Rating: 9/10
Favorite Character: Barbara
This book tells the story of the Russian court from the arrival of Catherine the Great as Princess Sophie of Zerbst, to her triumph as empress. The book is from the perspective of Barbara, a penniless orphan who is one of the Empress Elizabeth’s wards. She becomes on of Elizabeth’s tongues, or spies. Born in Poland, she finds some kinship with the Princess Sophie, as they are both foreigners. Barbara rises and falls in importance at court, but through it all she observes the happenings around her, making her an excellent storyteller. In this book, we learn more than just Catherine’s story; we get to see Barbara’s story, the Empress Elizabeth’s story, as well as parts of the tales of many other key players at the time, such as the Orlov brothers. This book immerses you into the fascinatingly complex and dangerous Russian court. A story of politics, survival, and ambition, this book gives you an insider’s view into one of the most significant power struggles in history.
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