The Kitchen Boy

I loved Robert Massie's Nicholas and Alexandra. I love history. I thought I would love this book. I did not. I picked it up after the big Thanksgiving dinner and figured I'd have it completed by noon on Friday. Oh boy did it drag...the language is stilted, the story so repetitive and stop and go. I kept putting the book down. I very much wanted to put it onto the dnf shelf and walk away - but because it's a small book - I persisted and finished. It's the longest short book I've read in a long time.

This book tells the story of the last days of the Romanovs from the perspective of the kitchen boy who worked in their house. It's an interesting book and shows the personalities of the various family members. And there's a fascinating, if improbable, twist at the end. But the narrator continually reminds the reader of the bloody end to come, which may have been useful once or twice but seemed unnecessary numerous times. He also interjects information that is trying to give some historical context or background on members of the family, but it doesn't seem to flow in with the narrative. So overall, an interesting story with some jarring flaws.

I have to admit. Russia doesn't really appeal to me (though oddly enough I once wanted to focus on Eastern Europe as my concentration for international relations). I wasn't thrilled by this task for the College Students Spring/Summer Challenge. (Particularly because I had no desire to tackle Anna Karenina!) But I actually liked this book, especially after the first half. The ending was a good wrap to the book, and then the epilogue will have your jaw dropping in utter confusion. You won't see it coming!

This was a fun book to read. Can get too deep into details at times, but it's an interesting story and perspective of the Romanovs. Recommended.