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A review by cassiehelfer
The Romanov Empress: A Novel of Tsarina Maria Feodorovna by C.W. Gortner
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A classic historical fiction stolen from my mom’s library pile. Honestly I liked the russian aristocracy setting a lot - kinda downton abbey court drama vibes. It was really interesting learning about the Romanov family, especially the way disease, medicine, and producing a healthy heir had such an impact on the family holding onto power. Strong female lead for sure - the real power behind the ruling family.
Main character is definitely questionable. She’s got a spine and is entertaining I’ll give her that but as time went on I started getting frustrated by her immaturity. She has this vendetta against a character that she really should have grown out of and really looks down on anyone she sees as shy, weak, or physically unfit. She also seemed unwilling to really look at her role as ruling class and how it impacted her country. Very much a divine right we must hold our crown even as the suffering of her people grew more and more apparent.
The last part of the book also dragged a bit for me - so many characters and everything descending into war.
Overall cool historical fiction and wintery Russia vibes with an entertaining lead female character💪🏻
Main character is definitely questionable. She’s got a spine and is entertaining I’ll give her that but as time went on I started getting frustrated by her immaturity. She has this vendetta against a character that she really should have grown out of and really looks down on anyone she sees as shy, weak, or physically unfit. She also seemed unwilling to really look at her role as ruling class and how it impacted her country. Very much a divine right we must hold our crown even as the suffering of her people grew more and more apparent.
The last part of the book also dragged a bit for me - so many characters and everything descending into war.
Overall cool historical fiction and wintery Russia vibes with an entertaining lead female character💪🏻