French or English was the language of choice as Russian was considered coarse. They wore designer gowns and vacationed on the French Riviera.

They 'represented only 1.5 percent of the population, but owned 90 percent of all Russia's wealth.' These people were well educated and could trace their roots 'back to the ancient princes who had ruled the country centuries earlier.' Their homes were filled with priceless works of art, antiques and many luxuries. In attendance were members of what was known as the belaya kost - the 870 families who made up Russia's wealthiest citizens. Petersburg's founding as the Russian capital.

Lots of photographs bring key people, places, and events to life and deepen the reader's understanding of the gap between the imperial family and their subjects.The Family Romanov is historical nonfiction written for younger readers, although many adults will find this book of interest.įleming sets the stage for this fascinating account of the Russian Royal family by describing a grand costume ball held on the night of Februin honour of the two-hundredth anniversary of St. She handles the violent, tragic deaths the Romanovs and countless other people with an unvarnished but even tone, so the reader is not just appropriately horrified but also feels the impact, while thoroughly understanding cause and effect. She deftly juxtaposes her lively look at the Romanovs with first-hand accounts from peasants and workers that help the reader understand their terrible situation. Fleming's scholarship is formidable and her empathy for all concerned evident. The book is no rosy-hued tribute from a fan of royalty. The only flaws are a few awkward sentences that should have been caught by an editor, such as 'a combined Austrian-Germany force' and 'whether the tsar chose to listen was his choice,' which are unlikely to bother teens. Using a wealth of primary sources, Candace Fleming paints vivid portraits of the doomed family, and tweens and teens will easily relate to the young Romanovs as they grow up in unique circumstances.

This is an engaging, often-riveting, detailed look into the lives of the last royal family of Russia as well as the social and political upheaval in the empire at the turn of the 20th century.

The family romanov by candace fleming