19th century Russia, a noble family has fallen on hard times. A mother makes a desperate gamble by introducing the youngest and most beautiful of her daughters to society in the hopes of turning the family's fortunes around through marriage. Not an easy task as Natalya's beauty is literally her fortune. Without the dowry expected of a noblewoman and her family's ever-growing debts, her prospects of marriage are dim.
At the ball, she meets a dark-skinned poet, Alexander Puskin, and wins his heart. Mrs Goncharova is less than pleased when the poet ardently courts her daughter, with good reason. On top of his gambling, dueling and being a bit of a playboy, the poet is under close surveillance by the Tsarist regime for his reformist views and veiled criticism of the imperial system. Still, he who perseveres will eventually be rewarded. In the year 1831, Alexander weds 18-year-old Natalya with her family's blessings.
Happily ever after? Not quite.
Alexander gives up the vices of youth to be a devoted husband and father. Faced with censure by the imperial court and the expenses of his growing brood, Alexander is forced to swallow his pride (of which he has a fair amount) to write what he considers frivolous material for the amusement of Imperial court. He finds it difficult to confide his frustrations in his wife… The young wife confides to her sisters that she never understood what it is to love.
A French cavalryman arrives in the Russia court under the sponsorship of the Dutch consulate. His dashing looks win many admirers among the noblewomen, including Natalya's plain Jane sister, Ekaterina. While trying to match Ekaterina with the cavalryman, Natalya finds herself falling for the young man instead. He in turn starts to court the beautiful Mrs Pushkin under the guise of wooing her sister. Their mutual attraction does not slip the notice of society and tongues start wagging…
History and literature buffs may be interested to know that this series is loosely based on 19th century Russian poet and novelist Alexander Pushkin, hailed by many as the father of contemporary Russian literature. Excerpts from his works are cleverly woven into the plot. There are also appearances by other literary and historical figures of the day. The story opens with an ominous narration of the duel from Pushkin's verse novel Eugene Onegin by Natalya's elder sister. Other works by Pushkin which appear briefly in the series include The Prisoner of the Caucasus, The Bronze Horseman and The Queen of Spades. You will see Russian literature in a whole new light.
Warnings? This manga is suitable for teens and older. A bit of implied sex and nudity (well, there is a young married couple and possible adultery), nothing too explicit.
If you like bittersweet romance, drama with a hint of court intrigue, you will find this series a good read.
