Sisi: Empress on Her Own: A Novel

(Paperback)

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A juicy historical novel about one of history's little-known heroines during a volatile period-19th century Vienna's Habsburg Empress Elizabeth, "Sisi." NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER .A sweeping historical novel that tells the dramatic story of Sisi,the empress of Austria-Hungary who fought for her family, her people, and her empire in a changing world "Irresistible-completely impossible to put down . . . Allison Pataki reimagines the reign of the nineteenth-century Princess Diana in this stunning book."-Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Rebel Queen Married to Emperor Franz Joseph, Elisabeth-fondly known as Sisi-captures the hearts of her people as their "fairy queen," but beneath that dazzling persona lives a far more complex figure. In mid-nineteenth-century Vienna, the halls of the Hofburg Palace buzz not only with imperial waltzes and champagne but with temptations, rivals, and cutthroat intrigue.Feeling stifled by strict protocols and a turbulent marriage, Sisi finds solace at her estate outside Budapest, where she rides her beloved horses and enjoys visits from a man with whom she's unwittingly become enamored.But tragic news bringsthe empressout of her fragile seclusion, forcing her to return to her capital and a world of gossip, envy, and sorrow where a dangerous fate lurks in the shadows. Through love affairs and loss, dedication and defiance, Sisi struggles against conflicting desires- to keep her family together, or to flee amid the collapse of her suffocating marriage and the gathering tumult of the First World War. In an age of crumbling monarchies,the empressfights to assert her right to the throne beside her husband, to win the love of her people and the world, and to save an empire. But in the end, can she save herself Featuring larger-than-life historic figures such as Bavaria's "Mad King Ludwig" and the tragic Crown Prince Rudolf, and set against many of Europe's grandest sites-from Germany's storied Neuschwanstein Castle to England's lush shires-Sisi brings to life an extraordinary woman and the romantic, volatile era over which she presided.

Reviews

[Allison] Pataki successfully juggles numerous political and personal plot lines while maintaining her focus on a fascinating central character. Extensive notes reveal the authors attention to detail and explain where the novel diverges from the historical record. . . . Readers of Patakis first book will want to know the rest of Sisis story, but this novel stands on its own for historical fiction fans.Library Journal

Sisi is a deeply moving book about a complex character.BookPage

A satisfying saga of the late Habsburg period.Kirkus Reviews

Patakis extensive historical research is evident as she deftly explores the complex life of a woman who was both loved and hated by those whom she ruled. . . . Pataki brings richness and relevance to the story of the woman who worked tirelessly to protect the face of an empire.Publishers Weekly

Allison Pataki simply stuns me with each new book. I savor each page. Sisi is her best yet!Kathie Lee Gifford

Readers will enjoy the glorious dilemma of whether to turn the pages swiftly, breathlessly following Empress Sisi from one astonishing, heartbreaking adventure to the next, or to linger and luxuriate in Allison Patakis vivid, sumptuous descriptions of the Habsburg court.Jennifer Chiaverini, New York Times bestselling author of Mrs. Lincolns Dressmaker

This entire novel is irresistiblecompletely impossible to put down! Pataki reimagines the reign of the nineteenth-century Princess Diana in this stunning book.Michelle Moran, internationally bestselling author of Rebel Queen

Emotional, exuberant, masterly, Sisi swept me into the glittering, treacherous world of the waning Habsburg empire. Allison Patakis understanding of the Empress Elisabeth is nothing short of miraculous. A must-read.Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. Poe

Sisi delivers on all fronts: intrigue, love triangles, deception, heartbreak, and triumph. This is a wonderful read.Deeanne Gist, international bestselling author of Tiffany Girl

The tumultuous world of mid-nineteenth-century royalty comes to stunning life in this sweeping novel about the courageous, defiant empress who sought her own survival amid rivalry, betrayal, and tragedy.C. W. Gortner, internationally bestselling author of The Vatican Princess

From luscious moonlit gardens to sumptuous castles, the settings of Sisi are as dazzling as those of Viennas Imperial Court. Pataki resurrects the unforgettable Empress Elisabeth in a rich and exquisite tragedy of passion and heartbreaka true tour de force.Erika Robuck, bestselling author of Hemingways Girl

Beautifully written, meticulously researched, and powerfully evocative, Sisi humanizes one of the great female figures of history.Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, authors of Americas First Daughter

Allison Pataki has written a nuanced and compelling account of that ever-glamorous heroine, Empress Elisabeth of Austria, immortalized as Sisi. Patakis sublimely readable prose is the perfect vehicle for a tale that spans thirty years and settings from Corfu to Hungary to Ireland. The glamour and the heartache of Sisis life will keep you riveted.Carol Wallace, author of Leaving Van Gogh

Author Bio

Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Wife and The Accidental Empress. The daughter of former New York State governor George E. Pataki, she was inspired to write about Sisi by her family's deep roots in the former Habsburg empire of Austria-Hungary. She graduated cum laude from Yale University with a major in English. Pataki is the co-founder of the nonprofit organization ReConnect Hungary, regularly contributes to The Huffington Post and FoxNews.com, and is a member of the Historical Novel Society. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their daughter.