The Princess of Nowhere: A Novel

By Lorenzo Borghese

Prince Lorenzo Borghese, a descendant of the brother-in-law of Napoleon Bonaparte, bursts boldly onto the historical fiction scene with The Princess of Nowhere—a captivating and richly atmospheric re-imagining of the life of the author’s famous ancestor, Princess Pauline Bonaparte Borghese. Author Borghese—whom TV viewers will recognize for his appearance on the hit ABC series, The Bachelor—will enthrall readers of Sarah Dunant and Suzannah Dunn with this masterful blend of fact and fiction, a story of passion, betrayal, and one woman who truly conquered all…even death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Dec 7, 2010
• ISBN: 9780062030627

Reviews for The Princess of Nowhere

[golden_lily-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's hard to choose a rating for this book. All of the characters were pretty one note, especially Sophie, and not particularly likable. On the other hand, the author did an excellent job redeeming Pauline and the entire last section was very emotional. In the end, I did like it and I'll probably remember the last chapter long after the rest has faded.

[zibilee_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When Prince Camillo Borghese meets Napoleon's sister Pauline, he is at once mesmerized and intrigued, but although he is considering marriage, Pauline is not the woman he would choose. After hearing rumors of her scandalous behavior, Camillo decides against Pauline, but when he one day spies her unaware, he realizes that she is a beautiful woman that he could one day love and decides to marry her and make her a princess. Pauline brings to the marriage one young son named Dermide and a young girl named Sophie who has been placed in Pauline’s care by her brother Napoleon. As Camillo and Pauline begin their marriage, things are almost immediately rocky between them, for Pauline doesn’t wish to conduct herself in a ladylike manner and begins having affairs with several other suitors, a fact she doesn’t hide from her husband. Aside from this, Pauline also spends extravagantly and often neglects her son and her charge, spending countless hours doing what pleases her. All these things lead Camillo into a dance of betrayal and forgiveness that spans several years of their marriage. Sophie also is having difficulty with Pauline, for although she idolizes and loves her, Pauline neglects her and uses her as a pawn in her power struggles with Camillo. In this historical fiction debut, readers come face to face with the manipulative and selfish Pauline Borghese, a princess who only looks out for herself, no matter what the consequences are.Though I’ve read a little about Napoleon and knew he had siblings, I didn’t have the faintest clue about what their lives were like or what kind of people they were. When I picked up this book, I hadn’t even read the jacket copy, so it was all a very big surprise to me. This isn’t your typical historical fiction read for a lot of reasons that I’ll go into, but mainly because it centered more around character development than any historical event or period. As the author explains in the afterword, his motivation for writing this book was to chronicle the life story of one of his most famous and maligned ancestors. While I think he succeeded with the story of the ever ostentatious Pauline, the book left a little to be desired in its scope and execution.Pauline was not a very likable person, in my opinion. She was extremely vain and manipulative, and so much of a vixen that she would coax any available man into compromising situations in order to frustrate and enrage her husband. It was frustrating to me to read about this, so I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been for Camillo to live with it. Camillo was a loving and attentive man, wishing to give Pauline happiness and pleasure, but Pauline never recognized his efforts and repeatedly chose to stray from him and then to defend her right to do so. She made a cuckold of her husband very early on in the marriage and continued to do so, even though it embarrassed herself and her brother Napoleon. Though at times she tries to behave, it never seems convenient enough for her to do so for very long, and soon she reverts back to past sins and indiscretions. As the story progresses, Camillo and Pauline engage in a back and forth see-saw of attraction and repulsion.The relationship between Pauline and Camillo was sad to watch, but I felt more sorrow at the relationship between Pauline and Sophie. Sophie loved Pauline and was continually debased and taken advantage of because she left her heart open to her guardian. Though she would do anything for the princess, Pauline cruelly uses her and subverts the love she has for her. At times Pauline is unimaginably cruel to her charge and puts her very life in danger to satisfy her whims, and though she tries to be a mentor to the young girl at times, she only succeeds in being vulgar and inappropriate when attempting to teach the young girl the ways of love. Like her relationships with the other people in her life, Pauline can be cruel and vindictive to Sophie, and when her mind fastens on a goal, she thinks nothing of putting the young girl in harm’s way. Through it all, Sophie stays loyal and true to Pauline and, in the end, even Camillo finds a way to forgive her for her transgressions, which made me a little mad to tell you the truth.One of the things that I found very surprising was that it was filled with graphic sex scenes. Now, I am no prude, but these scenes just seemed a little out of place in a historical fiction novel, and thinking back on it, I’m quite sure this is the only historical fiction novel I’ve read that utilizes this concept. I also got a little bored with Pauline’s excessive and poor behavior and wanted the story to focus more on the events that were happening in the world during that particular time, instead of on the bad behavior of Pauline. In the conclusion of the book, Pauline is forced to make her apologies to everyone around her, and comes to regret the way that she acted in the past. Though these sections were believable, they came a little too late for me and I couldn’t forgive the princess as easily as those in her life did. I’m almost certain the ending of the book was meant to elicit a few tears from its audience, but I remained staunchly dry-eyed because these sections felt a tiny bit contrived and orchestrated.My feelings on this book are a bit muddied. Though princess Pauline was indeed a retched character whom I grew very tired of reading about, there was also a sort of train-wreck quality to her life that I couldn’t seem to look away from, and it was interesting to see how those around her dealt with the messes that she so expertly created. This isn’t historical fiction at its best, and that is mainly because it’s so tightly focused on people instead of events, but it is a book that might just give you a character that you will love to hate. I think readers who are looking for something that is well rounded and more historically involved would be disappointed with this book, but those who love troubled characters could possibly fall right into Pauline Borghese’s life and find it riveting. A mixed bag of a book.

[chatterbox_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It takes a real effort -- albeit the wrong kind of effort -- to take a story set during the Napoleonic era and make it a rather dull Harlequin-style romance novel. That's just want Prince Lorenzo Borghese has done with the story of his "ancestors" (well, actually, they are relatives), Pauline Bonaparte (sister to the more famous Napoleon) and Prince Camillo Borghese. The reader gets a standard romantic mis-adventure -- the initial infatuation of Camillo for the exotic and vivacious Pauline diminishes as it becomes clear to him that she has no intention of giving up the fast life. Only time and tragedy bring them together again, years later.The problem here is that while the writing is more than competent, the story telling is banal. Perhaps the lives of Pauline and Camillo -- at least over the length of time that the author focuses on -- just didn't lend themselves to anything more than the kind of romantic saga that a reader can find in 90% of the romance novels out there. There was not much to distinguish this one from the pack -- and I was astonished, given that the "heroine's" brother changed the course of European history. This compared unfavorably with a similar tome, Desiree by Anne Marie Selinko, the story of a silk merchant's daughter courted by Napoleon, who marries one of the latter's marshals and who goes on to other things later. In both cases, the women involved are peripheral players in Napoleonic history, but while Selinko manages to make a compelling drama out of her story, Borghese never managed to make this story more than slightly interesting, even when told through the eyes of a young (fictional) protegee of Pauline's, Sophie, who has an ambivalent relationship with the princely couple.It took me weeks of picking this up and putting it down again before I could finish plodding through it, when usually this kind of historical novel is something I would race through eagerly, even if it's relatively mundane. But perhaps it's just never a good idea to base a novel around a character like Pauline who, the more I read about her, seems to have had nothing much going on for her beyond beauty, lots of lovers and hypochondria. Altogether, an underwhelming book that I finished only because I received an "Early Reviewer" copy and needed to pull together a coherent review. If you want a more lively novel set in the Napoleonic era, seek out the Selinko book (just republished) or some of Catherine Gavin's novels set in Napoleon's time. This is just a fancy-dress romance novel that does little justice to the dramatic events with which it deals.

[sdunford_6 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I've always been fascinated with the Bonaparte family - maybe its because I'm also one of 8 - or maybe its because of the way they've been portrayed by history -- upstarts, uncouth, wild, greedy, and at best badly brought up. There has been a lot written about Pauline most of it focusing on her promiscuity, and beauty. The problem is that although this is a fairly well written book, I'm no closer to understanding Pauline than I was reading history. This would have been a wonderful place to have seen what made her the way she was. But its just not here. The character of Sophie also lacks motive. Pauline feeds her arsenic, she finds out and gets furious and then -- floats off into the sunset as a character.The character of the Prince is more well rounded, and complex. I rather liked him but all in all although the writing was generally good -- i just didn't get it The character of the Prince on the other hand is more complete, especially in the

[amybridges · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I can always tell if a book is really good when, as soon as I read the last word, I am on the computer doing research trying to learn more. This was definitely the case with The Princess of Nowhere. I wanted to learn more about the passionate, enigmatic, sensual, tragic Pauline and her moody, passionate, repressed, long-suffering husband, Camillo. This book was an easy read, sexy and serious at the same time. It was clear to see why Camillo put up with all of Pauline's shenanigans and why she wanted his approval so badly. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a not-your-ordinary-romance story, and certainly to anyone who loves historical fiction. I applaud Lorenzo Borghese for his debut work, and hope to read more from him.

[celticlady53 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book, written by a descendent of Pauline Borghese nee Bonaparte is told by Sophie LeClerc ward of Napoleon Bonaparte. I was not crazy about Pauline as I found her to be a very selfish and self centered woman who could not be faithful to her husband Camillo Borghese. Sophie was sent by Napoleon to live with Pauline. I did enjoy the story though and even felt sad for Pauline.

[bridgetmarkwood · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I think that the author of this book had a wonderful journey discovering genealogical stories! A genealogy person myself, I can appreciate that. I found this book to be very emotionally/subjectively written, as would be expected from a descendent. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. (I am not a very emotional/subjective type... so take this from whence it came.)I have enjoyed historical novels as a way to whet history, so to speak... keep it from being so dry. While I thought this book was a heart-felt story, I found that I did not really walk away with a richer sense of history. I love clever twists and robust writing. This is a narrative-novel, plain and simple. If you want a biography, written in narrative from, THIS is your book! If not, you may want to explore another work of lit.

[pjhess · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from Library Thing and was so excited. I am a big historical fiction fan and this looked like a good one. I enjoyed the story of Pauline as I have only read books on Napoleon and Josephine in the past. Pauline was a woman of her own making and the author does a good job of telling her story. An enjoyable read about Pauline Bonaparte Borghese.

[misfit_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to Librarything for a copy of this off of ER.Pauline Bonaparte is renowned as the most beautiful woman in Europe. Recently widowed, older brother Napoleon wants her to make an advantageous marriage - and Prince Camillo Borghese just might fit the bill - and he is very interested despite the rumors he's heard about her very busy bed. The two marry and begin a stormy on and off again relationship as the very proper Prince Camillo is forced to take a walk on the wild side with his new bride.So, sounds like the makings of a rich, meaty historical novel you'd love to sink your teeth into, doesn't it? First off, if I'd done a bit more research not on the book, but the author beforehand I'd probably have stayed clear. Here's the deal - the author is a descendent of that same Borghese family (although not directly from Camillo and Pauline) - and while he's worn a lot of career hats I think this is the first time he's written a book. According to Wik Lorenzo Borghese has been on The Bachelor and also works in the family's cosmetics business and other business enterprises. Not exactly the background that suggests serious historical novelist to me.On to my overall impressions - while the book isn't *bad* by any means, it certainly isn't great either. First and foremost, the blurb on the back promises this is told from the POV (third person) of Sophie Leclerc, a cousin of her first husband. Guess what, Sophie isn't even in the picture much of the time and she's most especially absent when Pauline and Camillo have to have hot hot hot sex (although not terribly hot for this reader, no chemistry there). We really don't get to know Sophie that well, let alone understanding her lifelong devotion to Pauline considering some of the treatment she receives. Camillo Borghese is a perfect gentleman with impeccable courtly manners, while Pauline screams SLUT SLUT SLUT SLUT. A bit partial to one side of the family, perhaps?Those quibbles aside, I think where this really falls short is we really don't get a feel for the real Pauline. The story begins when she's a widow, we don't *see* her as a young girl, nor do we find out what brought on her wild sexual behavior - or was it all rumor and innuendo? There are large periods in her life that are glossed over with a few pages of imagined letters from her, including the period where she joined her brother during his exile in Elba, yet we get page upon tedious page of her dying days and reunion with her perfect husband, including more hot sex - 'natch. In the end, this is a novel that just teased me with what could have been (would someone please write that story?) and leaves you wanting more. This might do if you are in the mood for something *lite*, but this will stick with you just about as much as cotton candy at the fair - you'll just be left hungry for something more substantial.

[joririchardson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of Pauline Bonaparte, the sister of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, and her cousin, Sophie. Pauline is a stunningly beautiful, wild young widow who would rather be seducing handsome courtiers than donning mourning clothes. In an effort to control her scandalous behavior, it is arranged that she should be re-married to a Borghese prince, Camillo. Pauline's young ward Sophie, who is fascinated by her older, glamorous cousin, watches the two fall in love, only to be torn apart by Pauline's many affairs and selfishness. As Sophie grows up, she sees that her cousin is not so perfect as she would like to think, but cannot help but remain enamored with her. We see Pauline and Sophie go through life together, through Napoleon's reign, to his downfall and the ruin of their families.I was skeptical when I learned that the author of this book was a Borghese prince himself, an actual relative of the characters in this book. The image of a spoiled prince writing a bad book, and getting it published through money and influence, came to mind.However, I needn't have worried. Born with royal blood or not, Lorenzo Borghese is an author I will certainly be reading more of."The Princess of Nowhere" is a powerful, stunning picture of so many things - of life during the time period, of the intricate inner-workings of the infamous Bonaparte family, and of a doomed marriage that contains an odd sort of love story in the background.The writing style was beautiful, yet realistic and grounded. I felt that I could touch every ostentatious silk gown that Pauline wore, that I could picture her grand palaces choked in glittering wealth. Every character was well drawn, with Pauline, of course, being most memorable. Only recently did I discover that Pauline even existed, while reading another book. This glimpse into her life was such a realistic one that now I feel as if I have read twenty of her stories (as I have with Anne Boleyn, for example).Pauline is a remarkably selfish, shameless individual. When her young son passes away, she lashes out in anger toward anyone she can possibly blame, including Sophie (for being there at the moment of his death) and her husband (even though he was hundreds of miles away at the time and never even knew Dermide was sick until it was too late). She has a talent for twisting circumstances around into whatever she wants them to be, and her logic often hardly makes any sense, though she seems to take her convictions seriously.Pauline is a bit of a slut - there's no way around it. In her time period, her behavior would have been doubly shocking and scandalous. Her countless affairs are a regular feature in the gossip columns and cartoons, which everyone in the royal family finds embarrassing except for Pauline herself.Since she thrives off of attention, Pauline often feigns illness. Her sicknesses are such a regular occurrence that she has made her royal doctor a rich man, and he is by now quite used to coming in and prescribing imaginary antidotes to her imaginary sicknesses. In one scene, Pauline poisons herself and Sophie with arsenic, so that she will truly get sick. Her husband has grown weary of her games, and will no longer believe that she is ill unless she is actually near death. I was shocked, and would like to know if there is any bit of truth in this part of the story.In another scene, Pauline seduces a young man who Sophie had just told her she had her first crush on.Pauline is selfish and, at times, evil. She is scheming and treacherous, and you would do best not to trust her. And yet, you can't help but love her as well. Amidst her affairs, we see that she truly does love her husband Camillo. Her actions cause her to lose many of those that she loves, and she seems child-like in how she wants to take everything back now that it is too late. And her wild behavior, though never to anyone's benefit but hers, is without a doubt entertaining and lively reading. Pauline is charming in how spirited and unscrupulous she is.She is the perfect embodiment of an anti-heroine: One that we love and hate all at once.Sophie was set up to be the main character in the beginning, but ended up taking second place to Pauline. Since she is a child for a majority of the book, she is never as strong a character as her older cousin, but I loved her all the same. Her fierce devotion to Pauline, even after being so mistreated by her, was interesting and sad. By the end of the book, Sophie has grown into a strong young woman, and the reader cannot help but think that she is deeper and more "royal" than Pauline could ever have been.Prince Camillo Borghese was also a very well done character. When he is engaged to be married to Pauline (but having doubts due to rumors), he is enamored by her beauty the first time he sees her. However, it is not until he accidentally sees her asleep, without makeup or fancy clothes, that he decides to marry her. He says that now she will always be beautiful to him, because he has seen her "when she thought that no one was looking." I found this endearing and very sweet, but already, it sounded as if he was not exactly the type of man that Pauline would be suited for.After they marry, Pauline finds that her husband is prudish in the bedroom, and that he does not take the news of her affairs well. Though he plays along with her games for a time, eventually he tires of this and ignores Pauline - the one thing she will never be able to take. Even her attempts at seducing him are unsuccessful, as what he really wants is not a whore but a wife. Unlike Sophie, he eventually dismisses Pauline with no intention of ever seeing her again. I had to wonder who, in the end, made the right decision.The setting was interesting as well, and we glimpse brief touches of politics, though the book focuses largely on the characters. Napoleon's wars are not mentioned very much in the book, save for the fact that Camillo goes off to war. While this may sound unrealistic, I actually believe that the author's choice to not involve the Napoleonic Wars was a fitting one.Pauline, in her neglecting to ever mention her brother's, and the world's, news went with her character perfectly. The only news she cared to read was the gossip about herself.As is necessary, of course, in a book about an infamously sleazy woman, "The Princess of Nowhere" contains quite a few sex scenes. I am normally very picky about sex in historical fiction. It often just doesn't feel... historical. The scenes here were quite heavy on description, but I suppose that they were necessary to fill out Pauline's character as a very sexual woman. Just as the scenes were hovering on Harlequin, they moved on.I loved the way that the story followed the character's lives over many years, giving you a sense of time passing. Every emotion behind the events here was well written and believable. I absolutely loved this book - it is my favorite Early Reviewer's read yet! Recommended.

[lilkim714 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

What a beautiful story. This story is about Paulina Borghese, who is the sister of Napoleon and her marriage with Prince Camillo Borghese. Their marriage is a very rocky one, with multiple affairs, jealousy and betrayals. This novel takes place before the marriage takes place and follows the marriage until Paulina's death. The beginning of this story was a little confusing because it takes a little while to figure out who everyone is. The author does provide a character list and who they are, etc. that helped out tremendously. However, once you know who everyone is the story takes on a life of its own. I read this book in one day. I couldn't put it down. Paulina is a character like no other and its very hard not to fall in love with her. I would highly recommend this book to someone who loves historical fiction who want to learn more about this charismatic woman in history.

[milliehennessy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Princess of Nowhere gives an account of Princess Paulina Borghese, sister to Napoleon. She married a prince, and lived in the lap of luxury. Paulina was impetuous, extravagant, full of life, and generally many things that didn't coincide with being a princess. The story also follows her young cousin Sophie, and her husband Camillo. They had a very tumultuous marriage, most of it caused by Paulina, but throughout the story I never disliked her. She was sort of an anti-heroine, but her personality was so strong that I couldn't help but root for her, just as Sophie always did. It was a great account of the times, and of the rise and fall of Napoleon through his sister's life. The characters were engaging, the scenes were easy to visualize, and the story was very moving. I loved it and would reccomend to all the historical fiction lovers out there, as well as anyone who enjoys a tragic love story.