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Olga's Egg
When Fabergé specialist Assia Wynfield learns of the discovery of a long-lost Fabergé egg made for the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, daughter of the last Tsar of Russia, she appears to be the only person with misgivings. On travelling to St. Petersburg to see the egg, Assia moves among Russia's new rich but finds herself pulled back into a family past she would rather forget. With news that a friend is missing, Assia starts to dig deeper. But does she really want the answers to the questions she is asking? Set in today's glamorous world of Russian art with glimpses into the lives of the last Romanovs as their empire crumbled in the wake of the Russian Revolution, Olga's Egg is an enthralling tale of love, family secrets and the artistic treasures that conceal them.
314 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 13, 2018
5 Words: History, danger, glamour, family, power.
An incredible amount of research must have gone in to the story, because it is so rich and vivid and intricate that you feel like you're there. It was like I was walking around St. Petersburg myself, exploring.
I have to admit that I didn't really like Assia - but that's not a bad thing. It did mean it was difficult to connect to her, but I really empathised with her and loved reading about her tumultuous family and strained relationships.
My favourite thing about this book was definitely the settings. There are wonderfully written and so lavish and rich.
Olga's Egg is a beautiful story combining historical and contemporary narratives in a thrilling and beautiful journey.
Now, I'm off to watch Anastasia, because after reading this book it's a Mood.
An incredible amount of research must have gone in to the story, because it is so rich and vivid and intricate that you feel like you're there. It was like I was walking around St. Petersburg myself, exploring.
I have to admit that I didn't really like Assia - but that's not a bad thing. It did mean it was difficult to connect to her, but I really empathised with her and loved reading about her tumultuous family and strained relationships.
My favourite thing about this book was definitely the settings. There are wonderfully written and so lavish and rich.
Olga's Egg is a beautiful story combining historical and contemporary narratives in a thrilling and beautiful journey.
Now, I'm off to watch Anastasia, because after reading this book it's a Mood.
November 2, 2018
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.com
What a gorgeous book. Admittedly, I was sold on this book in the first place purely on the cover design alone. Then I read the blurb, and I just knew I couldn't let this one pass by. And I'm so happy I didn't. 'Olga's Egg' is incredibly rich in detail and historical research. The love and passion for (Imperial) Russia, it's art and architecture is so tangible I could easily imagine myself walking around in St. Petersburg, soaking it all in.
It took me a couple of chapters to find my bearing in this story. In those first pages a lot of characters are introduced with glimpses of their stories, both past and present, and it's a bit confusing as to where the story is going. Once the grand discovery of a long-lost Fabergé egg is made, however, you're catapulted into this world of money, power, art and luxury. Assia as a main character isn't easy to relate to. She's dealing with a difficult past and doesn't open herself up easily, and to me that included us as readers as well. But even though I didn't feel a particularly close connection to the lead, the story itself captivated me and took me along on this beautiful, Imperial, roller coaster.
The art and mystery in this book stayed with me every time I closed the book - I just had to keep reading to learn more about the art and the history, to figure all the puzzle pieces out. Sophie Law described everything in such glorious detail, taking her time to really set the scene and not rushing the different elements to this story. Absolutely loved it. Now please excuse me while I look up everything I can find on Fabergé and watch the 1997 animation movie "Anastasia".
What a gorgeous book. Admittedly, I was sold on this book in the first place purely on the cover design alone. Then I read the blurb, and I just knew I couldn't let this one pass by. And I'm so happy I didn't. 'Olga's Egg' is incredibly rich in detail and historical research. The love and passion for (Imperial) Russia, it's art and architecture is so tangible I could easily imagine myself walking around in St. Petersburg, soaking it all in.
It took me a couple of chapters to find my bearing in this story. In those first pages a lot of characters are introduced with glimpses of their stories, both past and present, and it's a bit confusing as to where the story is going. Once the grand discovery of a long-lost Fabergé egg is made, however, you're catapulted into this world of money, power, art and luxury. Assia as a main character isn't easy to relate to. She's dealing with a difficult past and doesn't open herself up easily, and to me that included us as readers as well. But even though I didn't feel a particularly close connection to the lead, the story itself captivated me and took me along on this beautiful, Imperial, roller coaster.
The art and mystery in this book stayed with me every time I closed the book - I just had to keep reading to learn more about the art and the history, to figure all the puzzle pieces out. Sophie Law described everything in such glorious detail, taking her time to really set the scene and not rushing the different elements to this story. Absolutely loved it. Now please excuse me while I look up everything I can find on Fabergé and watch the 1997 animation movie "Anastasia".
December 5, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and I thought the storytelling was magnificent. If you’re like me, you probably don’t have a clue of what a Fabergé egg is or how to say it properly. I loved how the book transported me into the depths of Russian culture and it was VERY obvious that the author had done her research.
A great read and now I want my own Fabergé egg too…
A great read and now I want my own Fabergé egg too…
December 12, 2019
VERDICT: The Fabergé eggs as you never knew them. Intriguing, lavish, fascinating. My best historical novel of the year.
see why here: https://wordsandpeace.com/2019/12/12/...
see why here: https://wordsandpeace.com/2019/12/12/...
December 25, 2019
Unfortunatelly this ranks among my most disappointing reads of the year. The premise of the book - searching for a lost Fabergé egg that once belonged to Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, while battling through personal tragedy and multi-generational story - was actually great. However a subject like that needed so much more work and depth and length than it was ever given. This could (and should) have been a 500+ page epic delving into the Russian psyche covering different genres from mystery, doomed romance, historical ficton and a detective story. Instead it merely touches and lets go of all these, does not excell in any and leaves you completely unsatisfied. The search for the egg is completely straightforward with no proper secrets, no dead-ends are encountered, and the main protagonist is given everything on a silver platter on her very first try (the fact that another person, not nearly as involved or knowledgable, comes to the same conclusion as her in no time makes it all even more yawn-worthy). Some of the scenes in the book are absolutely useless. Example: we learn something had happened. Next scene shows you exactly what you have just found out. With no other info added. I was also confused as to why did the author insist on renaming an actual historical character of English tutor to the Tsar´s children Charles Sydney Gibbes, given that no other change to his biography was made. The ending is completely unrealistic, anti-climactic, and the sugary-sweet epilogue unneccessary. The ammount of "non-fiction" information thrown into the book feels forced and pretentious due to its shortness. What a bummer.
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars
When I read a book like this, all I can think about is delight. I am so delighted that there are so many cool things in the world to read about. One lifetime could not cover all the cool things there are to know about and read about. I love immersing myself in a world that I don’t know, or even better, a world I think I do know but then am given so many details and minutiae that that world seems fresh and new. Seriously, it’s the best! No matter how many things a person studies, no matter how much time they live, no matter how much time they have, there is no way that one person can know all the things. You, my readers, are fully aware of how we compensate for that—we read! We read to learn new things, we read to be enlightened, and we read to live so many lifetimes in just this one. Those that don’t read are missing out on so much, am I right?
This is one of those books that just brought me into the world of something I knew little about. Sure, I’d heard of Faberge eggs. I haven’t seen a real one, of course, although I’ve seen them mentioned here and there and was aware that they were special and beautiful and rare. This book, however, really brought them to light. I learned so many things! One thing that I really enjoyed learning in particular was that there are still missing eggs. They’re still waiting for some from the original collection to be found! Someone must have them! (Is it you? If so—they’re looking for you). I love that there is still missing art out there and that there are discoveries to be made. We live in such a connected world now that it seems like everything has been found and explored and there are no final frontiers. This is not the case, of course, and I love it when something like a beautiful Faberge egg can bring that to light. I really appreciated the author’s expertise in this area, and loved reading the language associated with and descriptions of the Faberge eggs. This made the story feel authentic and rich.
So let’s talk story. I did enjoy the story in this book. It was slow, at times, which was odd because there was actually quite a bit of excitement going on, and it’s a fairly short book, but I think it was an execution issue. However, once the story kicks in and gets going, it is interesting and there is a lot going on. I enjoyed reading about the different characters and their connections to Faberge and to Russia. There were some characters that could have been more fleshed out, and I think that would have added to the richness of the story. There were also a few story lines that were left hanging (particularly one at the end, but maybe that’s for a second book?), but I found the ending to be very satisfying and enjoyable. The book itself would sometimes skip over the minutiae of how things were resolved and just go to the point at which it was resolved, which was okay, actually, Sometimes it’s nice not to have to wade through something. It was an interesting style technique.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these Faberge eggs were for the Romanovs, and I know that so many people love the Romanovs and find them so interesting and read a lot about them. There is a lot of fiction and non-fiction that deal with the Romanovs, and so if you’ve partaken of that, you can’t miss this for sure!
Overall I enjoyed this book. If you are into art, and especially Russian art and Faberge eggs (and Romanovs!), this is totally a book you should check out. It is well-researched and the author is knowledgeable, which makes it not only interesting, but legit.
Read my full review here: https://readingforsanity.blogspot.com...
When I read a book like this, all I can think about is delight. I am so delighted that there are so many cool things in the world to read about. One lifetime could not cover all the cool things there are to know about and read about. I love immersing myself in a world that I don’t know, or even better, a world I think I do know but then am given so many details and minutiae that that world seems fresh and new. Seriously, it’s the best! No matter how many things a person studies, no matter how much time they live, no matter how much time they have, there is no way that one person can know all the things. You, my readers, are fully aware of how we compensate for that—we read! We read to learn new things, we read to be enlightened, and we read to live so many lifetimes in just this one. Those that don’t read are missing out on so much, am I right?
This is one of those books that just brought me into the world of something I knew little about. Sure, I’d heard of Faberge eggs. I haven’t seen a real one, of course, although I’ve seen them mentioned here and there and was aware that they were special and beautiful and rare. This book, however, really brought them to light. I learned so many things! One thing that I really enjoyed learning in particular was that there are still missing eggs. They’re still waiting for some from the original collection to be found! Someone must have them! (Is it you? If so—they’re looking for you). I love that there is still missing art out there and that there are discoveries to be made. We live in such a connected world now that it seems like everything has been found and explored and there are no final frontiers. This is not the case, of course, and I love it when something like a beautiful Faberge egg can bring that to light. I really appreciated the author’s expertise in this area, and loved reading the language associated with and descriptions of the Faberge eggs. This made the story feel authentic and rich.
So let’s talk story. I did enjoy the story in this book. It was slow, at times, which was odd because there was actually quite a bit of excitement going on, and it’s a fairly short book, but I think it was an execution issue. However, once the story kicks in and gets going, it is interesting and there is a lot going on. I enjoyed reading about the different characters and their connections to Faberge and to Russia. There were some characters that could have been more fleshed out, and I think that would have added to the richness of the story. There were also a few story lines that were left hanging (particularly one at the end, but maybe that’s for a second book?), but I found the ending to be very satisfying and enjoyable. The book itself would sometimes skip over the minutiae of how things were resolved and just go to the point at which it was resolved, which was okay, actually, Sometimes it’s nice not to have to wade through something. It was an interesting style technique.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that these Faberge eggs were for the Romanovs, and I know that so many people love the Romanovs and find them so interesting and read a lot about them. There is a lot of fiction and non-fiction that deal with the Romanovs, and so if you’ve partaken of that, you can’t miss this for sure!
Overall I enjoyed this book. If you are into art, and especially Russian art and Faberge eggs (and Romanovs!), this is totally a book you should check out. It is well-researched and the author is knowledgeable, which makes it not only interesting, but legit.
Read my full review here: https://readingforsanity.blogspot.com...
February 18, 2021
As a Romanov-phile, I was really excited about the premise of this book. Imagine, a Faberge egg created for Grand Duchess Olga’s 18th birthday and hidden from the world for nearly a century. But Faberge expert Assia is suspicious about its provenance. Returning to Russia, she seeks out her mother’s childhood friend who is a Faberge restorer, only to learn he has apparently committed suicide. Closer examination of the egg makes her even more suspicious, so Assia sets out to prove her mother’s theory that the egg would have been designed and crafted differently.
Oh, did I mention Assia’s mother’s name is also Olga and that she was a Faberge expert, too? Olga was killed in a car accident while Assia was driving, which leads Assia to follow in Olga’s footsteps. Despite honoring Olga by pursuing her passion, Assia’s guilt and remorse permeates her every action, her relationship with her twin sister and father, and her personal life. It gets old.
Russian politics play against history here quite well. But I never felt any connection to Assia or the other secondary characters. There was something clunky about the style, like the author tried to embellish her language when it would have served her better to be more straightforward. There were some chapters that felt misplaced within the narrative as a whole. I enjoyed the story, the sleuthing, and the discoveries that were made, just not how they were presented.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
Oh, did I mention Assia’s mother’s name is also Olga and that she was a Faberge expert, too? Olga was killed in a car accident while Assia was driving, which leads Assia to follow in Olga’s footsteps. Despite honoring Olga by pursuing her passion, Assia’s guilt and remorse permeates her every action, her relationship with her twin sister and father, and her personal life. It gets old.
Russian politics play against history here quite well. But I never felt any connection to Assia or the other secondary characters. There was something clunky about the style, like the author tried to embellish her language when it would have served her better to be more straightforward. There were some chapters that felt misplaced within the narrative as a whole. I enjoyed the story, the sleuthing, and the discoveries that were made, just not how they were presented.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
October 30, 2018
Sophie Law’s debut novel offers every narrative jewel possible to enthrall the reader. We travel from London to St. Petersburg and back again in search of the lost Faberge egg made for Grand Duchess Olga Nikolayevna, the eldest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II.
The heroine of the novel has a less than stellar relationship with her father and her twin sister that is worked into the storyline from beginning to end. My heart nearly broke when the heroine, Anastasia, told her sister, Tatiana, that the reason she is so obsessed with the Tsar and his family is that unlike her own family, they were so full of love for each other.
I enjoyed the mixture of history and present day in this novel, as well as the mystery/conspiracy surrounding the newly discovered egg. I would highly recommend this to everyone.
The heroine of the novel has a less than stellar relationship with her father and her twin sister that is worked into the storyline from beginning to end. My heart nearly broke when the heroine, Anastasia, told her sister, Tatiana, that the reason she is so obsessed with the Tsar and his family is that unlike her own family, they were so full of love for each other.
I enjoyed the mixture of history and present day in this novel, as well as the mystery/conspiracy surrounding the newly discovered egg. I would highly recommend this to everyone.
December 10, 2020
I was completely fascinated with this debut novel by Sophie Law. Olga’s Egg is a novel blending fact with fiction. I always appreciate how fiction brings history to life and after reading Olga’s Egg it’s given my a thirst to learn more about Russian’s history and also the history of Faberge eggs.
Olga’s Egg is a time-slip historical novel about Assia Wynfield, a Faberge specialist, she is investigating the provenance of the newly discovered egg believed to have once belonged to the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, daughter of the last Tsar of Russia. As you can imagine Russia and the art world are buzzing with this discovery but Assia feels that something doesn’t fit right about the piece. We follow Assia’s journey learning about this new egg taking her on an emotional, informative and at times dangerous journey from Russia to Oxford and back.
The author takes us back in time to 1918 when there was much political unrest in Russia and tragedy was to trike leaving a lasting mark in Russia’s history.
The story is filled with the glamour of the rich and powerful in Russia but there is a sense of secrecy and danger amongst the elite. Can Assia find the truth surrounding the egg and can she learn from the secrets of the past?
A suspenseful story steeped with history and intrigue. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the breath-taking splendour of the Faberge egg that was tainted with a dark side.
Olga’s Egg is a time-slip historical novel about Assia Wynfield, a Faberge specialist, she is investigating the provenance of the newly discovered egg believed to have once belonged to the Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, daughter of the last Tsar of Russia. As you can imagine Russia and the art world are buzzing with this discovery but Assia feels that something doesn’t fit right about the piece. We follow Assia’s journey learning about this new egg taking her on an emotional, informative and at times dangerous journey from Russia to Oxford and back.
The author takes us back in time to 1918 when there was much political unrest in Russia and tragedy was to trike leaving a lasting mark in Russia’s history.
The story is filled with the glamour of the rich and powerful in Russia but there is a sense of secrecy and danger amongst the elite. Can Assia find the truth surrounding the egg and can she learn from the secrets of the past?
A suspenseful story steeped with history and intrigue. I really enjoyed this glimpse into the breath-taking splendour of the Faberge egg that was tainted with a dark side.
November 13, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I love Russian history and this was a delightful story that combined the secrets of the past with the present – and I really enjoyed it!
The book is well researched and it is quite clear that the author knows her subject and that made it even more enjoyable for me, I will admit to having a look online at the different Fabergé eggs so the book certainly sparked my interest in that subject!
I loved the different settings in the book, the main characters were well developed and I thought that they worked well together. I found the book easy to read and I had started and finished it the same afternoon.
Four stars from me, a well written story that I really enjoyed!
I love Russian history and this was a delightful story that combined the secrets of the past with the present – and I really enjoyed it!
The book is well researched and it is quite clear that the author knows her subject and that made it even more enjoyable for me, I will admit to having a look online at the different Fabergé eggs so the book certainly sparked my interest in that subject!
I loved the different settings in the book, the main characters were well developed and I thought that they worked well together. I found the book easy to read and I had started and finished it the same afternoon.
Four stars from me, a well written story that I really enjoyed!
September 16, 2019
A "Faberge" tale of mystery.
Anastasia Wynfield is updating a book, written by her mother, on the Russian jeweller Faberge when a previously undiscovered egg appears in Russia. This is a mystery novel with a difference. Sophie Law's love, understanding and study of Faberge is visible in her writing. A very absorbing and exciting mystery.
Anastasia Wynfield is updating a book, written by her mother, on the Russian jeweller Faberge when a previously undiscovered egg appears in Russia. This is a mystery novel with a difference. Sophie Law's love, understanding and study of Faberge is visible in her writing. A very absorbing and exciting mystery.
August 22, 2021
An extra star for the 1917 plotline and the Faberge things, but that was really the only thing I enjoyed about this book. The writing was clunky and I found the characters unlikable; there were too many repetitive comments about the characters’ appearances, for example. I was really excited to read this book, but unfortunately I didn’t end up enjoying it.
June 4, 2019
An enjoyable book.
I didn't connect much with any of the characters and I set the book aside for some time at one point. (But that's just because I read so many books at the same tine)
Nothing gripping or exciting happens, it's just a nice easy read, a nice story.
I didn't connect much with any of the characters and I set the book aside for some time at one point. (But that's just because I read so many books at the same tine)
Nothing gripping or exciting happens, it's just a nice easy read, a nice story.
June 6, 2019
I was worried this book would be a little commercial. However, it was well written and historically accurate. It was a lovely story in every aspect. Wonderful way to commemorate the events that took place 100 years ago.
October 13, 2019
If Russia is a curiosity for you.
If the Romanov tragedy interests you.
If Fabergé fascinates you then this is an entertaining read.
Clever in it's handling of facts, travelling back & forth in time, it is a love story set within a mystery.
If the Romanov tragedy interests you.
If Fabergé fascinates you then this is an entertaining read.
Clever in it's handling of facts, travelling back & forth in time, it is a love story set within a mystery.
June 12, 2019
Loved the setting and historical side of this book. I love it when the author takes time to explain what is real and what is fiction at the end of the book.
November 27, 2019
Read this review and others at https://readingforsanity.blogspot.com...
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