A review by ariya1
Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

5.0

So, I finished reading this book a few days ago and promised a friend I'd write a review. I picked up the book because I saw the rumor that Catherine the Great supposedly had sex with a horse. Although I didn't necessarily give credence to this rumor, I was fascinated by the power she wielded in Russia considering that not many women (even when they were heads of monarchies) reigned for so long or were considered great leaders. This is especially so considering how Catherine II came into power. Although England's Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria have interested me, Russia's autocratic monarchy that lasted into the 20th century is intriguing. Massie does an excellent job of putting into context the era in which Catherine II lived. He also was able to provide the necessary background to certain people and events related to Catherine II's life without losing the focus of delving into this background. In all, while reading this book, I felt as though I was in the moment. As another reviewer noted, however, there is a shift in the book (from a detailed accounting of Catherine II's personal thoughts to a more distanced perspective). I can understand why the shift happened (to avoid any spoilers, I won't go into detail about it) but it didn't negatively affect my reception of the book. Ultimately, after reading Massie's book, I am even more fascinated by the Russian monarchy (especially considering how it ended) and I plan to read Massie's other books on Peter the Great and on the last tsar of Russia.