The Winter Palace A Novel of Catherine the Great

This historical novel tells the epic story of Catherine the Great's improbable rise to power, from her arrival in Russia as the young, naive German Princess Sophie, to her eventual coup to seize the throne. The narrative is framed through the ever-watchful eyes of an all-but-invisible servant named Barbara, or Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, Varvara is a spy (a 'tongue') who is educated in espionage by Count Bestuzhev, the court's spymaster. Amid the glitter and cruelty of Empress Elizabeth's Russian Imperial court, Varvara becomes a confidante to Princess Sophie, helping her navigate the treacherous waters of palace intrigue, shifting allegiances, and enforced marriage as Sophie transforms into the indomitable Catherine the Great.

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