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Sisi
Sisi: Empress on Her Own: A Novel | Allison Pataki
For readers of Philippa Gregory, Paula McLain, and Daisy Goodwin comes a sweeping and powerful novel by New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki. Sisi tells the little-known story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria-Hungary, the Princess Diana of her time, in an enthralling work of historical fiction that is also a gripping page-turner.Married to Emperor Franz Joseph, Elisabethfondly known as Sisicaptures 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 grows restless. A free-spirited wanderer, she finds solace at her estate outside Budapest. There she rides her beloved horses and enjoys visits from the Hungarian statesman Count Andrssy, the man with whom shes unwittingly fallen in love. But tragic news brings Sisi out 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, Sisi 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 Bavarias Mad King Ludwig and the tragic Crown Prince Rudolf, and set against many of Europes grandest sitesfrom Germanys storied Neuschwanstein Castle to Englands lush shiresSisi brings to life an extraordinary woman and the romantic, volatile era over which she presided.Advance praise for Sisi 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 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. A must-read.Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. PoeDelivers on all fronts: intrigue, love triangles, deception, heartbreak, and triumph. This is a wonderful read.Deeanne Gist, internationally bestselling author of Tiffany Girl The tumultuous world of mid-nineteenth-century royalty comes to stunning life in this sweeping novel.C. W. Gortner, internationally bestselling author of The Vatican Princess 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 GirlFrom the Hardcover edition.
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review
bouktique
Mehso-so

429 p. I know that marrying the Emperor of Austria-Hungary was not the choice of Sisi, but as poetic and vulnerable she was, she failed people to do her duty. All her life concerned about her passions and love affairs, such a mediocre person. Or is it writing that fails to enlighten the person?

#Sisi #Empress #Pataki

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rachelm
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Little free library day! 50 books delivered to local little free libraries and I managed only to adopt 6! I can almost feel my bookshelves sighing with relief.

LaraReads How Wonderful! 4y
kspenmoll 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 4y
77 likes1 stack add2 comments
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GivenLemons
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Pickpick

This book reminded me of how much I like historical fiction! It was so cool to read after visiting the Hofburg Palace and the Sisi Museum at the beginning of the year.

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Librarybelle
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Mehso-so

I think this is one of those “it‘s not you it‘s me” books. I thought this was just okay, and I know I‘m in the minority on this. Sisi is not a likable character - she seems more self-centered than independent and forward thinking. The book itself was long and could have been reduced in size. I stopped reading halfway through and switched to audio to speed it up. My book group also felt the same way. Great facts presented; the narrative was meh.

Librarybelle BTW...loved using the Libby app! My library does not have Overdrive, but thanks to Philly‘s Library, I could listen to this book. My first time using Libby and probably will not be the last. 6y
RJHowe I have studied the historical Sisi for years, guess I better try the fictional one now 6y
ferskner I just got access to Libby too thanks to my move and it is SO GREAT. 6y
60 likes1 stack add3 comments
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Librarybelle
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Jumping into this one - my historical fiction group is discussing it this week. Litsy loves this (100% rating!)...we‘ll see if I agree!

97 likes1 stack add
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Nitpickyabouttrains
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Pickpick

An story of the second half of the life of Sisi, empress of the Austria Hungarian empire before World War One. Cool history of a kickass lady.

RJHowe Cool, tough and kind until the very end 6y
24 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Kpulver
Pickpick

Perfect read for a trip to Vienna and Budapest after finishing “Accidental Empress”.

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LMJenkins
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tammysue 😍😍 7y
28 likes1 comment
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MeJeMiller
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Pickpick

I love how the ending was handled. And how she was a restless heart. I have so many feelings about these real life fictional characters I‘ll never meet. And the cover is so pretty

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karenna
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#RiotGrams--day 5--royalty. I wanted to know more about Empress Elizabeth of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire after visiting Austria. This historical novel provides both the entertainment and information I was looking for. I also think the cover is stunning.

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thegirlwiththelibrarybag
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I fell in love with Sisi, late one night when I channel surfed my way into her movie about her life and engagement to the Emperor of Austria. In truth, things were not as rosy as the movie made out - but she remains completely fascinating and sadly, quite forgotten (at least in my corner of the world)

Anyway, I was quite excited to see a magnetic bookmark version of her on Etsy ☺️

53 likes4 stack adds
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suomi
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My current read! Came across it while shopping for bookish gifts. I grew up watching Sissi movies with Romy Schneider and became very interested in the life of the Empress #historicalfiction #sisi

Sydsavvy Got it on my TBR shelf! 7y
suomi @Sydsavvy I'm almost half way through and really like it😊 7y
34 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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sofiaga
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Audiobooks and food is the best match.

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sofiaga
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Today I started this auditor book. I stopped reading this kind of historic novel because I found all the books to be very similar, but I giving them a new chance.

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BrainyHeroine
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Pickpick

My #RiotGram ties into my #Litsy #FeistyFeb post too! These #PrettyPortraits of Sisi, my historical heroine of the day, are some of my fave. These three are actually bookmarks I use in my books about Sisi by both @allisonpataki and @missdaisygoodwin

Eridau Ooh. I have this on my TBR list! I'm actually reading the Accidental Empress with my "women in historical fiction" book club in a couple of months. Then I'm going to read Sisi. 8y
BrainyHeroine I've read them both, I loved them! Also check out The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin 8y
398.2 I actually met this author when she was in Chicago. She's a great historical fiction writer. 😀 8y
20 likes3 comments
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BethFishReads
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First up for tonight is this historical novel of Elizabeth, empress of Austria-Hungary in the mid-1800s. I know little about her, but apparently she was thought to be the most beautiful woman in the world. She, however, relied on her intelligence and political know-how

50 likes5 stack adds
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rustoryhuf
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Pickpick

Enjoying this book very much, and so does Pooh. I find the character of Sisi a woman before her time. She would definitely have marched in DC last weekend.

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thelovelyside
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Had yesterday off work, so I spent the whole morning and afternoon finishing Sisi. What a beautiful story! The Accidental Empress was more of a page turner for me (couldn't put it down!), and I must confess I liked it better. I read Sisi at a slower pace, but adored the story and especially the ending.
#historicalfiction #sisi #empresssisi #alisonpataki #austria

1 like1 stack add
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BarbaraTheBibliophage
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I thought it would harder to find #titleswithapropername on my shelves. There were even a few that didn't fit into the picture! #readjanuary

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shortsarahrose
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Some of my Christmas gifts from my parents. Some of my favorites - Sissi and Hogwarts!

2 likes1 stack add
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Booknerd2
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I really hate giving up on books. However, I'm struggling with this one. Any thoughts or comments? Has anyone read it?

annahenke I really liked it! However, this book could not be more in my wheelhouse. I remembering feeling frustrated with Sisi in parts, but there were also moments when i was rooting for her.😊 I love this author's writing. ultimately, though, if you're not enjoying it, only you can decide! 8y
6 likes2 stack adds1 comment
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Marla
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Pickpick

This is such a good book! If you like historical literature, you need to read this. Make sure to read Accidental Empress first to get SiSi's complete story.

annahenke Loved! Although, Accidental Empress is my favorite of the two. Such beautifully written history. 8y
MinDea Thanks for saying to read Accidental Empress first. I just searched for Sisi to see if you had to read anything first! 8y
30 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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Marla
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It's exciting to be reading a book and see my ancestors mentioned. Lord and Lady Spencer are on my Mom's side of the family.

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Marla
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Just finished The Accidental Empress and now the continuation of the story of Elisabeth/Elisa/Sisi

22 likes2 stack adds
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candc320
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The treasures I won at a Facebook party! Excited to read them!

Marla The Accidental Empress is really good! I just finished it and now I'm starting Sisi which I won on Goodreads. 8y
13 likes1 comment
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Bookaddict
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"I want always to be on the move; every ship I see sailing away fills me with the greatest desire to be on it." -Empress Elisabeth "Sisi" of Austria-Hungary. I'm loving my current read...such a fascinating time in history.

1 like4 stack adds