"The Cavalry Maiden" is a vivid memoir of a young Russian woman who defies the conventions of her time by disguising herself as a man to join the Russian cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative recounts her extraordinary experiences on the battlefield, her struggles with her secret identity, and her observations of military life during a tumultuous period in history. The author's passion for military service and her quest for personal freedom and adventure shine through as she provides a unique perspective on the roles of gender and social expectations in the early 19th century.

The 3451st greatest book of all time