The story of the Romanovs has been one that draws fascination and rumors. From the possible life of Anastasia, to their colorful yet brutal history, the stories fade in and out of history. Many remain fascinated even now with this Royal family of Imperial Russia.
In The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen, we learn more about the years and treachery, the color and pageantry, and the sadness and despair of this family that continues to bring questions and still holds many enthralled. With a deft pen and a deep and interesting look into the history following the family, Mossanen takes you back in time, building a story of love and passion, with a twist of belief and a bit of myth. I have never really understood the fascination with the imperial family of Russia, yet I now find myself just as interested and wondering as the most adept of seekers. How did all this happen? Did the Romanovs really just not understand the seriousness of the times, or was the advice they received not reliable?
Mossanen has given us the character of Darya, through whose eyes we view the mysteries and enchantments of the times. As caregiver to Alexei, she puts her charge above everything else in her life including that of her love. After the fall of the Romanovs, she is still convinced her Alexei has survived against all odds, and she makes it her life’s work to find the heir to the Russian throne and return royal blood to an imperial Russia.
The characters are an amazing array, with the Royal family themselves, the mysterious Rasputin, and then there is Darya, an enigma who is full of passion, and just a bit of danger and magic. The descriptions and story are moving and exciting, and yet forlorn and sad. The action is thrilling and yet horrifying. A real history tied in with myth and mystery, it is hard to find a time to put the book down. You will find yourself enthralled with the history of a family that just did not seem to see beyond themselves or understand the hysteria of the time. Their lives continue to evoke interest, and their deaths to create questions. Many questions seem to remain unanswered and open to interpretation even today.
Article comments
1 - Delin Colón
I'd like to recommend my book, "Rasputin and The Jews: A Reversal of History", dispelling most of the myths surrounding the man. At peril to his standing in the court, he advocated equal rights for the oppressed Jews and was vilified by the antisemitic aristocracy for it. The nobility's defamation of him is what became accepted as history. Here's another side of the coin.