THE EMPRESS

Yareli Arizmendi takes on the daunting narration of Martinez-Belli's epic historical novel recounting the tempestuous reign of Maximillian of Austria and his princess, Charlotte, better known as Empress Carlota of Mexico. To quash the current Mexican regime, Napoleon III places Maximillian and Charlotte on the throne. Married to a man who does not love her and who will not bed her, and with danger at every turn, Carlota is helpless to keep her many enemies at bay, especially when she finds she is pregnant. This fascinating, well-researched speculative fiction is told from the woman's viewpoint and is reminiscent of the historical novels of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir. Arizmendi's narration navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue, infidelity, treason, and betrayal with subtlety and intelligence. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2021]