A Lifelong Passion: Nicholas and Alexandra

Rating:
Summary: A MASTERPIECE
Review: A Lifelong Passion is, at its heart, a magnificent love story, made all the richer because, unlike most love stories, it is rooted in absolute truth. Although the dynamics of the relationship between Nicholas and wife, Alexandra, are quite complex, there is no doubt that they adored each other and their five beautiful children. Politics aside, the heart of their life lay in the family. And this was a fmaily undivided. They shared everything: their joys, sorrows, tragedies, fears, triumphs, and ultimately, their tragic and untimely deaths.

A Lifelong Passion is not a work of fiction. The authors have meticulously researched the diaries and letters of both Nicholas and Alexandra and their children, then created a compilation that reads like a passionate thriller. We really come to know the Romanovs as well as those close to them: the brothers and sisters of Tsar Nicholas, the Dowager Empress Marie, Kaiser Wilhelm, Queen Victoria, and others.

A Lifelong Passion is also a portrait of the decline of a dynasty, seen through the eyes of those who lived it. Filled with political plots and intrigue, the book serves as a sweeping panorama of the last days of the Russian Empire. We get to know Imperial Russia "firsthand" and I found myself thoroughly engrossed.

A Lifelong Passion is a long book, yet it is never boring. The pace never slows and our desire to know more never ends. Ultimately, the book ends in a tragedy made all the greater because we have come to know the victims so very well. Whether you agree or disagree with the politics of Tsar Nicholas II, whether you like or dislike the people involved, you can't help but feel you've come to know them, and their tragic demise causes you to grieve.

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's a love story as poignant as The Thorn Birds, as panoramic in scope as Doctor Zhivago. A timeless classic filled with history, tragedy and love. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: A must for all who share an interest in European royalty!
Review: An exquisite compendium of letters-- love letters, pleading letters, funny
letters-- all bursting with passion and a vivid depiction of a way of life
long-gone. Anyone with an interest not only in Nicholas and Alexandra, but
in the family of royals that reigned over turn-of-the-century Europe, and
in the politics of the Russian revolution, will not be able to put this
600+ page book down. As the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia were closely
related to nearly every ruling house in Europe, this is a must-read for all
royalty/history buffs. -- Diane Jones Randall

Rating:
Summary: Brings to life the tragedy of the era
Review: I thought this book was great in the depth of information it presented. It must have been an enormous undertaking to compile it. I'm very curious about all that the editors were forced to leave out for the sake of publishing (by their own admission). While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I find it necessary to point out two big errors on the part of the editors. First,in their footnotes, they state that the daughters of the Tsar did not know German, only English. This is not true, as it was proven in the 60's during the case of Anna Anderson in Germany that the Grand Duchesses studied German seriously. Their school workbooks were found (2 belonging to Anastasia) and contained fewer errors than the Russian lessons.
Secondly, the editors state in the historical afterword that we know for certain all the family perished and there were no survivors - also untrue. In the mass grave, the bodies of Anastasia (some say Maria) and Alexei were not found, nor have they been found elsewhere. The entire story remains a fascinating mystery.
A good book, but unless you are familiar with all the facets of the subject, you may be misled by the afterword to think that it is a closed case.

Rating:
Summary: Clever way to write a book
Review: This was a great book to read. I found it really amazing that you could take the hundreds of love letters that Nicholas and Alexandra exchanged and make them into such a complete, understandable story. You read their letters and you can clearly tell that they were in love. Each letter plays a special role in how the whole story is set up. This book is a true original, never before has this tragic story been told through the eyes of the people who actually lived it. Not only do you get an insight into the story through Nicholas and Alexandra, but also through their four beautiful daughters and their son Alexei.There are also many letters from several other Romanov family members as well. You will like this book, it's almost like you are in those archives in Russia reading their actual diaries and love letters.