The Family Romanov Essay

Words: 482
Pages: 2

The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming is the heartbreaking, true story about the fall of Imperial Russia. Told in alternating narration Fleming tells the story of the fall of Imperial Russia through the words of workers and royals alike. Twisting together the fascinating story of the Tsar and Russia, and how the ignorance of one man can ruin a nation.
Tsar Nicholas II was a soft-spoken man, ill-prepared to take the throne from his legendary father. He was married to Empress Alexandra, a devoutly religious German woman who believed in everything the corrupt Rasputin said. Together they had 5 children. Their daughters were the grand duchesses, Olga, Tatiana, Marie, and Anastasia, completely isolated and immature. They were so similar and undistinguishable
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Firstly, The Family Romanov is not only a fantastic book in my eyes, but also in the eyes of many others. It has won awards including the SCBWI Gold Kite Award for Nonfiction, the Cybils Award in Nonfiction for Young Adults, has been a finalist for the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction and so much more. Secondly, I believe that Fleming does an amazing job crafting a story that is not only full of worthy information, but also reads as a fascinating story. One of the hardest parts about nonfiction books is that no matter how fascinating the story really is, it’s difficult to remain accurate but not quickly become boring. Fleming takes the true story of Russia’s last Tsar and not only tells her readers all about the situation, but does it in a fashion that leaves the readers turning pages as fast as they can. Although tackling a complex and difficult subject, Fleming manages to keep her book flowing and interesting throughout, while still making sure everything is told precisely. Finally, I think that The Family Romanov has literary merit because in this book Russia’s story comes fully to life. Filled with firsthand accounts from ordinary Russians of the time, rich insight into great historical figures like Vladmir Lenin, and photographs from the time, Fleming bring the story to life. No longer just words on paper, sentences come to life, paragraphs appear as vivid pictures in your mind, and