A review by biblioholicbeth
Empress of the Night: A Novel of Catherine the Great by Eva Stachniak

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.