The Romanovs: the Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie
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Book Reviews of The Romanovs: the Final Chapter
Book Review: an interesting forensic foray
Summary: 4 Stars
this book lays out some of the findings, theories, and arguments presented regarding the true fate of the Romanovs. Which grand duchess is missing? Where is Alexei? Could anyone have lived? A good starting point for those interested in deducing for themselves which set of remains belongs to which family member...Book Review: Only for Someone with an Interest In Royals
Summary: 3 Stars
Massie's book "The Romanovs: The Final Chapter" is a sometime-interesting, most times not examination of the ultimate fate of the last royal family of Russia. The book, as noted by other reviewers, is divided into three sections - the latest findings on the last days of the Imperial Family and their execution, the story of the eventual discovery of the remains and the various imposters and poseurs who claimed to be this or that member of the lost dynasty, as well as the infighting over the remains, and an update on the doings of the Romanov family today.
I am not saying that all of this is uninteresting, but the story is not of especial relevance. And I am at something at a loss to explain the continuing popularity of this story except for the fact that their end was so especially horrid, lending itself to any number of romanticized and schmaltzy treatments. But, I was most interested in the section on the Romanov imposters, which was especially well done and reflective of the absurd heights of the Romanov obssession. As to the modern day Romanovs, I honestly could care less about them or their quibbling over "who gets to be called what and why." The whole tale could be read as the degenerate pettiness - political and personal - that clouded one family's macabre, sordid end and the various cons and political/personal "cottage industries" that mushroomed around them after their deaths. If the book had been written more explicitly from that point of view, I might have been quite taken with it.
But, as it is, if you like stories of royal families or if you are a "royal watcher," you will really enjoy "The Romanovs: The Final Chapter." To you, I would heartily recommend it, and the story and interesting pictures will not fail to disappoint. If you are more interested in socio-political or more academic historical analysis, or have a limited interest in royalty as opposed to their policies and historical impact, I cannot recommend this book.
No firm recommendation one way or the other. It just depends on what you are looking for.
Book Review: The Romanovs: Should We Care?
Summary: 3 Stars
Robert K Massie is a marvellous historian. Anyone who has read "Dreadnought" which concerns the lead up to World War I would probably concur. It is a master epic of naval history."The Romanovs: The Final Chapter" is a very different book to "Dreadnought". It seems to be a means of cashing in on the current interest in European aristocracy and the ongoing mystique of whether Anastasia Romanov died with her parents and siblings in Ekaterinburg in 1918 at the hands of the Bolsheviks. However, while being a very different style of book, it is also a much less readable and significant piece of history. The reader seems to be on an endless journey through the minutiae of the Russian royal family and all the crackpots who claim a part of their heritage. It is not a read that is pleasant or easy to follow.
I am unable to recommend this book to other readers. The Romanovs are no longer of any modern day relevance. This book, if it has one redeeming feature, is to confirm their irrelevance.
Book Review: A disappointing read
Summary: 3 Stars
i have to agree with the other reviewers who gave this book a 3/5. I thoroughly enjoyed the first couple chapters about the Romanovs and especially the last chapter when it described their final days. However, I was very much bored with everything in between. While the hunt for the Romanovs is certainly interesting, there are so many minut details and you soon find yourself feeling overwhelmed. I was becoming confused on which guy did this and who found what because it constantly changed. Then they went on for too long about "Anastasia" and all the court drama that ensued.
I hope to buy a book on the Romanovs that focuses on the family, how they met and lived. This book just didn't catch my attention.
Book Review: Alot of information
Summary: 3 Stars
This book contains alot of information about the fate of the Romanov family and their companions. There are documents from Russian archives, eyewitness accounts and more. It is sometimes difficult reading, but well worth the effort.