Drawing from decades of work, travel, and research in Russia, Robert Alexander re-creates the tragic, perennially fascinating story of the final days of Nicholas and Alexandra Romanov as seen through the eyes of their young kitchen boy, Leonka. Now an ancient Russian immigrant, Leonka claims to be the last living witness to the Romanovs' brutal murders and sets down the dark secrets of his past with the imperial family. Does he hold the key to the many questions surrounding the family's murder? Historically vivid and compelling, The Kitchen Boy is also a touching portrait of a loving family that was in many ways similar, yet so different, from any other.
When tsarist soldiers fire at a group of peaceful village protestors and kill his young bride, Pavel dedicates his life to overthrowing the Romanovs. Pavel's underground group assassinates the Grand Duke, changing the life of the Grand Duchess Elisavyeta forever.
Grief-stricken, Elisavyeta gives up her wealth and becomes a nun dedicated to the poor people of Russia. When revolution finally sweeps Russia, she is the last Romanov captured, ripped from her abbey in the middle of the night and shuttled to Siberia. It is here, in a distant wood on a moonlit eve, that Pavel is left to decide her fate.
Combining stunning writing with a keen talent for storytelling, Robert Alexander uncovers more of the compelling Romanov drama and intrigue for his many readers and all fans of historical fiction.
"Alexander here melds historical fact with fictional speculation.... Reveal[ing] how ideology as well as riches can blind individuals....will draw the interest of book clubs; public libraries will also want copies for historical fiction fans."-School Library Journal
From the bestselling author of The Kitchen BoyWith the same riveting historical narrative that made The Kitchen Boy a national bestseller and a book club favorite, Robert Alexander returns to revolutionary Russia for the harrowing tale of Rasputin's final days as told by his youthful and bold daughter, Maria. Interrogated by the Provisional Government on the details of her father's death, Maria vividly recounts a politically tumultuous Russia, where Rasputin's powerful influence over the throne are unsettling to all levels of society, and the threats to his life are no secret.
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