The Death of Napoleon Simon Leys

 

To think, only a few weeks ago l had never heard of this book.

It's not a large book, only 128 pages long and published in 2006.

In this re-imaged history Napoleon escapes from St Helena and returns to Paris.It is such a clever tale and Leys uses wonderful descriptive writing to tell it. 

Sardonic is a word often used in reviews of this book and l would agree with that. I would also add that the journey back, and death, of Napoleon is so apt for a man considered so great. It is a parody and reflects so well on the grandiose people can give themselves. The ending, in particular, shows in such clarity the hubris of a man who was once crowned himself Emperor.

Well worth a read.