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The Pearl: A True Tale of Forbidden Love in Catherine the Great's Russia
Filled with a remarkable cast of characters and set against the backdrop of imperial Russia, this tale of forbidden romance could be the stuff of a great historical novel. But in fact The Pearl tells a true tale, reconstructed in part from archival documents that have lain untouched for centuries. Douglas Smith presents the most complete and accurate account ever written of the illicit love between Count Nicholas Sheremetev (1751-1809), Russia’s richest aristocrat, and Praskovia Kovalyova (1768-1803), his serf and the greatest opera diva of her time.
Blessed with a beautiful voice, Praskovia began her training in Nicholas’s operatic company as a young girl. Like all the members of Nicholas’s troupe, Praskovia was one of his own serfs. But unlike the others, she utterly captured her master’s heart. The book reconstructs Praskovia’s stage career as �The Pearl” and the heartbreaking details of her romance with Nicholas—years of torment before their secret marriage, the outrage of the aristocracy when news of the marriage emerged, Praskovia’s death only days after delivering a son, and the unyielding despair that followed Nicholas to the end of his life. Written with grace and style, The Pearl sheds light on the world of the Russian aristocracy, music history, and Russian attitudes toward serfdom. But above all, the book tells a haunting story of love against all odds.
Blessed with a beautiful voice, Praskovia began her training in Nicholas’s operatic company as a young girl. Like all the members of Nicholas’s troupe, Praskovia was one of his own serfs. But unlike the others, she utterly captured her master’s heart. The book reconstructs Praskovia’s stage career as �The Pearl” and the heartbreaking details of her romance with Nicholas—years of torment before their secret marriage, the outrage of the aristocracy when news of the marriage emerged, Praskovia’s death only days after delivering a son, and the unyielding despair that followed Nicholas to the end of his life. Written with grace and style, The Pearl sheds light on the world of the Russian aristocracy, music history, and Russian attitudes toward serfdom. But above all, the book tells a haunting story of love against all odds.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 27, 2008
11 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Smith
6 books122 followersDouglas Smith is an awarding-winning historian and translator and the author of four books on Russia. He studied German and Russian at the University of Vermont and has a doctorate in history from UCLA.
Over the past twenty-five years Smith has made many trips to Russia. In the 1980s, he was a Russian-speaking guide on the U. S. State Department’s exhibition “Information USA” that traveled throughout the USSR. He has worked as a Soviet affairs analyst at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich, Germany specializing in Russian nationalism and served as an interpreter for late President Reagan.
Smith has taught and lectured widely in the United States, Britain, and Europe and has appeared in documentaries for A&E and National Geographic. He is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including a Fulbright scholarship and a residency at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Study Center.
His latest book, Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy, was published in 2012 with Farrar, Straus and Giroux in the U.S. and Macmillan in the U.K. Read an interview with Douglas Smith about Former People and listen to his interview on KUOW Radio.
Douglas Smith is currently writing a biography of Grigory Rasputin to be published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in 2016.
Over the past twenty-five years Smith has made many trips to Russia. In the 1980s, he was a Russian-speaking guide on the U. S. State Department’s exhibition “Information USA” that traveled throughout the USSR. He has worked as a Soviet affairs analyst at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Munich, Germany specializing in Russian nationalism and served as an interpreter for late President Reagan.
Smith has taught and lectured widely in the United States, Britain, and Europe and has appeared in documentaries for A&E and National Geographic. He is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions, including a Fulbright scholarship and a residency at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Study Center.
His latest book, Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy, was published in 2012 with Farrar, Straus and Giroux in the U.S. and Macmillan in the U.K. Read an interview with Douglas Smith about Former People and listen to his interview on KUOW Radio.
Douglas Smith is currently writing a biography of Grigory Rasputin to be published by Farrar, Straus & Giroux in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 9, 2009
I found The Pearl, by Douglas Smith, to be very interesting and thought provoking. Smith tells the true story of a Russian Count, Count Nicholas (Nikolai) Sheremetev, who lived during the time of Catherine the Great and her two immediate successors, and his love for and eventual marriage to a serf girl, Praskovia, whom he'd raised and trained to be a virtuoso singer and actress.
I was amazed by the background that Smith recounts: first, I could not and still cannot fathom the amount of wealth possessed by the Sheremetev family. Nicholas, for example, owned at least 60,000 serfs and grand estates that comprised entire villages. The wealthiest slave owner in the U.S. before the Civil War owned no more than 1,000 slaves. I was also astounded to read of the rise of serf theatrical troupes, orchestras, dancers, and choruses. Wealthy noblemen like the Sheremetevs prided themselves on their serf theaters, and expended enormous sums of money on training and educating the most talented of their serfs, and on building theaters and mounting productions in which the serfs performed. These serf actors, dancers, and musicians really were the foundation on which Russia's cultural and artistic wealth was based.
The story of Praskovia's and Nicholas's love is very sad; it took Nicholas some twenty years to decide to marry her. It took him that long to overcome his class prejudices. Both Praskovia and Nicholas suffered from terrible illnesses and physical ailments that are hard to imagine in this day and age. (What is a catarrh? What is a fistula? I had to look them up). When she was working as an actress and singer, Praskovia was kept busy and occupied. After her health prevented her from performing any longer, she was solely occupied in being Nicholas's mistress. As a serf-born mistress of the wealthiest aristocrat in Russia, she was isolated both from her world and from his. Finally, they married when she was pregnant with their only child; she died about a month after the child was born. Nicholas died a few years later.
I was amazed by the background that Smith recounts: first, I could not and still cannot fathom the amount of wealth possessed by the Sheremetev family. Nicholas, for example, owned at least 60,000 serfs and grand estates that comprised entire villages. The wealthiest slave owner in the U.S. before the Civil War owned no more than 1,000 slaves. I was also astounded to read of the rise of serf theatrical troupes, orchestras, dancers, and choruses. Wealthy noblemen like the Sheremetevs prided themselves on their serf theaters, and expended enormous sums of money on training and educating the most talented of their serfs, and on building theaters and mounting productions in which the serfs performed. These serf actors, dancers, and musicians really were the foundation on which Russia's cultural and artistic wealth was based.
The story of Praskovia's and Nicholas's love is very sad; it took Nicholas some twenty years to decide to marry her. It took him that long to overcome his class prejudices. Both Praskovia and Nicholas suffered from terrible illnesses and physical ailments that are hard to imagine in this day and age. (What is a catarrh? What is a fistula? I had to look them up). When she was working as an actress and singer, Praskovia was kept busy and occupied. After her health prevented her from performing any longer, she was solely occupied in being Nicholas's mistress. As a serf-born mistress of the wealthiest aristocrat in Russia, she was isolated both from her world and from his. Finally, they married when she was pregnant with their only child; she died about a month after the child was born. Nicholas died a few years later.
December 12, 2018
The picture on the cover has all the dark tones of a portrait of royalty, the kind hanging along the main hallway of the palace. The man on the cover wears a coat that drapes to the floor. And a bonnet with a ruffled edge. And he's pregnant.
Oh, oh, wait, that's not a man? It's a woman, the mistress of a Russian nobleman? Well, clearly beauty standards have changed since the 1780s.
The Pearl by Douglas Smith attempts a biography of Praskovia, the daughter of a blacksmith, given away to serfdom at the estate of the rich playboy Nicholas Sheremetev. Sheremetev just couldn't seem to fall in love with anybody of his own class, because that pretty little servant girl in his house captivated him so.
She became the nobleman's hobby.
Not only was she considered a great beauty in her day. She also sang like an angel. Nicholas built theaters for her to perform in. He had his friends order the latest plays from Paris, complete with costumes and intricate stage drawings.
Which became the nobleman's other hobby. I can't tell which he loved better. But he managed to fit them together nicely.
The love story failed to draw me in. But I really liked the chapter on serf theater. Theater as I know it always suffers from high competition (in the professional ranks) and absenteeism from rehearsals (in the amateur ranks). Pharmacists and school teachers can't seem to find the time to be dancing dandies. And this is not to mention funding, in both ranks. Wouldn't it be nice if a nobleman took it on himself to build the house, underwrite the costumes, invite his friends (the tsar, the empress, etc) to watch the show? Wouldn't it be wonderful if he pulled you out of your parlor duties and sent you to the singing and dancing lessons that readied you for the stage?
Well, maybe not. The serfs still had to serve dinner to the tsar, the empress and the rest of the company, before donning their costumes and make-up. And sometimes the master sat out in the audience, heckling you. Can't you hit the high notes? Look at the clumsy way you dance! And you couldn't slap him, couldn't walk off to the next town, couldn't do anything but throw in a couple ad-lib lines with veiled but pointed meaning, for which you would probably be punished later.
It was a pretty good chapter. It just didn't redeem the whole biography. And Smith had pretty vague information to go on anyway.
I tried hard, but never finished his opus.
Oh, oh, wait, that's not a man? It's a woman, the mistress of a Russian nobleman? Well, clearly beauty standards have changed since the 1780s.
The Pearl by Douglas Smith attempts a biography of Praskovia, the daughter of a blacksmith, given away to serfdom at the estate of the rich playboy Nicholas Sheremetev. Sheremetev just couldn't seem to fall in love with anybody of his own class, because that pretty little servant girl in his house captivated him so.
She became the nobleman's hobby.
Not only was she considered a great beauty in her day. She also sang like an angel. Nicholas built theaters for her to perform in. He had his friends order the latest plays from Paris, complete with costumes and intricate stage drawings.
Which became the nobleman's other hobby. I can't tell which he loved better. But he managed to fit them together nicely.
The love story failed to draw me in. But I really liked the chapter on serf theater. Theater as I know it always suffers from high competition (in the professional ranks) and absenteeism from rehearsals (in the amateur ranks). Pharmacists and school teachers can't seem to find the time to be dancing dandies. And this is not to mention funding, in both ranks. Wouldn't it be nice if a nobleman took it on himself to build the house, underwrite the costumes, invite his friends (the tsar, the empress, etc) to watch the show? Wouldn't it be wonderful if he pulled you out of your parlor duties and sent you to the singing and dancing lessons that readied you for the stage?
Well, maybe not. The serfs still had to serve dinner to the tsar, the empress and the rest of the company, before donning their costumes and make-up. And sometimes the master sat out in the audience, heckling you. Can't you hit the high notes? Look at the clumsy way you dance! And you couldn't slap him, couldn't walk off to the next town, couldn't do anything but throw in a couple ad-lib lines with veiled but pointed meaning, for which you would probably be punished later.
It was a pretty good chapter. It just didn't redeem the whole biography. And Smith had pretty vague information to go on anyway.
I tried hard, but never finished his opus.
April 27, 2013
I had never heard of the serf theaters or knew how tightly the 'caste' system was established in Russia. An interesting read because of our upcoming trip to St. Petersburg.
May 6, 2023
There are very few books in English that focus on Russian nobility (while there are plenty on the tsars). Douglas Smith wrote Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy in which he showed how that nobility was systematically wiped out after 1917, however in The Pearl he plunges right into what was probably the most spectacular time for that same privileged class. The unusual story of a nobleman and a serf getting married serves the narrative as a sort of Ariadne´s yarn, as the book provides quite a detailed and fascinating description of the phenomenon that was the serf-theater. The author does not paint the affair as a romantic fairytale, acknowledging facts like Praskovia being figuratively her lover´s property, the age difference (which, back then, was not really seen as an issue), and the power dynamics. I found the subject very interesting and the writing clear and infused with enough poetry of language not to be dry and academic.
August 25, 2016
I had previously read and enjoyed the author's follow-up to this book ("Former People) and was struck by the story of Count Nicholas and his serf-turned-opera-star-turned-wife Praskovia, so I decided to check out "The Pearl." Theirs was an incredibly poignant love story. I couldn't put this book down and was sad when it ended as I had become attached to the two protagonists, particularly Praskovia, who seems to have been a sweet and devout person. I admired Nicholas as well and found it interesting to see his views change as his love for Praskovia grew deeper. His heartbreak at her death and efforts to memorialize her stuck with me.
I hope that Smith writes about tsarist Russia again because I would definitely be interested in reading anything else he writes about the period.
I hope that Smith writes about tsarist Russia again because I would definitely be interested in reading anything else he writes about the period.
January 23, 2021
This is my 2nd book from Douglas Smith, being "Former People" the 1st one, a rollercoaster of emotions if any. Ever since I knew he had this one written too, I wanted to buy it, and yet so many other books came first. Perhaps, it was one of those cases were my hopes were set really high, and what I found didn't manage to convince as much.
I know it took him years to track down whatever evidence was left after the "sanitazing" did from both her husband, and son. Add to that a revolution, and on top of that Russian Communism, and not much was left. Therefore it was his personal triumph to be able to produce this exemplar of Russian history.
I believe what I wrote before had much to do with my opinion on the book, there were almost nothing left for him to find, and it did require much imagining on his side to connect the dots, and those were the chapters that made me actually bored, and why it took almost a month to finish this book. The Serfs' Theather history was interesting but having 3 full, and long, chapters dedicated to those made me skip reading a lot on those to be able to move back to the main history, after that, I'm glad to say, it picked up.
All in all, this has all the ingredients to become either a miniseries or a long movie, I dare say it will never happen, even if I know there is a Russian version, it was coloured by communism and you can imagine how that played out.
I know it took him years to track down whatever evidence was left after the "sanitazing" did from both her husband, and son. Add to that a revolution, and on top of that Russian Communism, and not much was left. Therefore it was his personal triumph to be able to produce this exemplar of Russian history.
I believe what I wrote before had much to do with my opinion on the book, there were almost nothing left for him to find, and it did require much imagining on his side to connect the dots, and those were the chapters that made me actually bored, and why it took almost a month to finish this book. The Serfs' Theather history was interesting but having 3 full, and long, chapters dedicated to those made me skip reading a lot on those to be able to move back to the main history, after that, I'm glad to say, it picked up.
All in all, this has all the ingredients to become either a miniseries or a long movie, I dare say it will never happen, even if I know there is a Russian version, it was coloured by communism and you can imagine how that played out.
May 1, 2020
A very intimate "small" true story written with incredible detailed research that it almost overwhelms the actual tale. But anyone interested in Imperial Russia in the 18 th century should read this. Douglas Smith yet again proofs to be an amazing storyteller and researcher. Beautifully moving and tenderly written. It's a sad story.
March 1, 2025
This was a really beautifully written book. The love story between Nicholas Sheremetev and his serf Praskovia is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Douglas Smith has given us a true masterpiece, evoking scenes from Russia's musical past. This is a book for all who enjoy theatrical history as well as a good love story.
October 13, 2018
Probably would have enjoyed it more if I hadnt of had to read it so fast for class
January 7, 2019
Another great assigned reading from a college history course. It is a story of theater and music that tells the larger picture of serfdom and aristocracy in Russia.
November 24, 2025
the kind of history i love
December 9, 2008
More historical drama, this time set in Russia. Douglas Smith writes with a unique biographical style - interspersing the text and primary source references with explanations of how gaps are filled in based upon his generous understanding of the era, the culture, and the persons involved. This book is also great for music lovers - it will show how easily Russia transformed into one of the cultural riches of Europe in the 19th century as a result of the nobles' pursuits and incorporation of serfs in its first "cultural" revolution.
January 1, 2016
The Pearl, by Douglas Smith, is much more than the reconstructed life of Russian Count Nikolai Sheremetev during the time of Catherine the Great and her two successors, and his love and marriage to a serf girl who became an opera singer. This well research book tells of life in Russia during the 18th century through the Sheremetev family, the richest in Russia at the time, and their serfdom, and gives a detailed account of the rise of serfs theaters, orchestras, dancers and choruses at the origin of the great Russian theater culture. A fascinating read.
July 21, 2008
Tragic love story, history lessons on Russia's serf system and its noble class, plus the birth of Russian theatre. What's not to like?
Er, well, I can't put my finger on it right now, but something was off. It just didn't have that can't-put-it-down quality. Overwritten, maybe?
Still, I did manage to enjoy it, even if I did keep putting it down to play Bejeweled on the computer.
Er, well, I can't put my finger on it right now, but something was off. It just didn't have that can't-put-it-down quality. Overwritten, maybe?
Still, I did manage to enjoy it, even if I did keep putting it down to play Bejeweled on the computer.
March 3, 2012
The tale of the illicit love affair-turned-marriage between Count Nicholas Sheremetov, Russia's richest aristocrat during the reign of Catherine the Great, and the beautiful serf Praskovia Kovalyova, the greatest opera diva of her age is one of scandal, determination and intrigue. Smith does a terrific job of setting the scene and providing the details of the lovers' lives. Eighteenth century Russia is a far country indeed.
November 8, 2008
This book tells of an 18c. Russian nobleman and the serf he fell in love with and eventually married. I found the history of the rise of Russian opera and theater enlightening, as well as the exploration of politics and classicism--and a nice balance to the love story.
February 21, 2011
A good history of the serf/noble dynamic in 18th century Russia. The book was not wholly chronoligal, but instead meandered from topic to topic as they affected the lives of the main characters. Interesting, but I'm not sure I would read more.
September 29, 2008
Good history and an interesting story, but it needed something more to make it as memorable as it should have been. I would have loved to see someone turn this into a novel!
February 22, 2009
A detailed look at serf theatre in general and Praskovia in particular, this book wears its academic nature and in-depth research lightly and is a real page-turner.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews