Ashley B. (daredevilgirl013) reviewed The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar on + 746 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 13
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.
Helpful Score: 13
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.
Helpful Score: 10
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.
Helpful Score: 8
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.
Helpful Score: 5
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.
