Catherine The Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K Massie

The reason behind my mini-hiatus was that i simply couldn't finish a book (an issue that is completely new to me). Do you ever feel like you just cant find that "right" book to read? Like there are plenty of good options but none really "stick"?

Well i finally defeated my opposition. I just finished reading Catherine The Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K Massie. I know that this may be just me (history major tendencies kicking in) but I cannot not get enough of Russian History. There is something about the mystique and unknown that makes me itch to learn more and more.

For those who are less aware of Russian history, Catherine was the longest ruling Empress of Russia. Her reign was from 1762 until 1796 at the time of her death. I know that this may be a little less interesting for many, as historical nonfiction comes with own set of obstacles for a reader to overcome (language barriers, confusing references, etc). All I can say to this is to simply give it a try!

If nothing else read this book for a beautifully written account of a strong, tenacious and at times devious woman who literally worked her way to the top. She may have been born royalty of a small German state, but Catherine outwitted and outlasted her peers and her family, earning herself a rightful place into the history books.

The real prize in this biography is that it plays out as more than a simply relaying of events. It takes time to search into the motive and emotion as each extraordinary encounter occurs. The biography is rather long, sometimes you may have to walk away and take a break from the book, but I guarantee you will come back for more!