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, the play will be directed by Catherine Schaub.
Main Press Mentions:
“The good idea of this novel is to have constructed it minute by minute around a duel between two political animals connected by lies, betrayals, and a woman whose mere mention tightens their respective loins. As lively as film scenes, the chapters gallop along between flashbacks and confrontation.” Le Figaro Littéraire – Link to the complete article here and to pdf version here.
“In this suffocating and brilliant huis clos, Serge Hayat stages three tête-à-têtes between Joséphine, Barras, and Napoleon. Sparkling, carnal, and demonic.” Revue Avantages – Link to pdf version.
“These two sacred monsters play out a formidable verbal joust in which passions run wild. Serge Hayat has the art of dialogue, theatrical coups and colorful portraits”. L’Arche – Link to pdf version.
“From flashbacks to fiery duels, Serge Hayat’s lively tone dissects the mechanics of power, which ultimately comes down to whoever wants it most.” Le Maine Libre – Link to pdf version.
“A breathless huis clos in which our three protagonists engage in a game of chess. In turn, each tries to advance his pawns to gain the upper hand over his opponent and win a game that will change the course of history. After the success of L’Empire en héritage, SergeHayat takes us to the heart of these hours, which he narrates with brio in his new book”. La Page des Libraires – Link to pdf version.
Link to an article in TeleZ
Link to an interview in Le Midi Libre.
LEARN MORE:
Finaliste du prix Maurice Druon
Amazon (Editions de l’Observatoire)
