What readers think of The Romanov Sisters, plus links to write your own review.

Author Helen Rappaport,has done an outstanding job of documenting the lives of Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Romanov (OTMA). Often seen as a unit (hence the OTMA), the sisters come across with very distinct personalities in this book. This tome was primarily written from their diaries and the personal recollections of survivors so their individuality blossoms in this book. Olga was the most sensitive, Tatiana was the natural leader, Maria had the best nature and Anastasia was the most rambunctious.

Nicholas and Alexandra are very devoted to their children and spend quite a bit of time with them, something unusual among royalty at the time. Tsarevich Alexei, the youngest, is burdened with the family illness, hemophilia, which must be kept hidden from royalty and the common people. That fact starts to bring about the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty as the family becomes more isolated due to his illness and the public sees them as uncaring and out of touch.

I felt sad for the sisters while reading this book as they come across as kind, generous and helpful. I often saw "opportunities" where if someone would have taken some action, their lives could have been saved by escaping when they could. This book is suitable for book clubs, readers of world or Russian history, or the events of WW1.
The book contains a helpful "Glossary of Names" to keep the reader on track with who is whom, including nicknames or pet names.

I really enjoy reading biographies and social histories above all in non-fiction. That said, I can't say I disliked reading this book but I was left as unsatisfied as if I had been served a slice of sugar free pie while expecting a slice of the real deal. Tasty but not fulfilling.

Comprehensive and well documented, this biography of the last Tsar's four daughters stops just short of their violent deaths as the tide turns in Russia. Half of the book is spent with their mother Alexandra,( her relationship with Queen Victoria) and her ill health, their brother Alexy the Tsaritsa, who suffers from Hemophilia (although a secret from all but the immediate family) and the influence of the "crazed" monk, Rasputin. Granted the title is "sisters" but the story is truly about the Romanov family and how secluded and out of touch they were. Each of the sisters was developing as individuals and Ms. Rappaport treats them individually, noting the lost potential of these lovely "poor little rich girls". I would highly recommend this title.

History and Russian buffs will love this history of the last Tsar and his family. Although the title seems to indicate the book will revolve around the four Romanov daughters more than half of the book is spent with their mother Alexandra and her ills, their brother Alexie who suffers from Hemophilia and the influence of Rasputin. Perhaps because the girls were so sheltered from the public little actual “news” is available to write about them, their lives, their schooling and private lives. The book reads quickly and is interesting, especially as it relates the family to their English and German relatives.

If you are hoping to read the bloody details of the family’s end, you will need to find another book as this one ends with their banishment from public and royal life. You will, however, discover a family that cherishes normality and each other.