If you happen to be a history junkie like me and if you also actually happen to be a Russian history junkie (like me also), this book is for you….
It’s a long book, over 800 pages, but it is definitely worth the time if history is your thing. I bought it because I’ve always been fascinated with Catherine the Great and the legend of her ability with horses. I was definitely disappointed that her horsemanship skills were only mentioned in passing, but the book is so full of information and so well written, that it more than made up for the lack of all things horsey…
There were times when it was somewhat dry and read like a history book, and I did have a little trouble keeping all of the characters straight sometimes. It was especially hard to keep up with the revolving door that went in and out of Catherine’s private apartments…whew, she sure had some libido!
And if you read this far just to find out how she REALLY died, I’m not going to tell you, you’ll just have to read the book!
Good read, highly recommended if you love history, still recommended if you just like good books!
xxoo,
RMW
Have you ever heard of a Russian style of painting using crushed eggshells? I had a professor who did it–a historical style of painting I’ve never been able to remember!
Sounds like a great read-I love history and often think that truth is stranger than fiction! 🙂
I love a good book. Looks like something I would like to pack and take with me on a holiday because it seems like the kind of book that once you start, you can’t put down xx
I too can get lost if the characters have names with upwards of 14 letters and few vowels. I have to give them mental nick names like Sam and Dave to keep them straight. I love historical books, thanks for the review.
Always love to find another book to read! Will check Amazon for details.
I visited St Petersburg in 2006 and fell in love with all of it. I’ve read a couple of biographies of Catherine (or Sophie, as she once was!) but will have to check to see if this is one of them. I’ve just finished a very entertaining piece of fiction called The Winter Palace. You might enjoy it too.