Annemarie Selinko's beloved historical novel, 'Désirée,' plunges readers into the captivating life of Désirée Clary, a simple silk merchant's daughter from Marseille who captures the heart of a young Napoleon Bonaparte. As Napoleon's ambitions soar and his power grows, Désirée's path diverges dramatically. She navigates the tumultuous political landscape of Revolutionary France, eventually marrying Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, one of Napoleon's marshals, and surprisingly ascending to become the Queen of Sweden. Selinko masterfully portrays Désirée's resilience, her enduring spirit, and her unique perspective on an era defined by grand historical figures and dramatic societal change, offering an intimate glimpse into one of history's most fascinating love stories and unexpected royal destinies.