The Romanovs: the Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie
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Book Reviews of The Romanovs: the Final Chapter
Book Review: THE TRUTH IS FINALLY OUT THERE
Summary: 4 Stars
This is one of my favorite non-fiction books, told with considerable style and excitement as it bounces back and forth between events in 1918, the 1980's and the present. Massie knows his subject, but more than that, he is a skilled writer.Perhaps the book's true significance is that it finally puts an end to the 20th century debate about Anna Andersen, the "imposter" who claimed to be the Grand Duchess Anastasia. Massie covers the hilariously beaurocratic court case involving the ownership of Andersen's diseased small intestines (!) as well as the definitive DNA tests which proved her to be a mentally ill Polish factory worker, not a Romanov (she couldn't even SPEAK Russian!). And as for the idiots (my term) who STILL refuse to believe that Andersen was Anastasia, Massie offers one of the most balanced statements ever made about this intriqing mystery. Although Anna Andersen was not Anastasia, Massie says, her life nonetheless WAS extraordinary and she lent color to the 20th Century.
All around, a great mystery written by a classy guy.
Book Review: Fascinating
Summary: 4 Stars
This book begins with the execution of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and his family.
From there the author recounts the latter-day effort, abetted by DNA testing, to find and identify the remains of the victims. And he discusses at great length the women, particularly the one known as Anna Anderson, who claimed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia, the Tsar's youngest daughter. The remains of the Tsar's son and one daughter, whose identity is disputed, were never found -- hence the Anastasia legend.
This is a true-life mystery story in the finest tradition. My only quibble is that significant portions of this work first appeared in the New Yorker magazine, where they obviously were subjected to that publication's procrustean editing process. Other portions of the book escaped the condescending, self-conscious editing that characterizes so much of the New Yorker's non-fiction. There is one author but two styles. See whether you can detect the dividing line.
Book Review: DNA in History
Summary: 4 Stars
I pulled this one off the bookshelf and read for a second time after several years. This time I took notes to keep the historical characters and the DNA information straight. I learned a lot about DNA. This is a very scholarly and well researched exploration of the historical aftermath of the massacre of the Romanov family. Sure to intrigue forensic buffs. Imagine the complications of reconstructing an act of murder/assassination (which one was it?) which took place in the context not only of revolution, but of successive governments and overlapping authorities. Add the morphing views of generations over 70 years. Throw in professional jealousy on a global scale, as well as some quirky personalities, all on the cusp of knowledge regarding the forensic use of DNA. A really interesting history which brings the past up to the present.Book Review: Compelling answers to the Romanov mysteries
Summary: 4 Stars
I found the book for the most part fascinating and intriguing, especially the details in the first 2 parts, the execution, the cover up, the finding of the bones and the identification. There were some parts here that were a bit tedious for the non scientist but necessary to the solution. The only part that really got endlessly tedious was the court fighting over the tissue samples of Anna Anderson, the claimant. All I wanted to know a that point was, is she or isn't she for heaven's sake? Being fascinated with geneology, the chapter on the living Romanovs was most interesting, but I feel the biggest flaw of the book was not including a 'family tree'. It drove me nuts! I had to try to make my own. The last chapter bringing the reader back to the begining was the most moving of all.Book Review: A Postscript to the Romanov Saga
Summary: 4 Stars
Robert K. Massie's The Romanovs (the Final Chapter) was less about what finally happened than about the search by various people into the truth about what finally happened. This makes the book a fascinating addition to the legends and truths about the Romanovs and concludes their story quite conclusively. There is more than enough historical background for the reader not familiar with the story of the Romanovs but the true interest of this story will be for the readers who are fully steeped in this story. The author has a sure touch in making this book as interesting in the saga of terror and betrayal as he does he in the parts concerning scientific investigation. A wonderful and mandatory addition to the cache of Romanov books on the market.