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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
The book was interesting. I knew very little about the Romanov family except that they had been killed. The book took a while to get going, but overall it was informative and interesting.
I learned a lot from this. I found this interesting, and a sad ending.
I usually don't like Biography type of books, however, I found myself very interested in a lot of the things going on.
I usually don't like Biography type of books, however, I found myself very interested in a lot of the things going on.
We all know how the Romanovs died. But how did they live? This well-written, informative but not dry, biography covers the lives of the four sisters--Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia--what they liked, what they read, what they ate, and who they loved. I found it a compelling read, especially for anyone who wants to learn about their personalities.
informative
sad
slow-paced
This book is well-elaborated on the lives of the Romanov sisters, what I appreciated were the information from their recovered diaries. It definitely gave an insight on the family as a whole, but highlighting their motivations and feelings from the beginning to the end of their lives.
The only reason I'm rating this 4 stars is because the formatting and punctuation irks me; many sentences lack commas, paragraphs lack spaces, and much more.
The only reason I'm rating this 4 stars is because the formatting and punctuation irks me; many sentences lack commas, paragraphs lack spaces, and much more.
This tale of the complexities of being royal while trying to be in a family was bittersweet. To hear of the highs and lows of the lives of these girls and their brother highlighted by the love and commitment of their parents to each other and these children bordered on voyeuristic for me. I love autobiographies but will take biographies as a close second only because people are so interesting and every life is a story worth telling. This family was no exception. I feel like the author was generous with her praise of the family and their circumstances - at times it felt like this book was a love letter to them.
I typically listen to audio-books on my commute but this one had me putting it on again as soon as i got in the house. I think I might even buy it in print that's how much I liked it.
I typically listen to audio-books on my commute but this one had me putting it on again as soon as i got in the house. I think I might even buy it in print that's how much I liked it.
I have only a cursory knowledge of Russian history and the Romanov family, and welcomed the chance to learn more about this interesting time in history. The author did an excellent job establishing the context and setting for this time period. An understanding of the deep religious and and the importance of family also helped center the narrative. It is a fascinating and insightful read, very emotional and poignant.
3.5 stars. I intended to dip in and out of this meaty biography but ended up reading it straight, like I would a novel. A bit dense and repetitive at times, especially as I didn't have anything more than a working knowledge of the Romanovs or the Revolution.
Although purported to be a biography of the four girls, I came away knowing a lot more about their mother Alexandra than either of the Grand Duchesses. Helen Rappaport spends the first fifth or so of the book on Alix's childhood, whereas Tsar Nicholas does not get the same treatment.
The level of detail from the girls' letters and diary entries saved the book from becoming too formulaic and dry. The level of research and use of primary and secondary sources is extensive, comprehensive and really impressive. I now want to get my hands on [b:Ekaterinburg: The Last Days of the Romanovs|17427817|Ekaterinburg The Last Days of the Romanovs|Helen Rappaport|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-6121bf4c1f669098041843ec9650ca19.png|4834724] by the same author.
Although purported to be a biography of the four girls, I came away knowing a lot more about their mother Alexandra than either of the Grand Duchesses. Helen Rappaport spends the first fifth or so of the book on Alix's childhood, whereas Tsar Nicholas does not get the same treatment.
The level of detail from the girls' letters and diary entries saved the book from becoming too formulaic and dry. The level of research and use of primary and secondary sources is extensive, comprehensive and really impressive. I now want to get my hands on [b:Ekaterinburg: The Last Days of the Romanovs|17427817|Ekaterinburg The Last Days of the Romanovs|Helen Rappaport|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-6121bf4c1f669098041843ec9650ca19.png|4834724] by the same author.
E a Helen Rappaport vai se firmando na minha lista de autores/historiadores preferidos com o magnífico 'The Romanov Sisters'. Já conhecia (e apostava!) no potencial de Rappaport desde que li 'Os Últimos Dias dos Romanovs' no qual ela entrou em pormenores até então desconhecidos do grande público em relação aos últimos dias daquela que viria a ser conhecida na história como a ultima família imperial russa (detalhes os quais me deixaram em profundo estado de choque e afundada em um abismo desanimador perante a humanidade) , mas desta vez ela conseguiu se superar. Ao narrar a vida das quatro grã-duquesas, que devido ao nascimento do irmão foram delegadas a um papel coadjuvante em uma das maiores tragédias russas da história, Helen Rappaport nos coloca dentro da pequena bolha vivida pelas irmãs e conseguimos, incrivelmente, sentir na pele as alegrias, tristezas, felicidades e dores partilhadas pelas meninas. Um livro belíssimo, construído com um afinco evidente e pesquisas intermináveis, que merece ser lido por todos aqueles que anseiam por mais informações sobre a Rússia Imperial - seu auge e seu declínio. Como ponto negativo fica algumas escolhas da editora em relação a terminologias e alguns acasos que devem ter passado incólumes pela revisão, mas nada que tirasse o brilho desta magnifica obra. Se o ano acabasse hoje, com certeza já teria escolhido o melhor livro de 2016.
informative
sad
slow-paced