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233rd out of 2,857 books
—
2,375 voters
Destinies
by
Karleene Morrow (Goodreads Author)
Catherine II seizes the imperial crown of Russia and a thousand miles away a Rhineland boy’s life changes forever.
Uprooted from his home near the Rhine River and taken to a hostile land on the Russian steppes, Christian comes up against adversity and setbacks as he attempts to make a new life for himself and his family. His efforts at enlisting a blacksmith and Gypsies to...more
Uprooted from his home near the Rhine River and taken to a hostile land on the Russian steppes, Christian comes up against adversity and setbacks as he attempts to make a new life for himself and his family. His efforts at enlisting a blacksmith and Gypsies to...more
Paperback, 601 pages
Published
June 20th 2012
by Createspace
(first published June 13th 2011)
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I am a huge fan of Russian literature and historical fiction set in Russia, so when I was offered this book for review, I didn't hesitate. The parallel/intertwining stories remind me of The Pillars of the Earth. I became very invested in the characters and the arch of the storyline.
I loved the character Christian. He was the wonderful mix of the traditional values that his parents had instilled in him and a progressive adaptability to his new life in Russia. He's also kind of a typical teenager....more
I loved the character Christian. He was the wonderful mix of the traditional values that his parents had instilled in him and a progressive adaptability to his new life in Russia. He's also kind of a typical teenager....more
This is my historical novel - I list it as excellent because if I didn't think so, why should you?
Destinies is an epic tale of royalty and rural family. Catherine seizes the crown of Russia and a thousand miles away a Rhineland boy's life is changed forever. This is Catherine’s story, her private and personal insecurities; her public genius as a sovereign. Through ten years of her lover’s abuses, betrayals and humiliations, Catherine is a woman--tender, fragile, giving. But as she turns on th...more
Destinies is an epic tale of royalty and rural family. Catherine seizes the crown of Russia and a thousand miles away a Rhineland boy's life is changed forever. This is Catherine’s story, her private and personal insecurities; her public genius as a sovereign. Through ten years of her lover’s abuses, betrayals and humiliations, Catherine is a woman--tender, fragile, giving. But as she turns on th...more
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Destinies, by Karleene Morrow is a historical fiction book revolving around the Czarina Katherine II, better known as Katherine the Great. As a historical scholar and fan, I was immediately intrigued by this book and excited to give it a read. When I was in college, I remember being absolutely fascinated by Katherine the Great, finding her one of the most intriguing female leaders in history. I expected the book to have heavy romance undertones, as dear Katherine was rather famous for her conque...more
I began reading "Destinies" by Karleene Morrow, not knowing quite what to expect. The settlement by German colonists around the area of the Russian Volga, during the reign of Katherine the Great, was an episode of history of which I knew nothing.
After a couple of pages it was clear that Karleene Morrow is a skilled story-teller. By the end of the first chapter it was equally clear she had a fascinating story to tell. The narrative switches from the court of Katherine to the harsh frontier of the...more
After a couple of pages it was clear that Karleene Morrow is a skilled story-teller. By the end of the first chapter it was equally clear she had a fascinating story to tell. The narrative switches from the court of Katherine to the harsh frontier of the...more
I finished Destinies yesterday and feel like I’ve lost an old friend. I’m in that floating period that comes after finishing a good book: I’m mulling over its scenes, characters, and settings. I’m also wondering what on earth I’ll do until I find another book that carries me away so completely.
Destinies is an epic of sweeping scope that reminds me of famous works about Russia, Dr. Zhivago, for instance. Destinies presents a very original twist on life in Mother Russia and is remarkable in its or...more
Destinies is an epic of sweeping scope that reminds me of famous works about Russia, Dr. Zhivago, for instance. Destinies presents a very original twist on life in Mother Russia and is remarkable in its or...more
The Good…
Normally I wouldn’t pick up a historical fiction simply because it is outside of my normal genre reading. This is one time I’m very glad I took the risk. If my history classes had been anything like this book I probably would have aced every test. We follow two storylines that often intersect and both are riveting.
Catherine’s story reminded me of a Doctor Who episode where the Doctor and his companions are able to look into the life of Madame D’Pompadour during certain points in her lif...more
Normally I wouldn’t pick up a historical fiction simply because it is outside of my normal genre reading. This is one time I’m very glad I took the risk. If my history classes had been anything like this book I probably would have aced every test. We follow two storylines that often intersect and both are riveting.
Catherine’s story reminded me of a Doctor Who episode where the Doctor and his companions are able to look into the life of Madame D’Pompadour during certain points in her lif...more
BEC'S REVIEW
Historical novels are a tricky subject to get right. Unlike most novels they require a lot of research in order to ensure that events and characters stay as close to their real life counterparts as possible, and that those who have researched or know of the characters won’t get upset by them acting in strange ways. As such it’s a genre not every author can pull off but one that Morrow does with such ease. I found myself eagerly turning the pages of this book and finishing it in a sho...more
Historical novels are a tricky subject to get right. Unlike most novels they require a lot of research in order to ensure that events and characters stay as close to their real life counterparts as possible, and that those who have researched or know of the characters won’t get upset by them acting in strange ways. As such it’s a genre not every author can pull off but one that Morrow does with such ease. I found myself eagerly turning the pages of this book and finishing it in a sho...more
Becoming the Empress and Ruler of All the Russians, Sophie Auguste Friedrike, was only fourteen when her mother made sure she became princess of Russia. The tsarina of Russia, Elizabeth Petrovna, was searching for a wife for her nephew who would inherit the crown.
Leaving her small town of Stettin, Poland, she met the tsarina and her heir in Russia. In 1762 Sophie became Katherine II.
Known as Katherine the Great, the Empress was literate, cultured, and loved the arts. Throughout Destinies, Karlee...more
Leaving her small town of Stettin, Poland, she met the tsarina and her heir in Russia. In 1762 Sophie became Katherine II.
Known as Katherine the Great, the Empress was literate, cultured, and loved the arts. Throughout Destinies, Karlee...more
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Take a blender. Pour a dose of facts, another dose of fiction, some amazing characters, some romance, a dash of conspiracy & violence and some suspense. Blend it all and you get “Destinies” as a result!
The protagonist of this novel is Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great. She was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 1762 until her death in 1796. Ms.Morrow has managed to keep her character very real & true to the original person. She i...more
The protagonist of this novel is Catherine II, also known as Catherine the Great. She was the most renowned and the longest-ruling female leader of Russia, reigning from 1762 until her death in 1796. Ms.Morrow has managed to keep her character very real & true to the original person. She i...more
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A lavish Russian saga you can certainly sink your teeth into!
Russia’s Catherine the Great is depicted in a historically-accurate yet fictionally fleshed-out manner, making history come alive in a smart, needy woman who ignores the peasantry and doesn’t understand the heart of the country she’s ruling. Her intriguing story is contrasted with that of a fictional immigrant boy and his family who have come from Germany looking for a better life. The substantial characters are unusually well-develope...more
Russia’s Catherine the Great is depicted in a historically-accurate yet fictionally fleshed-out manner, making history come alive in a smart, needy woman who ignores the peasantry and doesn’t understand the heart of the country she’s ruling. Her intriguing story is contrasted with that of a fictional immigrant boy and his family who have come from Germany looking for a better life. The substantial characters are unusually well-develope...more
This historical novel is written with such grace, compassion and attention to detail that it is like no other I have read before. The story is expressed from two viewpoints, Katherine II, Empress of Russia and Christian Kehler a young boy who departs Germany with his family for a better life in Russia.
Katherine II, Empress of Russia, offers free land and homes to those who come to Russia. She is a strong, complex woman who wishes to populate Russia's Eastern frontier. Her personal love exploits...more
Katherine II, Empress of Russia, offers free land and homes to those who come to Russia. She is a strong, complex woman who wishes to populate Russia's Eastern frontier. Her personal love exploits...more
1 like · like · see review
I haven't read this book yet. I purchased it to support a friend from the Pomeranian World. This winter during a stormy day I plan to settle in and enjoy this read.
This is a captivating historical novel full of action and drama. The differences between the classes of society drive the plot and keep you wanting to read more.
Full review available at http://darleneelizabethwilliamsauthor...
Obviously well reasearched historical novel. A good blend of true and fictional characters.
Mar 15, 2013
Barb
added it
Really enjoyed the story of the immigrants from Germany. Actually skimmed the latter section re: Katherine, found rather boring and going nowhere. Not blended well with immigrants, almost like two stories.
Jun 15, 2013
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