CATHERINE THE GREAT Portrait of a Woman

Those who love history, biography, and fine storytelling will soon be immersed in this superb production. Catherine the Great is one of history’s most compelling figures, and the author is one of our most esteemed popular historians. Mark Deakins does both credit with a reading that is brisk and dramatic and that, not incidentally, relieves the listener of the burden of dealing with all those long Russian names. The production is flavored but not flooded with the vigor and expressiveness of the Russian language. Massie is a masterful storyteller who makes plain at all times who is who and what role he or she plays. He has a remarkable story to tell, and he knows how to tell it to maximum effect. Working with such exemplary material, Deakins turns in an enthralling performance. D.A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]