October 1799. Joséphine Bonaparte feared her husband’s return from Egypt. Buoyed by his recent victories and acclaimed by the French people, Napoleon might have the idea of repudiating her and overthrowing his ally Paul Barras, the strongman of the Directoire.
So when the young general, just arrived in Paris, pays Barras a surprise visit, everyone is sharpening their weapons. Behind the panelling, a verbal joust begins that is about to change the destiny of France. All the ambition and passion of these extraordinary personalities will be expressed. Their lies and betrayals, too. No holds are barred in this dangerous three-beat waltz – and one woman in particular is ready to beat the drum.
Serge Hayat plunges us into a France at the end of its tether, with surprisingly contemporary resonances. A France with wounds left alive by the Revolution, whose destiny is about to be turned upside down by the impetus of one woman. L’Aigle et la Rose (The Eagle and the Rose) tells the story of the few hours that mark the triumph of Josephine – a woman in danger who, to save herself, becomes the country’s first lady – and the metamorphosis of Bonaparte, a brilliant but immature general, into a statesman. It’s the birth of one of history’s most fabulous political couples.
The novel is currently being adapted for the stage.