I just could not become interested in this story, despite the fame & talents of Ms. Goodwin. I'm a glutton for punishment & will now try Victoria. The PBS series Ms. Goodwin has brought to screen is enjoyable & has helped fill in some historical facts for me.

A love triangle is played out among an heiress photographer, a horseman consumed with winning a race, and the empress who captivates, then demands, his attention. The early days of photography are described, which as the European penchant for posing in famous Shakespearean or Arthurian scenes.
The author’s interview at the end of the CD reveals the research behind the book, which provides details of the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian times. Goodwin included many quirks of the actual empress of Austria, upon which the novel is based. Long tracks of 17 to 18 minutes make it difficult to find your place again if you are switching devices.

This is the first downloadable audiobook I've used, and - I loved it. It was a great story with interesting characters and I loved having it read for me!