Napoleon's Rosebud


Fiction - Historical - Personage
276 Pages
Reviewed on 07/17/2016
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Napoleon's Rosebud by Humphry Knipe is a fictionalized account of a speculated affair between Napoleon and a local girl while he was in exile, and his efforts to escape. Napoleon's Rosebud begins with an introduction to the Knipe family in the early 1800s on the island of Saint Helena, off the African coast in the Atlantic. As we learn more about the family, including the beautiful daughter, Charlotte Knipe, we also learn about actual historical events that occurred during that time. Charlotte happens to meet Napoleon, the famous emperor in exile on the island, who is thinking of ways of escape and revenge. The story then takes us through travels and adventures as Charlotte is "hired" by Napoleon to help him escape via such schemes as an underwater submarine and getting help through Europe. Charlotte ends up traveling over the European continent where she encounters such historical figures as Lord Byron, among others. There is also an overlapping element of intrigue, love affairs, and romance throughout this adventurous novel.

Napoleon's Rosebud by Humphry Knipe is a fictional novel based on historical events and people. Although the affair between Napoleon and Charlotte, whom Napoleon nicknames "Rosebud," is speculation, this element of secret romance adds to the overall air of mystery and adventure of the novel. The writing style is quite engaging and the beauty and scenery of Saint Helena has been brought to life quite well. I liked the portrayal of the central characters, although some of the events - like Lord Byron’s pursuit of Charlotte - do seem a bit over the top. Overall, though, this is a fun novel and makes for an engaging read.