"The Iron Woman" is the only authoritative attempt at a biographical sketch of Baroness Moura Budberg, a controversial figure in the history of Russian female emigres. The life of the Baroness was connected with the famous literary figures of the twentieth century: Maxim Gorky and H. G. Wells, as well as with that of a British diplomat Robert Bruce Lockhart. These men have shaped Moura's life and they had a tremendous impact on the contemporary intellectual societies. Berberova's book is aimed at dissipating the myths surrounding the life of the Baroness-myths that she herself has created and that have enveloped her life and legacy. Even though the author succedes in proving that many of the stories that Moura told about herself were simply untrue, the image of the Baroness nevertheless does not lose its enigmatic aura that fascinated her contemporaries and the reader. Contemporary scholars hypothesize that Moura was an intelligence operator for not only Russia, but Great Britain, Germany, France and/or Italy. Berberova carefully avoids the subject due to lack of evidence. This is the only shortcoming of the book, since the subject of spying is practically ignored. Nevertheless,the book is the only complete biographical record of the amazing woman that shared the lives of the famous figures and lived through the turbulent times and events of European history of the twentieth century. Berberova's narration style is very personal, the book flows through people, times and places--the author's intimate knowledge of the subject makes the book a great joy to read. The story has inspired me to study the life of the Baroness further.

i found the book rather good, it was a little strange though as i felt that there should have been more to the story and the it ended too quickly, although it did feel rather good at the end to be able to say i had finished the book, i feel although not every one might enjoy the book, it is one which should be read.