Desiree by Annemarie Selinko

“Desiree” is a historical novel written by Austrian author Annemarie Selinko. The novel was first published in 1951 and is a fictionalized account of the life of Desiree Clary, who eventually became Queen Desideria of Sweden and Norway.

The story is set against the backdrop of the turbulent times of the late 18th and early 19th centuries in Europe. Desiree Clary is portrayed as a young woman from a bourgeois family in Marseille, France. She falls in love with a young and ambitious soldier named Napoleon Bonaparte, who later becomes the famous French Emperor Napoleon I. However, their relationship faces challenges due to the political and social upheavals of the era.

As Napoleon rises to power and becomes involved in wars and conquests, Desiree’s life takes unexpected turns. She eventually marries Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a French general who later becomes King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway. The novel explores Desiree’s personal journey, her relationships, and the historical events of her time.

“Desiree” is known for its blend of historical accuracy and romantic storytelling. It provides readers with a vivid portrayal of the era and the lives of its characters, especially Desiree and Napoleon. The novel has been praised for its engaging narrative and its ability to transport readers to the world of 18th and 19th-century Europe.

Annemarie Selinko’s “Desiree” has been a popular historical novel and has been adapted into various forms of media, including a film adaptation in 1954. It continues to be enjoyed by readers interested in historical fiction and the intriguing life of Desiree Clary.