Author Sandra Gulland discusses the source of inspiration for her trilogy of historical novels about Napoleon Bonaparte’s first wife and great love, Josephine.
Much has been written about the legendary life of Napoleon Bonaparte, but it was the French Emperor’s first wife and great love who inspired Canadian author Sandra Gulland. Her trilogy of internationally bestselling historical novels — The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B.; Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe; and The Last Great Dance on Earth — centres around Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, a.k.a. Joséphine Bonaparte. In this talk, Gulland will describe how she came to write about Josephine. She will also discuss what she learned about Josephine’s astonishing life in the process, giving special attention to some of the popular beliefs about her. Was she unfaithful? Was she Napoleon’s good-luck charm?
Following the talk, there will be time for questions and a book signing. This lecture is part of a series offered in conjunction with the special exhibition Napoleon and Paris, which explores the complex relationship between the man and one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
In English.
Photo: James Brylowski