The Genius

"The Genius" by Margaret Horton Potter is a story of a princess trapped in a cold marriage during 19th-century Russia, under the rule of Czar Nicholas I. Princess Sophia Ivanovna Gregoriev is the main character, and the story follows her struggles inside her marriage to Michael Gregoriev, a man of power and cruelty. Sophia's pain is shown early on, revealing her intense wish for a child. As the story goes on, the family prepares for a big ball that shows how much her husband wants to be seen as important, despite their family's bad reputation. Her growing bond with their son, Ivan, brings hope but also hints at future problems caused by her husband's strong desires. The story tells of loneliness, wishing for connection, and the pressure of a society filled with harshness and strong goals.