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La donna dalle cinque vite
Mura ha attraversato mille mondi. Aristocratica russa, si è chiamata Marija Zakrevskaja, signora Benckendorff, baronessa Budberg... È stata la passione di un agente segreto britannico, la musa di Maksim Gor’kij, la compagna di H.G. Wells e l’anima dell’intellighenzia londinese. Ha conosciuto tutti i grandi del Novecento, dallo zar a Stalin, da Churchill a de Gaulle.
Alcuni ne hanno decantato il coraggio, il calore e la fedeltà. Altri l’hanno accusata di essere una bugiarda. Tutti sono però d’accordo su un punto: Mura era l’incarnazione della vita, la vita a qualunque costo.
Per tre anni Alexandra Lapierre ha rovistato nelle biblioteche del mondo intero sulle orme della sua eroina calandosi nelle contraddizioni del personaggio per tratteggiare un magnifico ritratto di donna. Il suo talento di romanziera e il suo sguardo lucido e benevolo ridanno vita a una quantità di figure appassionanti e fanno luce su ampi lembi della grande Storia.
Marija Zakrevskaja detta Mura nasce alla fine dell’Ottocento da nobilissima famiglia russa. Cresce nei fasti dell’aristocrazia, tra i palazzi e i balli alla corte dello zar. A diciott’anni si sposa con un nobile estone diplomatico a Berlino. Mura è bella, giovane, colta, oltre il russo parla inglese, tedesco e francese. Diventa subito una star dell’alta società internazionale, allaccia rapporti con tutti, racconterà perfino di aver ballato il valzer con il Kaiser Guglielmo II, frequenta le ambasciate e trascorre le estati nel castello di famiglia in Ucraina o in quello del marito in Estonia. Poi, nel 1917, scoppia la rivoluzione russa. Mura ha ventiquattro anni. Di colpo il suo mondo si trasforma. La Russia di Lenin non è quella dello zar, i nobili sono perseguitati, aggrediti, uccisi, costretti alla fuga. Gli eventi si susseguono in maniera turbinosa. Mura finisce tre volte nel terribile carcere della Lubjanka e tre volte se la cava miracolosamente. Motivo per cui l’Occidente la accusa di essere una spia dei russi e i russi di essere una spia al soldo dell’Occidente, un marchio che la segnerà per tutta la sua lunga vita. E poi ci sono tre grandi storie d’amore: la lunga relazione con Gor’kij, la grande passione di un agente segreto britannico, l’unione con H.G. Wells.
Alcuni ne hanno decantato il coraggio, il calore e la fedeltà. Altri l’hanno accusata di essere una bugiarda. Tutti sono però d’accordo su un punto: Mura era l’incarnazione della vita, la vita a qualunque costo.
Per tre anni Alexandra Lapierre ha rovistato nelle biblioteche del mondo intero sulle orme della sua eroina calandosi nelle contraddizioni del personaggio per tratteggiare un magnifico ritratto di donna. Il suo talento di romanziera e il suo sguardo lucido e benevolo ridanno vita a una quantità di figure appassionanti e fanno luce su ampi lembi della grande Storia.
Marija Zakrevskaja detta Mura nasce alla fine dell’Ottocento da nobilissima famiglia russa. Cresce nei fasti dell’aristocrazia, tra i palazzi e i balli alla corte dello zar. A diciott’anni si sposa con un nobile estone diplomatico a Berlino. Mura è bella, giovane, colta, oltre il russo parla inglese, tedesco e francese. Diventa subito una star dell’alta società internazionale, allaccia rapporti con tutti, racconterà perfino di aver ballato il valzer con il Kaiser Guglielmo II, frequenta le ambasciate e trascorre le estati nel castello di famiglia in Ucraina o in quello del marito in Estonia. Poi, nel 1917, scoppia la rivoluzione russa. Mura ha ventiquattro anni. Di colpo il suo mondo si trasforma. La Russia di Lenin non è quella dello zar, i nobili sono perseguitati, aggrediti, uccisi, costretti alla fuga. Gli eventi si susseguono in maniera turbinosa. Mura finisce tre volte nel terribile carcere della Lubjanka e tre volte se la cava miracolosamente. Motivo per cui l’Occidente la accusa di essere una spia dei russi e i russi di essere una spia al soldo dell’Occidente, un marchio che la segnerà per tutta la sua lunga vita. E poi ci sono tre grandi storie d’amore: la lunga relazione con Gor’kij, la grande passione di un agente segreto britannico, l’unione con H.G. Wells.
696 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
123 people are currently reading
3043 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Lapierre
41 books164 followersAlexandra Lapierre has won international acclaim for her writing. Her works have been widely translated and she has received numerous awards, including the Honorary Award of the Association of American University Women. She earned an MFA degree in 1981 from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
The daughter of the writer Dominique Lapierre, she was brought up surrounded by books. At the Sorbonne in Paris, she learned how to research. And, she said, her studies at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles and the University of Southern California taught her how to tell a story, "something we have forgotten a bit in French literature today."
She was voted Woman of Culture by the city of Rome, Italy, and has been nominated Chevalier in the “Order of Arts and Letters” by the French government. Her most recent work, L’Excessive, was an immediate best seller in Europe and is being developed for a television series. Alexandra Lapierre lives in Paris.
The daughter of the writer Dominique Lapierre, she was brought up surrounded by books. At the Sorbonne in Paris, she learned how to research. And, she said, her studies at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles and the University of Southern California taught her how to tell a story, "something we have forgotten a bit in French literature today."
She was voted Woman of Culture by the city of Rome, Italy, and has been nominated Chevalier in the “Order of Arts and Letters” by the French government. Her most recent work, L’Excessive, was an immediate best seller in Europe and is being developed for a television series. Alexandra Lapierre lives in Paris.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 17, 2020
Maria Ignatyevna Zakrevskaya (1893-1974) of high birth was the so called woman of a thousand names as no one saw the same image of her, but they all agreed that she symbolized Life. Life against all odds. She was determined to survive the October Revolution, which eradicated her social class. Russia had “a population that’s been starving for three centuries,” while aristocrats blindly lived in opulence. And she recognized that and wanted to see a change.
She is born with a silver spoon in her mouth. From her governess, she inherits calmness, kindness, and willingness to indulge.
At six years old, she speaks three languages fluently.
At fifteen, she becomes an ambassador between her older sisters and mother. “As a diplomat, Mourushka used her skills to smooth over sharp edges and plead their cases, and on occasion she was able to reestablish harmony.” Being torn between her affections, her escape was books.
At seventeen, on her way to visit her sister in Germany, she meets a man who asks for her hand in marriage. Her first season as a married woman is ecstatic. It’s like “she herself was the axis upon which the world turned (…) the world of imperial courts.” Afterwards, her husband becomes distant and cold. He grants “her free rein to flit about and charm as she pleases.”
The opposite political views drift them even further apart. “He’s hungry for more authority and considers the tsar too liberal.” She on the other hand sees a need “to move forward and to achieve a parliamentary system that works.”
As WWII breaks out, she volunteers as a translator.
1917 brings two revolutions first the February Revolution, then the October Revolution.
The February Revolution brings growing riots everywhere. “The soldiers who had joined the rebellion had had no choice but to shoot their former officers.” Russia’s civil turmoil leads commoners to breaking into palaces and ransacking through them, leaving devastation and aristocrats running for their lives.
Lenin, “a descendant of lesser nobility,” is here to squash “elites at every level. The aristocrats, the intelligentsia, the businessmen, the Jews, the Germans, and even the revolutionaries, if they’re well off.”
After carrying an affair with a British diplomat, she is forced to play a double agent working for both sides, British and Russian.
She is human. Under interrogations, she makes the best decisions she can. She wants to live and she wants to make sure that her family is alive and safe. “Against all odds, she stuck to the dictums of her morality.” Relaying news, but not betraying people. Repeating words, but not naming the speakers. Sharing information without putting someone in danger.
Presented with good taste. Yes, she had some romantic entanglements, but none of it is descriptive.
The story presents well the dramatic gap between the aristocrats and the rest of the society, resulting in bloody revolutions. “In 1914, (…) in Saint Petersburg, luxury and freedom from cares reached their apex. Fresh flowers came from Nice by cartload. And fattened chickens from Nantes. And truffles from Perigord.” The poor lacked everything, thus turning the streets into cutthroating, rioting, and pillaging.
It has a good balance of history. It presents well the dramatic events, but does not overwhelm with its brutality.
The number of pages (over 600) might be discouraging to some, but keep in mind the story carries on very well. It is engrossing through its entirety. More thought is given to some events and less to others, which gives the story a good pace.
A touching and poignant story of love, survival, and perseverance, woven with beautiful prose.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
She is born with a silver spoon in her mouth. From her governess, she inherits calmness, kindness, and willingness to indulge.
At six years old, she speaks three languages fluently.
At fifteen, she becomes an ambassador between her older sisters and mother. “As a diplomat, Mourushka used her skills to smooth over sharp edges and plead their cases, and on occasion she was able to reestablish harmony.” Being torn between her affections, her escape was books.
At seventeen, on her way to visit her sister in Germany, she meets a man who asks for her hand in marriage. Her first season as a married woman is ecstatic. It’s like “she herself was the axis upon which the world turned (…) the world of imperial courts.” Afterwards, her husband becomes distant and cold. He grants “her free rein to flit about and charm as she pleases.”
The opposite political views drift them even further apart. “He’s hungry for more authority and considers the tsar too liberal.” She on the other hand sees a need “to move forward and to achieve a parliamentary system that works.”
As WWII breaks out, she volunteers as a translator.
1917 brings two revolutions first the February Revolution, then the October Revolution.
The February Revolution brings growing riots everywhere. “The soldiers who had joined the rebellion had had no choice but to shoot their former officers.” Russia’s civil turmoil leads commoners to breaking into palaces and ransacking through them, leaving devastation and aristocrats running for their lives.
Lenin, “a descendant of lesser nobility,” is here to squash “elites at every level. The aristocrats, the intelligentsia, the businessmen, the Jews, the Germans, and even the revolutionaries, if they’re well off.”
After carrying an affair with a British diplomat, she is forced to play a double agent working for both sides, British and Russian.
She is human. Under interrogations, she makes the best decisions she can. She wants to live and she wants to make sure that her family is alive and safe. “Against all odds, she stuck to the dictums of her morality.” Relaying news, but not betraying people. Repeating words, but not naming the speakers. Sharing information without putting someone in danger.
Presented with good taste. Yes, she had some romantic entanglements, but none of it is descriptive.
The story presents well the dramatic gap between the aristocrats and the rest of the society, resulting in bloody revolutions. “In 1914, (…) in Saint Petersburg, luxury and freedom from cares reached their apex. Fresh flowers came from Nice by cartload. And fattened chickens from Nantes. And truffles from Perigord.” The poor lacked everything, thus turning the streets into cutthroating, rioting, and pillaging.
It has a good balance of history. It presents well the dramatic events, but does not overwhelm with its brutality.
The number of pages (over 600) might be discouraging to some, but keep in mind the story carries on very well. It is engrossing through its entirety. More thought is given to some events and less to others, which gives the story a good pace.
A touching and poignant story of love, survival, and perseverance, woven with beautiful prose.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2020
The life of Maura Benckendorff (Baroness Budberg) is a study in survival. Born into the Russian aristocracy, she survived the October Revolution, the rise or Lenin and Communism, through to the horrors of Stalin and the terror of gulag death in Russia. She did not do so by hiding or going unseen, she did it with flair, out in the open, and within a breath of destruction. She also did it by using her intelligence, her beauty and her charm on almost all those she met, men and women.
This is a fascinating time period in history, provided you didn’t have to live through it. If there is one place I would have hated to be in the early 1910’s, it would have been Russia. By playing both sides against the middle to survive, Maura becomes labeled a spy, although it would have been rather difficult to determine which side she was spying for. She was suspected by all, and amazingly adroit at keeping herself afloat and free. She mingled with some of the most influential writers of the time, among them H. G. Wells and Maxim Gorky.
There are parts of this novel that are completely riveting and fast-paced, and other parts that seem forced and interminable. When I am reading historical fiction, I want it to maintain historical accuracy but read like fiction. Much of this fills that criteria. Unfortunately, just when I would become fully engaged, it seemed to break down into something more like a textbook, which interrupted the story and broke the rhythm.
I could feel the author’s enthusiasm for her subject and believe she took great effort to paint an unbiased picture of Maura, her personality, her positive traits and her shortcomings. I certainly felt more informed about the time period, particularly what was occurring all over Europe following the rise of Lenin with regard to the White Russians and the aristocracy who had been exiled. I was happy to learn about Maura Benckendorff, a remarkable woman who deserves to be remembered and serves as a testament to what the human spirit can overcome.
My sincere thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.
This is a fascinating time period in history, provided you didn’t have to live through it. If there is one place I would have hated to be in the early 1910’s, it would have been Russia. By playing both sides against the middle to survive, Maura becomes labeled a spy, although it would have been rather difficult to determine which side she was spying for. She was suspected by all, and amazingly adroit at keeping herself afloat and free. She mingled with some of the most influential writers of the time, among them H. G. Wells and Maxim Gorky.
There are parts of this novel that are completely riveting and fast-paced, and other parts that seem forced and interminable. When I am reading historical fiction, I want it to maintain historical accuracy but read like fiction. Much of this fills that criteria. Unfortunately, just when I would become fully engaged, it seemed to break down into something more like a textbook, which interrupted the story and broke the rhythm.
I could feel the author’s enthusiasm for her subject and believe she took great effort to paint an unbiased picture of Maura, her personality, her positive traits and her shortcomings. I certainly felt more informed about the time period, particularly what was occurring all over Europe following the rise of Lenin with regard to the White Russians and the aristocracy who had been exiled. I was happy to learn about Maura Benckendorff, a remarkable woman who deserves to be remembered and serves as a testament to what the human spirit can overcome.
My sincere thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.
April 7, 2020
In her intro, Alexandra Lapierre says that after diving intensely into the life of Maura Budburg, she realized that they only way to express her life was through fiction. Unfortunately, Lapierre doesn't seem to have the knack of an historical novelist to put herself in her subject's head and try to understand her motivation or feelings. This novel is related, not experienced. The writing is a flat, uncomfortable fiction/bio hybrid.
This is a shame because if anyone lived a rich, conflicted, and thrilling life, it was Baroness Budburg. I hope someone else will pick up the thread and give her the exploration she deserves.
Very disappointing. I made it 26% through before giving up.
~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
This is a shame because if anyone lived a rich, conflicted, and thrilling life, it was Baroness Budburg. I hope someone else will pick up the thread and give her the exploration she deserves.
Very disappointing. I made it 26% through before giving up.
~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
September 3, 2023
Amazing source material does not necessarily lead to a great novel. Perhaps I'm being too harsh, after having read some very good historical fiction recently, but the writing here seems to me at best mediocre. I would have rather read a good non-fiction take on Mura's extraordinary life, in fact, the book does read like non-fiction a lot of the time - but then plunges into melodrama and sentimentality, making the overall experience rather jarring. To be fair, I did enjoy learning about the protagonist and the historical period was well conveyed, hence the three stars.
July 28, 2024
Forse non il libro giusto al momento giusto ma that's it
July 10, 2020
About: Moura was very happy with her life. She had all she could ever want and need. When something unexpected happens, she finds herself fleeing from everything she knows. She changes her name constantly and keeps going every so often. She also catches the attention of many people. Especially men who all claim that they were greatly in love with her.
Plot: The first part of this book was so very boring to me. I didn't think I was going to get through it. I must have started the book over four times! I stuck with it though. I can be stubborn sometimes. The book looked so good! I'm glad I did. It does get better. It's not as intense and action-packed as I thought it was going to be, but it was still an amazing read. It's also loosely based on a real person from what I understand.
Characters: I'm not really sure how to judge here. They were all fantastic characters. Some of the women were a little too forward written in my opinion considering the time that the book is supposed to be set in. That's not really an issue though. I'm sure there were a lot of progressive women through all times in life. It's how we have moved forward as a country.
Narration: This book is narrated by Lisa Flanagan. She did a really great job with the narration. She sounded really elegant. I felt like I was actually a part of the story thanks to her narration. I have a physical copy of the book. Or had as I gifted it to my mom. But I preferred the audiobook.
Suggestions: None
Recommend: Yes
Plot: The first part of this book was so very boring to me. I didn't think I was going to get through it. I must have started the book over four times! I stuck with it though. I can be stubborn sometimes. The book looked so good! I'm glad I did. It does get better. It's not as intense and action-packed as I thought it was going to be, but it was still an amazing read. It's also loosely based on a real person from what I understand.
Characters: I'm not really sure how to judge here. They were all fantastic characters. Some of the women were a little too forward written in my opinion considering the time that the book is supposed to be set in. That's not really an issue though. I'm sure there were a lot of progressive women through all times in life. It's how we have moved forward as a country.
Narration: This book is narrated by Lisa Flanagan. She did a really great job with the narration. She sounded really elegant. I felt like I was actually a part of the story thanks to her narration. I have a physical copy of the book. Or had as I gifted it to my mom. But I preferred the audiobook.
Suggestions: None
Recommend: Yes
December 25, 2019
The Woman with a Thousand Names review
Maria Ignatyevna Zakrevskaya was born in 1893 in the Ukraine into an aristocratic family. She even spent time at the Russian Court. However the upheaval of the Russian Revolution changed her life dramatically. She was a survivor and thought nothing of abandoning her children and husband in Estonia to live with powerful men like Gorky, HG Wells and Robert Lockhart, a British consul to the Russian government after the revolution. She was accused of being a spy and some powerful Russian police officials tried to get her to spy on both Gorky and Wells. She had many connections in the literary world in both Russia and Europe. She was a fascinating woman and the author had many references to correspondences between her and her lovers.
However at 640 pages, the book was too long. Some passages about her romantic escapades read like a romance novel with sighs and exclamation points! It would have been easier to read if the author had stuck to the facts and leave out the speculation about intimate moments.
Maria Ignatyevna Zakrevskaya was born in 1893 in the Ukraine into an aristocratic family. She even spent time at the Russian Court. However the upheaval of the Russian Revolution changed her life dramatically. She was a survivor and thought nothing of abandoning her children and husband in Estonia to live with powerful men like Gorky, HG Wells and Robert Lockhart, a British consul to the Russian government after the revolution. She was accused of being a spy and some powerful Russian police officials tried to get her to spy on both Gorky and Wells. She had many connections in the literary world in both Russia and Europe. She was a fascinating woman and the author had many references to correspondences between her and her lovers.
However at 640 pages, the book was too long. Some passages about her romantic escapades read like a romance novel with sighs and exclamation points! It would have been easier to read if the author had stuck to the facts and leave out the speculation about intimate moments.
March 28, 2020
Incredible, Fierce, and Poetic.
This book was utterly magnetic. I could not put it down. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and when it is executed right.. WOW! I enjoyed the era this book was set. It was told in 20th century Russia, during an extremely violent time. I read a lot of historical fiction set during WWII and it was really a refreshing experience to read something completely different.
The character development was skillfully written and the plot masterfully executed. If you enjoy spy novels like The Alice Network or The Secrets We Kept you will love this! I will definitely be recommending this!
This book was utterly magnetic. I could not put it down. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and when it is executed right.. WOW! I enjoyed the era this book was set. It was told in 20th century Russia, during an extremely violent time. I read a lot of historical fiction set during WWII and it was really a refreshing experience to read something completely different.
The character development was skillfully written and the plot masterfully executed. If you enjoy spy novels like The Alice Network or The Secrets We Kept you will love this! I will definitely be recommending this!
February 14, 2020
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It’s an exceptional story with wonderful characters. It was hard to put down, and so well-written. The only negative thing I can say about the book was it was well over 600 pages. So, if you want to read this book make sure you have plenty of down time. It was well worth my time and I would definitely recommend this book.
May 31, 2021
Esimest korda läksin raamatuklubisse nii, et raamatut lugeda ei jõudnudki. Teiste muljeid kuulates (kuigi neis oli palju kriitikat) lugemisisu muidugi kasvas ja õnneks tulin raamatuklubist koju tagasi juba raamatuga ja esimesel õhtul sain ühe hooga loetud üle 100 lehekülje. Edasigi edenes see kopsakas raamat päris eduliselt, Mura lugu mõlkus kogu aeg meeles ja muudkui kibelesin jätkama.
19. sajandi lõpupoole sündinud ja 20. sajandi murrangulisel esimesel poolel tegutsenud Maria Zakrevskaja elu oli kahtlemata huvitav ja mitmekülgne. Ukrainas sündinud, aristokraadipere viimane tütar abiellus noorena Eestisse, Jäneda mõisniku von Benckendorffiga, kellele ta sünnitas kaks last. Leseks jäänuna abiellus Mura uuesti, skandaalse kuulsusega krahvi von Budbergiga. Mõlemad abielud olid ilma kirgliku armastuseta, sest seda jagus Mural peamiselt armukestele - ja veel millistele. Briti salaagent Lockhart ja ulmekirjanik H.G.Wells, ka Nõukogude kirjanik Maksim Gorki, kuigi viimane võib-olla veidi teistsuguses tähenduses. Kas ka Mura ise oli spioon, Nõukogude, Saksamaa või kapitalistliku maailma või hoopis nende kõigi oma, selle kohta ei ole täit ajaloolist tõde õnnestunud välja selgitada. Tõde on aga see, et ringi reisis ta palju ja suhtles oma aja mõjukamate ja kuulsamate kujudega, pääsedes sageli bolševistlijest õudustest vaid üle noatera. Juba raamatuklubis teiste muljeid kuulates tundus ta mulle väga ühe teise kirjandusliku naiskujuga sarnanevat ja ise lugedes veendusin, et ta oligi "Tuulest viidud" Scarlettiga ühest puust.
Mura loo taustal avaneb Venemaa ja Euroopa ajalugu sajandi alguse sõdade keerises. Keda see ajalooperiood huvitab, soovitan kindlasti raamatule võimaluse anda. Jutuks tulevad paljud ajaloolised isikud ja autori mitme aasta pikkune uurimistöö on muljetavaldav. Samas ei tohi aga kindlasti unustada, et tegemist on ikkagi ilukirjandusliku teosega. Sarnaselt kaasraamatuklubilistele arvan, et alguses oli lugu süvenenum ja põhjalikum, hiljem hakkas kiiremini kerima, nagu oles autoril raamatu lõpetamisega rutt peale tulnud. Sellele vaatamata oli hea ja nauditav lugemine ja kasutatud allimaterjalidest sain veel nii mõndagi huvitavat välja noppida, mida selle ajalooperioodi kohta ja Muraga seonduvalt lugeda.
19. sajandi lõpupoole sündinud ja 20. sajandi murrangulisel esimesel poolel tegutsenud Maria Zakrevskaja elu oli kahtlemata huvitav ja mitmekülgne. Ukrainas sündinud, aristokraadipere viimane tütar abiellus noorena Eestisse, Jäneda mõisniku von Benckendorffiga, kellele ta sünnitas kaks last. Leseks jäänuna abiellus Mura uuesti, skandaalse kuulsusega krahvi von Budbergiga. Mõlemad abielud olid ilma kirgliku armastuseta, sest seda jagus Mural peamiselt armukestele - ja veel millistele. Briti salaagent Lockhart ja ulmekirjanik H.G.Wells, ka Nõukogude kirjanik Maksim Gorki, kuigi viimane võib-olla veidi teistsuguses tähenduses. Kas ka Mura ise oli spioon, Nõukogude, Saksamaa või kapitalistliku maailma või hoopis nende kõigi oma, selle kohta ei ole täit ajaloolist tõde õnnestunud välja selgitada. Tõde on aga see, et ringi reisis ta palju ja suhtles oma aja mõjukamate ja kuulsamate kujudega, pääsedes sageli bolševistlijest õudustest vaid üle noatera. Juba raamatuklubis teiste muljeid kuulates tundus ta mulle väga ühe teise kirjandusliku naiskujuga sarnanevat ja ise lugedes veendusin, et ta oligi "Tuulest viidud" Scarlettiga ühest puust.
Mura loo taustal avaneb Venemaa ja Euroopa ajalugu sajandi alguse sõdade keerises. Keda see ajalooperiood huvitab, soovitan kindlasti raamatule võimaluse anda. Jutuks tulevad paljud ajaloolised isikud ja autori mitme aasta pikkune uurimistöö on muljetavaldav. Samas ei tohi aga kindlasti unustada, et tegemist on ikkagi ilukirjandusliku teosega. Sarnaselt kaasraamatuklubilistele arvan, et alguses oli lugu süvenenum ja põhjalikum, hiljem hakkas kiiremini kerima, nagu oles autoril raamatu lõpetamisega rutt peale tulnud. Sellele vaatamata oli hea ja nauditav lugemine ja kasutatud allimaterjalidest sain veel nii mõndagi huvitavat välja noppida, mida selle ajalooperioodi kohta ja Muraga seonduvalt lugeda.
August 1, 2021
Raamat aegadest (revolutsioonieelne ja -järgne Venemaa, Euroopa kahe maailmasõja eel, vahel ja järel), milles eluga toime tulemine tundub ime. Kui keegi oleks kõik need sündmused või isegi ainult osa neist välja mõelnud, siis tunduks, et tegu on täiega üle võlli looga - nii palju lihtsalt ei saa inimestega juhtuda. Aga sai ja mõned neist jäid isegi ellu.
Tegemist ei ole päris dokumentaalse looga - raamatu aluseks on uurimistöö, aga see, kuidas asjad toimusid ja millised need inimesed olid, jõuab lugejani siiski läbi autori fantaasia filtri. Ühest küljest muudab see kõik raamatu lihtsamini loetavaks, aga teisalt lisab ühe kihina juurde pidevalt kuklas taguva tunde, et tuleks tutvuda ka teiste inimeste vaatepunktidega, lugeda rohkem, kaevuda lehekülgedesse, ja aimduse, et ükskõik, kui palju uurida, seda, mis ühes või teises kohas tegelikult toimus, ei saagi kunagi sajaprotsendilise kindlusega teada saada. Samas mõjub see kõik isu tekitavalt - lastagu nüüd riiulite juurde, et kõigist neist maailmadest ja inimestest rohkem teada saada.
Meeldiv on see, millise sümpaatiaga autor kirjutab nii Murast kui ka suurest osast ülejäänud tegelastest. Kindlasti andnuks Murat kujutada ka hoopis negatiivsemas valguses, aga selles raamatus jätab ta küll imenaise mulje - toetab ja katab inimesi Euroopa eri otstes, teeb tööd, suhtleb huvitavate inimestega ja palju, haldab enam-vähem ära lugematute riikide salateenistuste huvi iseenda vastu ja suudab kõige selle kõrvalt aastakümneid üheaegselt hoida suhteid (vähemalt) nelja olulise mehega oma elus. Respekt, nagu tänapäeval öeldakse.
Tegemist ei ole päris dokumentaalse looga - raamatu aluseks on uurimistöö, aga see, kuidas asjad toimusid ja millised need inimesed olid, jõuab lugejani siiski läbi autori fantaasia filtri. Ühest küljest muudab see kõik raamatu lihtsamini loetavaks, aga teisalt lisab ühe kihina juurde pidevalt kuklas taguva tunde, et tuleks tutvuda ka teiste inimeste vaatepunktidega, lugeda rohkem, kaevuda lehekülgedesse, ja aimduse, et ükskõik, kui palju uurida, seda, mis ühes või teises kohas tegelikult toimus, ei saagi kunagi sajaprotsendilise kindlusega teada saada. Samas mõjub see kõik isu tekitavalt - lastagu nüüd riiulite juurde, et kõigist neist maailmadest ja inimestest rohkem teada saada.
Meeldiv on see, millise sümpaatiaga autor kirjutab nii Murast kui ka suurest osast ülejäänud tegelastest. Kindlasti andnuks Murat kujutada ka hoopis negatiivsemas valguses, aga selles raamatus jätab ta küll imenaise mulje - toetab ja katab inimesi Euroopa eri otstes, teeb tööd, suhtleb huvitavate inimestega ja palju, haldab enam-vähem ära lugematute riikide salateenistuste huvi iseenda vastu ja suudab kõige selle kõrvalt aastakümneid üheaegselt hoida suhteid (vähemalt) nelja olulise mehega oma elus. Respekt, nagu tänapäeval öeldakse.
February 10, 2020
This is a book that I might not have found had it not been for a GoodReads giveaway. It was about a historical period that I was not as familiar with and I enjoyed learning more about the history of that time through Moura's story. I was amazed by all she had to endure and her ability to find a way to survive and care for all those who depended on her. I liked the way the author blended the historical information with speculation on what may have been made it easy to read. In parts it seemed a little long but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it.
February 24, 2023
I couldn’t continue listening to this book, when it became intensely erotico-romantico-psychological mush. A bit would be OK, but it kept going on and on. Sorry.
The period (1890s to the Russian revolution and beyond) is fascinating and I am still reading about this raw and tormented time and place, but this book disappointed.
I will try Nina Berberova.
The period (1890s to the Russian revolution and beyond) is fascinating and I am still reading about this raw and tormented time and place, but this book disappointed.
I will try Nina Berberova.
abandoned
August 2, 2020The subject of Moura and her story sounded so intriguing for me, but the passive voice of a narrator recounting the early parts of Zakrevsky family’s lives bothered me. The book reads more like an historical nonfiction, which I do often enjoy, but the passive voice didn’t work for me this time. Others may love the book, though! If the content intrigues you, please, still give the story a try.
July 31, 2023
La vita estremamente interessante e movimentata di Mura ha retto male alla prosa ridondante e romanzesca dell'autrice.
Una storia già così ricca di personalità importanti non aveva bisogno, a mio parere, di tanti inutili dettagli per romanzare incontri, emozioni e sentimenti.
Si sta raccontando la vita di una donna dell'aristocrazia russa che si trova a vivere in un periodo storico in cui da un giorno all'altro la sua vita viene spazzata via. In queste pagine c'è la forza di una donna che in un modo o nell'altro, spia o meno, è riuscita a superare momenti che hanno spezzato buona parte dei suoi contemporanei. Sinceramente non mi sembrava proprio una protagonista con particolari bisogni di fronzoli per mantenere attiva l'attenzione del lettore.
Una storia già così ricca di personalità importanti non aveva bisogno, a mio parere, di tanti inutili dettagli per romanzare incontri, emozioni e sentimenti.
Si sta raccontando la vita di una donna dell'aristocrazia russa che si trova a vivere in un periodo storico in cui da un giorno all'altro la sua vita viene spazzata via. In queste pagine c'è la forza di una donna che in un modo o nell'altro, spia o meno, è riuscita a superare momenti che hanno spezzato buona parte dei suoi contemporanei. Sinceramente non mi sembrava proprio una protagonista con particolari bisogni di fronzoli per mantenere attiva l'attenzione del lettore.
January 19, 2020
"...Her admirers and her detractors all agreed on one point,however: Moura Zakrevskaya-Benckendorff-Budberg symbolized Life. *She was a survivor...* "
A Russian aristocrat brought low by the Bolshevik Revolution, Moura's life gets a lot harder as she and her family fight for survival. Her choices might seem strange through 21st century eyes, but she was bound and determined to keep going. Married to Estonian aristocracy; falling for a British secret agent; getting involved with Max Gorky, HG Wells and other men, she simply does what she has to to survive. But is she herself a spy? That question is still in the air even in 2015 under Putin. Did she change history or did history change her? In either case, this story is captivating from beginning to end, highly readable and easily recommended. 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book in a Goodreads win, and chose to voluntarily read and review it]
A Russian aristocrat brought low by the Bolshevik Revolution, Moura's life gets a lot harder as she and her family fight for survival. Her choices might seem strange through 21st century eyes, but she was bound and determined to keep going. Married to Estonian aristocracy; falling for a British secret agent; getting involved with Max Gorky, HG Wells and other men, she simply does what she has to to survive. But is she herself a spy? That question is still in the air even in 2015 under Putin. Did she change history or did history change her? In either case, this story is captivating from beginning to end, highly readable and easily recommended. 5/5
[disclaimer: I received this book in a Goodreads win, and chose to voluntarily read and review it]
August 23, 2021
How can such a fascinating woman be made so boring?
Plus, I hated the prose - I don't know if it was the author or the translator, but I was not a fan.
Plus, I hated the prose - I don't know if it was the author or the translator, but I was not a fan.
August 22, 2023
Tra romanzo, biografia e indagine storica, Alexandra LaPierre ricostruisce con il suo stile impareggiabile la vita e la personalità di una delle donne più influenti della sua epoca, i suoi grandi amori e l’intreccio delle sue passioni e delle sue vicende con la Storia: Marija Ignat’evna Zakrevskaja, Baby Dear, Mura. Al di là del mito e della leggenda di cui tutta la sua figura è ammantata, il ritratto che ne appare è quello di una donna forte, indomita, instancabile, camaleontica nella sua capacità di sopravvivere e ricostruirsi, pur rimanendo sempre fedele a sé stessa. Tante cose non le sapremo mai, perché è riuscita nell’impresa straordinaria di mantenere il riserbo pur essendo monitorata dall’intelligence francese, inglese, russa, estone. I suoi segreti sono rimasti con lei fino alla fine, e anche oltre. La ricorderemo come la Mata Hari russa, così descritta dal più grande amore della sua vita. La ricorderemo coraggiosa e accogliente, musa di alcuni tra i più grandi del mondo letterario e politico della sua epoca. La ricorderemo come una donna libera. La ricorderemo per quello che ha voluto essere e apparire agli occhi del mondo, e invidieremo quelli che l’hanno conosciuta per davvero, nel suo intimo.
“Il suo universo era là dove lei amava. E la sua filosofia di vita l’aveva resa padrona delle innumerevoli conseguenze provocate dai suoi sentimenti.
Era un’aristocratica. Avrebbe potuto essere una comunista. Non avrebbe mai potuto essere una borghese.”
“Il suo universo era là dove lei amava. E la sua filosofia di vita l’aveva resa padrona delle innumerevoli conseguenze provocate dai suoi sentimenti.
Era un’aristocratica. Avrebbe potuto essere una comunista. Non avrebbe mai potuto essere una borghese.”
July 3, 2023
"Voleva riprendersi ciò che le apparteneva, le immagini, gli odori, i rumori, tutte le tracce del suo passaggio sulla terra." p. 497
"Cerchi di capirmi, non è una questione di istinto, ma di incompatibilità organica con un'esistenza senza magia. [...] so questo di me, che ho bisogno solo di una cosa: quella gioia senza la quale non servirei a niente in questo mondo, neanche a lei." p. 409
"A conquistarlo era stata la distinzione innata della signora Wilson e, pur prendendola in considerazione unicamente come amante, seppe riconoscere in lei una compagna incantevole con cui percorrere un tratto di strada e perchè no, chissà, terminare piacevolmente il cammino." p. 18
"Inghilterra e Russia insieme, i due mondi che Mura amava, i due mondi ai quali Mura apparteneva, si manifestavano lì senza ritegno, e la miscela le piaceva moltissimo." p. 98
"Per tutta la vita aveva aspettato quel momento. Era cresciuta, aveva agito e imparato solo per vivere il minuto in cui Lockhart aveva attraversato la sala per andare verso di lei. Aveva addirittura l'impressione di essere nata in quel momento, quando lui l'aveva abbracciata. Possedeva la convinzione di essergli sempre appartenuta." p. 150
"Si era ritrovata in uno stato ovattato, quasi con il mal di cuore dal desiderio." p. 149
"E più lei lo spingeva a lasciare Mosca, più lui confondeva nella stessa adorazione l'amore per Mura e la passione per la Russia." p. 167
"Eh sì, cerchiamo di vivere comunque, come direbbe mia sorella Anna. E io ho ripreso il mio posto tra la 'gente di prima', il posto che occupavo quando non ti conoscevo. Non ho più la sensazione di appartenenza, ma mi commuovono. Non hanno ancora realizzato che il vecchio mondo è morto. Lo capiscono con il cervello, ma non con il cuore. Ci vestiremo come si conviene per il bridge, tra persone come si deve, faremo finta di essere eleganti e per un secondo il tempo sembrerà sospeso." pp. 244-245
"Aveva capito che non poteva dipendere da chiunque, e soprattutto non lo voleva. Quella presa di coscienza non si portava dietro nessuna frattura negli affetti, nessun rimettere in causa i suoi sentimenti. Non rinunciava a niente, non abbandonava nessuno. [...] Era appassionatamente fedele a tutti gli amori della sua vita. Appassionatamente legata. Ma né sacrificata né imprigionata, e neppure limitata." p. 371
"Quel che è stato è stato, ma non sciupiamo la cosa più bella che ci sia successa, probabilmente un evento miracoloso nella vita di tutti e due...Intaccarla sarebbe un errore, non credi? [...] Sarebbe un errore sciupare una tale perfezione." p. 385
"[...] ma del bisogno di vedere la mia vita di nuovo illuminata da quell'amore magnifico per cui vale la pena vivere, l'amore che dà tutto e non vuole niente in cambio. L'ho conosciuto con Lockhart e l'ho conosciuto con lei. E ora se n'è andato. La vita è dunque finita?" p. 409
"Non pretendo neanche più di strappare alla vita ciò che mi piacerebbe ottenerne... solo quello che mi è necessario per respirare." p. 411
" 'Ti dico quello che mi auguro per te' continuò Wells. 'Una vita più facile'. 'Sai bene che non mi interessa'. 'Ragione di più per ottenerla!' " p. 423
"Se non sono stata sempre quella che volevi, sappi che è solo colpa della mia goffaggine." p. 487
"Le restavano due ore, il tempo dello spettacolo offerto da Lockhart, per combattere contro il tradimento e l'oblio, due ore per rivisitare il passato e rileggere la propria storia, riconquistare la memoria incendiata." p. 497
"Cerchi di capirmi, non è una questione di istinto, ma di incompatibilità organica con un'esistenza senza magia. [...] so questo di me, che ho bisogno solo di una cosa: quella gioia senza la quale non servirei a niente in questo mondo, neanche a lei." p. 409
"A conquistarlo era stata la distinzione innata della signora Wilson e, pur prendendola in considerazione unicamente come amante, seppe riconoscere in lei una compagna incantevole con cui percorrere un tratto di strada e perchè no, chissà, terminare piacevolmente il cammino." p. 18
"Inghilterra e Russia insieme, i due mondi che Mura amava, i due mondi ai quali Mura apparteneva, si manifestavano lì senza ritegno, e la miscela le piaceva moltissimo." p. 98
"Per tutta la vita aveva aspettato quel momento. Era cresciuta, aveva agito e imparato solo per vivere il minuto in cui Lockhart aveva attraversato la sala per andare verso di lei. Aveva addirittura l'impressione di essere nata in quel momento, quando lui l'aveva abbracciata. Possedeva la convinzione di essergli sempre appartenuta." p. 150
"Si era ritrovata in uno stato ovattato, quasi con il mal di cuore dal desiderio." p. 149
"E più lei lo spingeva a lasciare Mosca, più lui confondeva nella stessa adorazione l'amore per Mura e la passione per la Russia." p. 167
"Eh sì, cerchiamo di vivere comunque, come direbbe mia sorella Anna. E io ho ripreso il mio posto tra la 'gente di prima', il posto che occupavo quando non ti conoscevo. Non ho più la sensazione di appartenenza, ma mi commuovono. Non hanno ancora realizzato che il vecchio mondo è morto. Lo capiscono con il cervello, ma non con il cuore. Ci vestiremo come si conviene per il bridge, tra persone come si deve, faremo finta di essere eleganti e per un secondo il tempo sembrerà sospeso." pp. 244-245
"Aveva capito che non poteva dipendere da chiunque, e soprattutto non lo voleva. Quella presa di coscienza non si portava dietro nessuna frattura negli affetti, nessun rimettere in causa i suoi sentimenti. Non rinunciava a niente, non abbandonava nessuno. [...] Era appassionatamente fedele a tutti gli amori della sua vita. Appassionatamente legata. Ma né sacrificata né imprigionata, e neppure limitata." p. 371
"Quel che è stato è stato, ma non sciupiamo la cosa più bella che ci sia successa, probabilmente un evento miracoloso nella vita di tutti e due...Intaccarla sarebbe un errore, non credi? [...] Sarebbe un errore sciupare una tale perfezione." p. 385
"[...] ma del bisogno di vedere la mia vita di nuovo illuminata da quell'amore magnifico per cui vale la pena vivere, l'amore che dà tutto e non vuole niente in cambio. L'ho conosciuto con Lockhart e l'ho conosciuto con lei. E ora se n'è andato. La vita è dunque finita?" p. 409
"Non pretendo neanche più di strappare alla vita ciò che mi piacerebbe ottenerne... solo quello che mi è necessario per respirare." p. 411
" 'Ti dico quello che mi auguro per te' continuò Wells. 'Una vita più facile'. 'Sai bene che non mi interessa'. 'Ragione di più per ottenerla!' " p. 423
"Se non sono stata sempre quella che volevi, sappi che è solo colpa della mia goffaggine." p. 487
"Le restavano due ore, il tempo dello spettacolo offerto da Lockhart, per combattere contro il tradimento e l'oblio, due ore per rivisitare il passato e rileggere la propria storia, riconquistare la memoria incendiata." p. 497
April 1, 2020
Maria Ignatyevna Zakrevskaya was born into the upper reaches of Russian Society, and determined to survive. A facile mind and a moral code that allowed her to work the ebbs and flows of power and danger, she held strong to the recite the words, never name the source motto. Why should we be interested in this woman who allied herself with what, at the time, was the dissolution of her social class in the October Revolution. Well, she was also known as Mata Hari, spoke 3 languages at the age of 6, more by her death, honed her skills in negotiation as she worked between her mother and sisters, married in Germany and introduced to the ‘elites’ there, while seeing her husband denounce the Tsar as ‘too liberal’, while allowing her the freedom to do as she pleases, this is a woman who collected experience, knowledge, and perhaps even a bit of courage, for at the time women were simply not thought to be bright or political.
With the advent of war (both WW1 and WWII) her loyalties are divided, while her heart and information seemed to lie with her native land. An affair with a British diplomat brought her into the clandestine worlds of espionage, and she was frequently working as a ‘double agent”- serving both Britain and Russia with information key to the war effort. Her fluency with language and her ability to remember facts, faces and information kept her well-placed with information and never quite seemed to (as it is told) disturb her moral compass. She was interrogated and while divulging (again we are told) simple facts, quotes and information, never named anyone, even as the distinctions are small.
The story is more a play of vacillating and always adjusting morals while finding one moment or tenet to stand as irrefutable. With several years, more lovers, and plenty of time – there was information that was included that I think could have been left out: adding much in page count but little to the overall impact. While this woman was undoubtedly intelligent and charming (as evidenced by the contacts she made and maintained) there is still a bit of a cloud around her that kept her ‘true self’ and thoughts about the roles she played, often contradictory and usually laden with casualties from all sides was missing – fictionalized ideas of what she ‘may’ have thought at the time are intriguing though, and had me wondering just what would have spurred such choices, especially as that core question of her personality ‘quirks’ never truly came to light.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
With the advent of war (both WW1 and WWII) her loyalties are divided, while her heart and information seemed to lie with her native land. An affair with a British diplomat brought her into the clandestine worlds of espionage, and she was frequently working as a ‘double agent”- serving both Britain and Russia with information key to the war effort. Her fluency with language and her ability to remember facts, faces and information kept her well-placed with information and never quite seemed to (as it is told) disturb her moral compass. She was interrogated and while divulging (again we are told) simple facts, quotes and information, never named anyone, even as the distinctions are small.
The story is more a play of vacillating and always adjusting morals while finding one moment or tenet to stand as irrefutable. With several years, more lovers, and plenty of time – there was information that was included that I think could have been left out: adding much in page count but little to the overall impact. While this woman was undoubtedly intelligent and charming (as evidenced by the contacts she made and maintained) there is still a bit of a cloud around her that kept her ‘true self’ and thoughts about the roles she played, often contradictory and usually laden with casualties from all sides was missing – fictionalized ideas of what she ‘may’ have thought at the time are intriguing though, and had me wondering just what would have spurred such choices, especially as that core question of her personality ‘quirks’ never truly came to light.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
January 20, 2021
The cover and title page call this "a novel." It is not; I would term it fictionalized biography, which I feel is more accurate than historical novel or narrative nonfiction. The past decade has seen more fictionalized biographies in the wake of Paula McClain's success.
Alexandra Lapierre is passionate about her subject, the life of Moura Benckendorff-Budberg, a Russian aristocrat who was considered a double agent during and after the Bolshevik Revolution, and a lover and intimate friend of two giant writers of her time, Maxim Gorky and H.G. Wells. That passion plays out in a great deal of romantic psychologizing in the fictional segments. Moura herself was a passionate person whose life, in one of Lapierre's most perceptive phrases, was like "a train with sealed compartments." That is, she was very good at compartmentalizing, especially her lovers. She was not in love with either of her two husbands, and the real love of her life, British diplomat Robert Lockhart, abandoned her when he had to leave Russia after the failure of his mission during the Revolution. Eventually, she moved to London, and they would resume their relationship. In the meantime, she survived several stays in Bolshevik jails and wormed her way, through her physical and intellectual charms, into the good graces and beds of Gorky and Wells. Lapierre depicts her as being able to love fully each of them. Perhaps a way to sum up her life was that she was a "survivor for love."
The book is fictional in the invention of scenes and meetings with dialogue, and of the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. However, some important emotional sections make use of real documents, letters between Gorky and Moura from the Gorky Archive. On the biographical side, Lapierre did much research and interviewed many family and friends to capture the facts of her life and a full picture of her personality.
I suppose it is a subjective matter whether a blend of fact and fiction such as this can really succeed. Apparently it did in France, where it was first published in 2016 (this English translation appeared in 2020). My opinion is that The Woman of a Thousand Names is neither great fiction nor biography, but not bad as a hybrid.
Alexandra Lapierre is passionate about her subject, the life of Moura Benckendorff-Budberg, a Russian aristocrat who was considered a double agent during and after the Bolshevik Revolution, and a lover and intimate friend of two giant writers of her time, Maxim Gorky and H.G. Wells. That passion plays out in a great deal of romantic psychologizing in the fictional segments. Moura herself was a passionate person whose life, in one of Lapierre's most perceptive phrases, was like "a train with sealed compartments." That is, she was very good at compartmentalizing, especially her lovers. She was not in love with either of her two husbands, and the real love of her life, British diplomat Robert Lockhart, abandoned her when he had to leave Russia after the failure of his mission during the Revolution. Eventually, she moved to London, and they would resume their relationship. In the meantime, she survived several stays in Bolshevik jails and wormed her way, through her physical and intellectual charms, into the good graces and beds of Gorky and Wells. Lapierre depicts her as being able to love fully each of them. Perhaps a way to sum up her life was that she was a "survivor for love."
The book is fictional in the invention of scenes and meetings with dialogue, and of the inner thoughts and emotions of the characters. However, some important emotional sections make use of real documents, letters between Gorky and Moura from the Gorky Archive. On the biographical side, Lapierre did much research and interviewed many family and friends to capture the facts of her life and a full picture of her personality.
I suppose it is a subjective matter whether a blend of fact and fiction such as this can really succeed. Apparently it did in France, where it was first published in 2016 (this English translation appeared in 2020). My opinion is that The Woman of a Thousand Names is neither great fiction nor biography, but not bad as a hybrid.
April 8, 2020
I have been reading Alexandra Lapierre’s biographies and novels since 1995, when "Fanny Stevenson: A Romance of Destiny" was translated into English.
Lapierre’s research is impeccable and, whether she chooses the form of biography or novel, her heroines are always fascinating. Maria Zakrevskaya Benckendorff Budberg, a.k.a. Moura, who is "The Woman of a Thousand Names," is no exception. Lapierre’s bibliography and acknowledgments to numerous experts and archives are testament to her dedication to digging out even the smallest facts.
Pace is one of Lapierre’s great strengths and this novel flies through history, with Moura as an eyewitness to World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, and its aftermath.
Lapierre’s characters are deftly drawn, including Moura’s celebrity lovers, H. G. Wells and Maxim Gorky. Blending conventions of biography into her narrative style, Lapierre directly quotes letters and other documents allowing the reader to hear the actual voices of her characters. As an historian, I particularly appreciate the inclusion of these primary sources.
Lapierre’s settings are always vivid, whether she paints pictures of rural Estonia’s tranquil beauty or gripping starvation in the streets of Petrograd.
The question of whether or not Moura was a true Mata Hari was long discussed by those who came in contact with her or simply read about her life. This quandary is not the focus of Lapierre’s novel and I found myself not caring about Moura’s allegiances, shifting or otherwise. Her actions always felt motivated and justified by her immediate situation, arising spontaneously from what was frequently a horribly chaotic environment. Lapierre successfully puts her readers in Moura’s shoes, standing in the torrential flow of international events.
If you are looking for both a long and engrossing read while staying at home avoiding the coronavirus, consider diving into "The Woman of a Thousand Names" and getting lost in the ever-revolving and complex world of the fabulous Moura. She is, if nothing else, a survivor!
Lapierre’s research is impeccable and, whether she chooses the form of biography or novel, her heroines are always fascinating. Maria Zakrevskaya Benckendorff Budberg, a.k.a. Moura, who is "The Woman of a Thousand Names," is no exception. Lapierre’s bibliography and acknowledgments to numerous experts and archives are testament to her dedication to digging out even the smallest facts.
Pace is one of Lapierre’s great strengths and this novel flies through history, with Moura as an eyewitness to World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, and its aftermath.
Lapierre’s characters are deftly drawn, including Moura’s celebrity lovers, H. G. Wells and Maxim Gorky. Blending conventions of biography into her narrative style, Lapierre directly quotes letters and other documents allowing the reader to hear the actual voices of her characters. As an historian, I particularly appreciate the inclusion of these primary sources.
Lapierre’s settings are always vivid, whether she paints pictures of rural Estonia’s tranquil beauty or gripping starvation in the streets of Petrograd.
The question of whether or not Moura was a true Mata Hari was long discussed by those who came in contact with her or simply read about her life. This quandary is not the focus of Lapierre’s novel and I found myself not caring about Moura’s allegiances, shifting or otherwise. Her actions always felt motivated and justified by her immediate situation, arising spontaneously from what was frequently a horribly chaotic environment. Lapierre successfully puts her readers in Moura’s shoes, standing in the torrential flow of international events.
If you are looking for both a long and engrossing read while staying at home avoiding the coronavirus, consider diving into "The Woman of a Thousand Names" and getting lost in the ever-revolving and complex world of the fabulous Moura. She is, if nothing else, a survivor!
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April 8, 2021The Woman of a Thousand Names by Alexandra Lapierre was a book that totally pulled me in by the time I finished the first chapter until the end. It is a long book; nearly 600 pages. But the story kept me captivated until I finished. And even then, I was invested enough to want to do a little research just to sort some of it out in my own head.
I started this thinking it was a novel and historical fiction. I was wrong! It is definitely a very detailed account of a very interesting life well lived. There were times it was hard to keep track of all the people, places and things. But ultimately, it all starts to fall in place and you feel you are along on a journey right along with Moura (she of a thousand names).
With most of her adult life taking place when her homeland and the world were all at war, there are parts that are very sad and hard to wrap your head around. The cruelty, the desperation, the fear. This is well documented in history and in this story. There are famous figures from history—names we all know—who play a part in this story. Moura went from a very rich childhood where she had the best of everything to be found, to being left penniless, homeless, and hopeless; and everything in between. And yet, she pushed forward.
I want to tell readers, if you enjoy history, not to let the thickness of this book put you off. The author at times deviates from how the story is being told. There will be letters and correspondence that you are left to try and interpret yourself. But this keeps it authentic and keeps you reeled in and thinking. The pages turned quickly, and the chapters labelled in a way that made it easy to find a place to stop and not lose your way.
I received an eARC from Atria Books through NetGalley and ARC through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.
I started this thinking it was a novel and historical fiction. I was wrong! It is definitely a very detailed account of a very interesting life well lived. There were times it was hard to keep track of all the people, places and things. But ultimately, it all starts to fall in place and you feel you are along on a journey right along with Moura (she of a thousand names).
With most of her adult life taking place when her homeland and the world were all at war, there are parts that are very sad and hard to wrap your head around. The cruelty, the desperation, the fear. This is well documented in history and in this story. There are famous figures from history—names we all know—who play a part in this story. Moura went from a very rich childhood where she had the best of everything to be found, to being left penniless, homeless, and hopeless; and everything in between. And yet, she pushed forward.
I want to tell readers, if you enjoy history, not to let the thickness of this book put you off. The author at times deviates from how the story is being told. There will be letters and correspondence that you are left to try and interpret yourself. But this keeps it authentic and keeps you reeled in and thinking. The pages turned quickly, and the chapters labelled in a way that made it easy to find a place to stop and not lose your way.
I received an eARC from Atria Books through NetGalley and ARC through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are 100% my own.
March 24, 2020
Maria Zakrevskaya Benckendorff Budberg, known as Moura to family and friends, was born into Russian aristocracy in the late 1800s. Although a daughter of privilege she was aware of the suffering of the poor and expressed sympathy for their fight as others ignored the rising tensions. Her marriage to Baron Djon Benckendorff, a Baltic aristocrat, in her late teens brought her to Berlin where her husband was a diplomat and represented the tsar. With the political situation deteriorating and rumors of impending war they returned to St. Petersburg, arriving at the start of the Bolshevik Revolution. The baron retreated to their Baltic estate, but Moura remained and was forced to find work as a typist in the British embassy. It was there that she met Robert Lockhart, a British agent who would become her lover.
With Moura’s connection to the British and her visits to her husband’s estate in German held territory, she came under suspicion as a spy by the Russian Cheka. Arrested by the Cheka, she was forced to spy on Lockhart. While she relayed information to the Cheka, she also felt a responsibility to protect the same people she was forced to spy on. She was reviled by some but also loved by many others. Hers is a story of survival and an ability to adapt to the changes in society. She later re-married and left Russia.
Alexandra LaPierre draws on letters and reports to tell Moura’s story. Her heartbreaking losses and the terror she experiences in the Lubyanka are a contrast to her idyllic days at the lake on Yendel, her estate. Moura eventually died in 1974, but she will stay with you long after LaPierre’s story ends. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria books for providing this novel for my review.
With Moura’s connection to the British and her visits to her husband’s estate in German held territory, she came under suspicion as a spy by the Russian Cheka. Arrested by the Cheka, she was forced to spy on Lockhart. While she relayed information to the Cheka, she also felt a responsibility to protect the same people she was forced to spy on. She was reviled by some but also loved by many others. Hers is a story of survival and an ability to adapt to the changes in society. She later re-married and left Russia.
Alexandra LaPierre draws on letters and reports to tell Moura’s story. Her heartbreaking losses and the terror she experiences in the Lubyanka are a contrast to her idyllic days at the lake on Yendel, her estate. Moura eventually died in 1974, but she will stay with you long after LaPierre’s story ends. I would like to thank NetGalley and Atria books for providing this novel for my review.
January 22, 2024
Recensione di @nonusosegnalibri (Instagram):
Alla fine del 1800 nasce una donna oggi quasi dimenticata, che ha saputo dominare il proprio secolo grazie all’incredibile savoir faire e all’innata capacità di entrare in sintonia con gli uomini della sua vita. Una vita che comincia tra l’aristocrazia della Russia imperiale – giovane ragazza dai nobili natali – e che con la Rivoluzione bolscevica comincia a scomporsi in una miriade di sotto-trame che Alexandra Lapierre, autrice navigata di biografie storiche, ha cercato di ricostruire ed interpretare.
Questo libro ha il potere di suscitare il mio interesse per una Storia che conosco troppo poco, quella di una Nazione sconfinata, piena di contraddizioni, ed oggi – giustamente – ancora più discussa. Scendere nei meandri della Russia bolscevica, come Mura a suo tempo, è un viaggio che non ha vie d’uscita. L’unica strada è farsi trasportare tra gli avvenimenti che tessono insieme le mille esistenze di Mura: un’aristocratica affascinata dalla Rivoluzione, che ha conosciuto e intessuto legami con i grandi uomini dell’epoca, è stata accusata di spionaggio sia dalla Russia che dall’Occidente, in una stretta morsa che l’ha vista finire in carcere numerose volte. Eppure Mura è sempre riuscita a districare i fili delle sue trame esistenziali, sempre divisa tra stili di vita, uomini, affari e Paesi diversi.
Mura donna mutevole, sfuggente e inafferrabile, donna dell’ubiquità e della seduzione. Circondata da tutti, eppure, alla fine, profondamente sola, più per scelta che per casualità. Chi è Mura? Ci si chiede leggendo questo libro. Amante, moglie, madre, aristocratica, rivoluzionaria, spia, cosmopolita. O semplicemente una donna che può essere tutto, che sa essere tutto, che è stata contemporaneamente ogni versione di sé stessa.
Alla fine del 1800 nasce una donna oggi quasi dimenticata, che ha saputo dominare il proprio secolo grazie all’incredibile savoir faire e all’innata capacità di entrare in sintonia con gli uomini della sua vita. Una vita che comincia tra l’aristocrazia della Russia imperiale – giovane ragazza dai nobili natali – e che con la Rivoluzione bolscevica comincia a scomporsi in una miriade di sotto-trame che Alexandra Lapierre, autrice navigata di biografie storiche, ha cercato di ricostruire ed interpretare.
Questo libro ha il potere di suscitare il mio interesse per una Storia che conosco troppo poco, quella di una Nazione sconfinata, piena di contraddizioni, ed oggi – giustamente – ancora più discussa. Scendere nei meandri della Russia bolscevica, come Mura a suo tempo, è un viaggio che non ha vie d’uscita. L’unica strada è farsi trasportare tra gli avvenimenti che tessono insieme le mille esistenze di Mura: un’aristocratica affascinata dalla Rivoluzione, che ha conosciuto e intessuto legami con i grandi uomini dell’epoca, è stata accusata di spionaggio sia dalla Russia che dall’Occidente, in una stretta morsa che l’ha vista finire in carcere numerose volte. Eppure Mura è sempre riuscita a districare i fili delle sue trame esistenziali, sempre divisa tra stili di vita, uomini, affari e Paesi diversi.
Mura donna mutevole, sfuggente e inafferrabile, donna dell’ubiquità e della seduzione. Circondata da tutti, eppure, alla fine, profondamente sola, più per scelta che per casualità. Chi è Mura? Ci si chiede leggendo questo libro. Amante, moglie, madre, aristocratica, rivoluzionaria, spia, cosmopolita. O semplicemente una donna che può essere tutto, che sa essere tutto, che è stata contemporaneamente ogni versione di sé stessa.
July 18, 2020
The Woman of a Thousand Names is a historical fiction novel about Baroness Moura Budbeg. It is an epic story that spans decades and several rebirths. Moura's story goes from her first marriage in Estonia to an affair with a British spy during Lenon's revolution in Russia to Gorky's companion in Italy to a final friendship with H.G. Wells in London. Through all of this the question is who's spy is she if anyone's.
The story really flows from one relationship to another and it is these relationships that transform her into a new version of herself. She will also do what she needs to in order to survive whether it be lie to friends, play the cheka, or give up secrets.
I really enjoy historical fiction but this is not one that ended up high on my list. While I wanted to be drawn into this story it was almost too much for me stay engaged fully. The other issue I had is that while it is fiction there are times where I questioned that Moura knew these people and at the end it became very non-fiction, list format. It was the lets cram the last 3-4 decades of her life in but the novel is already too long so we will just list of what happened.
I know there are people out there that will love this one but I feel like instead of having everything in one book there should have been a more refined focus.
The story really flows from one relationship to another and it is these relationships that transform her into a new version of herself. She will also do what she needs to in order to survive whether it be lie to friends, play the cheka, or give up secrets.
I really enjoy historical fiction but this is not one that ended up high on my list. While I wanted to be drawn into this story it was almost too much for me stay engaged fully. The other issue I had is that while it is fiction there are times where I questioned that Moura knew these people and at the end it became very non-fiction, list format. It was the lets cram the last 3-4 decades of her life in but the novel is already too long so we will just list of what happened.
I know there are people out there that will love this one but I feel like instead of having everything in one book there should have been a more refined focus.
May 9, 2024
Marija Zakrevskaja, chiamata da tutti Mura, nasce nel 1898 da una famiglia aristocratica russa. Apprezzata per la sua bellezza, ma anche per l’acuta intelligenza e la profonda cultura, durante la sua esistenza viene considerata una spia, spia russa per gli occidentali e spia occidentale per i russi. Imprigionata per tre volte dopo la Rivoluzione Russa del 1917, ha avuto il coraggio e la capacità di stringere rapporti con la personalità internazionali più controverse come Gorkij, H.G.Wells e numerosi politici e diplomatici.
Una biografia minuziosa e dettagliata che ricostruisce la vita di una donna brillante e libera, che ha saputo affascinare la società dell’epoca e che ancora spaventa, tanto che Putin nel 2015 ha allontanato dalla Russia l’ex ministro Nick Clegg in quanto suo lontano parente.
Nonostante le settecento pagine, la vita che questa affascinante donna ha vissuto fra Russia, Germania, Estonia, Italia, Inghilterra e Francia ammalia e attrae. Fra i numerosi personaggi presenti all’interno del romanzo ho amato nanny, Margaret Wilson, anche se secondaria. Non solo i protagonisti sono ben caratterizzati, ma anche il vario contesto storico e socio-politico dell’epoca.
La scrittrice ha dedicato tre anni di ricerche capillari, visitando gli archivi del controspionaggio di tre nazioni, le biblioteche, leggendo lettere, rapporti, testimonianze.
Un romanzo imperdibile di un’autrice che non delude mai.
August 25, 2020
I've been on a Russian kick lately, having just finished WAR AND PEACE a few weeks ago, and I was anxious to delve into this historical novel about the Russian Mata Hari, Moura Ignatyevna Zakrevskaya. Born into the noble class, she lived during a time of change and revolution in her native country, suffering through the October and February Revolutions, the rise of Linen and Stalin, and so many other important historical events.
Rumors have circulated for decades that she was a double agent for both Great Britain and Russia. Since no one really knows what happened, all we can do is speculate. She was definitely a smooth operator, having love affairs with several men, including the literary giants Gorky and H.G. Wells. Interwoven throughout the narrative are passages from historical documents, journals, and articles about this fascinating woman, giving the book a feel of biographical authenticity.
This is a long book, which may be intimidating to some, but a lot of pages were needed to cover all the details of Moura's life. If you enjoy historical novels about real-life figures, you can't go wrong with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rumors have circulated for decades that she was a double agent for both Great Britain and Russia. Since no one really knows what happened, all we can do is speculate. She was definitely a smooth operator, having love affairs with several men, including the literary giants Gorky and H.G. Wells. Interwoven throughout the narrative are passages from historical documents, journals, and articles about this fascinating woman, giving the book a feel of biographical authenticity.
This is a long book, which may be intimidating to some, but a lot of pages were needed to cover all the details of Moura's life. If you enjoy historical novels about real-life figures, you can't go wrong with this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
The Woman of a Thousand Names follows the true story of Moura Zakrevskaya, the favored and spoiled youngest daughter of a noble Russian family. The novel follows her throughout her life alongside a history of Russia from just before the Revolution through to post-WWII. Moura is what’s known as a White Russian, part of the Russian nobility. She’s also intelligent, beautiful and charismatic. The novel follows her as she makes stupid decisions by having affairs with men in power and also follows her ability to survive in Revolution-era Russia, when the Bolsheviks were busy executing all of her known associates. Basically what could have been a very cool story (Moura being accused of being a double/triple/quadruple agent) not to mention the history, turned into a recitation of how many powerful and famous guys she got dicked down by. This is a woman who could have done something great with what was happening but she was too weak to actually pick a side, choosing instead to have sex with any guy who looked at her. The novel is dry in places and I was frustrated by the main characters complete lack of doing anything with her life but the history was fascinating to read about.
September 10, 2020
This book was complex and fascinating. Maria(Maura) Ignatievna Zakrevskaya was a woman whose life highlighted the turmoil of Russia from the dying throes of the Russian aristocracy through the birth of the Soviet Union to the modern Russia of today. She was suspected of being a double agent working for both the British and Russian government. Her life was exciting, terrifying, secretive, and adventurous as she fought to survive in the unrest following the Russian Revolution. She lived with and loved three extraordinary men; Lockhart, a British secret agent, Gorky, a world-renowned Soviet author, and H. G. Wells, a world-renowned British author. Her story is fascinating, and as the author points out, in her acknowledgements is still influencing her family after her death, and may not entirely be fully revealed yet.
I enjoyed this book. It could have used more stringent editing in my mind as it lagged with several extraneous sections, but does give an interesting glimpse into this period of history.
I enjoyed this book. It could have used more stringent editing in my mind as it lagged with several extraneous sections, but does give an interesting glimpse into this period of history.
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