Book 9 of 2023
A Summary
Napoleon Bonaparte is a figure known as one of the “great men,” of history. So much has written about his military prowess, strategic thinking, and a force that took on the politics of his day. But in this book we look at Napoleon through the lens of his love of gardens, forests, and parks. The author Ruth Scurr crafts his history and imprint on the world through his first and last love of that of nature. This is a biography that is very different from others that you may have read. Through thorough research Ruth crafts the role of Napoleon and those around him in a new way that brings another facet to the image we have made of Napoleon Bonaparte. I listened to the audiobook but in the book version included are 40 illustrations within the pages.
Thoughts and Review
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel. I have read so much information on Napoleon Bonaparte but this was so interesting. It focused on all the main things and battles we know so well but framed all of it with gardens. Before this I never knew the scope at which Napoleon loved gardens and the way he valued them. Even if you didn’t know I anything about the man at all this would be a good book to read to get a feel of him. This book could be the launching point for any reader to go further in depth in the fields they are interested in. Whether it be his love of science, his politics, or his strategic thinking. My only complaint about the audiobook is that the narrator does have a less emotive voice so at times it brings a dryness.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to anyone that has a love of history. The figures who have made an impression on our collective history always strike my attention as to the why they have made such an impression over the countless others that seem to have been lost beneath it. If you are looking for a launching point with a different perspective on Napoleon this would be a great start. I caution though if you have an issue with less than emotive voices than this audiobook would not be for you. The book may provide a better medium to read this in as you will be free to narrate in your own voice choices and be able to observe the illustrations. I think this would be a great book to read at least once just to provide a different lens at which to see a figure from history with.