A very good biography. Sissi's life and her personality are explored and put into context within the environment she lived in. It's a very well rounded portrayal, we see her good sides and her flaws. The context given by the author of Sissi's circumstances, especially esrly in her marriage, creates understanding for some of her worse character traits, without excusing her actions. It made Sissi feel very much human with all the troubles and feelings of any normal person rather than a distant historical figure with problems non-royals couldn't relate to. It's also a very easy read, the describtions of political happenings aren't dry or needlessly drawn-out. ( )