Bibliographic-
Fleming, Candace. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of
Imperial Russia. Schwartz & Wade, 2014. ISBN 978-0-375-86782-8
Fleming, Candace. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of
Imperial Russia. Schwartz & Wade, 2014. ISBN 978-0-375-86782-8
Summary / Critical analysis-
Candace Fleming brings this already fascinating story to life in a simple but captivating format
for young readers. The history of the Romanov family is told in appropriate detail and creates
the perfect amount of background information leading to their ultimate deaths, and the
mystery surrounding their burials. Anyone who has seen the animated movie Anastasia will
be surprised at the even more exciting true story behind it.
for young readers. The history of the Romanov family is told in appropriate detail and creates
the perfect amount of background information leading to their ultimate deaths, and the
mystery surrounding their burials. Anyone who has seen the animated movie Anastasia will
be surprised at the even more exciting true story behind it.
The absurd wealth of Imperial Russia is set against primary-source material from the poor,
working class that also existed at the time. This juxtaposition shows the tensions that were
building at the time, and serve as a reminder that not all history is the flashy dramatic kind.
working class that also existed at the time. This juxtaposition shows the tensions that were
building at the time, and serve as a reminder that not all history is the flashy dramatic kind.
Fleming draws readers into the story from page one, and explains things that may be unknown
(lines of succession, Russian names, etc) at a high level that is clear and unpatronizing.
Quotes and dialogue are integrated seamlessly and only add to the overall narrative. This
text reads like a novel and is just as entertaining. The design of the book makes reading by
section or chapter easy, and the use of a slightly larger font makes the volume of
information much less intimidating.
(lines of succession, Russian names, etc) at a high level that is clear and unpatronizing.
Quotes and dialogue are integrated seamlessly and only add to the overall narrative. This
text reads like a novel and is just as entertaining. The design of the book makes reading by
section or chapter easy, and the use of a slightly larger font makes the volume of
information much less intimidating.
A family tree and map of Russia appear at the beginning of the book, and a bibliography,
chapter notes, and further reading / online sources list will help readers find more information
on this insane story. I recommend doing some research into the more recent forensics
being done on the remains of the Romanov family, as this is still ongoing.
chapter notes, and further reading / online sources list will help readers find more information
on this insane story. I recommend doing some research into the more recent forensics
being done on the remains of the Romanov family, as this is still ongoing.
Awards and Review Excerpts-
Sibert Honor
Orbis Pictus Award
Golden Kite Award
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
LA Times Book Prize
“Award-winning author Fleming crafts an exciting narrative from this complicated history
and its intriguing personalities. It is full of rich details about the Romanovs, insights into
figures such as Vladimir Lenin and firsthand accounts from ordinary Russians affected by
the tumultuous events.” Kirkus Reviews, 2014
and its intriguing personalities. It is full of rich details about the Romanovs, insights into
figures such as Vladimir Lenin and firsthand accounts from ordinary Russians affected by
the tumultuous events.” Kirkus Reviews, 2014
“Compulsively readable, Fleming's artful work of narrative history is splendidly researched
and documented. For readers who regard history as dull, Fleming's extraordinary book is
proof positive that, on the contrary, it is endlessly fascinating, absorbing as any novel, and
the stuff of an altogether memorable reading experience.” Book List Online, 2014
and documented. For readers who regard history as dull, Fleming's extraordinary book is
proof positive that, on the contrary, it is endlessly fascinating, absorbing as any novel, and
the stuff of an altogether memorable reading experience.” Book List Online, 2014
Connections-
- National Geographic video about the death of the Romanov family:
- Compare facts to the animated movie Anastasia: What did they get right? Why do you think they did not tell the true story instead?
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