Title: The Romanov EmpressAuthor: C.W. Gortner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Other books I've read by this author: Mademoiselle Chanel
Synopsis: A fictionalized account of the life of Tsarina Maria 'Minnie' Feodorovna from a young child to the fall of the Romanov autocracy.
My Thoughts
I loved this novel, Gortner has such a way of conveying the complexities of marrying into and leading a royal family. I have not read much about the Romanovs and only knew of the gruesome end of the reigning Tsar Nicholas II and his family after they were overthrown. Gortner uses Maria Feodorovna's perspective to highlight the difficulties of the Russian royal family and how her son's weakness led to the mistreatment of the people of Russia. I appreciate that Minnie doesn't just default to defending her son, but really wants him to do right by his people. She was so involved in providing aid to those in need, especially during the war with her work with the Red Cross that she saw the plight of the people up close.
It was also interesting to really consider what it means to the spouse of the reigning King/Tsar when he passes away. This is discussed for both Minnie and her sister, Alix. Not only did they just lose their spouse, but then they also lose their home, jewels, and profession all in one fell swoop, replaced by the wife of their sons.
I loved this novel, Gortner has such a way of conveying the complexities of marrying into and leading a royal family. I have not read much about the Romanovs and only knew of the gruesome end of the reigning Tsar Nicholas II and his family after they were overthrown. Gortner uses Maria Feodorovna's perspective to highlight the difficulties of the Russian royal family and how her son's weakness led to the mistreatment of the people of Russia. I appreciate that Minnie doesn't just default to defending her son, but really wants him to do right by his people. She was so involved in providing aid to those in need, especially during the war with her work with the Red Cross that she saw the plight of the people up close.
It was also interesting to really consider what it means to the spouse of the reigning King/Tsar when he passes away. This is discussed for both Minnie and her sister, Alix. Not only did they just lose their spouse, but then they also lose their home, jewels, and profession all in one fell swoop, replaced by the wife of their sons.
Comment below if you have read this book or have suggestions for others like it!
To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above
To buy this book from Amazon now, click on the image at the top of the post.
To see more from the author, visit the website linked above
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