Nonfiction Book Review: The Family Romanov, by Candace Fleming

 NONFICTION BOOK REVIEW: THE FAMILY ROMANOV

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Fleming, Candace, 2014. THE FAMILY ROMANOV: MURDER, REBELLING, & THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade Books. ISBN 978035867828

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Candace Fleming constructs a thoroughly detailed account of the final Romanov family, and the events that led to their downfall in pre-soviet Russia. In a the style of a captivating true crime thriller, Fleming leads the reader through the opulent lives of the last Romanov family, starting in 1903 and ending in 1918, and weaves detailed historical fact with an enthralling narrative concerning the intricacies of the relationships and personalities within the Romanov family, and the perspectives of the outside world. 

Fleming brings to life each individual family member of the royal family, from historical accounts and their own diaries, by describing their character, personality, and privileged lifestyle, as well as the horrifying poverty of the rest of the country. She tells the story from the perspective of children and young adults of the peasant class, in their own words. Showcasing a detailed account of a little known part of history to most young adult readers, Fleming brings forth an  in-depth look at the stark contrasting lives of the rich and the poor of Russia through first-hand accounts. This disparity eventually brought about the explosive and violent overthrow of the massive Russian Empire, and the Romanov Family, when their lives came to a sudden and tragic end. Fleming concludes her narrative with facts and historical accounts of the mystery surrounding the Romanov family, and the role of modern science in solving the mystery of their fates. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS 

Through thorough notes and bibliographies located at the end of the book, Fleming provides ample evidence to the reader that she is a master of her craft concerning the topic of the Romanov family. Fleming’s point of view remains clear as she expertly provides both sides of viewpoints from both the perspectives of the Royal family themselves, as well as peasants and working class who kept record of what life was like for them during this tumultuous time pre- Soviet Russia. Fleming also provides a carefully- chosen array of photographs from the Library of Congress and other credited sources that provide an accurate portrayal of not only the Romanov family’s life before and after the revolution, but also the lives led by the mass majority of the country, the peasants and working class. These photographs ultimately bring the characters to life and understanding from the readers. 

Fleming’s work is presented in a clear framework that provides the reader with a sufficient understanding of the topic presented. Before jumping into her account, Fleming introduces specific terms about Russian royalty, as well as a map of the Russian empire and a two page family tree of the royal family, because it is important to understand before reading the book. Next, the book is divided into 5 parts, with multiple chapters contained within each part. What's more interesting, however, is that after each chapter, Fleming pairs a first-person account of a peasant, more often than not a child or teenager, with a description of the rich and bountiful lives of the royal children. Following the five parts, Fleming provides an acknowledgment, bibliography, a further reading section on the Romanovs, and an index that supports her research. This chosen framework aides in providing a clear and logical tool to introduce the timeframe of events that led to the fall of the Russian Empire, and the effects it had on not only the country, but the world as a whole. The tools provided within the book are easily accessible for readers, and provide a clear and logical explanation on how to find information, ultimately keeping the reader interested in how the events will play out. 

Concerning the design of the book itself, in the cover alone, the photographs that are chosen, as well as the title, are eye catching to the reader, and invite the reader to explore the book further. As mentioned previously, the photographs chosen and notes with each reflected an intent of carrying the narrative forward, as well as being a tool allowing the reading to catch a glimpse of the life the subject led, whether wealthy or poor. Another highlight of the design features displayed is the choice of font and lettering within the book itself. The Section, Chapter, and “Behind the Curtain” points of each of the parts are typed in a creative and eye-catching manner that draws the reader into reading the following page. All chosen graphics and photos are placed appropriately. The first collection of photographs is placed in the story prior to the time when civil unrest began to occur, and the second collection is placed after the fall of the Romanov family, and the beginning of the Revolution. In all matters, the graphics, font style, and photographs help communicate the subject matter clearly.

Fleming has a unique voice style: she not only informs the reader about the facts of the subject, but also provides depth, respect, and individual personality to the subjects, carrying the narrative forward with passion, understanding, and sensitivity. Fleming describes her reasoning behind the layout and creation of her unique narrative of the fall of the Romanov empire:

“After some reading and research, I came to realize, more than anything, that I needed to find answers to the question that kept nagging me: “how did this happen?” How did this rich, splendidly privileged, and, yes, beautiful family related by blood to almost every royal house in Europe end up in that Siberian cellar? Something had gone horribly wrong. But what? What were the forces at work? What personalities? And was there really nothing Nicholas or Alexandria could have done to change their fate?
These were the questions I set out to answer. But doing so, I realized, would require a wider lens. I would need to look beyond the Romanovs and their fairy-tale existence and examine the lives of lower-class Russians- peasants and workers, revolutionaries, and soldiers. The result? A book that is essentially three stories in one. The first is an intimate look at the Romanovs themselves. The second follows the sweep of the revolution from the workers’ strikes of 1905 to Lenin’s rise to power in November 2017. And the third- conveyed in their own words- is the personal stories of the men and women whose struggle for a better life directly affected the course of the Romanovs’ lives.”

Through this excerpt alone, we see how Fleming brilliantly displays the ultimate focus, consideration, and care she took to creating an accurate portrayal of the Romanovs and the events that led to their downfall on a national scale, all done to provide accurate information and encourage interest in young adult readers. It was not created simply as a one-sided story of the Romanovs and their innocence in the matter, but rather as a three-fold view that brought all perspectives into play, asking the reader if Tsar Nicholas and Alexandra were innocent, or if they played a part in the downfall of their empire. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS 

Publisher’s Weekly
“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. The narrative begins in February 1903…and also features primary sources from peasants and factory workers…that help to affectively trace the increasingly deplorable conditions and growing discontent that led to the Russian Revolution; key figures such as Rasputin and Lenin are profiled in some depth... 

A wonderful introduction to this era in Russian history and a great read for those already familiar with it.”

Booklist 

 “Fleming examines the family at the center of two of the early 20th century's defining events.It's an astounding and complex story, and Fleming lays it neatly out for readers unfamiliar with the context…Excerpts from contemporary accounts make it clear how years of oppression and deprivation made the population ripe for revolutionary fervor, while a costly war took its toll on a poorly trained and ill-equipped military. The secretive deaths and burials of the Romanovs fed rumors and speculation for decades until modern technology and new information solved the mysteries. 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.”

5. CONNECTIONS 

Awards and Recognitions: 

Golden Kite Award: Nonfiction 

NCTE Orbis Pictus Nonfiction Award 

The Robert F. Sibert Honor Book

ALA Notable Children’s Books- Older Readers Category: 2015

Los Angeles Times Books Prizes: Winner, Young Adult Literature

School Library Journal Best Nonfiction Books: 2014

Read- Alikes to pair with THE FAMILY ROMANOV:

Fiction: 

• Alexander, Robert. THE KITCHEN BOY. ISBN 9781587244575

• Brandes, Nadine. ROMANOV. ISBN 9780785217244

• Meyer, Carolyn. ANASTASIA, THE LAST GRAND DUCHESS. ISBN 9780439129084

• Meyer, Carolyn. ANASTASIA AND HER SISTERS. ISBN 9781481403269

• Turnbull, Bryn. THE LAST GRAND DUCHESS. ISBN 9780778386360

Nonfiction: 

• Gay, Kathlyn. THE AFTERMATH OF THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION. ISBN 9780822590927

• Rappaport, Helen. THE ROMANOV SISTERS: THE LOST LIVES OF THE DAUGHTERS OF NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA. ISBN 9781250020208 

• Rappaport, Helen. THE LAST DAYS OF THE ROMANOVS: TRAGEDY AT EKATERINBURG. ISBN 9780312379766

• Rappaport, Helen. THE RUSH TO SAVE THE ROMANOVS: THE TRUTH BEHIND THE SECRET PLANS TO RESCUE THE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL FAMILY. ISBN 9781250151216

Activities: 

Public Library Book Club, such as a “ True Crime Club for Teens”

Chosen book for Month: THE FAMILY ROMANOV: MURDER, REBELLION & THE FALL OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA 

After reading THE FAMILY ROMANOV: 

Book Club Activities: 

• Reader’s Theater + Script reading

• In teams of 5, choose a chapter/ section to record and dramatize from the book.

• Compare and contrast historical events to the children’s movie “Anastasia”, Netflix Romanov Documentary, and/ or  the Broadway play “Anastasia'' to the book, as well as factual information from resources found at the back of the book.
  
  

• Create a Scrapbook journal from the point of view of one of the princesses, a maid, and/or a servant boy during the rise and fall of the last Romanov ruling family.  Use resources such as: https://www.theromanovfamily.com/category/romanov-family-diaries/ to see and hear about real diary entries and letters from the Romanov family members, and those who were in close contact with them, as well as interviews with family members and friends of the Romanovs who survived the Russian Revolution.