For Elisabeth, life was something to be enjoyed. She loved to ride, take care of her pets, read, and write poetry. Becoming an empress or queen was something she never expected to have to do. That was her sister's future role. Nene was going to marry the Emperor of Austria. 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, 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. She 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 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 an interesting and informative section about the history of a very turbulent time in Europe. There is also a wonderful selection of black and white photographs of Elisabeth, her family, and the places she visited or lived in. With an excellent 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.

   --- Reviewed by Marya Jansen-Gruber