The Winter Palace: A Novel of Catherine the Great
6 journalers for this copy...
Just looked good.
Her name is Barbara—in Russian, Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, she’s allowed into the employ of the Empress Elizabeth, amid the glitter and cruelty of the world’s most eminent court. Under the tutelage of Count Bestuzhev, Chancellor and spymaster, Varvara will be educated in skills from lock picking to lovemaking, learning above all else to listen—and to wait for opportunity. That opportunity arrives in a slender young princess from Zerbst named Sophie, a playful teenager destined to become the indomitable Catherine the Great. Sophie’s destiny at court is to marry the Empress’s nephew, but she has other, loftier, more dangerous ambitions, and she proves to be more guileful than she first appears.
What Sophie needs is an insider at court, a loyal pair of eyes and ears who knows the traps, the conspiracies, and the treacheries that surround her. Varvara will become Sophie’s confidante—and together the two young women will rise to the pinnacle of absolute power.
With dazzling details and intense drama, Eva Stachniak depicts Varvara’s secret alliance with Catherine as the princess grows into a legend—through an enforced marriage, illicit seductions, and, at last, the shocking coup to assume the throne of all of Russia.
Impeccably researched and magnificently written, The Winter Palace is an irresistible peek through the keyhole of one of history’s grandest tales.
Her name is Barbara—in Russian, Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, she’s allowed into the employ of the Empress Elizabeth, amid the glitter and cruelty of the world’s most eminent court. Under the tutelage of Count Bestuzhev, Chancellor and spymaster, Varvara will be educated in skills from lock picking to lovemaking, learning above all else to listen—and to wait for opportunity. That opportunity arrives in a slender young princess from Zerbst named Sophie, a playful teenager destined to become the indomitable Catherine the Great. Sophie’s destiny at court is to marry the Empress’s nephew, but she has other, loftier, more dangerous ambitions, and she proves to be more guileful than she first appears.
What Sophie needs is an insider at court, a loyal pair of eyes and ears who knows the traps, the conspiracies, and the treacheries that surround her. Varvara will become Sophie’s confidante—and together the two young women will rise to the pinnacle of absolute power.
With dazzling details and intense drama, Eva Stachniak depicts Varvara’s secret alliance with Catherine as the princess grows into a legend—through an enforced marriage, illicit seductions, and, at last, the shocking coup to assume the throne of all of Russia.
Impeccably researched and magnificently written, The Winter Palace is an irresistible peek through the keyhole of one of history’s grandest tales.
This book was so good. I loved the characters. Her descriptions were wonderful. A little sad in places. Other places made me laugh out loud. Off to a new reader as a birthday surprise!
Happy Birthday, lauraloo29! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Thank you! I love wishlist books and birthdays!
Frustrating. I can't get into this book. I shall find a new home for it.
Sending to the winner of the Historical Fiction Sweeps! Enjoy!
Wow, a parcel from Canada arrived today and what a wonderful surprise as I had almost forgotten about the historical fiction sweepstake by now, so thank you ever so much. I am looking forward to reading it !
I really enjoyed this historical novel set in St Petersburg with an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Catherine the Great. I admit I didn't know much about Catherine the Great or even that she was born Sophie von Anhalt-Zerbst and the novel really brought life in Russia alive.
As in many royal courts of the time, there are lots of power battles, deceptions, affairs and intrigues. It was a very good read, I liked the characters - fictional and real and it inspired me look up more about her life and rule as the last Empress of Russia
As in many royal courts of the time, there are lots of power battles, deceptions, affairs and intrigues. It was a very good read, I liked the characters - fictional and real and it inspired me look up more about her life and rule as the last Empress of Russia
Journal Entry 9 by kinedi at Biblos, Chambers Street in Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Thursday, November 24, 2022
Released 1 yr ago (11/27/2022 UTC) at Biblos, Chambers Street in Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Released at the pre Xmas meet up
Journal Entry 10 by Poodlesister at Walthamstow, Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, November 27, 2022
I shouldn’t have picked this up but it looked interesting. It was great to see you again Kinedi.
Journal Entry 11 by Poodlesister at Walthamstow, Greater London United Kingdom on Friday, December 8, 2023
I found this really interesting. Like kinedi I didn't know much about the historical characters who feature in the book.
Journal Entry 12 by Poodlesister at UK Secret Santa, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Friday, December 8, 2023
Released 3 mos ago (12/9/2023 UTC) at UK Secret Santa, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This is going in my UK Secret Santa parcel. My exchange partner likes historical novels. Hopefully she'll enjoy this!
Journal Entry 13 by kirstykat at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Thank you Poodlesister for this wish list book as a UK Secret Santa gift!
I look forward to reading it.
I look forward to reading it.
Journal Entry 14 by kirstykat at Potters Bar, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, January 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction novel.
It was well researched, from what I can gather from checking some information on Google.
Full of typical Russian opulence, indulgence and the abandonment of the powerful and wealthy.
Treachery and avarice were ever present, along with bribes and promises.
A most intriguing read, that has whet my appetite for more Russian and European historical fiction.
Well worth a read!
It was well researched, from what I can gather from checking some information on Google.
Full of typical Russian opulence, indulgence and the abandonment of the powerful and wealthy.
Treachery and avarice were ever present, along with bribes and promises.
A most intriguing read, that has whet my appetite for more Russian and European historical fiction.
Well worth a read!
Released 2 mos ago (1/15/2024 UTC) at North Walsham, Norfolk United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
A book that deserves to be enjoyed by as many as possible, so going to Daffodil-2 to read and enjoy, and/or share at the Cameo Cafe before re-releasing.
Received in the post today from Kirstykat along with three other books. Thanks very much. This one will be going on my own shelf for the time being then probably to the Cameo Cafe in due course. Don't think I've read any novels about Russian history before, so a new experience for me.