Helpful Score: 5
This is an educational read but it's about as interesting as a book written about the tsar in exile can be. The main chunk of it is monotonous...as I am sure exile is. The ending is appalling and has quite the turn that yanks the rug from under your feet. If you read it be sure to read the epilogue or you'll miss something very important.
A nice look at Russian culture, to be sure.
A nice look at Russian culture, to be sure.
Helpful Score: 1
The Kitchen Boy tells the story of the last living witness to the events of July 16, 1918, at the "House of Special Purpose," when the Bolsheviks murdered the last Russian tsar and his family. Now an old man, Misha reveals his secrets in a tape recording meant for his granddaughter, describing the relationships he forged with the royal family and what he saw during the terrible night they were massacred.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I'm still struggling with the ending. Alexander's big twist caught me completely by surprise, but I thought he pushed its believabily a bit too far. I'm not sure he played fair with the reader. However, I liked this book enough to read his other novels.
I enjoyed reading this book, but I'm still struggling with the ending. Alexander's big twist caught me completely by surprise, but I thought he pushed its believabily a bit too far. I'm not sure he played fair with the reader. However, I liked this book enough to read his other novels.
Helpful Score: 1
Creatively told story of the last several weeks of the Romanovs as a "what if" story as seen through the eyes of their kitchen servant, Leonka. Equally touching and horrific throughout, I would definitely read more books by Mr. Alexander.
Helpful Score: 1
I knew nothing about the Romanov's before picking up this book. I couldn't put it down. I later learned that how historically correct this novel is. I so wanted to change history for this family.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book! Now I want to read more about the family. The book brings the characters and settings to life. You start to believe that you are reading a true account of what happened!
Helpful Score: 1
The novel is hard to take because you know the outcome of the Romanov family...but do you? This is the story of an innocent boy swept up in the need to help the imprisoned Romanovs who have been toppled from power and are being held by the Reds. He has an overwhelming need to serve them while at the same time attempt to help them...but all is not what it seems. You don't see the end coming.
Really?!? Millions of Russians died of starvation and war due to the negligence and stupidity of their ruler, yet we're supposed to be "horrified" that the "entire" royal family was wiped out? Granted, all those peasants weren't as cute as the Tsarivich, but I think obsessing on this is misplacing your energy.
interesting premise and nice twists a little redundant.
Ever since high school World History class I have been fascinated with the tragic story of the Romanovs, the last tsar of Russia and his family. In the last several years, I have become quite a fan of historical fiction and have devoured book after book about Tudor Eng...land. Enter The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander. This book was practically written for me. I loved every minute of reading this book. It's rich in actual history and I learned several new things that I'd not known before. The fictional part of the story was incredible as well. Highly recommended; two enthusiastic thumbs up!
The kitchen boy in question works in the house of the Romanov family during the days before their murder. The writing is fine and the story well-told. I like historical fiction if it's really great, but this one wasn't very interesting to me. It seemed a little over romanticized or maybe I'm just tired of hearing speculation about what happened to the daughter who supposedly escaped. It wasn't bad.
Excellent book! If you like reading about the last Tsar, you'll love the way this novel is put together. Oh, and the ending...
This book captured the imagination. It was well written, a very easy read!
Wow -- an awesome take on this moment in history. Loved it.
