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brandiraefong's review against another edition
4.0
I have to say, it definitely wasn't what I was expecting...from the main title I was thinking a little more Romanov, a little less big picture history.
However, Fleming managed to never stray into the realm of dense history, and by including passages from peasants and the working class, she really created a big picture that was balanced and not overwhelming. Readers really got a sense of the disparity of wealth that lead to the fall of the Romanovs.
However, Fleming managed to never stray into the realm of dense history, and by including passages from peasants and the working class, she really created a big picture that was balanced and not overwhelming. Readers really got a sense of the disparity of wealth that lead to the fall of the Romanovs.
chloealexander's review against another edition
5.0
Rating: 5.0
Seriously, talk about a self fulfilling prophecy. Either the Russian aristocracy was heartless or they were stupid, either way, I loved how the author wrote about both Nicholas and his dysfunctional, but loving, family, and the horrifying conditions and terrible living experienced by the peasants and working class. (Not trying to poke a hornet's nest, but no wonder they revolted.) The authors' writing was both sympathetic and frank which I really enjoyed and was a nice way to read a non-fiction book.
Seriously, talk about a self fulfilling prophecy. Either the Russian aristocracy was heartless or they were stupid, either way, I loved how the author wrote about both Nicholas and his dysfunctional, but loving, family, and the horrifying conditions and terrible living experienced by the peasants and working class. (Not trying to poke a hornet's nest, but no wonder they revolted.) The authors' writing was both sympathetic and frank which I really enjoyed and was a nice way to read a non-fiction book.
grumpalaurus's review against another edition
3.0
A very readable history of the fall of the Romanov empire in Russia and the beginnings of Communism. I've always wanted to know more about this subject, and this is a great introduction that reads quickly and doesn't get bogged down with too much detail. You get the basic outline of what happened, and it opens the door for you to seek out other books on the subject to read more if you wish. If you choose not to seek out more, you are left with a solid understanding of the basics of this very complicated time in Russian history.
carolehto's review against another edition
4.0
Well researched and written. No unnecessary lurid details of the execution, fortunately. This is such a horrible tragedy all around. And a very human story.
juliemowat's review against another edition
5.0
The best book on the Family Romanov I have ever read. SO thorough and told in an interesting way. Highly recommend!
edh's review against another edition
Teen readers will be fascinated by this behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the last of the Romanovs. Tsar Nicholas had a childhood of indulgence and neglect, as his father didn't bother to ensure he had any of the skills he would need to rule effectively. That pattern continued with his own children with Tsarina Alexandra - the four grand duchesses and Tsarevich Alexei - where their formal education was nearly nonexistent and they led such sheltered lives they could hardly function in general society. Their opulent, over-the-top lives are contrasted by stories interspersed in the narrative about how the Russian peasants and lower classes lived lives of starvation, desperation, and worse. Fleming builds readers' suspense up to the events of WWI and beyond, deftly switching between the gossip among the masses about the royal family's secluded lives and contrasting this with the abject poverty of the average Russian. Readers will be left wanting to know more about this period in world history, no easy feat for historical nonfiction aimed at this age group.
yepitslancaster's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing book. Currently planning to teach in sophomore English.