Based on the true story of Alma Pihl, the only female jewelry designer at the House of Fabergé, The Fabergé Girl takes place at the height of the Russian Revolution. The book is as much a story about class warfare and social uprising as it is about the beauty of and in art, and the determination of one woman to stand up for herself and prove a woman’s worth.

In the book, Alma is a woman ahead of her time. A talented artist, she fights her way in to the prestigious House of Fabergé, going against her family and social patriarchy.

Ina Christova’s writing is lovely and the imagery was outstanding. I couldn’t get enough of the descriptions of Alma’s art and the Fabergé creations. Definite themes around the beauty of art, less so subjectivity and more so (I think) in context of wealth and access.

I was fascinated with the chapters detailing the Russian Revolution and wish I knew more about it. I had no idea there was a class war with such violence against the people. It definitely piqued my interest in the topic and made me want to learn more.

A key part of the book is the public fear, pursuit and judgement of witches or possessed women, and the role of the church. It’s written that Alma has what I’d describe as spells, where she sees visions or scenes and her body shakes, eyes wide open, etc. The fear of these witch hunts drove much of the storyline but seemed a bit unfinished and her magic was explained away too quickly for me.

I have no idea how much of the book is true to Alma’s life as there is nothing at the end or in an author’s note expounding on the history or the titular character. I also was hoping there would be details on the reality of the witch hunts, and at least some historical context around the Revolution. All of this can be researched but I would have loved to have heard directly from the author on these pieces and her experience writing it.

Lastly, both the digital copy I was provided and the one available on kindle unlimited were awful quality and difficult to read. However I’ve seen pics from folks with the hard copy and it is STUNNING. If you can get your hands on a physical book, you’re much better off.

I was gifted a digital copy by Love Books Tours. Opinions are my own.