Katarina Velika

The book follows the journey of Sophie Augusta Friederike of Anhalt-Zerbst, a German princess, from humble beginnings to her transformation into one of the most powerful rulers in Europe. Olivier describes her arrival at the Russian court, her marriage to Peter III, and the coup that took her to the throne in 1762.

The novel explores Catherine’s political genius, her reforms in education, law, and administration, and her role in the expansion of the Russian Empire. Particular attention is paid to her love affairs, including those with Grigory Orlov and Potemkin, which influenced her reign.

Olivier portrays Catherine as a complex figure—an enlightened ruler, but also a woman caught up in ambition and court intrigue. The book combines historical fact with narrative vividness, highlighting Catherine’s ability to govern in a male-dominated world, her contribution to the Enlightenment, and the controversies surrounding her private life.