Visits to the Imperial Court

The narrative explores Olga Ilyin's childhood marked by contrasts between frugality and familial abundance. Following her mother's death, she is raised by her idealistic Aunt Katya, while her summer visits to the glamorous Russian Imperial Court with Aunt Anna reveal a captivating yet flawed reality. Through Lita's eyes, the court's elegance is both enchanting and unsettling, highlighting themes of loss, family dynamics, and the complexities of perception in a seemingly perfect world.