Scan barcode
jbridges99's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book that I might not have found had it not been for a GoodReads giveaway. It was about a historical period that I was not as familiar with and I enjoyed learning more about the history of that time through Moura's story. I was amazed by all she had to endure and her ability to find a way to survive and care for all those who depended on her. I liked the way the author blended the historical information with speculation on what may have been made it easy to read. In parts it seemed a little long but overall I thoroughly enjoyed it.
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
2.0
In her intro, Alexandra Lapierre says that after diving intensely into the life of Maura Budburg, she realized that they only way to express her life was through fiction. Unfortunately, Lapierre doesn't seem to have the knack of an historical novelist to put herself in her subject's head and try to understand her motivation or feelings. This novel is related, not experienced. The writing is a flat, uncomfortable fiction/bio hybrid.
This is a shame because if anyone lived a rich, conflicted, and thrilling life, it was Baroness Budburg. I hope someone else will pick up the thread and give her the exploration she deserves.
Very disappointing. I made it 26% through before giving up.
~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
This is a shame because if anyone lived a rich, conflicted, and thrilling life, it was Baroness Budburg. I hope someone else will pick up the thread and give her the exploration she deserves.
Very disappointing. I made it 26% through before giving up.
~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
trix898's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
jennie_cole's review against another edition
2.0
The Woman of a Thousand Names is a historical fiction novel about Baroness Moura Budbeg. It is an epic story that spans decades and several rebirths. Moura's story goes from her first marriage in Estonia to an affair with a British spy during Lenon's revolution in Russia to Gorky's companion in Italy to a final friendship with H.G. Wells in London. Through all of this the question is who's spy is she if anyone's.
The story really flows from one relationship to another and it is these relationships that transform her into a new version of herself. She will also do what she needs to in order to survive whether it be lie to friends, play the cheka, or give up secrets.
I really enjoy historical fiction but this is not one that ended up high on my list. While I wanted to be drawn into this story it was almost too much for me stay engaged fully. The other issue I had is that while it is fiction there are times where I questioned that Moura knew these people and at the end it became very non-fiction, list format. It was the lets cram the last 3-4 decades of her life in but the novel is already too long so we will just list of what happened.
I know there are people out there that will love this one but I feel like instead of having everything in one book there should have been a more refined focus.
The story really flows from one relationship to another and it is these relationships that transform her into a new version of herself. She will also do what she needs to in order to survive whether it be lie to friends, play the cheka, or give up secrets.
I really enjoy historical fiction but this is not one that ended up high on my list. While I wanted to be drawn into this story it was almost too much for me stay engaged fully. The other issue I had is that while it is fiction there are times where I questioned that Moura knew these people and at the end it became very non-fiction, list format. It was the lets cram the last 3-4 decades of her life in but the novel is already too long so we will just list of what happened.
I know there are people out there that will love this one but I feel like instead of having everything in one book there should have been a more refined focus.
varusollu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
nikkiethereader's review against another edition
5.0
About: Moura was very happy with her life. She had all she could ever want and need. When something unexpected happens, she finds herself fleeing from everything she knows. She changes her name constantly and keeps going every so often. She also catches the attention of many people. Especially men who all claim that they were greatly in love with her.
Plot: The first part of this book was so very boring to me. I didn't think I was going to get through it. I must have started the book over four times! I stuck with it though. I can be stubborn sometimes. The book looked so good! I'm glad I did. It does get better. It's not as intense and action-packed as I thought it was going to be, but it was still an amazing read. It's also loosely based on a real person from what I understand.
Characters: I'm not really sure how to judge here. They were all fantastic characters. Some of the women were a little too forward written in my opinion considering the time that the book is supposed to be set in. That's not really an issue though. I'm sure there were a lot of progressive women through all times in life. It's how we have moved forward as a country.
Narration: This book is narrated by Lisa Flanagan. She did a really great job with the narration. She sounded really elegant. I felt like I was actually a part of the story thanks to her narration. I have a physical copy of the book. Or had as I gifted it to my mom. But I preferred the audiobook.
Suggestions: None
Recommend: Yes
Plot: The first part of this book was so very boring to me. I didn't think I was going to get through it. I must have started the book over four times! I stuck with it though. I can be stubborn sometimes. The book looked so good! I'm glad I did. It does get better. It's not as intense and action-packed as I thought it was going to be, but it was still an amazing read. It's also loosely based on a real person from what I understand.
Characters: I'm not really sure how to judge here. They were all fantastic characters. Some of the women were a little too forward written in my opinion considering the time that the book is supposed to be set in. That's not really an issue though. I'm sure there were a lot of progressive women through all times in life. It's how we have moved forward as a country.
Narration: This book is narrated by Lisa Flanagan. She did a really great job with the narration. She sounded really elegant. I felt like I was actually a part of the story thanks to her narration. I have a physical copy of the book. Or had as I gifted it to my mom. But I preferred the audiobook.
Suggestions: None
Recommend: Yes
kalayk's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookcrazyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
The Woman of a Thousand Names follows the true story of Moura Zakrevskaya, the favored and spoiled youngest daughter of a noble Russian family. The novel follows her throughout her life alongside a history of Russia from just before the Revolution through to post-WWII. Moura is what’s known as a White Russian, part of the Russian nobility. She’s also intelligent, beautiful and charismatic. The novel follows her as she makes stupid decisions by having affairs with men in power and also follows her ability to survive in Revolution-era Russia, when the Bolsheviks were busy executing all of her known associates. Basically what could have been a very cool story (Moura being accused of being a double/triple/quadruple agent) not to mention the history, turned into a recitation of how many powerful and famous guys she got dicked down by. This is a woman who could have done something great with what was happening but she was too weak to actually pick a side, choosing instead to have sex with any guy who looked at her. The novel is dry in places and I was frustrated by the main characters complete lack of doing anything with her life but the history was fascinating to read about.
More...