The Winter Palace - A Novel of Catherine the Great

Zusatztext Advance praise for The Winter Palace   “Stachniak’s brilliant! bold historical novel of eighteenth-century Russia is a masterful account of one woman’s progress toward absolute monarchical rule. . . . This superb biographical epic proves the Tudors don’t have a monopoly on marital scandal! royal intrigue! or feminine triumph.”— Booklist (starred review)   “Awash in period details and as gripping and suspenseful as any thriller! The Winter Palace gives us a unique look at the making of a queen. Eva Stachniak allows us to peep through keyholes and overhear whispers as we navigate the intrigues of Imperialist Russia along with Sophie! the princess who became Catherine the Great. I loved this book! and this glimpse into a world of silk and shadows! grandeur and gossip.”—Melanie Benjamin! author of The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb   “ The Winter Palace is an intensely written! intensely felt saga of the early years that shaped the eighteenth century’s famous czarina! Catherine the Great. Her survival in the treachery of the Russian court was an amazing feat! and Eva Stachniak captures the fluidity and steeliness that propelled Catherine from a lowly German duchess to one of the towering figures of the century.”—Karleen Koen! New York Times bestselling author of Through a Glass Darkly   “Eva Stachniak has given readers a thrilling glimpse into the scandals and secrets at the heart of the Russian Imperial court. With deft prose and exquisite detail! Stachniak has resurrected one of the most compelling ages in history. Turn off the phones and lock the doors—you will not put it down.”—Deanna Raybourn! New York Times bestselling author of Silent in the Grave   “This novel is literary sable to sink into on a cold winter’s night: luxurious and elegant! gilded with details! yet piercing in its depiction of the flamboyant decadence of the Russian court! and the tumultuous rise to power of Catherine the Great! as seen through the eyes of a scheming lady in waiting and spy. Once you enter the glorious! dangerous world of The Winter Palace! you will never want to leave.”—C.W. Gortner! author of The Confessions of Catherine de Medici   “Utterly enchanting from the first page . . . Eva Stachniak brings to life the sensual feast that was Catherine the Great’s Russia in this beautifully written! tightly plotted novel.”—Tasha Alexander! author of And Only to Deceive Informationen zum Autor Eva Stachniak was born in Wroclaw, Poland. She moved to Canada in 1981 and has worked for Radio Canada International and Sheridan College, where she taught English and humanities. Her first short story, “Marble Heroes,” was published by The Antigonish Review in 1994, and her debut novel, Necessary Lies, won the Books in Canada First Novel Award in 2000. She is also the author of Garden of Venus, which has been translated into seven languages. She lives in Toronto, where she is at work on her next novel about Catherine the Great, which Bantam Books will publish. Klappentext NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Wall Street Journal • The Washington Post From award-winning author Eva Stachniak comes this passionate novel that illuminates! as only fiction can! the early life of one of history's boldest women. The Winter Palace tells the epic story of Catherine the Great's improbable rise to power-as seen through the ever-watchful eyes of an all-but-invisible servant close to the throne. 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 al...

Product details

• Authors: Eva Stachniak
• Publisher: Bantam Books USA
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 23.10.2012
• EAN: 9780553386899
• ISBN: 978-0-553-38689-9
• No. of pages: 480
• Dimensions: 130 mm x 202 mm x 24 mm
• Subject: Fiction > Narrative literature