Description
Princess Tarakanova
Book Summary
In this fascinating historical novel, G.P. Danilevsky reconstructs the enigmatic life of a woman who defied the empires of the 18th century. The work follows a young woman who appears in Paris in 1772, presenting herself as Princess Vlodomir and claiming the Russian throne. Amidst luxury and intrigue, the reader is drawn into a plot of imposture, ambition, and mystery, where the line between truth and legend blurs. An essential read for lovers of classic fiction and stories of power and deception.
What is it about?
The novel is set in 18th-century Europe, when a young woman of unknown origin bursts into Parisian high society under the title of Princess Vlodomir, later known as Princess Tarakanova. The protagonist claims to have been abducted in Germany and taken to Persia, where a prince revealed her noble identity and convinced her to claim the Russian throne. Throughout the narrative, we see her move between Paris, London, and Berlin, surrounded by suspicious and scheming characters, while she spreads the rumor that she is the daughter of Empress Elizabeth I of Russia and her favorite Cossack, to whom she had been secretly married. The plot explores the limits of ambition and the mystery surrounding this historical figure.
Main Themes
- Political and courtly intrigue in 18th-century Europe.
- Imposture and the construction of a noble identity.
- Ambition and the struggle for power in the context of the Russian and European empires.
- Historical mystery surrounding the real figure of Princess Tarakanova.
- Wealth, luxury, and deception in European high society.
Who is it recommended for?
This work is aimed at readers interested in classic historical fiction, especially those who enjoy plots involving mystery, imposture, and court politics. It will also appeal to those who seek fiction based on real figures and little-known episodes in the history of Russia and Europe. It is ideal for fans of 19th and early 20th-century literature, featuring a detailed and atmospheric narrative style.
What this book offers
- An immersion into a little-known historical episode, full of mystery and controversy.
- A plot of palace intrigue and ambition that maintains the reader's interest.
- A vision of 18th-century Europe, from Paris to Saint Petersburg, with its social and political contrasts.
- A psychological portrait of an enigmatic woman who defies the conventions of her time.
- A read that combines historical rigor with narrative fiction, ideal for lovers of the genre.
Technical Specifications
- Author: G.P. DANILEVSKY
- Publisher: DEPOCA
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: CLASSIC TEXTS, LITERATURE: HISTORY AND CRITICISM, MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY FICTION, CLASSIC FICTION
- Collection: TESOROS DE ÉPOCA
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: May 2011
- Number of pages: 220
- Weight: 584 g
Editorial Review
Princess Tarakanova is a work that recovers one of the most fascinating legends in Russian history, wrapped in a halo of mystery that Danilevsky knows how to exploit masterfully. The hardcover edition from the Tesoros de Época collection by Depoca makes it a carefully crafted and attractive volume for collectors. It is a novel that, without being a historical treatise, offers a vivid vision of 18th-century court intrigues, ideal for those seeking a classic, immersive read with historical depth. Its main value lies in the ability to maintain narrative tension around a character whose true identity remains an enigma.