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The Summer Palace
- The Summer Palace Series, Book 1
- Narrated by: David Akiva Klionsky
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
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The Summer Palace
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Summary
Seventeenth-century Russia remains very much a patriarchal society.
For the headstrong and willful Katia, daughter of Baron Alexei Sergeyevich Ulenka, life in the terem (a palace sanctuary where the virtue of girls is safeguarded) is unbearable when all she wants to do is experience the freedom of riding a horse. But ride a horse she does. Dressed as a servant girl, Katia meets and goes riding with the darkly intriguing German stable boy Wiley. But Wiley is headstrong, too, and soon is challenged by the aristocratic Feodor, Katia's cousin.
After three secret meetings, Katia and Wiley start to fall in love, but such a union could never be in a world where rich girls are seen as commodities to be used for advancement through marriage. To give himself any kind of chance with Katia, Wiley joins the dragoons with Pavel, Katia's brother, and then begins the years of physical, emotional, and intentional separation.
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What listeners say about The Summer Palace
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Siobhan D
- 12-05-21
ENJOYED
A very enjoyable listen. We are shown the lifestyle and life of a headstrong young woman in 17th century Russian. How Katia a daughter of a Baron wants to experience the freedom of horse riding. How are one act of rebellion sets things in motion.
oh yes there is Romance.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Owen Jones
- 28-02-21
A Summery Romance
I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I studied Russian history in university forty years ago, so I was looking forward to refreshing my memory on the subject. The novel did not disappoint me on that score, although it is not an historically accurate novel, and never set out to be one.
I remembered the Boyars and the strong German influence in Russia in the 17th Century. However, that is an aside, although a very welcome one.
The real story is a romance in the vein of Barbara Cartland and Mills and Boon. I have never read any of their books, but I am pretty sure in saying that The Summer Palace is similar in style to them but superior in content. However, it is as far removed from my favourite genres as you can get.
Romance addicts will love it.
I found the narration to be a little annoying at times, but it is unfortunate for the narrator that I speak both German and Russian, and have worked or studied there too. I feel that the narrator struggled with the accents. They came out as caricatures. That probably won't bother many Americans, most of whom wouldn't know the difference.
Having said that, the narrator has a beautiful tone to his voice, and a wide range of voices.
I was the wrong person to give this book to, but don't let that put you off. If romance is your bag, you'll love The Summer Palace.
Owen Jones
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