Helpful Score: 5
This is an educational read but it's about as interesting as a book written about the tsar in exile can be. The main chunk of it is monotonous...as I am sure exile is. The ending is appalling and has quite the turn that yanks the rug from under your feet. If you read it be sure to read the epilogue or you'll miss something very important.
A nice look at Russian culture, to be sure.
A nice look at Russian culture, to be sure.
Helpful Score: 1
The Kitchen Boy tells the story of the last living witness to the events of July 16, 1918, at the "House of Special Purpose," when the Bolsheviks murdered the last Russian tsar and his family. Now an old man, Misha reveals his secrets in a tape recording meant for his granddaughter, describing the relationships he forged with the royal family and what he saw during the terrible night they were massacred.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I'm still struggling with the ending. Alexander's big twist caught me completely by surprise, but I thought he pushed its believabily a bit too far. I'm not sure he played fair with the reader. However, I liked this book enough to read his other novels.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I'm still struggling with the ending. Alexander's big twist caught me completely by surprise, but I thought he pushed its believabily a bit too far. I'm not sure he played fair with the reader. However, I liked this book enough to read his other novels.
Helpful Score: 1
Creatively told story of the last several weeks of the Romanovs as a "what if" story as seen through the eyes of their kitchen servant, Leonka. Equally touching and horrific throughout, I would definitely read more books by Mr. Alexander.
Helpful Score: 1
I knew nothing about the Romanov's before picking up this book. I couldn't put it down. I later learned that how historically correct this novel is. I so wanted to change history for this family.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! Now I want to read more about the family. The book brings the characters and settings to life. You start to believe that you are reading a true account of what happened!
