This is the biography of Elizabeth Patterson, better known as Betsy Bonaparte, whom was briefly married to the younger brother of Napoleon. Even though it cannot be called a serious biography, it is fit that it was written in the manner in which the contemporaries of that period had written their own memoirs...in a bit of lighthearted (if not downright flippant) way no matter how grave the subject. The author may have chosen to write in this style of the period, but they could also have chosen to write in that style to express the liveliness of the heroine.

Overall, a delightful read. But some events are treated so lightly that one doubts they are even true---such as their allegation that Betsy had attempted suicide at one time. Although it was well know that she suffered depression, bitterness, and ennui, this is the first time I have ever heard it suggested (though I have been wrong before), and would like to know as to what source they had obtained that information. But their was not footnote or notation to give provide a clue on that point.

However, the section on Betsy & Bo's trial against the Bonapartes, and the history of Bo's first son was one of the parts of the book that exceeded the other biographies I had read about the American Bonapartes.
It also brought up the point as to what might have happened if Betsy had been in Europe after the death of Queen Catherine, and she and Jerome had gotten back together? An interesting prospect! ( )