Sisi

Empress on Her Own: A Novel

By: Allison Pataki

Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden

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 brings the 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 empress fights 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.

High Hopes

I really did have high hopes for Sisi by Allison Pataki. I enjoyed the story for the most part. I was hoping for more actual history of the the Habsburg Empire, and less romance novel. At times, it read like a cheap, drugstore Harlequin. Making those times even worse was Elizabeth Knowelden’s narration. There were moments throughout the reading that I felt like a third grader being read to by my teacher. At other times, I was being sung to, while still at other times, I felt like I was in Drama 101. If you are at all interested in listening to this novel, I strongly suggest you listen to the sample provided by Audible. Even after doing so myself, I was highly disappointed in the narrator.

Beautiful!

A fascinating story about Empress Sisi's last decades. We're traveling to Austria this year, and this was an excellent and entertaining way to learn about one of Austria's notable people. The narration was also lovely. Highly recommend.v

Interesting historical perspective

This was historically a good book but the story line is missing a punch line and is a bit dry at times.

Loved this!!

Not only is the author amazing, but the narrator as well! Had me all caught up in the emotion and made me feel like I Was actually there!

loved this book

I really enjoyed the history but mostly the story told from Sisi's perspective. I also read The Fortune Hunter and I liked how the two books intersected