
In the summer of 1811, Napoleon sits atop a continent, his empire glittering with victory while whispers of his downfall circulate among rival monarchs and conspirators. The fragile peace masks a volatile mix of ambition, revenge and the looming question of succession, especially as the emperor anxiously awaits the birth of his heir. This turbulent backdrop sets the stage for a drama where personal and political stakes collide.
Enter the indomitable Madame Sans‑Gêne, a woman whose blunt courage and quick wit have already earned her a place at the heart of the imperial court. As Marie‑Louise’s labor begins, she finds herself thrust into a delicate crisis: the emperor’s frantic pleas to save both mother and child, and the ever‑present threat of enemies plotting his demise. Sans‑Gêne’s resourcefulness becomes a lifeline, navigating doctors, courtiers and secret agendas with her characteristic daring.
The novel captures the feverish atmosphere of a court on the brink, blending historical detail with vivid characters. Listeners will be drawn into the suspense of a nation’s future hanging on a single birth, while following Madame Sans‑Gêne’s bold maneuvering through intrigue, loyalty, and the fierce love she bears for those around her.
Full title
Madame Sans-Gêne, Tome 3 Le Roi de Rome
Language
fr
Duration
~9 hours (540K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Claudine Corbasson, Clarity, Walt Farrell, Hans Pieterse and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Release date
2013-10-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

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