One of the greatest entertainment novels in German literature, with a total circulation of over 2.8 million copies. "I believe a woman can achieve much more with a man if she has a full bosom. That's why I've decided to stuff four handkerchiefs into my neckline tomorrow..." Thus begins Annemarie Selinko's grand historical novel, the fictional diary of Désirée Clary, the daughter of a silk merchant from Marseille, who truly made a name for herself and entered world history. She was Napoleon's first fiancée, later married the French Marshal Bernadotte, enjoyed the favor of the Emperor in Paris, and eventually left France with her husband when he ascended to the Swedish throne. The book quickly reached millions of copies sold and has been translated into more than 25 languages.