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msliz_31's review against another edition
4.0
Enthralling, even though I knew how historically it would end, it still kept me hoping Anastasia made it out alive.
cozycorner_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoy this author, so I was excited to read this book. This story examines the time when the Romanovs are in exile up to when they are executed. But it also tells the story of Anna Anderson, the woman who claimed to be the missing tsarevna Anastasia and ultimately made Anastasia a legend.
The author did an amazing job of capturing the emotion of both women, while also presenting historical details. I did have a hard time following some of the story until I figured out that the different perspectives were written in a back and forth timeline (Anastasia's story is told chronologically, while Anna's story is told in reverse chronology).
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially if they have a fascination with the Romanov family. I would say more, but the emotions you feel during this book are better if you experience them firsthand.
The author did an amazing job of capturing the emotion of both women, while also presenting historical details. I did have a hard time following some of the story until I figured out that the different perspectives were written in a back and forth timeline (Anastasia's story is told chronologically, while Anna's story is told in reverse chronology).
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, especially if they have a fascination with the Romanov family. I would say more, but the emotions you feel during this book are better if you experience them firsthand.
anotherauthor's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An enthusiast of the Anastasia legend, I quite enjoyed this book. At times, I found the non-linear timeline confusing and annoying, but in the end I think the structure worked best for telling the story. Lawhon does a beautiful job of massaging the story, and I found the ending surprisingly poignant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Rape and Suicide attempt
kessler21's review against another edition
2.0
The format of this book is was very difficult for me. The story is told in two stories. Anastasia as a child going forward in time. Anna, an older lady, told backwards in time. All the while, you are guessing if Anna is Anastasia.
I had high hopes for this book considering it is inspired by real events. Anna Andreson really convinced many and reached a level of celebrity due to her claims of being Anastasia.
The story of the Romanovs did not invoke strong emotions like I think was the authors intent. And Anna's story was hard to following being told backwards in time.
I had high hopes for this book considering it is inspired by real events. Anna Andreson really convinced many and reached a level of celebrity due to her claims of being Anastasia.
The story of the Romanovs did not invoke strong emotions like I think was the authors intent. And Anna's story was hard to following being told backwards in time.
kelli_with_an_i's review against another edition
3.0
Okay story. I did not like how each chapter kept jumping around in time. It made things hard to follow.
2024bookedup's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
elizabeth803's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve been fascinated with Anastasia since I learned about her in middle school. Even knowing the truth this book kept me intrigued.
jenn_unc's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars. This book is difficult to review for me. I loved the story; I love historical fiction & am always intrigued by Romanov history. I was captivated by the story. I was in to the mystery. The forward telling of Anastasia’s story is all well and good. But the backward telling of Anna gets really confusing. Especially with characters. I’m still not clear on Prince Frederick- how that came to be and how it ended. It just isn’t as fluid. Being a houseguest everywhere, some of that seemed unnecessary to the overall plot. I have questions about characters - I’m not sure they were answered prior to me realizing I had the question or if their story just got lost in the timeline. Gleb- getting married & what happens between them is alluded to but I don’t remember being flushed out. Worth the read but a bit confusing.
gembev's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75