106 pages • 3 hours read
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia
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Book Brief
292
Book • Nonfiction
Russia • 1910s
2014
Anne Schwartz Books
Middle grade
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
Published in 2014, Candace Fleming's The Family Romanov is a young-adult nonfiction book chronicling the last Romanov rulers of Russia from 1894 to 1917. It documents the fall of Imperial Russia and the autocracy's collapse amid the Russian Revolution. Fleming's narrative utilizes primary source quotations to depict early 20th-century Russian society and the consequential events that led to the Romanov family's demise. Depictions of violence and severe illness are present.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Informative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
12,486 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Candace Fleming's The Family Romanov is praised for its engaging narrative and thorough research, offering a captivating look into the lives of Russia's last royal family. The blend of personal accounts and historical context is commendable. However, some readers find the portrayal of certain figures lacks depth. Overall, it is a compelling read for both historians and general audiences.
Who Should Read The Family Romanov?
Readers who enjoy The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming are typically young adults intrigued by history, particularly the Russian Revolution and the tragic end of the Romanov dynasty. Fans of The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank or Rise of the Rocket Girls by Nathalia Holt will appreciate this blend of biography and historical narrative.
12,486 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alexandra
Alexandra
Nicholas II's wife, born a German princess, who becomes deeply religious and forms a strong bond with Rasputin, influencing Russian politics.
The Romanov Children
The Romanov Children
Nicholas and Alexandra's offspring, raised with a mix of discipline and indulgence, and educated in isolation with limited engagement with the outside world.
Olga
Olga
The eldest Romanov daughter, part of the "Big Pair," known for her intelligence and seriousness.
Tatiana
Tatiana
The second Romanov daughter, part of the "Big Pair," noted for her perseverance and nursing skills.
Marie
Marie
The third Romanov daughter, part of the "Little Pair," known for her physical strength and mischief.
Anastasia
Anastasia
The youngest Romanov daughter, also part of the "Little Pair," recognized for her mischievous nature and comedic talent.
Alexei
Alexei
The youngest Romanov and only son, heir to the Russian throne, who suffers from hemophilia and is closely guarded.
Rasputin
Rasputin
A Siberian peasant turned holy man who gains significant influence over the Romanovs, particularly Alexandra, and is perceived as a healer.
Lenin
Lenin
A communist revolutionary leader who plays a crucial role in the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution.
Yakov Yurovsky
Yakov Yurovsky
The commandant responsible for the Romanovs' final months and ultimately their fate, driven by a personal vendetta.
Sydney Gibbes and Pierre Gilliard
Sydney Gibbes and Pierre Gilliard
The English and French tutors to the Romanov children, respectively, offering detailed insights into the family's life.
The Russian Working Class
The Russian Working Class
Represented through various first-person accounts, illustrating the harsh realities and struggles faced by ordinary citizens during Nicholas's reign.
292
Book • Nonfiction
Russia • 1910s
2014
Anne Schwartz Books
Middle grade
12-18 years
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