15 Comments
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Caroline Fisher's avatar

I am

Enjoying this book so much, can’t wait

to start discussing!

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Jacqueline Dubois's avatar

Caroline , I’m glad you like it so much! Feel free to share any passing thoughts / comments as I will gather all feedback in a single document for everyone . It’s better to not postpone what you want to say as you’re reading ! Besides it’s History , you won’t be spoiling anything !!!

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Jacqueline Dubois's avatar

La Malmaison was Josephine’s private home given to her by Napoleon . It’s now a museum that can be visited and it’s a beautiful place of course : https://musees-nationaux-malmaison.fr/chateau-malmaison/

When you are in Paris next September , please let us know , if you are available and interested , we can organize a special MyFrenchLife meeting ! Also when you plan your Paris visit , have in mind that now you must book much in advance the main current exhibitions ! Feel free to ask us anything ! Wish you an enjoyable reading !

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Gaye McDermott's avatar

I'm hoping to see the movie soon, while I am reading the book in English. I'm heading to Paris in September his year, and hope to get some ideas of places to visit. I see that a couple of people have mentioned Malmaison - I don't even know what this is yet, but obviously associated with Josephine, so I expect to read about it as I get further into the book.

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Caroline Fisher's avatar

No, I am hoping to go in September again and will visit while I’m in Paris then.

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Caroline Fisher's avatar

I enjoyed her, I thought she did a great job, and the movie gave me some contacts that I really didn’t have prior. I have been to Malmaison, and I think I have to go again after watching the movie and reading this book.

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Jacqueline Dubois's avatar

I intend to go to La Malmaison again too ! I checked the site , they have conferences , exhibitions ... are you in Paris ?

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Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

We’re looking forward to your involvement Fidelma

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Fidelma Ormsby's avatar

I look forward to following along. Its been years since I read the book but it has stayed with me.

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Jacqueline Dubois's avatar

We'll value your comments! do you still have the book ? I'm re-reading my late 1990's copy !

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Fidelma Ormsby's avatar

Yes I do Judy, however I am in France and my book is in Canada :)

Yes I know the hardship is real

Fidelma

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Fidelma Ormsby's avatar

I look forward to following along. Its been years since I read the book but it has stayed with me.

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Judy MacMahon—Fondatrice's avatar

I thought Josephine was sensitively played in the movie. What a wonderful actress! I look forward to learning more about her in this book we’re reading. Thanks for introducing this book Jacqueline.

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Bob Peterson's avatar

I felt in the Napolean movie the actress looked the part. The best scene was when Napolean first spots her at the gambling tables. She underplayed that bit which showed the many aspects of Josephines worldlyness..other than her subsequent relationship with him.

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Jacqueline Dubois's avatar

I agree with you Bob! I also found that she was wonderfully filmed by Ridley Scott . In fact she also reminded me of Lucilla played by Connie Nielsen in his 2000-film. (Gladiator)

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