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Summary: An excellent history of the change from Tsarism.
Review: Massie tells a captivating story of the overturn of Tsarism and the change to communism. He writes well, but with too many extraneous details. Unfortunately, his conclusion -- that the Tsarist overthrow was in large part due to the hemophilia of Alexis -- is interesting yet overlooks much other strong evidence. Still an absolute must read for anybody interested in the end of Tsarist Russia, and a good read for just about anybody.
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Summary: Probably the best biography in the English language
Review: I think Nicholas & Alexandra may well be the best biography ever written in English. It makes clear all of the mistakes both Nicholas and Alexandra made, without whitewashing them or denying their existence, and yet at the same time makes them, as private individuals, completely sympathetic and understandable. In an era when we think it important to know every single thought in the head of a political figure, it is also a very revealing look at what it is actually like for a human being to have to maintain political rule while carrying an agonizing personal burden.
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Summary: The book does not do justice to the complexity of this story
Review: Massie represents the one of the worst tendencies in popular historical writing, namely the sacrifice of historical complexity in order to tell a pleasing story. Massie completely romanticizes the Romanov story, without devoting nearly enough attention to the fact that at the same time that the family was enjoying their time together in splendour, everyday Russians were suffering and dying as a result of their policies. The fact that some peasants may have been awed by the czar and his family does not tell the full story of the Romanovs' relationship to their subjects. There is a fascinating and complex story here; sadly, it is one that Massie neglects, choosing to make us feel "like we were really there" rather than giving any sense of the significance(s) of what he depicts.
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Summary: The Most Marvelous Book on the Romanovs ever!
Review: This is an amazing book on the Imperial Family! I could not believe the depth of the book. It was very through. I believe this a classic of it's kind and should be read by all. Mr. Massie did an excellent job!
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Summary: So Beautifully Written, It Is Difficult To Believe ...
Review: ...that this, in fact, a meticulously researched book. I had the privilege of reading this book many times; while it is definitely a scholarly classic, it is so delightful and unbelievably easy to read that; a person of any educational background,, would be able to comprehend this book The style of writing is descriptive yet precise; and provides an accurate and poignant account of the lives of NIcholas and his family. The words flow so smoothly thougout the book that one forgets that it is, indeed, entirely factual; it reads like a novel. It is so enjoyable to read that, both my daughters read this book when they were 9; they both loved it. (I have to laugh, recalling how my younger daughter thought the word "dowager" was "dogwagger" and asked me what on earth that word meant.) Two years later, in this same daugher'sr history class, the last Romanov family was mentioned by the teacher. My daughter was able to provide so much accurate information that her teacher asked her if she cared to teach the remainder of the class. She also utilized the information in this book to refute information being taught by her Russian history professor during her first year at college.PLEASE...read this book. Mr. Massie will grab your heart with his prose and pulll you through a gamut of emotions, the final one guaranteed to be a genuine affection for NIcholas II and his beautiful family.
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Summary: poignant, vivid, and powerful
Review: A very moving historical novel and love story that is also vastly entertaining. One of the best books that I have read in a long time. It was interesting to learn about Russia before, during, and after the revolution.
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Summary: This is superb reading. Robert K. Massie is a genius!!!!!!
Review: I have had a fascination for the Romanovs for a long time. Mr. Massie has produced an incredible work that captures all the tragedy of the Romanovs and thier ill-fated dynasty. It was fascinating, meticulously accurate and I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
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Summary: must be readThis is simply the
Review: This is simply the best book I have ever read. I wanted to learn about the Tzar and his family an d I got SO MUCH MORE. If every parent was as loving and giving as the Tsar and his wife the world would be a so much better place . Those poor children, how each and everyone suffered, but Nicholas and Alexandra how they must have suffered trying to protect all of them. Robert. K. Massie has written this historical saga not as an historian but as a father. Certain things in your life stay with you, this book certainly will. READ IT.
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Summary: Excellent!!! It gave me everything I was looking for.
Review: This wonderful book has thought me so much. The fate of the Russian Imperial Family is one that is known the world over. And, it is so that I find myself utterly and completely capivated by them. Even and the mystery/hope begins to fade that Anastasia or any of her sibling survied the massarce, I still find myself completey emerged in the gliter and spectale of their lives, and their hurrendous and gresome deaths. This book allowed me to see the entire family as a whole. Nicholas was a man I came to revere. He loved his country deeply and did what he believed best, which saddly enough was not. It is upsetting to see the unfair hand history has dealt this loving father and husband andlast tsar of Russia. Alexandra was a woman I questioned. She always appeared so remote and obessive. Yet, after reading the book I see her differently. I saw that she was a loyal and loving friend and mother.
The Children, were a bit of a surprise. Olga, to my amazement wasn't the leader, she was instead a bit snobbish and direct. Tatiana, was different than I had imagined her. I always beloved she to be what in fact Olga was. Tatiana was indeed the "Governess". Marie, was beauitful and just as a thrid child should be. Anastasia, good ole fat tutu. Oh, how funny it is that this seemingly unwanted girl, would be the one the world would know the best. Alexei, I had always believed to be utterly spoiled and a brat which in certain ways he was. Yet, I too see him in a new light, he was indeed darling and gracious and I sympathize with him and his terrible pain.
I am sincerely glad I read this book. I would reccomend it to anyone with the slightest interest.It takes you beyond the doors of the palaces and prisons, and into the hearts and lives of all the characters in Nicholas's and Alexandra's court.
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Summary: It will draw you in like nothing else can
Review: This book makes you feel like an intimate of the Romanov family. Every detail, every side is examined to see what lies underneath. It reads like a novel and seems unlike any story ever told. By the end of the book you feel like you know this elusive family and wish you could go back and change the ending because of how you feel about them
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