The Kitchen Boy A Novel of the Last Tsar (9780142003817) Robert Alexander |PaperBackSwap.com

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Ashley B. (daredevilgirl013) wrote on 6/30/2007...

7 member(s) found this review helpful.

A really spellbinding read. You won't be disappointed. It also gives you insight as to what might have happened to Ana and how the family must have felt, and those guarding them. If you've ever had any interest in the Tsars, I suggest you read this.

(RockStarGirl) wrote on 2/11/2008...

6 member(s) found this review helpful.

This was a very suspenseful and sympathetic tale that focused on the last months of the Romanovs' lives. The kitchen boy reflects on his role in the assassination of the Romanovs, on how he failed them, and what really happened to the two youngest Romanov children. While largely a tale of fiction, the author has made the book as accurate as possible, including actual notes and events from the House of Special Purpose. The book is further enhanced by visiting the author's website, where he has many photos and a reader's guide to the book.

Barbara (femmefan) wrote on 4/30/2007...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

The Russian imperial family under house arrest, hidden jewels, tangled conspiracies, hidden witnesses. A fairly short novel, and a fast read, but the story was engrossing, and I did not figure out the twists and turns until the end.

Carol P. (CarolP) wrote on 2/23/2007...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

Excellent account of the murder of the Romanov family with a literary twist. Was my Evening Book Club's book choice for February and all members enjoyed.

Angela T. (angelatres) wrote on 2/20/2009...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

I liked this book very much especially how it is told through the eyes of the kitchen boy. The murder scene was horrific and very sad, I kept secretely hoping the family would be saved even though I knew they would'nt be. The surprise at the end was very nice, I did not see that coming. This is the kind of book that makes me wish I was in a book club so I that I would have lots of people to talk about it with.

Viktoriya I. (shpriz1) wrote on 6/5/2006...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book really surprised me. At first, I couldn't get into it. I kept forcing myself to open it and read more. But then, the twist that the story took towards the end was completelly unexpected. One thing that irritated me was the use of Russian words (and I say that as a person who speaks and reads Russian). I thought that there were way too many of them. Much more than the story called for.

Susan E. (SEEJ) wrote on 3/18/2006...

4 member(s) found this review helpful.

Very interesting book. You know what is going to happen from the beginning, so you read with anticipation. Much like watching a car accident. You don't want to see it but can't look away. Well done. It has made me want to read actual accounts of Russia during that time. Can't wait for my bookclub discussion.

Ann M. (smicks) wrote on 5/20/2009...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

The novel is hard to take because you know the outcome of the Romanov family...but do you? This is the story of an innocent boy swept up in the need to help the imprisoned Romanovs who have been toppled from power and are being held by the Reds. He has an overwhelming need to serve them while at the same time attempt to help them...but all is not what it seems. You don't see the end coming.

SALLY W. (thameslink) wrote on 2/20/2009...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Fascinating work of historical fiction about the last days of the Romanov family seen through the eyes of their kitchen boy, who was imprisoned with them. Involving, sympathetic characters. Very well written, a quick read that I think anyone with an interest in history would enjoy. Actual existing documents woven skillfully into the story. I highly recommend this book!