The book seems to be well researched. (I do not know enough about this period in Russian history or the life of Kovalevskaya to know for certain, but the author claims to know Russian and to have translated some of Kovaleveskaya's personal documents, so I'll just assume that this is accurate. Its authenticity seems to be confirmed by the very positive review of the book written by Ann Hibner Koblitz, who is most certainly an expert! ) Spicci relies heavily on dialogue in writing this book, as if it were a play, and rarely describes scenery or provides significant information through narration.

Forgive me for including this, but I am often bothered by the misuse of the term "mathematician" and just want to use this opportunity to correct it. In the "about the author" appendix, Spicci describes herself as a mathematician. I'm afraid that her training as a mathematics teacher does not make her a mathematician (at least as I use the word). Mathematicians are the people who do mathematics, and not everyone who learns or teaches mathematics is a mathematician. Note, as an analogy, that being an English teacher does not make one an author. (She lists her membership in the Association for Women in Mathematics as evidence that she is a mathematician, but I could join that organization and it would not make me a woman.)

It is for this very reason that I think it is important to point out that Kovalevskaya is famous not only because she was a woman, but also because of her research which is significant in its own right. Kovalevskaya was not only a math student, but also a mathematician. One can still read today about "Kovalevsky's Top" which provided some initial foundational research into the modern theory of integrable systems.

Also see the film Hill on the Dark Side of the Moon, also about Kovalevskaya.

It may be relevant to some readers that Spicci is married to Fred Saberhagen of science-fiction fame, though this book should certainly cement her independent reputation as an author.