The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & The Fall of Imperial Russia

The last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II, was the wealthiest and most powerful man in the world. He ruled over 130 million people, most living in extreme poverty. His unwillingness to acknowledge and address the poverty of his people and his inept leadership lead to a revolution that toppled the 300 year old Romanov dynasty. Fleming brings together a variety of sources to create a highly readable and age appropriate history of the downfall of a royal family and a nation's government. While telling the story of the doomed Romanovs, the author includes information and excerpts from books and letters that provide evidence of the suffering of the people of Russia. In doing so, she creates a dimensional story that puts the actions and ultimate fate of Tsar Nicholas and his family into the national context. The Family Romanov is a thoughtful,interesting, and well researched history. Fleming does well clearly defining and simplifying political and philosophical concepts for the readers. It is a great introduction and would interest those already familiar with that time in Russian history.