The most rewarding part of being published is — by far — contact with readers.
This is not at all what I expected during all of that decade I worked in isolation, writing what was to become The Josephine B. Trilogy. I didn’t expect to ever be published, much less read.
Yesterday, I had the most delightful of proofs, once again, of how wonderful readers can be.
I was invited to join a very special book club in Ottawa — special because they have named themselves the Glories after Josephine B.’s very lively circle of close friends in Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe.
(A cautionary warning to other clubs: they claim exclusivity on this name!)
They are also foodies, and have a tradition of sumptuous meals, which I had the very great pleasure of experiencing at the courtly home of Jean and Suzanne Carr in Ottawa.
To begin with, a gorgeous table setting:
After a champagne toast by Anne (which made me weep), her exquisite squash soup …
followed by a delicious warm cheese salad (à la française, bien sur) by Suzanne …
followed, in turn, by a sinfully creamy dessert by Josiane,
and the most amazing truffles by Cynthia.
After hours of lively talk of books, magic, horses and writing, I reluctantly had to part …
… sent away with gifts of lovely French soaps and a box of Cynthia’s truffles.
How does one say “to die for” in French?
Merci, mes amis, for an unforgettable book club meet.
Chére Sandra, merci pour votre reponse.Je suis trés heureuse que vous partagiez mon avis sur Carolly Erickson.
As for me, I liked the biography written by Castelot least. Yes it’s quite good written and very up-dated but author doesn’t like his heroine and it seems to me isn’t impartial.
And Bruce hates Napoleon and VERY biased for him though this book is well written and interesting.
I think Wagener and Stuart are the best. And two books of Chevallier are excellent too.
And what else? In English I haven’t yet read Nina Epton, Ernest Knepton and Frances Mossiker. What do you think about it? Is it worth to read it?
In French I’m going to read this one
http://www.amazon.fr/Jos%C3%A9phine-limp%C3%A9ratrice-cr%C3%A9ole-Lesclavage-R%C3%A9volution/dp/2296112935
and this
http://www.amazon.fr/Jos%C3%A9phine-lobsession-Napol%C3%A9on-Gerald-Messadi%C3%A9/dp/2809804761
Have you already read it?
What else can you recommend to read about our Incomparable Josephine?
The French titles look very interesting! I agree that Castelot can be opinionated. I recall that Knepton was very good. I like Frances Mossiker and Epton, but it has been a very long time since I’ve read their books on Josephine. The only one I’ve read recently at all is Stuart’s, and I liked it quite a lot. I really can’t recommend anything else.
I read a review this morning of a very interesting book on Napoleon’s brother Lucien: NAPOLEON AND THE REBEL. It will have little to do with Josephine, but I should be interesting.
Keep me posted on your reading!
Sandra, what in your opinion are the best biography of Josephine?
Françoise Wagener, Andrea Stuart, Bernard Chevallier, Evangeline Bruce, Carolly Erickson (personally I hate this one), Andre Castelot? Or some other?
Merci d’avance.
Olga, I agree with you on the Erickson bio: uck. Of the remaining, they are all good, but Andrea Stuart’s is the most recent, and i think it is very well done.
The beautiful pink (raspberry filling) and cream (lemon fillings) macarons nestled in with the chocolates are from Urban Baking Co. in Kanata, Ontario. Owner, Wendy Raoux does beautiful work with her many sweet offerings. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban-Baking-Co/298400914867
Thank you, Anne! Yummm. I’m going to make a point of going there next time I swing through Kanata.
It’s a home based business, so good to order ahead. I quite enjoy dealing with Wendy. Always so helpful. Quality is top notch.
Congratulations! How wonderful. You’re an inspiration. And yes I also find contact with readers the best.
Thank you, Lilian! This was such a special group. THEY inspired me!
How lovely! What a wonderful and rewarding experience for you.
Svea, thank you. Yes, so rewarding. I’m still smiling!
Sandra,
Such beautiful pictures!
I’m so jealous of the members of this club!
Jordan
Jordan, you’re very kind.
(I’m so pleased we worked out the glitches in the discus system–my fault, I suspect–so that you can comment.)