The Winter Palace

A Novel of Catherine the Great

By: Eva Stachniak

Narrated by: Beata Pozniak

Named one of the best books of the year by the Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

From award-winning author Eva Stachniak comes this passionate novel that illuminates, as only fiction can, the early life of one of history’s boldest women.

The Winter Palace tells the epic story of Catherine the Great’s improbable rise to power - as seen through the ever-watchful eyes of an all-but-invisible servant close to the throne. Her name is Barbara - in Russian, Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, she’s allowed into the employ of the Empress Elizabeth, amid the glitter and cruelty of the world’s most eminent court. Under the tutelage of Count Bestuzhev, Chancellor and spymaster, Varvara will be educated in skills from lock picking to lovemaking, learning above all else to listen - and to wait for opportunity. That opportunity arrives in a slender young princess from Zerbst named Sophie, a playful teenager destined to become the indomitable Catherine the Great. Sophie’s destiny at court is to marry the Empress’s nephew, but she has other, loftier, more dangerous ambitions, and she proves to be more guileful than she first appears.

What Sophie needs is an insider at court, a loyal pair of eyes and ears who knows the traps, the conspiracies, and the treacheries that surround her. Varvara will become Sophie’s confidante - and together the two young women will rise to the pinnacle of absolute power.

With dazzling details and intense drama, Eva Stachniak depicts Varvara’s secret alliance with Catherine as the princess grows into a legend - through an enforced marriage, illicit seductions, and, at last, the shocking coup to assume the throne of all of Russia.

Impeccably researched and magnificently written, The Winter Palace is an irresistible peek through the keyhole of one of history’s grandest tales.

Praise for The Winter Palace:

“A majestic and splendidly written tale of pride, passion, intrigue, and deceit that is brought alive from the first page to the last.” (Rosalind Laker)

“At the same time baroque and intimate, worldly and domestic, wildly strange and soulfully familiar, The Winter Palace offers a flickering glimpse of history through the gauze of deft entertainment.” (The Washington Post)

“A thrilling point of view.... Readers are treated to a firsthand account of the young princess’s slow ascent to the throne, a path deliciously strewn with discarded lovers and sanguine court intrigues.” (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

©2012 Eva Stachniak (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Stachniak’s brilliant, bold historical novel of eighteenth-century Russia is a masterful account of one woman’s progress toward absolute monarchical rule.... This superb biographical epic proves the Tudors don’t have a monopoly on marital scandal, royal intrigue, or feminine triumph.” (Booklist)

excellent reading of a fascinating story

I thoroughly enjoyed this extremely well written history.... the reader did a fantastic job.could not stop listening.....

Ruined by reader

This reader is so bad. It’s as if she doesn’t understand the words she’s reading. I had to listen at 1.3 speed to tolerate it.

Story wise, if you’ve read anything at all about Catherine the Great there’s nothing new here.

Hoping for a little bit better...

I have read so many historical books, my favorites being from Phillipa Gregory! I had not known too much about Catherine The Great. I did like that it told about the early life of her, and I had no problem with it being from the mouth of one of the Servants. The story itself was good. I think the narration could of been better...at times her tone and voice drove me alittle crazy.

Not a bodice ripper!

Just a good story. This really is a great historical novel, very well written and researched. I feel like I have spent a few days in St. Petersburg, in the cold even in August. The intrigues at court will make you squirm, but there is no content that can not be listened to in mixed company. I wish the book had a little more detail about how the coup was actually carried out (maybe the editors took too much out)I would have like more, but all in all a satisfying listen. Beata Pozniak took me by surprise, and it took me a few minutes to get it. But her narration was so perfect that I believed every minute she was the main character. She brought life to the wonderful prose and will make you feel like you were there. Russian and Polish in slightly broken English, her voice is haunting and unforgettable. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Very Enjoyable - a nice surprise

A Polish narrator telling the story of a Polish character, what could be more appropriate? I enjoyed the story; lots of atmosphere, sympathetic character, intriguing situation. It wasn't just a listing of events but instead of personal retelling that made me feel like I was sitting listening to the woman telling her own story along with the small details (smells, textures, sounds). As far as the narrator, I thought she was perfect. Yes hearing a polish narrator try to imitate an English accent was interesting, but I found it perfect because that's how the real woman would likely have done it. The occasional odd pronunciations were in character. Overall I was pleasantly surprised. I will listen to this one again and recommend it to others.

Pronounciation and diction

There were many times where I had to rewind to determine what was being said because the word was either mispronounced or the diction was off.

OK

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story slowed in the middle. I had to talk myself into finishing it when I had 6 hours left.

Has The Winter Palace turned you off from other books in this genre?

No.

Which character – as performed by Beata Pozniak – was your favorite?

Definitely Barbara.

Could you see The Winter Palace being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe a TV series.

Any additional comments?

I liked the story, but thought it might be better to write as a series, with 3 parts rather than 1 long book.

Great Storytelling!

Have read a few of the great Russian novels, like Dostoyevsky, and really enjoyed them, so I thought this sounded like a good story. For me the voices and the sound of the language transport me right there. Through the narrator I feel that I am really hearing the many different voices of this story, the Polish voice of Barbara, describing the naivete of Catherine when she first arrives, or the weakened voice of her mother as she nears death, or the imperial Russian voice of the czar, or a German-accented professor. What an amazing skill to deliver all these voices / personalities in such a credible way, and to render them through Barbara. To me that is really great storytelling. If you like stories of intrigue, romance, politics, insecurity, and deception among the aristocrats at court (think Dangerous Liaisons, but in Russia instead of France), mixed as a historical fiction, you'd probably enjoy this.

I wanted to like it

Honestly, I would have returned this had I not sat on it for too long. Eva Stachniak writes beautifully, but this drug on and on and was boring to get through. I’m disappointed

You'll feel like you're there

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, great book and great performance by the reader

Any additional comments?

Eva Stachniak’s The Winter Palace movingly tells the story of how a shy German princess named Sophie becomes the powerful Catherine the Great. The story is intriguingly told from the point of view of Barbara, also known as Varvara, a Polish servant who becomes a spy, or “tongue,” in the court rife with secrets. This unique narrator provides a fascinating perspective on the historical events going on around her. Beata Pozniak’s authentic Polish accent gives real immediacy to Varvara’s words, so you almost come to believe the young spy is whispering her secrets directly to you. Stachniak’s prose is passionate and evocative, lovingly detailed, and Beata Pozniak’s voice is the perfect complement. Her expressive delivery heightens the drama and emotion in this exciting tale and greatly enriches the richly atmospheric milieu, until you’ll almost find yourself surprised not to be in imperial Russia when it comes time to change volumes. Can’t wait for the next book.