Overview:
Countless others have rendered their verdict. Now it is your turn.
Russia, July 17, 1918: Under direct orders from Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik secret police force Anastasia Romanov, along with the entire imperial family, into a damp basement in Siberia, where they face a merciless firing squad. None survive. At least that is what the executioners have always claimed.
Germany, February 17, 1920: A young woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Anastasia Romanov is pulled shivering and senseless from a canal. Refusing to explain her presence in the freezing water or even acknowledge her rescuers, she is taken to the hospital where an examination reveals that her body is riddled with countless horrific scars. When she finally does speak, this frightened, mysterious young woman claims to be the Russian grand duchess. [Read more…]
Would I Recommend It?
Oh, ABSOLUTELY!
Thoughts:
Simply. Brilliant.
A book that keeps me up until 11:26 PM just to finish reading it is definitely a 5 star book for me. Normally, no matter how hard I try I can’t keep my eyes open pretty much past 10:30, but last night I was determined. I had to know how the story ends. And, oh, it was fantastically worth it.
I don’t know how much those who know the real story of Anastasia would be as enamored with the ending. Perhaps, to them, they wouldn’t be as riveted to the pages as I was. But maybe I’m wrong. I’d like to think that I am.
My knowledge of Anastasia and Romanovs were based on 20th Century Fox’s animated musical drama film, Anastasia. And I realize now, how historically incorrect that story is (discounting the Rasputin fight scene, that totally happened). I imagine I always suspected it, but nonetheless that film made Anastasia be one of my favorite animated movie characters. It certainly helped that she has the cutest, handsomest looking love interest. It’s definitely a story that has fascinated me through the ages. (I vaguely remember also watching an actual movie, but other than Alexey’s hemophilia and Rasputin’s devastating presence, I don’t remember anything much.)
So, here I am, a grown up. Finally getting my story straight about the Romanov family. Still sticking to fiction, but by an author who has done her research to create a very close account of the events. The non-linear storyline is perhaps the most brilliant thing about this book. The storylines of grown up Anastasia and young Anastasia drawing closer and closer together as. One counting backwards in chunks of years and the other in a straightforward linear line to that ultimate day that determined the deadly fate of the Romanov family.
Be warned that there are very detailed and gruesome recounting of events. This is NOT a lighthearted story. This is based on true events and the reality became quite harsh for the Romanovs. The author does a great job in helping the reader stomach these moments by depicting Anastasia’s character as witty, smart, sarcastic, believable, defiant, but also quite vulnerable.
Author’s note is DON’T read the author’s note, before reading the book!
Book:
I Was Anastasia
Author:
Ariel Lawhon
Genre:
Fiction, Historical Fiction
My Rating:
5 Stars
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