A cousin of the Romanov family, Zoya begins a challenging life when she is forced to leave Russia with her grandmother during the revolution.

From there, Zoya finds brief moments of happiness, but always punctuated with another tragedy. Thankfully, Zoya finally finds peace in her life in her old age.

I felt so bad for Zoya since tragedy after tragedy keeps befalling her! I'm just glad this has a happy ending.

I read this as a child, I remember loving my mums Danielle Steel books, because of the shiny letters on the covers. I have no idea how I would like the book now, but back then I enjoyed it, because I liked Russia and the shiny letters on covers apparently...

well, i read this book like 30 times throughout highschool, and i still love it. even if it is a cheesy love novel.

Danielle Steel was in her prime in the 1980's.

Danielle Steel's novel "Zoya" is a captivating tale that combines historical events with a compelling love story. Set against the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War I, the book follows the life of Zoya, a young cousin to the Tsar, as she navigates through tumultuous times.

Steel's writing style is characterized by its dramatic flair and romantic sensibilities, which adds to the allure of the story. From the beginning, as Zoya flees St. Petersburg to find safety in Paris, readers are drawn into a world filled with grandeur, passion, and heartache. Zoya's resilience and determination in the face of adversity are showcased as she joins the Ballet Russe in Paris and finds solace in her career and the man she meets along the way.

Family plays a significant role in Zoya's life throughout the novel, providing support and love during her darkest moments. The emphasis on familial bonds adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative, making it particularly poignant.

While the book spans several decades, Steel's skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions maintain the reader's interest. The story transports us to different eras, allowing us to experience the joys and sorrows alongside Zoya. From the roaring twenties to the 1980s, Zoya's journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

Spoiler

It is worth noting that "Zoya" is not without its share of tragedy. The deaths of numerous characters, including Zoya's entire family, her husbands, her daughter, and even her late-in-life lover, add a layer of melancholy to the story. These losses, totaling thirteen deaths in a 500-page book, remind us of the fragility of life and the resilience required to overcome profound grief.

Danielle Steel's "Zoya" is a captivating novel that combines historical events with a compelling love story. Its dramatic and romantic elements, coupled with the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and World War I, make for an engaging read. While the numerous deaths throughout the book may be overwhelming, they serve to underscore the resilience and determination of the protagonist. "Zoya" is a testament to Steel's ability to craft a story that resonates with readers, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

Zoya is a heroine in herself. What a tough survivor she is! Great book!

I enjoyed Zoya, from her childhood to her golden years. It gave me major Forest Gump vibes and I liked how Danielle Steel connected major pop culture and historic events. The storyline followed well and at times I felt like I was there...watching Zoya's life unfold. At times it was your typical Novel and read or ended as such... a bit typical or even predictable. Even with an air of predictability the book was exciting, sad, and a true comeback story.

While I don't often read books in the romance genre/with a lot of romance plot, I read this after talking about books with my mother-in-law, and she let me borrow this book, as Danielle Steel is her favorite author. Although I wasn't fully expecting to like this novel, just based on genre, I really loved this book. I love that this book is more of a story of Zoya's life, with her loves and romance just a part of her life, rather than a straight up love story (like what I was expecting). While I still don't explicitly like romance being the main plot of a story, I'm glad I gave this book - and author - a chance, and I will certainly read more Danielle Steel novels in the future.

Read as a teenager!