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janecoombes's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book although I wish I had read this before The Concubines Secret as it explained so much about the characters!
kolson687's review against another edition
3.0
More romance than historical fiction but it really picks up towards the end.
jgintrovertedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Taking place before [b:The Russian Concubine|1212868|The Russian Concubine|Kate Furnivall|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1181926849s/1212868.jpg|2547901], The Jewel of St. Petersburg tells the story of Valentina Ivanova and Jens Friis as they meet during the fall of the Russian monarchy. Valentina is the privileged daughter of a wealthy Russian minister and Jens is a Danish engineer, working to improve the overall water quality in St. Petersburg. The two are immediately drawn to each other, even as their world is falling into chaos around them.
Well, first things first. At least I know where this title came from--The Russian Concubine still doesn't make sense to me!
I found this to be a page-turner. It took me a couple of days, but really I read it in just a couple of sittings. Even though I knew how this was going to end up--an irritation of prequels--I still wanted to know how they got where they did.
Jens was wonderful. The big, gentle, Viking-looking type is right up my alley. You know he could get all bad-ass if he wanted to, but it doesn't cross his mind until someone he loves is threatened. He loves Russia but still sees that there are great flaws in the system and in the tsar. He understands where the revolutionaries are coming from but he believes their methods are completely wrong. He believes in working within the system rather than causing a national bloodbath. In his own small way, he's trying to improve the lives of the Russian poor. They keep getting sick because they don't have clean water to drink, and those forced to live in basements frequently get flooded out. By improving the water delivery system and the sewage system, he's making everyone's lives better. When injuries happen on his job sites, and they often do due to lack of funding for proper safety procedures, he does his best to get the injured men proper medical attention. He'll pay for it out of his own pocket if he has to, even giving the worker enough food to keep him and his family alive until he can return to work. Who wouldn't love a guy like this?
I had a little bit of a harder time with Valentina. It's been a little while since I read The Russian Concubine, so I don't remember her character exactly. But she didn't feel completely true to what she becomes, if that makes any sense. If this had been the first book Furnivall wrote, I would have loved her unreservedly. She's so strong and so determined to do what she feels like she needs to. In the very opening pages of the book, her sister Katya receives a bad injury. Valentina feels responsible. She goes out of her way to care for her sister and bring as much happiness to her life as possible. She tries to be an obedient daughter, but sometimes what is asked of her goes against her own strong morals. That's when she rebels. She has to remain true to herself no matter what.
The relationship between these two unfolding against the background of the Russian Revolution kept me turning pages. It was such a chaotic time and no one was safe. I haven't read a lot set during this time period, but this book left me wanting to read more of it.
I really, really wish that this book had been written first. I hated knowing what was going to happen. I think it even kept me from getting quite as attached to the characters as I could have.
I got really confused about what was going on and when it was taking place right around Chapter 3. They meet, but a few pages later it sounded like they had met before, and then I was trying to figure out whether I had just read their first meeting or their second meeting.... You get the idea. There was even a date printed at the beginning of the chapter. I still don't have that straightened out in my head, but I decided it was ultimately unimportant and let it go by the end of the chapter. That could be just me, but that doesn't usually happen.
For strong characters with a great love story in a chaotic time, give this a try. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
Well, first things first. At least I know where this title came from--The Russian Concubine still doesn't make sense to me!
I found this to be a page-turner. It took me a couple of days, but really I read it in just a couple of sittings. Even though I knew how this was going to end up--an irritation of prequels--I still wanted to know how they got where they did.
Jens was wonderful. The big, gentle, Viking-looking type is right up my alley. You know he could get all bad-ass if he wanted to, but it doesn't cross his mind until someone he loves is threatened. He loves Russia but still sees that there are great flaws in the system and in the tsar. He understands where the revolutionaries are coming from but he believes their methods are completely wrong. He believes in working within the system rather than causing a national bloodbath. In his own small way, he's trying to improve the lives of the Russian poor. They keep getting sick because they don't have clean water to drink, and those forced to live in basements frequently get flooded out. By improving the water delivery system and the sewage system, he's making everyone's lives better. When injuries happen on his job sites, and they often do due to lack of funding for proper safety procedures, he does his best to get the injured men proper medical attention. He'll pay for it out of his own pocket if he has to, even giving the worker enough food to keep him and his family alive until he can return to work. Who wouldn't love a guy like this?
I had a little bit of a harder time with Valentina. It's been a little while since I read The Russian Concubine, so I don't remember her character exactly. But she didn't feel completely true to what she becomes, if that makes any sense. If this had been the first book Furnivall wrote, I would have loved her unreservedly. She's so strong and so determined to do what she feels like she needs to. In the very opening pages of the book, her sister Katya receives a bad injury. Valentina feels responsible. She goes out of her way to care for her sister and bring as much happiness to her life as possible. She tries to be an obedient daughter, but sometimes what is asked of her goes against her own strong morals. That's when she rebels. She has to remain true to herself no matter what.
The relationship between these two unfolding against the background of the Russian Revolution kept me turning pages. It was such a chaotic time and no one was safe. I haven't read a lot set during this time period, but this book left me wanting to read more of it.
I really, really wish that this book had been written first. I hated knowing what was going to happen. I think it even kept me from getting quite as attached to the characters as I could have.
I got really confused about what was going on and when it was taking place right around Chapter 3. They meet, but a few pages later it sounded like they had met before, and then I was trying to figure out whether I had just read their first meeting or their second meeting.... You get the idea. There was even a date printed at the beginning of the chapter. I still don't have that straightened out in my head, but I decided it was ultimately unimportant and let it go by the end of the chapter. That could be just me, but that doesn't usually happen.
For strong characters with a great love story in a chaotic time, give this a try. I highly recommend it to fans of historical fiction.
hally_p's review against another edition
4.0
A good read for those who are interested in the progression of the Russian revolution and an intense passionate love story to spice things up a little.
The author is great at creating imagery of Russia’s plight leading up to and following the end of the Romanov dynasty. I have always been fascinated by Russia’s history and I found this book illustrated very well the perspectives of both the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
I’m not knowledgable enough in the matter but I have always held Russia to be a mysterious and grand country both before and after tsar Nicholas was forced to abdicate for different reasons.
Russia was always so beautiful and has such a strong identity, the history both preceding and following the mark of the revolution is so rich and I feel the storytelling in this book did justice in bringing that significant period to life. But sometimes it did get a bit too much just with how intense the build up was.
I felt like I was in the midst of it all the way through, there was a real sense of foreboding throughout which is a credit to the author. Loved the strong protagonists and the (sometimes unrealistic) tragedies that took place which were of course a ripple effect from the uprising of the revolution. Some scandal too here and there which were probably some of my favourite parts.
Enough of a balance between history and fiction to keep me going and it was really enjoyable to experience the tsar and Rasputin as real characters in the book.
It was actually really intense and I’m kind of glad the book is over, think I’ll pick a more light hearted book next!
The author is great at creating imagery of Russia’s plight leading up to and following the end of the Romanov dynasty. I have always been fascinated by Russia’s history and I found this book illustrated very well the perspectives of both the bourgeoisie and proletariat.
I’m not knowledgable enough in the matter but I have always held Russia to be a mysterious and grand country both before and after tsar Nicholas was forced to abdicate for different reasons.
Russia was always so beautiful and has such a strong identity, the history both preceding and following the mark of the revolution is so rich and I feel the storytelling in this book did justice in bringing that significant period to life. But sometimes it did get a bit too much just with how intense the build up was.
I felt like I was in the midst of it all the way through, there was a real sense of foreboding throughout which is a credit to the author. Loved the strong protagonists and the (sometimes unrealistic) tragedies that took place which were of course a ripple effect from the uprising of the revolution. Some scandal too here and there which were probably some of my favourite parts.
Enough of a balance between history and fiction to keep me going and it was really enjoyable to experience the tsar and Rasputin as real characters in the book.
It was actually really intense and I’m kind of glad the book is over, think I’ll pick a more light hearted book next!
rosannelortz's review against another edition
3.0
In the years leading up to the Russian Revolution, the Bolsheviks agitate for change causing unrest throughout all of Russia. Valentina Ivanovna, a young Russian noblewoman, experiences their violence when a bomb blows up her father’s study permanently injuring her younger sister Katya. Consumed by an unwarranted guilt for this event, Valentina determines to devote the rest of her life to her sister’s wellbeing.
Valentina, like many other aristocratic ladies, has been brought up to marry well and bring honor to her family. Her small white hands are trained to play the piano, not for heavy labor. When she announces to her parents that she would like to become a nurse, they are shocked and forbid such a step. Instead, they attempt to force her into a marriage with an eligible Colonel of the Hussar regiment. What her family doesn’t know is that she has fallen in love with Jens Friis, a Danish engineer designing new sewer systems to improve the quality of life in St. Petersburg. Valentina and Jens begin a clandestine love affair in a world that is rapidly falling apart.
Meanwhile, the Bolsheviks’ violence and acts of terrorism are increasing daily. Unbeknownst to them, Valentina’s family has been employing a chaffeur who is not just a Bolshevik sympathizer but also the mastermind behind several bombings in St. Petersburg. The dangers increase dramatically until Valentina finds herself in the middle of a revolution that will overthrow her family, the tsar, and all of her hopes and dreams.
This book started out excellently. The prose was well-written and the characters were engaging. As Valentina and Jens’ love affair progressed, however, I found myself caring a little bit less about them. Explicit sex scenes lent a tawdriness to the tale, and the Bolshevik villains, such as the chaffeur, became less believable as the story wore on.
All in all, this book was an interesting picture of aristocratic life in Russia on the cusp of revolution. Although I felt that this story had some failings, I was impressed enough with Furnivall’s writing and research to want to read more of her novels.
Valentina, like many other aristocratic ladies, has been brought up to marry well and bring honor to her family. Her small white hands are trained to play the piano, not for heavy labor. When she announces to her parents that she would like to become a nurse, they are shocked and forbid such a step. Instead, they attempt to force her into a marriage with an eligible Colonel of the Hussar regiment. What her family doesn’t know is that she has fallen in love with Jens Friis, a Danish engineer designing new sewer systems to improve the quality of life in St. Petersburg. Valentina and Jens begin a clandestine love affair in a world that is rapidly falling apart.
Meanwhile, the Bolsheviks’ violence and acts of terrorism are increasing daily. Unbeknownst to them, Valentina’s family has been employing a chaffeur who is not just a Bolshevik sympathizer but also the mastermind behind several bombings in St. Petersburg. The dangers increase dramatically until Valentina finds herself in the middle of a revolution that will overthrow her family, the tsar, and all of her hopes and dreams.
This book started out excellently. The prose was well-written and the characters were engaging. As Valentina and Jens’ love affair progressed, however, I found myself caring a little bit less about them. Explicit sex scenes lent a tawdriness to the tale, and the Bolshevik villains, such as the chaffeur, became less believable as the story wore on.
All in all, this book was an interesting picture of aristocratic life in Russia on the cusp of revolution. Although I felt that this story had some failings, I was impressed enough with Furnivall’s writing and research to want to read more of her novels.
baia's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
neverenoughhhh's review against another edition
4.0
This book was good. This was really good, it way better than I expected it to be.
Firstly ,the characters.
Oh my goodness I have to admit I wasn't really liking Valentina at first but she really grew on me. I admired her want to become a nurse and I was proud of her when she did and when she got the head nurses' approval. Her relationship with Jens was... weird to me at first because of the age gap but I semi got over it and I started to appreciate their romance more.
Valentina was so headstrong and determined and also very sacrificial.
She was also flawed and I liked that about her. She didn't understand the Bolsheviks, nor did she really make an attempt to. Of course, after Katya it is understandable but other than with Varenka she had a very close minded view of them.
Ok, Jens was intriguing and I felt for his struggles. I feel like he wasn't as fleshed out as Valentina though but I still liked and grew to love his interactions with Valentina. He's just so romantic.
Arkin was a character that I hated but it was a good hate because he was really well written (in my opinion) he was very set in his ideals and when he found himself contradicting them it was interesting to read.
I loved the relationships that the character shad with one another and I feel as though this the main why I loved this book.
We had Valentina and Jens
Valentina and Katya
Valentina and her father, her mother
Valentina and Varenka, which grew on me if I'm being honest, I liked that she kept coming back.
And how can I forget Liev Popkov. My goodness he was so funny to me (not in a bad way) but he had a sort of brutish charm that just had me laughing when I was reading his interactions with other characters. Especially with Valentina and Jens.
Another thing I liked was the contrast, Valentina and Arkin were on very different sides and in some ways they showed the extremes of both of them. It was interesting to compare and contrast to see where each side was coming from. I think the author did that very well.
All in all this is just another reason why I think that Kate Furnivall is an amazing author. And I can't wait to read more of her books.
Firstly ,the characters.
Oh my goodness I have to admit I wasn't really liking Valentina at first but she really grew on me. I admired her want to become a nurse and I was proud of her when she did and when she got the head nurses' approval. Her relationship with Jens was... weird to me at first because of the age gap but I semi got over it and I started to appreciate their romance more.
Valentina was so headstrong and determined and also very sacrificial.
Spoiler
She let Arkin sleep with her to guarantee her and Katya's safety. She endured Chernov so that she could appease her father. She let Arkin believe that Lydia was his child so that they could free Jens... yeah safe to say I love her.She was also flawed and I liked that about her. She didn't understand the Bolsheviks, nor did she really make an attempt to. Of course, after Katya it is understandable but other than with Varenka she had a very close minded view of them.
Ok, Jens was intriguing and I felt for his struggles. I feel like he wasn't as fleshed out as Valentina though but I still liked and grew to love his interactions with Valentina. He's just so romantic.
Arkin was a character that I hated but it was a good hate because he was really well written (in my opinion) he was very set in his ideals and when he found himself contradicting them it was interesting to read.
I loved the relationships that the character shad with one another and I feel as though this the main why I loved this book.
We had Valentina and Jens
Valentina and Katya
Spoiler
I was so sad when Katya diedValentina and her father, her mother
Spoiler
Ah, the things she would do to make her father forgive her when it was also his fault. But I did love her relationship with her mother, it felt very real.Valentina and Varenka, which grew on me if I'm being honest, I liked that she kept coming back.
Spoiler
And most unexpectedly, Arkin and Eliziveta ... I saw it coming but I also didn't see it coming if that makes sense.And how can I forget Liev Popkov. My goodness he was so funny to me (not in a bad way) but he had a sort of brutish charm that just had me laughing when I was reading his interactions with other characters. Especially with Valentina and Jens.
Another thing I liked was the contrast, Valentina and Arkin were on very different sides and in some ways they showed the extremes of both of them. It was interesting to compare and contrast to see where each side was coming from. I think the author did that very well.
All in all this is just another reason why I think that Kate Furnivall is an amazing author. And I can't wait to read more of her books.
genevievefv's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Kinda painful to get through. Also Valentina just fully giving up on being a nurse was so frustrating???
I just read the summary of the sequels and… lol
I just read the summary of the sequels and… lol
tbrwarriors_87's review against another edition
3.0
This book is trully hard to rate, whereas the story kept you intrigued and trully wanting to know what was happening next, the actual writing was a bit 'meh' for the TOTAL lack of a better word. Most times the writing was flat, and characters adamant about a decision throughout the book quickly changed their heart. Maybe it was just me but I was a tad confused lol other than that, it was quite an okay story, something I haven't really read before.