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imalwayswrite's review
2.0
What made this book interesting is that Radzinsky uses tons of primary resources, specifically Nicholas II’s diaries, which the tsar started keeping at age 14 up until he was executed at age 50. Radzinsky quotes letters, other people’s diaries and memoirs, and official reports; he uses interviews he conducted himself from witnesses, descendants and an unnamed “guest.” What I didn’t like so much is all the speculating and emoting that he does. There’s a lot of material that is repeated and though the first part moves pretty quickly, as soon as Nicholas abdicates, the rest really drags. If you aren’t well versed in the history of the Revolution, things get confusing. It assumes you know the difference between a Chekist and a Bolshevik, which I didn’t and still don’t. After reading some of the letters Radzinsky quotes that Nicholas and Alexandra wrote to each other during World War I, I couldn’t help thinking: “OMG. These people are running the country???” lol
wduban's review
1.0
Unless you want to know about everyone even the guy that once waved to them during a parade then this is your book. Overall it was an interesting topic but it just dragged on way to long for my taste.
jordantclark23's review
3.0
While I did enjoy this book and the deep dive into the character of Nicholas II and his family, many instances of 'historical fact' seemed sensationalized for the tragic tale of the Last Tsar. There were passages that also drew much more from the emotion and drama than actual fact, including some very big assumptions to add to the tragedy of the events. Overall, an interesting read but it lacked the historical perspective and timeline I usually like in history books.
competencefantasy's review
3.0
The author has a real gift for drawing dramatic historical connections but unfortunately his storytelling jumps timeline to make a point so often that I couldn't keep my chronology straight. A plus on the research C on the translated delivery (perhaps language was a large part of the problem?).
As for the subject matter... heh
As for the subject matter... heh
whatsnonfiction's review
5.0
It's written in a really interesting, whimsical style - an unusual and welcome difference from other history type books. The author digs through a ton of old diaries and letters and words scratched on windows and fragments of poems and uses it all to create amazing pictures of the family, their close friends and advisors, their captors and murderers, and the Russia of the time. The entire book is very compelling, and somehow has the effect of seeming both completely comprehensive and making you want to read everything else on the subject.