In life, there are two types of family. One you are born into and one you get to choose. In the case of Napoleon Bonaparte, he decided to get the worst of both. In Napoleon and His Marshals, Andrew Roberts decides to take a look at how Napoleon created a gigantic, combative, and treacherous family that would leave its mark on all of Europe.
I think it is important to know what this book is and what it is not. This is not a full biography of Napoleon or any of his marshals. Instead, this is a play by play of amazingly egotistical men whose brilliance is almost inevitably overshadowed by their ego. With that said, I think the book works best for someone with at least a passing understanding of the time and the people. For instance, do you know why Leipzig is important? If yes, please proceed! If no, might I suggest Roberts’ own excellent biography of Napoleon and then come on back.
This is truly a book only a gifted storyteller like Roberts can pull together. There is a litany of names and personalities which need to be highlighted while keeping the narrative moving forward. Told chronologically, Roberts knows when to hold back and who to discuss so that a 600 page book does not feel like 6,000 pages. Additionally, I appreciated Roberts’s willingness to engage with the myths around some of the major events. This is Napoleon and his circle so everyone is going to have their opinions and biases. Roberts looks at the known facts and explains his own interpretations which makes for a richer read.
(This book was provided as a review copy by Avid Reader Press.)
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