Poetry of Reading: June 2025

The Tsarina's Daughter Ellen Alpsten

by Natasa Djordjevic - 11:47 AM

“Who only sees what is shown to him, and only hears what is said, misses out on the truth.”

''The Tsarina’s Daughter'' unfolds an insightful and captivating narrative set against the richly textured backdrop of eighteenth-century Russia. It chronicles the life of Elizabeth Petrovna Romanov, the second-eldest daughter of Tsar Peter the Great and Catherine I, a princess whose destiny seemed irrevocably shaped by a foreboding prophecy delivered by a woodland spirit in her childhood.

As Elizabeth navigates the treacherous waters of the imperial court, she endures a relentless series of personal tragedies and profound losses, each testing her resilience. In a world where allegiances shift like the seasons, and former friends can quickly morph into adversaries, she learns that political maneuvering and ambitions often overshadow genuine affection and loyalty. Despite these relentless challenges, Elizabeth ascends to the throne, becoming the Empress of Russia in 1741 at the young age of thirty-one. Her reign, marked by both grandeur and heartache, continues until her death in 1762, a fate sealed by strokes that culminate her tumultuous life.

The author's prose is nothing short of eloquent and evocative, painting vivid images that draw readers deep into the opulent yet dangerous world of the Russian court. The characters are intricately crafted, embodying willfulness, ruthlessness, and cunning motives, making them both compelling and complex. The narrative weaves together a rich tapestry of themes: life and loss, scandal and sacrifice, desire and heartbreak, all framed within the lavishness and corruption of court life, along with the treachery and intrigue that define rivalries and relationships.

Ultimately, ''The Tsarina’s Daughter'' stands out as another mesmerizing and immersive saga by Alpsten. Her remarkable ability to illuminate the history of the House of Romanov is matched only by her meticulous research into the extraordinary life of the last direct Romanov to ever reign over Russia, ensuring that Elizabeth's story resonates with historical authenticity and emotional depth.

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Arabella by Georgette Heyer

by Natasa Djordjevic - 3:25 PM

What elegance and eloquence! The writing is so exquisitely crafted that one could almost mistake it for genuine classic literature from the enchanting Regency Era. Although it presents a hefty challenge with numerous sophisticated words that required consultation with a dictionary, the storytelling weaves a mesmerizing tale that captivates the reader from the outset.

At the heart of this delightful narrative is "Arabella," a charming yet naïve country girl who weaves an elaborate fiction about herself, claiming to be an heiress connected to a handsome member of London’s elite society, known as the Ton. The gentleman in question, sharp-witted and discerning, quickly sees through her ruse. However, instead of exposing her, he finds her predicament amusing and decides to participate in the charade by sharing her tale with one of his boisterous friends, setting the stage for a series of humorous escapades.

This romantic comedy, infused with the delightful antics typical of its genre, showcases Georgette Heyer’s extraordinary talent for dialogue, vivid descriptions, and rich characterizations. The intricately woven story arc kept me engrossed, with plot twists and character developments that unfolded beautifully, ensuring my engagement right up to the final page. The novel brims with vibrancy, reflecting a past era filled with laughter, whimsical moments, extravagant fashion, intricate familial ties, dramatic confrontations, thrilling suspense, and, above all, a heartwarming romance that tugs at the heartstrings.

Moreover, the narrative thoughtfully examines various character flaws, allowing the reader to witness the personal growth and transformative journeys of the characters as they navigate their challenges. The author paints a stunning picture of life during this captivating period, making it feel as though you have stepped directly into the vivid tapestry of another time. It is an impressive work that is both a joy to read and a testament to the art of storytelling. Well done—a truly enchanting literary experience!

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A Matter of Scandal by Suzanne Enoch

by Natasa Djordjevic - 2:49 PM

The Earl of Haverly, the shrewd and somewhat eccentric Dennis Hawthorne, sends an urgent invitation to his nephew, Greydon Brakenridge, the charismatic Duke of Wycliffe. He requests Grey to join him at his picturesque estate in the rolling hills of Hampshire during the bustling London season. Eager to escape the relentless attention of the fashionable elite, particularly from the multitude of suitors and his overbearing mother, Grey seizes this opportunity to retreat to Haverly Manor. However, his desire for solitude is quickly thwarted as he arrives with an unwelcome entourage in tow.

Upon Grey’s arrival, he learns that his uncle is drowning in a sea of unsavory debts, yet stubbornly refuses to let his affluent nephew offer financial assistance. Instead, he implores Grey to develop a strategic plan to pull him out of this financial quagmire. Taking a pragmatic approach, Grey begins by raising the rents on his tenants, including the hard-working Miss Grenville who runs an esteemed finishing school for young ladies. Emma Grenville, the determined and passionate headmistress, passionately contends that tripling the rent will spell disaster for her academy, which prides itself on educating young women of the ton. To Grey, these institutions serve merely as marriage brokers, and he is dismissive of Emma's concerns.

However, Grey's resolve begins to waver when he finds himself captivated by Emma’s fierce intellect and striking beauty. Their spirited exchanges lead to a friendly wager: Emma believes she can persuade Grey that women deserve a proper education, while he dares her to prove her point. As they engage in their playful banter, neither is prepared for the tempest of scandal that will soon engulf Emma's academy, nor for the powerful feelings that will unexpectedly surge between them.

"A Matter of Scandal" marks the captivating conclusion of Suzanne Enoch's beloved "With This Ring" series. The narrative centers on the intricate battle of the sexes, where Grey and Emma's ideological confrontations regarding female education mirror their deepening romantic entanglement. Through richly drawn characters and vivid settings, Ms. Enoch crafts a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by aristocratic women in early nineteenth-century England, all woven into a passionate romance that is sure to enchant fans of the genre.

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

by Natasa Djordjevic - 2:36 PM

“I could recognize him by touch alone, by smell; I would know him blind, by the way his breaths came and his feet struck the earth. I would know him in death, at the end of the world.”

"The Song of Achilles" is a riveting and poignant narrative, akin to an intricate tapestry embroidered with threads of passionate love, deep heartache, unwavering loyalty, and the inexorable march of time. This novel possesses a rare gift—the ability to evoke profound emotions that stir the reader's soul, igniting a yearning for a connection as deep as that shared by Achilles and Patroclus. The heart-wrenching tragedy of their love being cruelly torn apart leaves an indelible mark on the reader’s heart.

Among the vibrant characters, Thetis, the sea-nymph mother of Achilles, stands out as particularly captivating. In the ancient world where deities and nymphs are often marginalized by the more powerful gods, Thetis embodies resilience and unwavering dedication. Her fierce determination to protect and guide Achilles, despite her own struggles and the scorn of higher deities, adds a rich layer to the story. The complex relationship between Thetis and Patroclus begins fraught with tension, yet their eventual reconciliation illuminates the transformative power of empathy and forgiveness. This evolution demonstrates that even in the face of deep-seated grievances, love can bridge divides.

However, the heartrending reality that Thetis will never again embrace her beloved son resonates throughout the narrative, adding a poignant weight to the tale. This gut-wrenching moment, skillfully rendered with exquisite detail, underscores the unavoidable pain and sacrifice that often accompany profound love, serving as a reminder of the heartbreak inherent in human connections.

Yet, "The Song of Achilles" transcends a mere tale of love and loss. It is a profound exploration of the human experience—examining our capacity for deep affection, our bravery in the face of insurmountable odds, and the often ephemeral nature of existence. This literary masterpiece invites readers to reflect on the complexities of love, the inevitability of grief, and the enduring impacts of personal sacrifice. "The Song of Achilles" ultimately leaves a lasting impression on the heart, ensuring that its themes resonate long after the last page is turned.