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Tsarina

‘Makes Game of Thrones look like a nursery rhyme’ – Daisy Goodwin
By Ellen Alpsten
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Check link for latest rating. ( 6,338 ratings, 1,165 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Tsarina by Ellen Alpsten, the novel brings to life the tumultuous journey of Catherine I of Russia, the country's little-known empress who rose from obscurity to rule an empire. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Russia, the story explores her transformation from a humble servant into a powerful leader, all while navigating a dangerous and decadent royal court. This captivating tale combines historical intrigue with riveting drama, highlighting the strength and resilience of a woman who defied all odds.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This captivating novel may appeal to you if you enjoy stories of historical intrigue and romance, set against the backdrop of Russia's tumultuous rise to power. You might be drawn in by the tale of a woman who ascends from obscurity to rule an empire, intertwining personal ambition with the grand sweep of history. If you appreciate richly detailed settings and complex characters, this narrative offers a potent mix of courtly drama and personal struggle.

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Tsarina

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

SHORTLISTED FOR THE AUTHOR'S CLUB BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD

‘Alpsten’s colourful narrative does full justice to her extraordinary career’ Sunday Times

‘With its sprawling canvas and huge cast ... it’s an entertaining romp through the endless intrigue, violence and debauchery of court life’ Mail on Sunday

‘A vivid page-turner of a debut’ The Times

‘The extraordinary life and career of Catherine I of Russia is brought to life in Alpsten’s colourful novel’ Sunday Times, Summer Reading Picks 2020

Lover. Murderer. Mother. Meet Tsarina, the most powerful woman history ever forgot.

Spring 1699: Illegitimate, destitute and strikingly beautiful, Marta has survived the brutal Russian winter in her remote Baltic village. Sold by her family into household labour at the age of fifteen, Marta survives by committing a crime that will force her to go on the run.

A world away, Russia's young ruler, Tsar Peter I, passionate and iron-willed, has a vision for transforming the traditionalist Tsardom of Russia into a modern, Western empire. Countless lives will be lost in the process.

Falling prey to the Great Northern War, Marta cheats death at every turn, finding work as a washerwoman at a battle camp. One night at a celebration, she encounters Peter the Great. Relying on her wits and her formidable courage, and fuelled by ambition, desire, and the sheer will to live, Marta will become Catherine I of Russia. But her rise to the top is ridden with peril; how long will she survive the machinations of Peter's court, and more importantly, Peter himself?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ellen Alpsten's Tsarina has been praised for its vivid storytelling and engaging portrayal of Catherine I's journey from an illiterate peasant to Empress of Russia. Reviewers highlight its ability to capture the intrigue, violence, and debauchery of court life, with some comparing its drama to Game of Thrones. The narrative's rich detail and historical research have been noted as particularly effective, making it a gripping and immersive read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781526606440

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 360g

Pages: 496

Collections

Ellen Alpsten Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance

About the Author

Ellen Alpsten was born and raised in the Kenyan highlands, before attending L'Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. Whilst studying for her Msc in PPE she won the Grande École short story competition with her novella Meeting Mr. Gandhi and was encouraged to continue writing. Upon graduating, she worked as a producer and presenter for Bloomberg TV in London. She contributes to in ternational publications such as Vogue, Standpoint and Conde Nast Traveller. Tsarina is her first novel. She lives in London with her husband and three children.

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