Catherine The Great - book review

Catherine The Great; Portrait of a Woman by Robert Massie is a biography well worth reading. The book is well researched and full of historical information from Catherine’s childhood in Germany to her many years as a Russian monarch. Catherine was greatly influenced by many individuals in her life. As a young child, Catherine yearned to be accepted and loved by a harsh, distant mother.  Her father, although caring, had little say in Catherine’s upbringing.  This strong desire for acceptance lead Catherine to embrace all things Russian when she went to Russia to marry Peter, heir to the throne.  Her immersion in the Russian culture eventually enabled her to become loved by the Russian people. As monarch, she had numerous lovers throughout her life, a testament to her desire for love. Although Massey described Catherine as enlightened, there were differing opinions about this among the members of our book group. Catherine had strong interests in art and literature, and even desired to free the serfs; however, she was still a monarch who conquered neighboring nations in a quest to broaden her Russian empire.  Although she was a friend of Voltaire and shared many of his views, she was ultimately constrained by the desires of the Russian nobility to maintain the status quo.  While she may have done little to change the day-to-day life of the average Russian, she is still remembered as one of the greatest Russian monarchs.

Our book club meeting on 4/23/2013

Catherine the Great -discussion questions

Discussion Questions for Catherine the Great; Portrait of a Woman

1.      How did Sophia’s/Catherine’s relationship with her mother affect her?

2.     Why do you think Sophia/Catherine embraced all things Russian when she came to court?

3.      Would Catherine’s life have been different if her husband, Peter, had not contracted small pox?

4.     Were you surprised by the Russian court’s blasé attitude toward Catherine’s relationship and pregnancy with Saltykov?

5.     Do you think Catherine was aware of the services the Orlov brothers could give her when she became involved with Gregory Orlov?

6.     Catherine considered herself Enlightened, and was a follower of Voltaire.  Was she successful in any of her attempts to change Russia?

7.     Why was she drawn to Gregory Potemkin?  How did he influence her?  Do you think they really married?

8.     Catherine had three children.   What affect did any of them have on her life?

9.     Based on this book, what is your opinion of Catherine?  Do you like or respect her?   Why, or why not?

10.                         Catherine often said she could not live one day without love.  Did these need for love affect how she ruled Russia?  Did it affect how she was perceived by leaders in Europe?

11.                        Catherine wrote an epitaph for herself, shown on page 573.  Do you believe it Is accurate?

12.                        Does Catherine remind you of any other female monarchs, past or present?

13.                        Would you recommend this book to a friend?