Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 12:51 PM
"Tsarina" narrates the remarkable life of a woman who transcended her origins as a lowly serf to assume leadership of one of the most formidable nations in history.
The story unfolds entirely through the perspective of Catherine, and the author’s prose is both engaging and vivid. It begins with the pivotal moment of Peter's death in 1725, setting the stage for Catherine's extraordinary journey. The narrative is compelling, weaving together her personal experiences with historical events, eventually leading to her groundbreaking decision to rule in her own right—not merely as a regent, but as the first woman to take the throne of Russia.
At the outset, she is introduced as Marta, a serf bound to the ownership of a monastery in Livonia. Her life takes a dark turn when she is purchased by an abusive merchant, which ignites her fierce instinct for survival. As a maid forced to endure harsh conditions, Marta's resilience shines through as she ultimately escapes her captor. After a period of relative peace, she finds herself married to a Swedish Dragoon, but this tranquility is short-lived when war descends upon her village, bringing chaos and upheaval.
In a harrowing twist of fate, Marta is almost raped by enemy soldiers but is rescued and taken as a spoil of war. Rather than succumbing to despair, she adapts to her new life with extraordinary strength. She cultivates a deep friendship with her captor, who becomes a guiding figure in her life, alongside his mistress. This bond will prove to be enduring and supportive throughout her tumultuous journey.
It is through Alexander Menshikov, a close confidant of Peter the Great and his trusted ally, that Marta meets Peter, marking the beginning of a complicated and often tumultuous relationship.
Peter is a multifaceted character—both visionary and tyrant, determined to modernize and Westernize Russia at almost any cost. Throughout battles, political intrigues, and personal betrayals, Marta remains steadfastly by his side. Together, they embark on the monumental task of constructing St. Petersburg, a city that rises from the marshy banks of a swamp, epitomizing Peter’s grand ambitions. Renamed Catherine Alexeyevna, she becomes a devoted mother to twelve children while simultaneously mastering the delicate balance of managing Peter's unpredictable temper and his passionate drive for progress.
While Peter the Great plays a crucial role in shaping Catherine's narrative, "Tsarina" is predominantly the story of an indomitable woman—one who loved her husband, nurtured her children, and wholeheartedly embraced the vision of a Russia that Peter built from the ground up.
“Because it was all you were willing to give me. And I’d rather have you hating me than not have you at all.”
"The Spanish Love Deception" is an absolute delight—a refreshing blend of humor and entertainment that kept me captivated from the very first page to the last.
The chemistry between Catalina and Aaron is electric, igniting the pages with an intensity that nearly set my ebook on fire. The subtle, playful flirtation between them builds a delicious tension, and I found myself eagerly anticipating every carefully crafted moment of their slow dance toward romance. Each interaction was a perfect blend of humor, longing, and undeniable attraction, keeping me hooked throughout.
Daughter of Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 5:28 AM
“Marveled at how two souls - two completely different species - could make each other so happy. If you were kind to animals, they repaid that kindness a thousandfold. People disappointed; animals never did.”
"Daughter of Moloka’i" opens dramatically with the poignant moment when Ruth, the infant daughter of lepers living at the Kalaupapa settlement, is entrusted to the care of a kind-hearted nun. The nun delivers Ruth to an orphanage on the vibrant island of O’ahu, a place filled with both the beauty of Hawaiian culture and the shadows of its past. At just five years old, Ruth is adopted by a loving Japanese family seeking to escape the hardships of their circumstances by moving to California, hoping for a more promising future and a chance to thrive.
However, their dreams are cruelly interrupted. Even before the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor, the family grapples with prejudice rooted in fear and misunderstanding. Following the attack, America plunges into one of its darkest moments in history, as Ruth's family, alongside thousands of other Japanese Americans, faces systemic injustice. They are forcibly removed from their homes, stripped of their civil liberties, and relocated to an internment camp, where their dignity and rights are disregarded.
What strikes me most about Mr. Brennert's storytelling is his choice to narrate this historical saga from a female perspective, bringing Ruth’s struggles and triumphs to life with sensitivity and depth. As someone who shares his love for animals, I appreciate how he weaves this passion into the narrative, creating moments of connection and empathy. Furthermore, as an admirer of Hawaiian culture, I commend him for his accurate and respectful use of the language, which adds authenticity to the story. This well-researched and emotionally resonant tale is truly a must-read for anyone interested in history and human resilience!
Month of November: Best of Quotes
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 8:17 AM
The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 6:17 AM
In the year 1544, José, a young man from Portugal, finds himself swept up in the tragic events of the Portuguese Inquisition, where six Jews are sentenced to a horrific death by burning for their alleged heresy. Accompanied by his affluent aunt Doña Antonia, known for her wealth and influence, and his spirited cousin Reyna, José is deeply moved by the injustice unfolding before him. Despite his desire to intervene, Doña Antonia physically restrains him, fearing for his safety. Later, in a moment of vulnerability, she reveals a devastating family secret: they are Jewish, including José’s parents, whom he has never known. This shocking revelation shakes José to his core, igniting a passionate determination to immerse himself in the teachings and traditions of his Jewish ancestry, which had been hidden from him for so long.
As the Inquisition intensifies and their Jewish lineage is uncovered, the family faces grave danger, forcing them to flee for their lives. Their harrowing journey leads them to Istanbul, a vibrant and culturally rich city where the current Sultan offers sanctuary to Jews, allowing them the freedom to practice their faith safely. In this new and welcoming environment, José eventually marries Reyna, and they begin to build a life together.
Their daughter, Tamar, possesses a spirit as fierce as her parents, and she falls in love with the charismatic son of the Sultan. However, José struggles with the thought of Tamar marrying outside their faith, fearing the loss of their identity and traditions. In a desperate and tragic decision, he banishes her to an uninhabited land, allowing the family and community to believe that she has succumbed to a fever. This heartbreaking act casts a dark shadow over José’s lineage, placing a generational curse upon his descendants that persists for centuries, only to be revealed later when readers meet the last Sultan of Istanbul.
The intertwining stories of love, loss, and familial bonds across the generations stemming from José are captivating. Learning about the rich history of the Ottoman Empire and its role as a refuge for Jews during a time of widespread persecution is enlightening. It is a poignant reminder of how the Sultan’s generous hospitality offered hope when many other nations turned their backs. Unfortunately, it is disheartening to observe how the goodwill between these two cultures has waned in recent years, casting a long shadow over their shared history.
Sovereign of Stars by Libbie Hawker
by
Natasa Djordjevic
- 4:50 AM
This series is truly captivating, diving deep into a fascinating, lesser-known aspect of Egyptian history that I had not explored before. It intricately weaves the complexities of ancient Egyptian religion, the intricacies of political power, and the everyday lives of the people. Ms. Hawker brilliantly brings to life both the rich characters and the vibrant setting, reminding us that behind the archaeological discoveries and monumental structures lies a rich tapestry of human experience.
Hatshepsut, the remarkable Pharaoh, is portrayed as a deeply conflicted character. She embodies both divine authority and human fallibility, revealing the tensions that arise from her powerful position. We witness her grappling with monumental decisions and personal sacrifices that she makes in her pursuit of influence and legacy. As we journey alongside her through the significant events of her reign, we begin to understand the driving forces behind her choices, both admirable and questionable.
The narrative is not only thoroughly researched but also conveys a personal and emotional resonance that draws readers in. It inspires a yearning to travel to Egypt, to stand where such influential figures once walked, and to immerse oneself in the rich history that still echoes through the sands of time.
