The novel follows the story of Vaninka, a young Russian girl who is sent to Paris to be educated. She is taken in by a wealthy family, the de la Bérinières, and quickly becomes a favorite of the family. Vaninka is soon courted by a young man, the Marquis de Montriveau, who is a friend of the family. The two fall in love, but the Marquis is soon called away to fight in the Crimean War. Vaninka is left alone in Paris, and she soon finds herself in a difficult situation. She is pursued by a number of men, including a Russian prince, and she must decide whether to remain faithful to the Marquis or succumb to the advances of her suitors. The novel follows Vaninka as she navigates the complexities of love and loyalty in a foreign land. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about life and love, and discovers her own strength and courage.
By Alexandre Dumas · First published 1839 · Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Adventure