini-series, and maybe that is its intention.She was almost undoubtedly an anorexic, but there is no treatment of the grip this awful disease has on the women who fall victim to it. And she could be bewitching, but she could also be inexplicably selfish and careless in her treatment of her two older children, from which Rudolf in particular suffered considerably, and it's hard to believe that this was entirely the result of her mother-in-law's dominance, as this book asserts. More explicably, she had her two older children young and aristocrats in those days generally were able to shed responsibility for their offspring very easily - something of which Sisi was able to take full advantage and did. Also - do we really believe she had a physical affair, however short-lived, with Andrassy? Her record is that of a woman who only liked to be chased and admired - she nowhere emerges as sexually adventurous, or for that matter stupid enough, to risk her position for a quick fling. As the book is only written through Sisi's eyes, we don't get anybody else's view of her, and I find it hard to believe she was this self-aware and rational, or this modern in her determination to take control of her life. Very little of her real-life writings or exchanges suggest anything other than a creature largely driven by impulse, flitting from moment to moment without a clear overall plan, and it wouldn't have been expected of her in any case, least of all by herself. Having produced an heir and achieved what she wanted for her beloved Hungary, the rest of her life was about escaping.I also found the language used in the books to be closer to the present day than the nineteenth century. The author's propensity to use the expression "I'm fine", or "That's fine" was so repetitive and grating that in the end I felt like making a list.of the number of times she did it. Given that nineteenth century English is so close to that of the present day, surely some effort could have been made to make it sound more authentic. I felt that she missed the opportunity to create a much more richly atmospheric world by her use of language, which was generally fairly commonplace and could have appeared in any romantic novel.This book is probably good in having made the story of Sisi more generally accessible - but to anyone used to reading biographies of the Empress, it will never even come close to the truth of her story. Overall, I found it a bit disappointing. If you're going to write historical fiction, then do it in a way that makes it memorable and startling - otherwise there isn't much point in doing it at all.

A novel based on of the life of Sisi Empress of Austria who unexpectedly married Franz Joseph and was thrust into a difficult role. A life worth recording and a fascinating and tumultuous period of history(with more to come) and p0lenty romance though I didn't find this the best written book.

I found this book extremely intriguing. It is beautifully written and I couldn't put it down. I could visualise the different characters and all the lovely clothes that Sisi wore.

Great read

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!Can't wait until 'Empress on her own' arrives!

The Accidental Empress is Historical fiction at its finest and most elegant form. A stunning marriage of fact and romance straight from the pages of history, that shares with the reader the story of a Duchess who "accidentally" captured the heart of an Emperor and ultimately became a celebrated figure. The forgotten love story of Elisabeth of Bavaria and Emperor Franz Joseph I is brought to life by Ms. Pataki's incandescent storytelling that sweeps the reader into the gold-gilded halls of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and ultimately into the mind and heart of a young woman who may have been renowned for beauty, wit and charm but battled personal demons, incredible tragedy and to have her voice heard. This novel spans from 1853-1867 with interwoven scenes of reflections of choices, fate and possible future ventures. Reminiscent in styling of classics such as Katherine and Forever Amber with its attention to historical detail and captivating atmosphere- the reader may swear they hear notes of Imperial violins by the end of this sparkling tale.In the end, I can't recommend this title enough. This was a spectacular read that found that delicate balance between historical facts, romance and even some surprising undertones. The Accidental Empress was that rare find for this reader that I didn't want the experience to end. The departing notes shares with the reader the research, honest creative liberties that were taken with this novel (miniscule in a novel so thick and those that are imaginative fiction blend so seamlessly that I could have sworn they were facts) and clearly hints at a sequel and I cannot wait for that gorgeous encore._____________________________________________________________________________________________* I would like to thank Howard Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy The Accidental Empress.

I 'lived' this book and was sorry to see it end. It was very well written, very believable (and indeed, much was factual). We have travelled to/through Vienna and Hungary, sometimes in Cisi's footsteps, and were told much of her history, so of course that contributed to my enjoyment of this book. I will read anything Allison Pataki writes -- I love her style!

Holds the attention of the reader from the first to the last page. A great detailed story about a women that became a mith while still alive. Beatiful, inteligente, sensible, daring. A great story!

Loved it wonderful history in it to

My choice for this years book club read. Interesting insight into a famous woman. Also life in the Hapsburg court.

EXCELLENT READ. WHAT A HORRIBLE MOTHER-IN-LAW