Anastasia: The Riddle of Anna Anderson by Peter Kurth
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Book Reviews of Anastasia: The Riddle of Anna Anderson
Book Review: what a remarkable story!
Summary: 4 Stars
Kurth's satifsying book on Anna Anderson indeed leaves one puzzled in light of the subsequent DNA testing. I read this book before the tests were made, found it convincing, and still do. It seems that a more interesting question than whether this woman was the Grand Duchess Anastasia, is the question of why an obscure Polish woman would undertake a life of overwhelming suffering by claiming to be whom she apparently was not, since, whatever the truth, this affair was more than a charade performed by a charlatan. There remains a mystical element deep within the mystery of Anna Anderson, one which I suspect DNA testing is incapable of addressing. Kurth's exposition of his subject is well done, if a bit over-engaged. His love for the mystery of this woman over the mystery of her identity, for the recovery of the lost, and an almost fin-de-siecle ministering to the Romanov legend, makes the discourse a little florid in spots. But the prose is generally kempt, Kurth has a genuine intelligence, and the story is a captivating one. Kurth's humility in face of the declarations of science is admirable and makes one the more sympathetic, and baffled, by the outcome. This is a first-rate read, however, and I suspect history has not entirely played out the story of Anna-Anastasia.Book Review: A very thorough investigation but slightly biased
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is probably the most comprehensive collection of information on Anna Anderson, the woman who claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia. The book begins with what is known of Anderson's early life and continues until her death, spanning several decades, two continents and many court battles. However, I felt that the book leaned too heavily on the evidence that supported Anderson's claim. From the mystery's beginning until its conclusive end, there was always much evidence against the possibility on Anderson being Anastasia. Some is included in the book, but not dwelt upon as much as some of the other evidence.
The updated section on the DNA testing is fascinating and very well written and should prove once and for all the claimant's identity, although some doubters still remain.
Even though the mystery does conclude at the end of the book this is still a fascinating read, especially for anyone interested in Russian or royal history.
Book Review: A great book, but a little too personal
Summary: 4 Stars
I read this book years ago, it is a fascinating detailed book, and after reading its emotional testimony, I too was convinced it was she, However, I was wrong, and so was the author, some people would like to dismiss DNA but that is just burying our heads in the sand. Anna Anderson could not even speak Russian, although it was explained away in the book, it was obvious she did not know it. The authors style is very personal and he insists that a german factory worker could not pass herself off as a Princess, but that is too simplistic, the Romanov family knew she was not Anastasia, some people may not recognise their family members, but I would. Anastasia died in Ykateringberg, they found her body. it is her older sister, Maria, who's remains are missing. A very sad story, but it is time we allowed the family to rest in peace, and leave the remaining Romanov's alone.Book Review: The book was great, But...
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed reading this book. Ever since I saw the animated film and the old 1956 movie, Anastasia, I have been interested in the whole mystery. Peter Kurth wrote a great book and did good research but I don't believe that Anna Anderson was really Anastasia. First of all I must say Anna Anderson looks NOTHING like Anastasia, and I wonder why everyone says she does. I see NO resemblence what so ever. Also the DNA proves that Anna Anderson was not even related to the Romanov family and that should count for something, I mean it is only DNA! On top of all that don't you think that the Bolshvik soldiers would be more responsible and make sure that the ENTIRE family was dead, after going through the trouble to murder them. It would be nice if Anastasia had survived but it just isn't realistic.Book Review: too bad we'll never know
Summary: 3 Stars
Im not going to devote more than a day to the theories behind the survival of members of the Romanov family. Naturally its fascinating to imagine scenarios about the escape of either Alexei or Anastasia, members of the richest and most powerful family in the world and/or pawns of a political struggle of the highest global degree. I do tend to believe that something sinister was going on in and around the Ipatiev house way then, because any descendant of that family would be a very valuable comodity indeed, but how could I possibly know? Are the DNA tests conclusive, or have they been tampered with? Im surprised that anybody can be so certain (no matter what stand you take), considering proof is little, and we all get third (or fourth, or who knows) hand information. I just read on some website (created by someone with quite an obsession on the subject) that Alexei was not a haemophiliac (im sure this could be disproved though). I suppose Id say I stand 60-40 in favor of NOT all the Romanovs being shot in the house at Ekaterinburg, but possibly thats only because some of the theories behind an escape sound very plausible.In any case, I suppose we all wont be satisfied untill its discovered THAT THE ROMANOV FAMILY WAS SAVED BY VISITING ALIENS.
still, if anybody has some interesting opinion of bit of info id be interested in hearing about it.