Napoleon & Josephine: The Sword And The Hummingbird
on Goodreads (73)
What’s inside...
From her childhood in Martinique, Josephine knew that she would someday be 'more than a queen,' and she eventually fulfills her destiny at the side of Napoleon Bonaparte as Empress of the French. Acclaimed authors Gerald and Loretta Hausman weave together the stories of Napoleon and Josephine and their turbulent love affair in this lavish and beautifully written novel. As Josephine grows up on the tropical island of Martinique, she dreams of moving to Paris to live a life of glamour. An arranged marriage to a French nobleman brings her to Paris, but not to the lifestyle she dreamt of. After a divorce and a terrible time during the French Revolution, she holds a party that Napoleon, the general who has grown famous after a series of military victories, attends. A tumultuous relationship develops that is filled with separations and fights and the most passionate declarations of love ever uttered.
Age
12-15
Length
288 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Napoleon Bonaparte
Josephine De Beauharnais
Joséphine de Beauharnais
Napoléon Bonaparte
Discussion points
How do you think Napoleon felt when he first met Josephine? What clues in the story suggest these feelings?
What are some ways Napoleon and Josephine showed their care for each other? Can you think of similar examples in your own life?
Why do you think friendship and trust were important in Napoleon and Josephine's relationship?
How do the actions of Napoleon and Josephine impact those around them? Can one person's behavior affect others?
What did you learn about history from this story? Were there any parts that surprised you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters’ shoes to better understand their emotions and decisions. Ask open-ended questions that promote empathy and connection to the historical context. Relate the story’s themes to your child’s experiences, helping them draw parallels and learn from the characters. Highlight the importance of trust and friendship as explored in the book, discussing how these elements are essential in their own relationships. Use the historical backdrop as a gateway to explore more about the era, enhancing educational value.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases how both Napoleon and Josephine confront numerous challenges, both personal and societal, with courage and persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of staying determined and overcoming obstacles, whether dealing with setbacks in school projects or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Power of compassion and empathy
Explanation: Josephine's character demonstrates kindness towards others, which ultimately influences Napoleon, showcasing the transformative impact of empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment at home and school.
Example Lesson: Significance of personal growth and learning
Explanation: Throughout the book, both protagonists learn from their experiences and evolve, highlighting the value of personal development.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to embrace learning opportunities and personal growth, knowing that their experiences shape their character and future decisions.
Example Lesson: Importance of strategic thinking and planning
Explanation: Napoleon’s military campaigns and strategies are depicted, illustrating the benefits of thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making.
Real-World Application: This can be applied to children’s approach to problem-solving in academics or in navigating social situations, emphasizing the value of thinking ahead.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance in achieving goals
Explanation: Both main characters demonstrate a strong commitment to their goals despite numerous setbacks, underscoring the virtue of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist in their efforts whether it's in completing a difficult task or pursuing a long-term project at school.