First Book of 2014: The Winter Palace by

One of my resolutions this year is to keep track of the books I have read.
See how many I can complete in a year.

The first book I have finished this year is:

The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak

It's a novel about the rise of Catherine the Great. 
The author writes a great, fictitious tale of the rise of Catherine and her royal tongue, Varvara.  It is told from the point of view of the royal tongue.  A bookbinders daughter, orphaned and taken in by the Empress of Russia.

Intriguing at times, catty at others.  I enjoyed the book.  Made me wonder how madness doesn't over take those in power.

I tend to read historical novels.  I'm certain I was born in the wrong century.  LOL
Vivid images are painted of The Winter Palace allowing the reader to feel as if they are there, spying along with the royal tongue!

So would I recommend this book?
You bet your sweet bippy.

Check it out.
Better yet, tell me the last book you read & if I should read it!