A Review of The Last Empress of France by Petie Kladstrup and Evelyne Resnick

I picked up The Last Empress of France by Petie Kladstrup and Evelyne Resnick on audio during a long drive, and I was surprised by how much it grew on me. The early chapters felt a bit dense—layered with names, dates, and political context—but by the fourth chapter, the narrative hit its stride and I was hooked.

What follows is a fascinating glimpse into the extraordinary life of Eugénie de Montijo, the last empress of France and a figure I knew almost nothing about beforehand. The authors strike a fine balance between historical detail and personal intrigue, showing how Eugénie’s intelligence, influence, and passions intersected with some of the most significant events in European history. By the end, I found myself deeply moved—I even cried in admiration for her resilience and vision—and spent days reflecting on the profound impact she left behind.

Eugénie’s story is astonishing: a Spanish-born woman who married Napoleon III, helped lead France during the Second Empire, and lived until the age of 94, witnessing nearly a century of technological, medical, and political transformation. She moved among the most powerful rulers of the world, navigated war, tragedy, and heartbreak, and left an indelible mark on women’s rights, French culture, and world history.

Her life has the sweep and drama of a great novel, and I couldn’t help but imagine it adapted into a series like The Crown—there is certainly more than enough material for several seasons.

Jilly Bond’s narration is another highlight: smooth, confident, and elegant, perfectly suited to the empress’s story and the book’s rich tone.

This biography is a rewarding listen and read, especially for those who love discovering lesser-known women who shaped history from behind the scenes. Whether you’re a Francophile, a student of world history, or simply a reader drawn to compelling lives, The Last Empress of France delivers a portrait that is never stuffy or dry, but instead vivid, moving, and deeply human. I strongly recommend it.