From School Library Journal
Grade 4-8-Although not one of the most influential European royals, Elisabeth is still a fascinating character. As she begins her diary, the 15-year-old reveals her true passions-the outdoors, her family's home called Possenhofen, poetry, her pets, her father, and horseback riding. The household is in a fury as Helene, Elisabeth's older sister, prepares to meet their cousin Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria and her potential spouse. Then Mama decides that Elisabeth will accompany them in order to meet the emperor's younger brother. When they arrive, Franz Joseph pays little attention to his intended, but rather is smitten with Elisabeth and selects her as his bride. She is fraught with confusion, joy, and sorrow for her sister. Once she accepts his offer, the young Elisabeth has much to prepare. Six months later, she travels to Vienna for her wedding and the most dramatic change to her carefree existence. The diary ends there, but the epilogue explains that the marriage was an unhappy one, due primarily to the confining court rituals and the emperor's imposing mother. Historical notes provide further information about the young princess, her travels, her language skills, and her children. Photos and a family tree are also included. Elisabeth is a charming figure from the past, and this book should prove to be an enjoyable read for historical fiction and diary fans.Alison Grant, West Bloomfield Township Public Library, MICopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
Author Barry Denenberg brings us into the whirlwind that is the life of Princess Elisabeth of Austria. A free and impetuous spirit, Elisabeth was chosen at the tender age of fifteen (over her older sister) to be the wife of Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria. From that moment on, she is thrown into an intimidating world of restrictions and tremendous responsibilities. Feeling lonely and alienated, Elisabeth is forced to rely upon her own personal strength, which is what eventually leads her down the aisle and into an uncertain future.



Card catalog description
The diary of Princess Elisabeth, written in 1853-1854, describing her engagement and marriage to her cousin Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria. Includes historical notes concerning her life as Empress.

ANNOTATION

The diary of Princess Elisabeth, written in 1853-1854, describing her engagement and marriage to her cousin Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria. Includes historical notes concerning her life as Empress.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Author Barry Denenberg brings us into the whirlwind that is the life of Princess Elisabeth of Austria. A free and impetuous spirit, Elisabeth is chosen at the age of fifteen (over her older sister) to be the wife of Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria. From that moment on, she is thrown into an intimidating world of restrictions and tremendous responsibilities. Feeling lonely and alienated, Elisabeth is forced to rely upon her own personal strength, which eventually leads her down the aisle and into an uncertain future.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Marya Jansen-Gruber

For Elisabeth, life was something to be enjoyed. She loved to ride, to take care of her pets, to read and to write poetry. Becoming an empress or queen was not something she ever expected to have to do. That was her sister's future role; Nene was going to marry the Emperor of Austria, and she was the one who was going to have to learn all about etiquette and court customs. Then the fateful day arrived. Nene, Elisabeth and their mother went to the Emperor's court to be 'viewed.' Much to everyone's surprise, Elisabeth was the one the Emperor chose to be his future Empress and not Nene. Suddenly Elisabeth found herself at the center of everyone's attention. An enormous number of clothes had to be made for her and she had to memorize list after list of rules of etiquette and conduct; Elisabeth also had to meet countless dignitaries and accept the fact that her time was no longer her own. In fact, her life was no longer her own. Elisabeth's existence was going to change drastically, and as she faced the prospect of her upcoming marriage, she wondered if she had made the right choice in accepting the Emperor's proposal. Would she be able to adjust to her new life? We learn in the epilogue of this book that Elisabeth did not, in fact, adjust well at all. The restraints on her life frustrated her and made her quite miserable at times. The Emperor wanted an obedient and pliant wife, not one who had her own opinions and wants. Sadly the marriage was not a success. In addition to the epilogue, there is a very interesting and informative section about the history of the times and a wonderful selection of black-and-white photographs of Elisabeth, her family and the places she visited or lived. With anexcellent portrayal of a lesser-known European royal, this book shows us how the life of a noble-born woman was not her own, that she was very much the 'property' of her family or her husband's family. This is one of several books in "The Royal Diaries" series. 2003, Scholastic,

School Library Journal