In the Russian winter of 1878 a shy; aristocratic young woman named Vera Zasulich walked into the office of the governor of St. Petersburg; pulled a revolver from underneath her shawl; and shot General Fedor Trepov point blank. "Revenge!;" she cried; for the governor's brutal treatment of a political prisoner. Her trial for murder later that year became Russia's "trial of the century;" closely followed by people all across Europe and America. On the day of the trial; huge crowds packed the courtroom. The cream of Russian society; attired in the finery of the day; arrived to witness the theatrical testimony and deliberations in the case of the young angel of vengeance. After the trial; Vera became a celebrated martyr for all social classes in Russia and became the public face of a burgeoning revolutionary fervor. Dostoyevsky (who attended the trial); Turgenev; Engels; and even Oscar Wilde all wrote about her extraordinary case. Her astonishing acquittal was celebrated across Europe; crowds filled the streets and the decision marked the changing face of Russia. After fleeing to Switzerland; Vera Zasulich became Russia's most famous "terroristka;" inspiring a whole generation of Russian and European revolutionaries to embrace violence and martyrdom. Her influence led to a series of acts that collectively became part of "the age of assassinations." In the now-forgotten story of Russia's most notorious terrorist; Ana Siljak captures Vera's extraordinary life story--from privileged child of nobility to revolutionary conspirator; from assassin to martyr to socialist icon and saint-- while colorfully evoking the drama of one of the world's most closely watched trials and a Russia where political celebrities held sway.
#38454 in Books Packard; Jerrold M. 1999-12-23 1999-12-23Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 .36 x .4 x 6.16l; 1.00 #File Name: 0312244967370 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. PULL BACK THE ROYAL CURTAINBy purrkzOur book discussion group chose this and I was reluctant to read it. Still; one must be a willing member and I will admit; once I started it kept my interest. Once i got the five daughters straight it was even more interesting as their distinctive personalities emerged. I thought I knew a lot about Victoria and her family; but this book convinced me I knew very little. Some of the behind-the-scenes gossip was definitely new to me. What these five women went through because of being princesses made me convinced I'm more than glad I'm a commoner.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Good British HistoryBy Kate70This book will remain permanently in my library. I have always found Victoria's family to be interesting as there is hardly a royal around Europe who is not related indirectly to this iconic queen of England. The text thoroughly covers all five of her daughters' lives; and I learned a great deal about the lineage of each. In an easy to read text; the writer takes the reader through a chronological tour of the family's fortunes and misfortunes; weaving each daughter into the saga as the years pass.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. and it's a good read. I wanted to learn even moreBy Debra TurnerI learned new details about Victoria's daughters; and it's a good read. I wanted to learn even more; but when writing about 5 people as opposed to just one; a writer must limit what to write or the book would be in volumes. It's a great book to start with; then look for other books on each individual daughter might be the way to go. If you begin; the book will peak your interest and hold you're attention: and you will likely want to finish it.
