the pearl by Douglas Smith

This is a fascinating and well-researched history of a famous serf opera singer who went on to marry one of the wealthiest Russian nobles of the time. The book goes into some detail about the history and practice of serf theater, which is something I've never heard of, and of the institution of serfdom in general. I've read a fair amount of modern Russian history, specifically about the revolution but this is a topic I was totally unfamilar with and a very unique story. Most shocking about it is that it's true! the pearl is the stage name of Praskovia Kovalyova, born a serf (or slave) to Count Nicholas Sheremetev in Russia during the time of Catherine the Great. With his backing and training provided by him, she develops into an incredibly gifted singer and actress. They become lovers, eventually marry, she gives birth to his only heir and then dies probably of sepsis contracted through childbirth. Their union challenges all the beliefs of social order of the time. They both pay a high price for their relationship but eventually become an example of a new order of how society must be organized. I enjoyed reading this very much.