A review by dgrachel
Secret Lives of the Tsars: Three Centuries of Autocracy, Debauchery, Betrayal, Murder, and Madness from Romanov Russia by Michael Farquhar

informative fast-paced

3.5

While I found some of the language Farquhar uses to describe many of the Romanov rulers objectionable, it is very clear that most of them suffered from developmental disabilities and/or severe mental illness. This book is a gossipy wild ride through 300 years of madness, ineptitude, and dreadful, traumatic parenting.  Don’t expect serious discussion of politics, international relations, or statecraft - this version of history is a train wreck.