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krobart's review against another edition
3.0
See my review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/empress-of-the-night/
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/empress-of-the-night/
cammmiam's review against another edition
1.0
I would like to preface this review with the statement that this book is in no way a testament to the author’s talent. I read the previous book in this series, The Winter Palace, and was very engrossed with the author’s ability to convey the rise to power of Catherine the Great through the eyes of a servant who comes to be a close friend. Because that book was so well done, I was thrilled to be granted an advanced reader’s copy of the book to follow. I only wish Empress of the Night could have lived up to the expectations.
From what I can discern, the problem with this book stems from the way in which it is structured. The story begins with Catherine as an old woman; before long, she is incapacitated on the seat of her toilet with a crushing headache, pain, and the inability to move her body. As she contemplates what to do, she continues to reflect back on her past, beginning with when she first arrived at the Russian court as Princess Sophie to be engaged to Peter III. To hear about this time in her life was almost like a refresher course for the readers who have read The Winter Palace. I was interested, but I was also not; and unfortunately, that sentiment continued throughout the entirety of the book.
Catherine the Great’s reign was filled to the brim with personal and political intrigue, yet this book focused way too much on her reflections about past lovers. I wanted to hear more about the politics! I also wanted the story to stop feeling so disjointed, because the view of one of her attendants with a mole on his face could automatically and randomly throw her thoughts to the past. The structure of this story did not work out, and I really cannot envision people enjoying this book. If you are interested in Catherine the Great and this author, then I would recommend you read The Winter Palace, which covers her arrival to the Russian court to the coup against her husband to become Empress of Russia. If you want to read a book about the politics of her reign, then I’m sure you can find one as well, and if you do find a good one then please let me know.
(I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 25, 2014.)
From what I can discern, the problem with this book stems from the way in which it is structured. The story begins with Catherine as an old woman; before long, she is incapacitated on the seat of her toilet with a crushing headache, pain, and the inability to move her body. As she contemplates what to do, she continues to reflect back on her past, beginning with when she first arrived at the Russian court as Princess Sophie to be engaged to Peter III. To hear about this time in her life was almost like a refresher course for the readers who have read The Winter Palace. I was interested, but I was also not; and unfortunately, that sentiment continued throughout the entirety of the book.
Catherine the Great’s reign was filled to the brim with personal and political intrigue, yet this book focused way too much on her reflections about past lovers. I wanted to hear more about the politics! I also wanted the story to stop feeling so disjointed, because the view of one of her attendants with a mole on his face could automatically and randomly throw her thoughts to the past. The structure of this story did not work out, and I really cannot envision people enjoying this book. If you are interested in Catherine the Great and this author, then I would recommend you read The Winter Palace, which covers her arrival to the Russian court to the coup against her husband to become Empress of Russia. If you want to read a book about the politics of her reign, then I’m sure you can find one as well, and if you do find a good one then please let me know.
(I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is March 25, 2014.)
gilmoreguide's review against another edition
4.0
Power lies in hearing what is not meant to be heard. In understanding what motivates those who plot against you. In knowing what could make them turn about-face, come to your side.
Empress of the Night, Eva Stachniak’s new historical novel about Catherine the Great, begins at the end by opening with the last days before her death. Catherine is in the 34th year of her reign and is 67 years old. As she lays stricken by a stroke, leaving her unable to talk, her mind goes all the way back to the early years of her marriage to Grand Duke Peter III—a man who was raised in Prussia and sees his homeland as a backwater and his bride as a nuisance. The Grand Duke has no interest in his new young bride and Sophie (her birth name) is left to navigate the hostile waters of Empress Elizabeth’s court. When after five years of attempting to become pregnant Catherine finally gives birth to a son, there is much speculation that the child is not Peter’s. Still, it is a son and the child is taken from Catherine by the Empress to be raised her way, creating a split between the child and mother that never heals, to the point that Catherine chooses her grandson to succeed her, doubting that her son is fit to rule.
You can read the rest of this review AND enter to win a free copy of Empress of the Night at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://wp.me/p2B7gG-GM
Empress of the Night, Eva Stachniak’s new historical novel about Catherine the Great, begins at the end by opening with the last days before her death. Catherine is in the 34th year of her reign and is 67 years old. As she lays stricken by a stroke, leaving her unable to talk, her mind goes all the way back to the early years of her marriage to Grand Duke Peter III—a man who was raised in Prussia and sees his homeland as a backwater and his bride as a nuisance. The Grand Duke has no interest in his new young bride and Sophie (her birth name) is left to navigate the hostile waters of Empress Elizabeth’s court. When after five years of attempting to become pregnant Catherine finally gives birth to a son, there is much speculation that the child is not Peter’s. Still, it is a son and the child is taken from Catherine by the Empress to be raised her way, creating a split between the child and mother that never heals, to the point that Catherine chooses her grandson to succeed her, doubting that her son is fit to rule.
You can read the rest of this review AND enter to win a free copy of Empress of the Night at The Gilmore Guide to Books: http://wp.me/p2B7gG-GM
jasmyn9's review against another edition
5.0
I have not yet read The Winter Palance, but I just added it to my Amazon cart to pick up with my next batch of books. Eva Stachniak just may be getting added to my "but everything she writes" list. Her writing was caprivating and very descriptive without going too far and giving too much.
The court and life of Catherine the Great was very different from many of the European courts I have read about during that time. Stachniak captured the grandoise lifestyle and obsession with impressing Russia's European counterparts and need for expansion. There was so much I never realized about Catherine the Great - such as she wasn't really Russian and her name wasn't originally Catherine.
Her story was amazing, told as a memory she has after a fall towards the end of her life. She had many enemies, but many people also truly loved her and relied on her rule to make life in Russia better. I can't wait to see what The While Palace is like - told from the point of view of a close servant instead of Catherine. It's amazing how the same story can be completely different when told from two perspectives.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-empress-of-night-novel-of.html#sthash.4WJjUsiB.dpuf
The court and life of Catherine the Great was very different from many of the European courts I have read about during that time. Stachniak captured the grandoise lifestyle and obsession with impressing Russia's European counterparts and need for expansion. There was so much I never realized about Catherine the Great - such as she wasn't really Russian and her name wasn't originally Catherine.
Her story was amazing, told as a memory she has after a fall towards the end of her life. She had many enemies, but many people also truly loved her and relied on her rule to make life in Russia better. I can't wait to see what The While Palace is like - told from the point of view of a close servant instead of Catherine. It's amazing how the same story can be completely different when told from two perspectives.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-empress-of-night-novel-of.html#sthash.4WJjUsiB.dpuf
halkid2's review against another edition
2.0
As someone with a deep interest in Russian history, I really enjoyed Eva Stachniak’s THE WINTER PALACE. But I’m sorry to say I started skimming this one after about 150 pages and dropped it about a hundred pages after that.
EMPRESS OF THE NIGHT presents the stream-of-consciousness mental ramblings of Catherine the Great, as she lies dying. These reminiscences are written as bits and pieces – sometimes, pages of whole conversations she had, sometimes just an apropos Russian saying. Together, they cover Catherine’s first days at the Russian court under Empress Elizabeth, her disastrous marriage to Peter III, his subsequent death, her many lovers, and her relationships with her son and grandchildren.
But one of the things I like best about reading historical fiction is getting to know the people who made history, more than their strategies or the politics of the time. Because of the structure of this novel, I found I missed the continuity of following people’s stories in a more linear fashion. I simply didn’t feel I was learning who they were or caring much about them. Even Catherine. I’m sure there are many who will appreciate Stachniak’s approach. I guess I’m just not one of them.
EMPRESS OF THE NIGHT presents the stream-of-consciousness mental ramblings of Catherine the Great, as she lies dying. These reminiscences are written as bits and pieces – sometimes, pages of whole conversations she had, sometimes just an apropos Russian saying. Together, they cover Catherine’s first days at the Russian court under Empress Elizabeth, her disastrous marriage to Peter III, his subsequent death, her many lovers, and her relationships with her son and grandchildren.
But one of the things I like best about reading historical fiction is getting to know the people who made history, more than their strategies or the politics of the time. Because of the structure of this novel, I found I missed the continuity of following people’s stories in a more linear fashion. I simply didn’t feel I was learning who they were or caring much about them. Even Catherine. I’m sure there are many who will appreciate Stachniak’s approach. I guess I’m just not one of them.
theportalmaster's review against another edition
4.0
I finished [b:Empress of the Night: A Novel of Catherine the Great|18142371|Empress of the Night A Novel of Catherine the Great|Eva Stachniak|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1376337192s/18142371.jpg|21873647] yesterday, but wasn't ready to rate or write a review about it, neither did I have time to do it anyway.
My copy of this book starts with a quote written to me by my grandmother: "When I gave you your first book, I also told you something. If you want to live a happy life, you got to read lots of books. I'm glad you remember". Why am I writing this? Well, to show you that I'll be good to this book, despite all the flaws it had.
When I saw what it was about, I was thrilled. I love reading about strong women in history, the great ones who changed something in the world. Yekaterina Alexeevna, how amazing is that?! The title, the cover, the theme... Everything had my name on it.
It took me a lot of time to read this, almost a month. So I have to say that this is one of those books you have to read fast, because if you skip one day, you might need time to focus on it again.
The writting was shallow and economical. It had really short sentences, which lead to no emotions.
The plot was boring and repetitive. This certantly wasn't the way to describe a woman as great as her. The book was focused only on her lovers, while the influence she had in arts, the politics she followed didn't get much attention or got no attention at all. In my opinion, most of her greatness was ignored.
Why are we walking?
Because we have to move.
Why?
If we stop, we die.
The last few pages were interesting. There once again we get a quick look over the characters' personalities. And they made me feel sad for finishing this book that I was eager to finish.
The living always got to say the last words.
I wouldn't recommend this for the people who are looking for a book who shows the great life and politics of Catherine, but to those who want to catch only a glimpse of it.
My copy of this book starts with a quote written to me by my grandmother: "When I gave you your first book, I also told you something. If you want to live a happy life, you got to read lots of books. I'm glad you remember". Why am I writing this? Well, to show you that I'll be good to this book, despite all the flaws it had.
When I saw what it was about, I was thrilled. I love reading about strong women in history, the great ones who changed something in the world. Yekaterina Alexeevna, how amazing is that?! The title, the cover, the theme... Everything had my name on it.
It took me a lot of time to read this, almost a month. So I have to say that this is one of those books you have to read fast, because if you skip one day, you might need time to focus on it again.
The writting was shallow and economical. It had really short sentences, which lead to no emotions.
The plot was boring and repetitive. This certantly wasn't the way to describe a woman as great as her. The book was focused only on her lovers, while the influence she had in arts, the politics she followed didn't get much attention or got no attention at all. In my opinion, most of her greatness was ignored.
Why are we walking?
Because we have to move.
Why?
If we stop, we die.
The last few pages were interesting. There once again we get a quick look over the characters' personalities. And they made me feel sad for finishing this book that I was eager to finish.
The living always got to say the last words.
I wouldn't recommend this for the people who are looking for a book who shows the great life and politics of Catherine, but to those who want to catch only a glimpse of it.
dasandryne's review against another edition
5.0
J'ai été agréablement surprise par ce livre que j'ai nettement plus apprécié que le tome 1. J'ai beaucoup comment Catherine était humanisé et particulièrement dans la deuxième partie du roman sur le fin de son règne.
thedearest's review against another edition
2.0
See more reviews at: http://galactictidesx.blogspot.ca
I really want to like Mistress of the Night but it just wasn't the book for me. I like historical fiction in small doses and like everyone else I went through a Phillipa Gregory phase where I was endlessly fascinated by the lives of European nobility. I don't know too much about Russian history--most of my studies from AP West and the World to my class this past semester on Comparative Politics of Western Europe focus on Western European history. I want to know more. Unfortunately this book didn't help.
Rather than the political history, this focused on the personal relationships with Catherine the Great which were tragic and for me, a little dull. I think Catherine the Great was many things to her country and history, and narrowing it down to a few paramours betrays her complexity.
The style didn't help. While told from the perspective of Catherine recalling her life, it jumps around in time to fill in details of her life. This was interesting in the beginning while it was a bit new but about a hundred pages in it starts to seem erratic.I don't know whether the fact that this is the second in series made it better or worse as it might well have fared better in light of that. I think while I would be interested in reading other historical novels with a different style by Eva Stachniak, this book was not what I wanted it to be which is perhaps not her fault but has made a less than pleasant reading experience for me.
Full disclosure: I received this book as a Netgalley from Random House - Bantam Dell in exchange for an honest review.
I really want to like Mistress of the Night but it just wasn't the book for me. I like historical fiction in small doses and like everyone else I went through a Phillipa Gregory phase where I was endlessly fascinated by the lives of European nobility. I don't know too much about Russian history--most of my studies from AP West and the World to my class this past semester on Comparative Politics of Western Europe focus on Western European history. I want to know more. Unfortunately this book didn't help.
Rather than the political history, this focused on the personal relationships with Catherine the Great which were tragic and for me, a little dull. I think Catherine the Great was many things to her country and history, and narrowing it down to a few paramours betrays her complexity.
The style didn't help. While told from the perspective of Catherine recalling her life, it jumps around in time to fill in details of her life. This was interesting in the beginning while it was a bit new but about a hundred pages in it starts to seem erratic.I don't know whether the fact that this is the second in series made it better or worse as it might well have fared better in light of that. I think while I would be interested in reading other historical novels with a different style by Eva Stachniak, this book was not what I wanted it to be which is perhaps not her fault but has made a less than pleasant reading experience for me.
Full disclosure: I received this book as a Netgalley from Random House - Bantam Dell in exchange for an honest review.
angelcwrites's review against another edition
The meandering in this novel is not the kind of meandering I can appreciate.
biblioholicbeth's review against another edition
2.0
Have you ever read a book because that particular subject fascinates you, so you enjoy reading more than what you've already read? And then, as you are reading, the book begins to become eerily familiar - like you've read it before? This is how I felt about Empress of the Night. I love historical fiction, and Catherine the Great is such an intriguing figure that I enjoy reading about her from a variety of perspectives. Sadly, this book reminded me so much of the last book I read about Catherine (Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman) that I literally had to check a couple of times to make sure that I wasn't accidentally repeating myself. The only stark difference in what I read and what I recall reading was the interjections as Catherine appears to be suffering a stroke, and that it appeared to have more to do with her lovers and less to do with her fascinating ruling.
I suppose you can make the argument that, as an historical figure, there is little left to the imagination anymore. Not being a writer, I wouldn't know whether that could ever be true. But this just felt like a rehash of so much of what I have already read.
Having said that - the story is written well and would be a good starting point for anyone not overly familiar with Catherine and her ascent to the throne. I think it would be enjoyable for them. Unfortunately for me, it was a case of deja vu that was too strong to ignore.
I suppose you can make the argument that, as an historical figure, there is little left to the imagination anymore. Not being a writer, I wouldn't know whether that could ever be true. But this just felt like a rehash of so much of what I have already read.
Having said that - the story is written well and would be a good starting point for anyone not overly familiar with Catherine and her ascent to the throne. I think it would be enjoyable for them. Unfortunately for me, it was a case of deja vu that was too strong to ignore.