An empress is someone who considers herself one. Claudia Hendl is not particularly happy and even less imaginative – until one day an old, self-centered lady comes into her inn. Her name is Johanna Fialla, and after gaining Claudia's trust, she reveals something incredible: she, Johanna, is actually the granddaughter of Crown Prince Rudolf. He did not shoot himself, but instead went into hiding and started a new family under a false name, of which Johanna's father was a descendant. Gradually, Johanna shares her life story, and Claudia, who has never had any literary ambitions, begins to write it down. In the process, she may not necessarily learn historical facts – but she realizes that a little imagination is what makes life truly worth living.

Irene Diwiak's novel is filled with wit, bite, and originality. With affectionate irony and a constant wink, she gives her protagonist one last grand performance that is truly remarkable.