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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
3 1/2 Stars
This was really well written and much more detailed than I initially thought it would be. The facts were presented clearly, though one can't help but feel for the girls at the end. It is truly a tragic story and I admit I had a hard time finishing because of how the tale ends.
The Grand Duchess' ability to remain cheerful and optimistic despite the political climate turning against their family makes their story all the more tragic. I am sure deep down, they knew what was going to happen but it can't be blamed they chose hope over despair and fear. As the treatment allotted them and their conditions worsened over time, it would grow increasingly difficult to remain so and I admire their resilience. That they were so young and knew so little of the world makes their disastrous end more devastating.
However, their mother, the Empress, I have a hard time feeling sympathetic for her overall. I did not know she suffered from sciatica (a condition not unknown to me, which is probably why I read all the time) which in many ways humanized her. But I think she was a fearful, silly woman, and her upbringing did not give her the advantages that was required for her exalted position. She was ill-equipped to be Empress of all the Russias from the start and it's no wonder the Imperial Family disliked her.
On Nicholas, I won't say much, as the main focus of the book is the women of the family rather than the the men, but he was clearly weak and ineffectual. They say love blinds, and while I don't always agree with that statement, I think in this case it is true. He was deeply fond of his wife and that is where he erred, as his fondness allowed her to take control over matters where she had no clear understanding; ultimately, this is part of the root that ended a dynasty of several hundred years.
All in all, this was a well-written biography, with clear facts that gives an insight into the world of the Romanovs that I had previously unknown.
This was really well written and much more detailed than I initially thought it would be. The facts were presented clearly, though one can't help but feel for the girls at the end. It is truly a tragic story and I admit I had a hard time finishing because of how the tale ends.
The Grand Duchess' ability to remain cheerful and optimistic despite the political climate turning against their family makes their story all the more tragic. I am sure deep down, they knew what was going to happen but it can't be blamed they chose hope over despair and fear. As the treatment allotted them and their conditions worsened over time, it would grow increasingly difficult to remain so and I admire their resilience. That they were so young and knew so little of the world makes their disastrous end more devastating.
However, their mother, the Empress, I have a hard time feeling sympathetic for her overall. I did not know she suffered from sciatica (a condition not unknown to me, which is probably why I read all the time) which in many ways humanized her. But I think she was a fearful, silly woman, and her upbringing did not give her the advantages that was required for her exalted position. She was ill-equipped to be Empress of all the Russias from the start and it's no wonder the Imperial Family disliked her.
On Nicholas, I won't say much, as the main focus of the book is the women of the family rather than the the men, but he was clearly weak and ineffectual. They say love blinds, and while I don't always agree with that statement, I think in this case it is true. He was deeply fond of his wife and that is where he erred, as his fondness allowed her to take control over matters where she had no clear understanding; ultimately, this is part of the root that ended a dynasty of several hundred years.
All in all, this was a well-written biography, with clear facts that gives an insight into the world of the Romanovs that I had previously unknown.
dark
informative
medium-paced
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
I was surprised at how every page of this book engaged me. Full of interesting detail, this is a fascinating and comprehensive look inside the lives of the Romanov sisters.
informative
medium-paced
While many works about the Romanov family discusses their unfortunate demise in 1918, this particular one chooses to focus more on the lives of each of the Romanov daughters. Maria, Anastasia, Tatiana, and Olga were generally well thought of by those around them. I really enjoyed the look into their personalities as individuals, rather than tragic murdered historical figures. This book featured personal correspondence that really left an impression about what they were like as people.
Helen Rappaport is a noted historian of Russian history. She has authored several book about Imperial Russia, all of which are exquisitely researched. Her attention to detail and her ability to tell the story in a way that grips and educated the reader are something that I appreciate immensely. I think I have one book left to read of hers, and I am greatly looking forward to it. If you are interested in the Romanov family, I would strongly recommend her books on the subject.
Helen Rappaport is a noted historian of Russian history. She has authored several book about Imperial Russia, all of which are exquisitely researched. Her attention to detail and her ability to tell the story in a way that grips and educated the reader are something that I appreciate immensely. I think I have one book left to read of hers, and I am greatly looking forward to it. If you are interested in the Romanov family, I would strongly recommend her books on the subject.
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced