Rated of 5
by Leslie G. (Mililani, HI) Gripping tale of intrigue and drama in the Russian court
I was completely drawn in by the characters in the drama of daily life in this decadent and luxurious court. It was hard to put this down even though I didn't want it to end. As a German from Russia, it became clearer as to why there are so many Katrina, Katrine, Catharines in the family tree. I particularly liked that the story was "narrated" by a commoner that became one of Catherine's most trusted confidants. This book would appeal most to those drawn to historical fiction full of intrigue and suspense. It would also be a great book club selection as there is so much to discuss. Looking forward to the next book already.
Rated of 5
by Marie D. (Waretown, NJ) Life as a royal — a life filled with intrique!
I looked forward to reading The Winter Palace especially since I have wonderful recollections of my visit to St. Petersburg in 2009. Vivid memories of the Winter Palace/Hermitage and Catherine’s “summer” palace at Oranienbaum created a sense of place as I read the book. I could “see” the vista of the Neva River, the Great Perspective Road. My issue with the book, so well crafted and filled with fascinating details, was my need to really know what was fact and what was fiction. The Winter Palace was a great read – now I intend to follow up on the life of Catherine in the history aisle! Are there Varenkas — or “tongues” at work in high places today? I would say very likely. Does power corrupt? You betcha! Ms. Stachniak must tell us “the rest of the story” in a sequel.
Rated of 5
by Barbara S. (Glen Ellyn, Illinois) The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak
THE WINTER PALACE, a novel of Catherine the Great of Russia by Eva Stachniak is a very detailed picture of the Russian Court during the 1700’s. Their lives were harsh, complicated, yet fascinating. The book begins in 1743 when Catherine arrives at the Russian court as a princess from Germany. Eva Stachniak has beautifully described the intrigues of the Russian Court and Catherine’s journey to Empress of Russia. This book was enthralling – cover to cover.
Rated of 5
by Florence K. (Encino, California) Winter Palace
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Winter Palace. The author's clever use of a young Polish commoner. Varvara, to be the eyes and ears of both Empress Elizabeth and her nephew's wife Catherine and to divulge what went on in royal Russian chambers was a fascinating way to describe the spying, the lying, the crying, the betrayals of that time and place. Catherine had to overcome a myriad of obstacles: an unmaternal mother, a loveless marriage to Grand Duke Peter, an indolent and childlike disinterested bridegroom, and pressure to produce an heir. The book was well researched and crisply written. I'm looking forward to reading the author's sequel about the mature Catherine on the Russian throne.
Rated of 5
by Gretchen, WV The Winter Palace
If you are a big fan of stories that take place in the European courts of the 1600-1700s, you will enjoy this story of the rise of Catherine the Great of Russia. As with most novels describing court life of this era the story is full of the usual lies, conspiracies, self-serving patrons and courtesans, greed and opulence. It is also the story of two girls growing up together in parallel lives where one becomes an empress and the other her spy and friend. The characters and events of the story were historically accurate but I was disappointed that the author didn't tell the story of the conditions of the Russian citizens at the time of Catherine the Great or some of the accomplishments of her reign. Perhaps the authors upcoming sequel will delve into these areas.
Rated of 5
by Carolyn D. (Chico, CA) Palace Intrigue
I don't usually read historical fiction because the history is interesting enough without the fiction that slows the events down. Winter Palace was a pleasant surprise and a good read. There are enough characters to be a real Russian novel, but not too many to keep track of. The narrator's role was well chosen because her job is see and hear everything so she doesn't seem artificially omniscient. Catherine had an amazing life so there is a ton of good stuff to work with and Stachniak didn't mess it up. I did find it slow in a few places so it gets a 4 instead of a 5. I wanted to know more at the end of Winter Palace (always a good sign) and am now reading the new Catherine biography by Robert Massie to finish the story.
A bold, mesmerizing novel about the woman known as "Typhoid Mary," the first known healthy carrier of typhoid fever in the burgeoning metropolis of early twentieth century New York.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
read more
Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
read more
Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
read more
British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
Full Story
of 5
by Leslie G. (Mililani, HI) 
of 5
by Gretchen, WV 
