Author’s Note
120 Words
Author’s NoteThe Statute for the Emancipation of the Serfs was signed by Czar Alexander II in 1861, a year later than the time this story takes place. The main characters are fictitious but the background comes from the reports of eyewitnesses.
The cruelty, the Military punishments, the fear of the Secret Police and the lighted gardens inside the Palaces are all accurate.
The Czar’s aunt, the Grand Duchess Hélène, did suggest the idea of emancipation to her nephew and the way it might be achieved.
The Michailow Palace is now the Russian National Museum.
I dedicate this story to Princess Nina Mdivani, who has always been my ‘good angel’ and who made me realise how intelligent, delightful and friendly the Georgian people are.
- Writer
