
In the glittering salons of late‑19th‑century Russia, a strikingly pretty but frivolous young woman named Mimi finds herself swept into a marriage that promises both comfort and intrigue. The narrative follows her light‑hearted attempts to balance societal expectations, flirtations with a cultured aristocrat, and the gentle pressure of a devoted mother who strives to smooth every obstacle in her daughter's path. Through witty dialogue and keen observation, the story paints a lively picture of a social circle where appearances often hide deeper emptiness.
The novel also introduces Vava, Mimi’s introspective cousin, whose love of solitude in the Caucasian woods offers a quiet counterpoint to the bustling city life. Supporting characters—ranging from the self‑effacing mother to the polished yet morally ambiguous lover—are rendered with sharp humor and a touch of melancholy. The author's satirical eye uncovers the contradictions of a class obsessed with propriety, making the tale both amusing and thought‑provoking for listeners who enjoy a glimpse into a world of elegant folly.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (254K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Marc D'Hooghe at Free Literature (Images generously made available by the Internet Archive.)
Release date
2018-03-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1857–1936
A Russian novelist and playwright who often wrote under the pen name V. Mikulich, she is remembered for fiction that brought her into the literary life of late imperial Russia. Her work and public presence linked her to some of the major cultural figures of her time.
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