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Ex-Peekskill Resident Allison Pataki Plans Appearance At Garrison Library

PHILIPSTOWN, N.Y. -- Allison Patakai, a New York Times bestselling author and former Peekskill and Philipstown resident, will talk about her latest book, "SISI: Empress on Her Own," Friday, May 20 at Garrison's Desmond Fish Library at 11 a.m.

New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki grew up in Peekskill and Philipstown.

New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki grew up in Peekskill and Philipstown.

Photo Credit: Tricia McCormack Photography
Sisi is a fictionalized story about Empress Elisabeth of mid-19th century Austria-Hungary.

Sisi is a fictionalized story about Empress Elisabeth of mid-19th century Austria-Hungary.

Photo Credit: Submitted

The book picks up where her previous novel, "The Accidental Empress," left off yet also stands completely on its own. SISI focuses on the story behind of one of history’s most fascinating—and yet, relatively unknown—leading ladies, Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”) of mid-19th century Austria-Hungary. 

According to Pataki who grew up in Peekskill and Philipstown, Sisi was recognized as the “most beautiful woman in the world,” but it was her wit, intelligence, charisma, and fight to save her empire that made her a legend in her own time.

Pataki, the daughter of former New York State governor George E. Pataki, likens her to being the "Princess Diana of her time." "Sisi was politically savvy, embraced progressive ideals, was a mother of four and the wife of the world’s most powerful emperor, Franz Joseph, whom she unintentionally stole away from her sister, making her reign anything but simple," she said.

Though Pataki now lives in Chicago, IL, her love of history and writing began in New York and was inspired by this area, particularly given the setting and topic of "The Traitor's Wife," her earlier book. 

"It's particularly special to be back here to spread the word on my latest book," she told Daily Voice. "The Hudson Valley has always been and will forever be home."

Go to www.allisonpataki.com/ for more information.

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