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Module 4 Non-fiction: THE FAMILY ROMANOV: MURDER, REBELLION, & THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA - Written by Candace Fleming


 

Module 4 – Book Review 3 

Review of Candace Fleming’s THE FAMILY ROMANOV: MURDER, REBELLION, & THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA 

*This review was written for a course through Sam Houston State University. 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY 

Fleming, C. (2014). THE FAMILY ROMANOV: MURDER, REBELLION, & THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA. Anne Schwartz Books. ISBN: 9780375867828 

 2. PLOT SUMMARY 

“The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, & the Fall of Imperial Russia” by Candace Fleming gives an account of the last days of the Romanov dynasty and the fall of the Imperial family, Tzar Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra and their five children. The narrative, divided into four parts, touches on the isolated life the royal family led, their personal tragedies, and their downfall due to the widespread discontent of the Russian people. The author works to paint a picture of the political and economic unrest that began and exacerbated the revolutions in 1917. The book leads to and details the execution of the Romanov family in July of 1918. This detailed book that focuses on the last days of the Romanov family shows their closeness and almost ignorance of what was happening as the revolution exploded and would destroy their lives as well as the aftermath of their demise in Russia. 
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS  

Fleming’s “The Family Romanov” has good reviews from reputable review sources and is a well-known and respected author of historical non-fiction. The book is well-organized actually begins with a section titled “Before You Begin” and another titled “Russia, 1903.” The first section provides generic information about the time, language, a map, and a family tree. The second gives a depiction of life in Russia in 1903 which gives a perspective to begin the story of the end of the Romanov reign. The book is divided into four main sections, with multiple chapters in each. The author does a good job of separating fact from fiction with information from letters and first-hand accounts of events. The author does a great job of providing information and telling the story without overwhelming the reader. Her “chunking of information” is an important part of the pacing for the reader. The book also includes important information that shows it is well-researched including a bibliography, and even sources available on the internet. 
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S) 

Booklist starred (June 1, 2014 (Vol. 110, No. 19))  

Grades 9-12. History comes to vivid life in Fleming’s sweeping story of the dramatic decline and fall of the House of Romanov. Compulsively readable, Fleming’s artful work of narrative history is splendidly researched and documented. For readers who regard history as dull, Fleming’s extraordinary book is proof positive that, on the contrary, it is endlessly fascinating, absorbing as any novel, and the stuff of an altogether memorable reading experience.  

Kirkus Reviews starred (June 1, 2014)  

Award-winning author Fleming crafts an exciting narrative from this complicated history and its intriguing personalities. It is full of rich details about the Romanovs, insights into figures such as Vladimir Lenin and firsthand accounts from ordinary Russians affected by the tumultuous events. A variety of photographs adds a solid visual dimension, while the meticulous research supports but never upstages the tale. A remarkable human story, told with clarity and confidence. Publishers Weekly (April 28, 2014) 

Making vibrant use of primary sources that emerged since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Fleming (Amelia Lost) brings to life the last imperial family of Russia. Writing with a strong point of view based on diary entries, personal letters, and other firsthand accounts, she enriches their well-known story with vivid details. A wonderful introduction to this era in Russian history and a great read for those already familiar with it.  

School Library Journal (June 1, 2014)  

his well-researched and well-annotated book provides information not only on the history of these famous figures but also on the Russian people living at the time and on the social conditions that contributed to the family's demise. The narrative alternates between a straightforward recounting of the Romanovs' lives and primary source narratives of peasants' lives. A solid resource and good recreational reading for high school students. 

5. CONNECTIONS  

  • Related Books - Other books for students to learn more about the Romanov family and the Russian Revolution 

  • Figes, Orlando. A PEOPLE’S TRAGEDY: THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION. ISBN 978-0140243642 

  • Rappaport, Helen. THE ROMANOV SISTERS: THE LOST LIVES OF THE DAUGHTERS OF NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA. ISBN 978-1250067456 

  • Enrichment Activities -  

  • Debate and Discussion – Divide students into groups representing different historical perspectives such as Nicholas II, the Bolsheviks, peasants and nobles; then have students debate who was ultimately responsible for the fall of the Romanov family. 

  • Rasputin’s Influence – Have students study sources about Rasputin, such as newspaper articles or letters from government officials.

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