Daily life
I have tried to keep all details of daily life in 1914 - 1917 Russia accurate. Traditions surrounding Christmas, the differences between the lives of the upper classes with the factory workers, and the daily schedules of the dancers have all been taken from history.
Many smaller details are also taken from records of the time. The newspaper Maxim works for, the Novoe Vremya, was a real newspaper. The Evening of Russian Fashion was a real event which failed spectacularly. All outfits and pieces of clothing and jewellery mentioned are based on real items which have survived from the era. Even the locations the characters visit throughout the book are all based on places which actually existed (see 'The locations').
Many smaller details are also taken from records of the time. The newspaper Maxim works for, the Novoe Vremya, was a real newspaper. The Evening of Russian Fashion was a real event which failed spectacularly. All outfits and pieces of clothing and jewellery mentioned are based on real items which have survived from the era. Even the locations the characters visit throughout the book are all based on places which actually existed (see 'The locations').