PLOT SUMMARY

This is the true story of the end of the Romanov dynasty beginning with the circumstances leading to Nicholas taking the throne and ending with the murder of his family and the rise of Lenin to power. Get to know the Family Romanov and other figures from the era through first-hand accounts told by people who lived through the reign of Nicholas Romanov and the Bolshevik Rebellion. 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book has a wonderful narrative style that follows a natural timeline, divided into “Parts” and chapters. It begins with a Foreword that establishes the organization and titles of the Russian monarchy and the differences between the Gregorian and Julian calendar and which dates will be used in the book. Fleming has included excerpts from autobiographical and eye-witness accounts of events (Beyond the Palace Gates) to add credibility to the narrative from the other side of the story. When there is a lack of factual evidence, Fleming clearly states what experts theorize but do not know and backs the theory with evidence when available. Pictures (black and white) on glossy paper are in two sections and situated in proximity to the chapters with which they are relevant. The author has included a family tree, a map of the Russian Empire circa 1900, and a thorough bibliography with footnotes for each chapter. This book is extremely readable and, in truth, was hard to put down even though I am somewhat familiar with the history. 

REVIEW EXCERPT

Awards: Orbis Pictus Award winner 2014, YALSA Non-fiction Finalist 2014, Sibert Honor Book 2014

BOOKLIST: *Starred Review* “History comes to vivid life in Fleming’s sweeping story of the dramatic decline and fall of the House of Romanov.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This well-researched and well-annotated book provides information not only on the history of these famous figures but also on the Russian people living at the time and on the social conditions that contributed to the family’s demise.”

CONNECTIONS

*Have students research Russia during the beginning of the 20^th Century.

*Other fiction books about Russia during the early 1900’s: 

Brandes, N. ROMANOV. Thomas Nelson. 2019. ISBN 978-0785217244

Skrypuch, M. F. SILVER THREADS. Ill. Martchenko, M. Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2004. ISBN 978-1550419030