To Dream of Snow
Adult/High School–Marguerite, an expert needlewoman, becomes the personal embroiderer for Empress Elizabeth and makes friends with her daughter-in-law, who will later become Catherine the Great. The political intrigue, unusual royal personalities, and Marguerite's personal life keep the plot moving quickly. She has three male friends; will one become her husband? The period and the Russian winter truly come to life as Laker brings in the setting and the background gradually and painlessly. Although there are many characters, they are all well drawn. Readers get to know the common people through the lives of the seamstresses, and become all too familiar with the excesses of power, drink, and wealth of the royalty. These latter personalities are intriguing; some students may be motivated to do additional research because what seems like fiction is actually true. An excellent choice for students learning about Imperial Russia.–Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.