Cheryl (boomerbooklover) -
The Romanovs were reportedly given phony notes from possible rescuers by their captors to keep up their morale, so it is even more sad that the last entry in the diary of Tsar Nicholas reads, 'We have absolutely no news from the outside.' Other world leaders, many related to the Tsar, were hampered by the politics of ongoing WWI in organizing a possible escape for the family. Excellent book, highly recommend, especially if you are interested in the fate of the Last Tsar.
Laurie M. (reading-galore) -
I was fascinated by this behind-the-scenes book about the various plots to save the Romanovs after the tsar's abdication. This book is backed by extensive research into the topic and yet there are still archives that have not opened up to researchers, leaving questions about the full story. However, the content that is available does provide deep insight and I found very interesting. Despite the desperate efforts by their family and friends to raise money and appeal to those in power, Nicholas II and his family did not take the risk to their lives seriously enough. They refused to leave Russia, which complicated any rescue plans and ultimately led to their horrific death. I really enjoyed the wonderful black and white photos inserted into the book. As they say, "sometimes a photo is worth a thousand words." Definitely a "must read" for those who are magnetically drawn to the Romanov story and have already read about them a great deal. I don't recommend this for a first time reader of the Romanov history as the book begins at the end of their reign.
