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March 20, 2017

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming by Candace Fleming

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming

By: Candace Fleming

On the brink of revolution and total disorder in Russia, the Romanov family lives lavishly and appears oblivious to the world outside their palace doors. This book brings a vivid account of the trying times within the Russian republic as the monarchy starts to decay and “people power” is on a violent rise. It is almost too hard to believe and comprehend the struggles that the majority of Russians lived during the early 20th-century, but author Candace Fleming provides harsh and poignant detail to the reader. Her ability to make you feel empathy for the many farmers, workers and their families is comprehensive. While at the same time, you feel sorry for the Romanovs because no matter how wealthy they are the sad fact remains that the royal family soon becomes entirely poor and cast off like discarded trash.

Nicholas and his beloved family are the victims of a sad, cruel fate as mystery surrounds their lives and murders. The Romanov family story is a perfect complement to Mother Russia’s past, present and future. A story that is complex, filled with unsavory characters (see Rasputin and his opponents), strife with heartbreak and ultimately a puzzle for Westerners that try to understand this great, large nation.

If you are a fan of historical perspective and love to read about family dynamics with some military intrigue, violence and government thrown in for good measure than this book is perfect for you. It is easy to see why “The Family Romanov” by Candace Fleming was a 2016-2017 Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award Nominee. Excellent read, five out of five stars!

Review By: Anders Arnold