Fleming, Candace. 2014. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia. New York: Schwartz & Wade. ISBN 9780375867828

Topic Summary

This biography follows the reign of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicolas II, and his family. It includes brief elements of Nicolas’ family history, but focuses on his reign, the political events during his reign, and glimpses into the lives of ordinary Russian citizens. The Romanovs are a tight-knit family unit, seeming to desire more privacy and isolation than is good for the ruling family of such a vast empire. Not willing to engage with the changing world, including the plight of the peasant, the rising working class, and the opulent apathy of the nobility, Nicolas drifts closer to the edge of the waterfall without even realizing it. With the final abdication of his throne, Nicolas hopes his sacrifice was enough to save the nation. But was it enough? Or was it too little, too late?

Critical Evaluation

As someone who has read a number of books about the Romanov family, I believe this book to be factually accurate. Many of the stories and incidents I have read about previously. To help support the factual accuracy, the author has supplied an extensive bibliography, including primary sources such as family letters and diaries that were preserved. The bulk of the dialog in the book is attributed to various letters or eye witness accounts.

The Family Romanov is divided into four parts: Before the Storm, Dark Clouds Gathering, The Storm Breaks, and Final Days. Each part represents a major theme in Nicolas’ reign. In addition to detailed accounts of the family’s interactions, the author also includes the political environment. Sprinkled throughout the book are inset features called “Beyond the Palace Gates” about life for the commoners, which was an interesting contrast to the lives of the nobility. As you read it, it makes it almost seem as though you are reading about two different places and times, so great was the gulf between the experiences of the upper and lower classes.

For those who are unfamiliar with Russian history, the author also includes a short, one-page “crash course” in Russian ways, including titles, names, and dates. There is also a fairly detailed family tree to help the reader keep track of the sometimes confusing lineages.

The book also includes a number of black and white photographs of the family, made possible in part because of the love the Romanovs had for their Brownie cameras. The pictures give the reader a peek into the more relaxed way of life they enjoyed. There are also photos of the war, and other key players in the political arena of the day.

The Family Romanov is a well-written, interest-holding biography of one of the most mysterious, talked-about royal families of modern times. The author brings out the human side of the members of the family, examining both their strengths and shortcomings. It would be enjoyable read for those who are already interested in Russian history, as well as an excellent and thorough introduction for those who are just beginning.

Professional Praise

Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

Robert F. Sibert Nonfiction Honor Book

Cybils Award in Nonfiction for Young Adults

From Horn Book: "The epic, sweeping narrative seamlessly incorporates scholarly authority, primary sources, appropriate historical speculation, and a keen eye for the most telling details."

From School Library Journal: "The informative text illuminates their inability to understand the social conditions in Russia and the impact it might have had on them. This is both a sobering work, and the account of the discovery of their bones and the aftermath is at once fascinating and distressing. A solid resource and good recreational reading for high school students."

Connections

Check out Mary Ann Cappiello's awesome blog The Classroom Bookshelf for an extensive list of resources and activities to go along with The Family Romanov.

Here are some other books about the Romanovs and Russia you can check out!

Magnificence of the Tsars: Ceremonial Men’s Dress of the Imperial Russian Court 1721-1917 (2010). ISBN 978-1851776047