What do you think?
Rate this book
Rasputin and His Russian Queen: The True Story of Grigory and Alexandra
Rasputin’s relationship with Russia’s last Tsarina, Alexandra, notorious from the famous Boney M song, has never been adequately addressed; biographies are always for one or the other, or simply Alexandra and her husband Nicholas. In this new work, Mickey Mayhew reimagines Alexandra for the #MeToo ‘neurotic’; ‘hysterical’; ‘credulous’ and ‘fanatical’ are shunted aside in favor of a sympathetic reimagining of a reserved and pious woman tossed into the heart of Russian aristocracy, with the sole purpose of providing their patriarchal monarchy with an heir. When the son she prayed for turns out to be a hemophiliac, she forms a friendship with the one man capable of curing the child’s agonizing attacks.
Some say that between them, Grigori and Alexandra brought down 300 years of Romanov rule and ushered in the Russian Revolution, but theirs was simply the story of a mother fighting for the health of her son against a backdrop of bigotry, sexism and increasing secularism. Bubbling with his trademark bon mots, Mickey Mayhew’s new book breathes fresh life into two of history’s most fascinating - and polarizing - figures.
She liked to pray and he liked to party, but when they found themselves steering Russia into the First World War, her gender and his class meant that society simply had to crush them.
This is the real story of Rasputin and his Russian queen, Alexandra.
Some say that between them, Grigori and Alexandra brought down 300 years of Romanov rule and ushered in the Russian Revolution, but theirs was simply the story of a mother fighting for the health of her son against a backdrop of bigotry, sexism and increasing secularism. Bubbling with his trademark bon mots, Mickey Mayhew’s new book breathes fresh life into two of history’s most fascinating - and polarizing - figures.
She liked to pray and he liked to party, but when they found themselves steering Russia into the First World War, her gender and his class meant that society simply had to crush them.
This is the real story of Rasputin and his Russian queen, Alexandra.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2023
1 person is currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Mickey Mayhew
17 books20 followersMickey Mayhew is an author from London, working on Mary Queen of Scots and the Tudor reign; he has a PhD focusing on the online 'cult' surrounding the 'tragic queens' Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots. He wrote 'The Little Book of Mary Queen of Scots' (published by The History Press) in 2014 and then 'I love the Tudors' (published by Pitkin Publishing) in 2016. Pen & Sword Books published 'House of Tudor - A grisly history' and 'Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots' in 2022 and 'Rasputin and his Russian Queen' in 2023.
Previously to this, he was co-author on three books relating to Jack the Ripper, whilst fictional work includes the urban fantasy trilogy 'The Barrow Boys of Barking', beginning with 'Jack and the Lad' and concluding, for now, with 'Jamie's Big Bang'. His tongue-in-cheek memoir 'Mickeypedia' is also now available, with all proceeds going to the Anna Kennedy Online autism charity.
His latest book is The Anne Boleyn Bible, also from Pen & Sword; the work includes the discovery of the sword used at Anne Boleyn's execution; on that score, the opposition to adding anything new or fresh to Anne Boleyn lore would, however, make for a book in itself. He is currently in the process of taking legal action against several Tudor historians who - out of pure spite - tried to sabotage both the book and also the findings therein.
Previously to this, he was co-author on three books relating to Jack the Ripper, whilst fictional work includes the urban fantasy trilogy 'The Barrow Boys of Barking', beginning with 'Jack and the Lad' and concluding, for now, with 'Jamie's Big Bang'. His tongue-in-cheek memoir 'Mickeypedia' is also now available, with all proceeds going to the Anna Kennedy Online autism charity.
His latest book is The Anne Boleyn Bible, also from Pen & Sword; the work includes the discovery of the sword used at Anne Boleyn's execution; on that score, the opposition to adding anything new or fresh to Anne Boleyn lore would, however, make for a book in itself. He is currently in the process of taking legal action against several Tudor historians who - out of pure spite - tried to sabotage both the book and also the findings therein.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 16, 2023
AT FIRST I WAS ON BOARD, BUT THE HYPE SOON FADED
When I first began this book I was attracted to two things; Mayhew's goal of peeling away the myths from reality and the writing, which managed to be both serious and spirited. But I quickly became disillusioned.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Writing: I am always a fan of non-fiction writers that don't gatekeep their subject by making the writing needlessly intellectual. Mayhew did a great job of making his writing (and therefore his subject) approachable. It was easy to follow and even felt bot spirited and humorous at times.
Stated premise: I purposely write "stated" premise here, because I don't feel like the premise was actually upheld when push came to shove. Mayhew states, that he wants to peel back the layers of myth and legend surrounding Empress Alexandra and Rasputin. That is a noble and great premise to work with. But in the end, I didn't see this accomplished.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Un-original: Even though Mayhew wanted to get to the truth, through the layers of myth, I didn't feel like there was anything really original to this book. On the contrary, it felt trite and stale. It was basically just all the same stories as everyone else has already written about before.
Sources: To top it off, there was a serious lack of sources. The same old stories were retold once again, but with no source or citation trying to get to the bottom of where the stories actually came from - which definitely should have been the main focus of this book, if Mayhew truly wanted to de-mythologize Alexandra and Rasputin.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
When I first began this book I was attracted to two things; Mayhew's goal of peeling away the myths from reality and the writing, which managed to be both serious and spirited. But I quickly became disillusioned.
👍 What I Liked 👍
Writing: I am always a fan of non-fiction writers that don't gatekeep their subject by making the writing needlessly intellectual. Mayhew did a great job of making his writing (and therefore his subject) approachable. It was easy to follow and even felt bot spirited and humorous at times.
Stated premise: I purposely write "stated" premise here, because I don't feel like the premise was actually upheld when push came to shove. Mayhew states, that he wants to peel back the layers of myth and legend surrounding Empress Alexandra and Rasputin. That is a noble and great premise to work with. But in the end, I didn't see this accomplished.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Un-original: Even though Mayhew wanted to get to the truth, through the layers of myth, I didn't feel like there was anything really original to this book. On the contrary, it felt trite and stale. It was basically just all the same stories as everyone else has already written about before.
Sources: To top it off, there was a serious lack of sources. The same old stories were retold once again, but with no source or citation trying to get to the bottom of where the stories actually came from - which definitely should have been the main focus of this book, if Mayhew truly wanted to de-mythologize Alexandra and Rasputin.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: Which Book Should you read next based on your favourite Jane Austen Heroine
December 21, 2022
I enjoyed reading this new look at the last Russian Tsarina Alexandra. I mean history hasn’t painted her in a very good light. But this book takes a new look at her. Looks at her as a mother who was worried for her only son. A son who thanks to Russian law was the only heir to the throne. When her oldest daughter would have been a much better heir. She was also a woman who grew up sheltered and unprepared to be Empress though she was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. But she loved her children and husband and it was most likely that love that made her an easy target for Rasputin. Which is the view that this book takes. A view I think is a more truthful view of the Tsarina.
May 16, 2023
This is a book I wanted to love, being a topic I am passionate about. There are however a number of issues which made me give a lower star rating.
Firstly, the book is not sure what its genre is - is it a biography or historical fiction? Most of it reads as biography, but with many parts containing made-up conversations it delves into historical fiction as well, blending both genres.
The title is of course cringe-worthy, though I presume deliberately eye-catching owing to the Boney M song. I felt however it made it seem like clickbait.
Sources: While there are a lot of sources in the bibliography, unfortunately footnotes within the text are few and far between. Furthermore, one of the (footnoted) sources is from a very dodgy source - Marfa Mouchanow - someone who claimed to be a lady-in-waiting of the Empress for 23 years in her hastily 1918 published book 'My Empress.' There was no such person, and the book's authorship is unknown, and the contents of the book contains many untruths. Princess Radziwill's gossip laden books are also to be found among the sources.
The author unfortunately has not made much use of more recently published works nor sought primary sourced information from the Russian State Archives, which contain a prodigious amount of material relating to Empress Alexandra. The book talks about how Alexandra burned all her diaries and the letters she sent to relatives. In actual fact, many of Alexandra's diaries are extant and can be found in the Russian State Archives and the Russian State Historical Archives. Alexandra's diaries from WW1 being among these. The archive contains many letters she received, but of course not letters she sent (except potentially in draft form). To be fair, the Empress's friend, Lili Dehn wrote in her book about Alexandra burning diaries and correspondence, so doubtlessly some were burnt, but a lot is still around for posterity. Likewise, the author mentions that Alexandra told Nicholas II to burn Anna Vyrubova's letters to him and assumes this happened - yet, there is a file of letters from Vyrubova to Nicholas in the archives. So, I feel there was lot of assumption taking place in this book rather than checking to make sure.
There were also any number of minor errors, such as calling 'Jimmy' Tatiana's dog when he was Anastasia's (Tatiana's pet dog was Ortipo), or stating that Alexei slid down the stairs in Tobolsk causing a major haemorrhage, whereas both Nicholas and Alexandra's diaries and correspondence show he had an abdominal haemorrhage as a result of severe coughing brought on by a cold. The movie 'Nicholas and Alexandra' depicts a depressed Alexei sledding down stairs, but movies are not facts. Another error is the assumption that Andrei Derevenko betrayed Alexei and went over to the revolution. This episode has its roots in an account from Anna Vyrubova's book, yet the facts do not add up as there are photos of Derevenko with the Imperial Family at Tsarskoe Selo in 1917 weeks after Vyrubova was arrested, and the records show he received a promotion in his position in July 1917. The Provisional Government vetoed his travelling with the Imperial Family to Tobolsk.
There are other instances of Romanov associated 'mythology' accepted as fact in the book, so it does make the reader wonder how much of what is in the book is actually correct.
This being said though, the book is a sympathetic and interesting take on the topic and one which will give readers a relatively good introduction to Empress Alexandra and Grigory Rasputin.
Firstly, the book is not sure what its genre is - is it a biography or historical fiction? Most of it reads as biography, but with many parts containing made-up conversations it delves into historical fiction as well, blending both genres.
The title is of course cringe-worthy, though I presume deliberately eye-catching owing to the Boney M song. I felt however it made it seem like clickbait.
Sources: While there are a lot of sources in the bibliography, unfortunately footnotes within the text are few and far between. Furthermore, one of the (footnoted) sources is from a very dodgy source - Marfa Mouchanow - someone who claimed to be a lady-in-waiting of the Empress for 23 years in her hastily 1918 published book 'My Empress.' There was no such person, and the book's authorship is unknown, and the contents of the book contains many untruths. Princess Radziwill's gossip laden books are also to be found among the sources.
The author unfortunately has not made much use of more recently published works nor sought primary sourced information from the Russian State Archives, which contain a prodigious amount of material relating to Empress Alexandra. The book talks about how Alexandra burned all her diaries and the letters she sent to relatives. In actual fact, many of Alexandra's diaries are extant and can be found in the Russian State Archives and the Russian State Historical Archives. Alexandra's diaries from WW1 being among these. The archive contains many letters she received, but of course not letters she sent (except potentially in draft form). To be fair, the Empress's friend, Lili Dehn wrote in her book about Alexandra burning diaries and correspondence, so doubtlessly some were burnt, but a lot is still around for posterity. Likewise, the author mentions that Alexandra told Nicholas II to burn Anna Vyrubova's letters to him and assumes this happened - yet, there is a file of letters from Vyrubova to Nicholas in the archives. So, I feel there was lot of assumption taking place in this book rather than checking to make sure.
There were also any number of minor errors, such as calling 'Jimmy' Tatiana's dog when he was Anastasia's (Tatiana's pet dog was Ortipo), or stating that Alexei slid down the stairs in Tobolsk causing a major haemorrhage, whereas both Nicholas and Alexandra's diaries and correspondence show he had an abdominal haemorrhage as a result of severe coughing brought on by a cold. The movie 'Nicholas and Alexandra' depicts a depressed Alexei sledding down stairs, but movies are not facts. Another error is the assumption that Andrei Derevenko betrayed Alexei and went over to the revolution. This episode has its roots in an account from Anna Vyrubova's book, yet the facts do not add up as there are photos of Derevenko with the Imperial Family at Tsarskoe Selo in 1917 weeks after Vyrubova was arrested, and the records show he received a promotion in his position in July 1917. The Provisional Government vetoed his travelling with the Imperial Family to Tobolsk.
There are other instances of Romanov associated 'mythology' accepted as fact in the book, so it does make the reader wonder how much of what is in the book is actually correct.
This being said though, the book is a sympathetic and interesting take on the topic and one which will give readers a relatively good introduction to Empress Alexandra and Grigory Rasputin.
January 21, 2023
I really didn’t care for this book. I’ve read of about the Romanov’s a while back and I thought it was interesting and it wasn’t fair what happened to czar Nicholas and his family. They were betrayed by Rasputin. There has been a rumor since the night the Romanov’s were murdered that one of the czars daughters actually survived but it’s just rumor and it hasn’t been proved
January 28, 2023
Though Rasputin and His Russian Queen is a fascinating book to read it feels more like historical fiction than nonfiction. That would be fine if that was the intent. But there is simply too much guesswork. Sometimes the only evidence left behind is from his daughter and other times there are quotes but no sources cited which to me raises the alarm bells a bit. The photographs are a fantastic addition, many of which I had not seen before.
Shy Alexandra, granddaughter of Queen Victoria shunned limelight and social events. She married Nicholas who became the tsar of Russia after the death of his father though he did not wish it. They had four daughters in rapid succession and finally their longed-for son. All their children were adored by both parents but Alexei was coddled due to haemophilia for which there was no cure. Enter spiritual healer Grigory Rasputin of dubious repute who ingratiated himself with many people, particularly women, and rose from humble beginnings to a man befriended by royalty. As a mother, Alexandra was desperate for her son to be healed so she sought Rasputin who became a frequent visitor to their household. She chose to ignore his numerous infidelities (he was married with children) and what appears to be sexual predation. They became close friends and some say lovers. The author's portrayal of Rasputin is unique in that it glosses over his disturbing lifestyle (of which there are numerous accounts) and is almost sympathetic to him. To me it seems he was downright repulsive in most ways, though generosity to those less fortunate is admirable.
Learning more about Tsar Nicholas and tsarina Alexandra as well as Russian history was very interesting but at times struggled with reality versus fiction. Regardless, luring the family to their assassinations was tragic.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this compelling book.
Shy Alexandra, granddaughter of Queen Victoria shunned limelight and social events. She married Nicholas who became the tsar of Russia after the death of his father though he did not wish it. They had four daughters in rapid succession and finally their longed-for son. All their children were adored by both parents but Alexei was coddled due to haemophilia for which there was no cure. Enter spiritual healer Grigory Rasputin of dubious repute who ingratiated himself with many people, particularly women, and rose from humble beginnings to a man befriended by royalty. As a mother, Alexandra was desperate for her son to be healed so she sought Rasputin who became a frequent visitor to their household. She chose to ignore his numerous infidelities (he was married with children) and what appears to be sexual predation. They became close friends and some say lovers. The author's portrayal of Rasputin is unique in that it glosses over his disturbing lifestyle (of which there are numerous accounts) and is almost sympathetic to him. To me it seems he was downright repulsive in most ways, though generosity to those less fortunate is admirable.
Learning more about Tsar Nicholas and tsarina Alexandra as well as Russian history was very interesting but at times struggled with reality versus fiction. Regardless, luring the family to their assassinations was tragic.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this compelling book.
February 22, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book "Rasputin and his Russian Queen" in exchange for an honest review. There are certain people from history or certain historical events that really get under my skin and make it so that I want to know everything I possibly can about them. The focus for me is always understanding the person or people involved more closely. In the case of Rasputin and the Romanovs, I knew quite a bit about Anastasia and the family's time in isolation and eventual murder. I've also eagerly followed the news of more studies being done to prove that Anastasia really died along with the others. And I've read a bunch about Rasputin. I did not know a lot about Alexandra. I thought I had but this book really taught me so much more about who she was as a person. This includes why the Russian people did not like her and her attitude about ruling them. I didn't realize the true extent of her involvement in actually leading the country and making those decisions during a period of time when her husband was (figuratively) leading the military. She and her husband loved their children and Alexandra was obsessed with her only son's health which led her to Rasputin. No one can answer why he seemed to be able to heal Alexei time and time again. The book gives us a few guesses but we will probably never know the truth. It might have just been a fluke. I should also mention that this book treats Rasputin as a generally good man who definitely loved the women, Other things I have read previously didn't present him in such a positive light. It does seem as though he tried to help others when he could including keeping money in his pocket to give to any of the poor who approached him. My best guess is that he was just a human like anyone else with his faults and positive qualities.
January 15, 2023
Thank you, NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review. My opinions are my own.
Mayhew has used a wide range of sources, from books to media sources. This is evident in the way they write.
The book was easy to follow due to its story-like structure, however, I felt that this format also gave it some downsides.
Although there are references in the book, I don’t think there are enough as many facts or statements do not have in-text references, citations, or footnotes. It is clear that the book has been thoroughly researched through a variety of sources, but I would have preferred a direct reference to each source so I could see exactly where they got it from. This makes it easier to judge the argument the historian is making and weigh its pros and cons.
Without citations, it’s hard to distinguish between fact and opinion as the book is written in a fiction-like format, reading more like a story. There are dialogues between characters that do not have a citation showing which source the evidence came from. This made me very hesitant to believe the contents of the book because there weren’t any citations to show that they did nod their heads, squeeze another person’s hands, or extinguish cigarettes.
Furthermore, for a history book, I found it lacked debate and analysis. Traditionally, when a historian puts forward an argument, they make a statement, discuss both sides of the debate as it stands, and then they give their own interpretation. Their interpretation may include further evidence towards their side of the argument. I felt that this book wasn’t structured in a way that would allow for this because it was formatted like a story. It would have broken the pacing of the book.
Overall, I rate it 1/5 stars because I cannot tell what is speculation or fact for most of the book. When I read a nonfiction book, I want to know where the argument is coming from. I like the analysis side of history books. If this were categorised as a well-researched historical fiction novel, I would have rated it 4/5 because the dialogue can be quite well thought-out. This can’t be used as an academic history book but could be useful as an outline for non-academic purposes.
Would I recommend it? No. Not unless you treat it as historical fiction or more citations are added.
Mayhew has used a wide range of sources, from books to media sources. This is evident in the way they write.
The book was easy to follow due to its story-like structure, however, I felt that this format also gave it some downsides.
Although there are references in the book, I don’t think there are enough as many facts or statements do not have in-text references, citations, or footnotes. It is clear that the book has been thoroughly researched through a variety of sources, but I would have preferred a direct reference to each source so I could see exactly where they got it from. This makes it easier to judge the argument the historian is making and weigh its pros and cons.
Without citations, it’s hard to distinguish between fact and opinion as the book is written in a fiction-like format, reading more like a story. There are dialogues between characters that do not have a citation showing which source the evidence came from. This made me very hesitant to believe the contents of the book because there weren’t any citations to show that they did nod their heads, squeeze another person’s hands, or extinguish cigarettes.
Furthermore, for a history book, I found it lacked debate and analysis. Traditionally, when a historian puts forward an argument, they make a statement, discuss both sides of the debate as it stands, and then they give their own interpretation. Their interpretation may include further evidence towards their side of the argument. I felt that this book wasn’t structured in a way that would allow for this because it was formatted like a story. It would have broken the pacing of the book.
Overall, I rate it 1/5 stars because I cannot tell what is speculation or fact for most of the book. When I read a nonfiction book, I want to know where the argument is coming from. I like the analysis side of history books. If this were categorised as a well-researched historical fiction novel, I would have rated it 4/5 because the dialogue can be quite well thought-out. This can’t be used as an academic history book but could be useful as an outline for non-academic purposes.
Would I recommend it? No. Not unless you treat it as historical fiction or more citations are added.
January 20, 2023
I found this book a bit weird, and full of speculation, although written in a lively and fast-paced way. Mayhew tries to be sympathetic to both Rasputin and Alexandra, and restore the Empress's reputation. Where this book falls down is his attempting to be understanding about Rasputin, and Alexandra's blindness towards his faults, which was pretty stupid, no matter how you look at it. He excuses Rasputin's sexual escapades to a large extent, and even writes that his visits to prostitutes were mainly platonic! What evidence is there for that?
He analyses Empress Alexandra and the Tsar's personalities well. They were desperate to help their son, the heir to the throne, and Rasputin was the only one whose 'healing' worked. However, in the face of investigations by the newspapers, and warnings by relatives and Ministers, they continued to seek the assistance of this 'mad monk', and even listened to his advice about the government!
It's one thing to be understanding about the royal couple, but quite another to try to sympathise with Rasputin, a completely evil man who did nothing out of the goodness of his heart, and apparently had countless affairs with women in the upper-classes. His influence drove everyone around the Tsar and his wife mad, and it was no wonder that he was murdered in an especially nasty fashion!
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
He analyses Empress Alexandra and the Tsar's personalities well. They were desperate to help their son, the heir to the throne, and Rasputin was the only one whose 'healing' worked. However, in the face of investigations by the newspapers, and warnings by relatives and Ministers, they continued to seek the assistance of this 'mad monk', and even listened to his advice about the government!
It's one thing to be understanding about the royal couple, but quite another to try to sympathise with Rasputin, a completely evil man who did nothing out of the goodness of his heart, and apparently had countless affairs with women in the upper-classes. His influence drove everyone around the Tsar and his wife mad, and it was no wonder that he was murdered in an especially nasty fashion!
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
Rasputin and His Russian Queen is written by Mickey Mayhew is a non fiction novel, telling the story of Rasputin and Alexandra Feodorovona. the last of the Romanovs and the downfall of the Tsarist regime in Russia. I have always been fascinated by the Romanovs, why the Tsarist regime collapsed so violently and what happened to Anastasia.
On the plus side the book is well written and Rasputin isn’t portrayed as this one dimensional evil person but as someone who is very complex with a multifaceted personality who is capable good and is very spiritual. He also presents the relationship between the Tsarina and Rasputin quite concisely. This relationship is the main theme of the book looking at the inner workings of their relationship, how Rasputin benefitted from it and controlled the Tsarina and how ultimately he caused the downfall of Romanov Russia.
Sadly I don’t think this book adds much to the debate and the history narrative of the downfall into the collapse of Russia into Communism. Mayhew merely rehashed existing stories, there was a lack of citations and fact seemed to merge with opinion to create a piece of work which combines fact, fiction and opinion.
On the plus side the book is well written and Rasputin isn’t portrayed as this one dimensional evil person but as someone who is very complex with a multifaceted personality who is capable good and is very spiritual. He also presents the relationship between the Tsarina and Rasputin quite concisely. This relationship is the main theme of the book looking at the inner workings of their relationship, how Rasputin benefitted from it and controlled the Tsarina and how ultimately he caused the downfall of Romanov Russia.
Sadly I don’t think this book adds much to the debate and the history narrative of the downfall into the collapse of Russia into Communism. Mayhew merely rehashed existing stories, there was a lack of citations and fact seemed to merge with opinion to create a piece of work which combines fact, fiction and opinion.
February 1, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Pen & Sword!
I have always had a deep fascination about the Romanov family and their downfall.
While there were many reasons to the downfall of this family it is no secret or surprise that Rasputin did in deed play his part to their inevitable demise.
It was very fascinating to have a more in depth look at Alexandra's life prior to Rasputin and a more in depth look at the life of Rasputin prior to Alexandra and how their paths eventually intertwined.
If you are looking to get a clear and detailed history of the Romanov family I would highly suggest starting here!
I have always had a deep fascination about the Romanov family and their downfall.
While there were many reasons to the downfall of this family it is no secret or surprise that Rasputin did in deed play his part to their inevitable demise.
It was very fascinating to have a more in depth look at Alexandra's life prior to Rasputin and a more in depth look at the life of Rasputin prior to Alexandra and how their paths eventually intertwined.
If you are looking to get a clear and detailed history of the Romanov family I would highly suggest starting here!
March 12, 2023
I have read so many books about Nicholas and Alexandra, and this one is by far the BEST! Succinctly written, it tells the tale of the Last of the Romanovs, as precise history staying away from rumors and false stories. Mickey Mayhew has written an outstanding book, with incredibly detailed research, how Alexandra was more than likely the one who brought down a 300 year old Tzarist rule. Her shyness was her downfall! And there is just so much more in this book. I loved it! Thank you to NetGalley and Pen and Sword Publishing for this eGalley in exchange for my honest review. Pen and Sword publishes the most interesting and historical books!
March 19, 2023
I enjoyed this , it’s a historical novel about the Romanovs and Rasputin, like a lot of people I’ve had an interest in the Romanovs, mostly Anastasia related and I thought this was really interesting covering many details I hasn’t known, however I did feel it was slightly biased towards highlighting them as good people, not saying they weren’t , just a bit more neutrality and focus on the issues with their character too would have been better. Saying that though I did feel that the book was well researched and written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2023
I found this book to simply rehash all that’s ever been written about Rasputin and Alix, but there is nothing new scholarship wise.
Mayhew is quick to discredit some rumors, but promotes others. Reliance upon the books written by Rasputin’s daughter is evident.
The narrative is quite informal interlaced with Mayhew postulating about 21st century social media, which I found distracting and unnecessary.
The most profound part is the graphic depiction of the murder, always startling to read. I appreciated the follow up and the pictures.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Pen and Sword History for the digital copy.
Mayhew is quick to discredit some rumors, but promotes others. Reliance upon the books written by Rasputin’s daughter is evident.
The narrative is quite informal interlaced with Mayhew postulating about 21st century social media, which I found distracting and unnecessary.
The most profound part is the graphic depiction of the murder, always startling to read. I appreciated the follow up and the pictures.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Pen and Sword History for the digital copy.
December 21, 2023
Rasputin and his Russian Queen by Mickey Mayhew if you love Russian history this maybe a book for you especially as it was an interesting read from start to finish.
This book was about the connection between Russian queen Alexandra and Rasputin, which I had heard of when I was at school many years ago but never read or learnt about them. So when this book came out I wanted to learn more about the historical background of Tsar’s Russia and the tragic end of the Romanovs, which was Very sad what happened to them.
I found it an interesting read and I enjoyed it
This book was about the connection between Russian queen Alexandra and Rasputin, which I had heard of when I was at school many years ago but never read or learnt about them. So when this book came out I wanted to learn more about the historical background of Tsar’s Russia and the tragic end of the Romanovs, which was Very sad what happened to them.
I found it an interesting read and I enjoyed it
January 27, 2023
This was a very interesting book, as it's so easy to label a historical figure as a 'monster' when all you know about them are rumours and speculation.
The author does an incredible job in trying to research Rasputin's origins, but unfortunately there's a lot of guesswork involved.
I don't feel this book achieved it's aim to turn Rasputin's reputation around, as there's just too much evidence in the opposite direction.
The author does an incredible job in trying to research Rasputin's origins, but unfortunately there's a lot of guesswork involved.
I don't feel this book achieved it's aim to turn Rasputin's reputation around, as there's just too much evidence in the opposite direction.
February 9, 2023
I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.
The book attempts to give a fair and neutral account of Grigory Rasputin and Queen Alexandra. The Author relies heavily on statements made by Rasptin's daughter in an attempt to avoid the more unsavory and extreme tales about him. The author follows Alexandra's life and reports on her movements. The style is that of a historical fiction book with guesses about what happened to both people where historic sources are lacking. The style of writing and broad guesses made me doubt how factual the book is. The author also seems to be going out of their way to avoid any of the negative contemporary reports about Rasputin.
The book attempts to give a fair and neutral account of Grigory Rasputin and Queen Alexandra. The Author relies heavily on statements made by Rasptin's daughter in an attempt to avoid the more unsavory and extreme tales about him. The author follows Alexandra's life and reports on her movements. The style is that of a historical fiction book with guesses about what happened to both people where historic sources are lacking. The style of writing and broad guesses made me doubt how factual the book is. The author also seems to be going out of their way to avoid any of the negative contemporary reports about Rasputin.
Read
March 2, 2023Brilliant book on the connection between Russian queen Alexandra and Rasputin. One of the best which I read on that topic. The book presents a good historical background of Tsar’s Russia and the tragic end of the Romanovs. I highly recommend this book to people interested in the history of Russia.
February 13, 2023
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A decently written book in support of Rasputin and the Queen.
A decently written book in support of Rasputin and the Queen.
April 5, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this review copy!
RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN is a captivating historical novel that delves into the mysterious life of the infamous Russian mystic, Grigori Rasputin, and his relationship with the last Tsarina of Russia, Alexandra Feodorovna.
Mayhew’s portrayal of Rasputin is a unique and nuanced one, steering away from the usual depictions of him as a villain or a saint. Instead, Mayhew presents a complex and human character, exploring the mystic’s inner turmoil and his beliefs in faith healing and spiritualism. The author’s attention to historical detail is commendable, and he does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of pre-revolutionary Russia.
The relationship between Rasputin and Alexandra Feodorovna is at the heart of the novel, and Mayhew portrays it with great sensitivity and depth. He shows how Rasputin’s influence over the Tsarina was both beneficial and destructive, and how his power over her ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty. Mayhew’s writing is vivid and engaging, and he does an excellent job of bringing these historical figures to life.
One of the strengths of this book is the author’s ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The novel is full of sensory details that transport the reader to early 20th-century Russia, and the author’s descriptions of the opulence of the Tsar’s court and the poverty of the peasants create a vivid and nuanced portrait of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the clothing and architecture of the times.
RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN is a compelling historical novel that brings to life one of the most intriguing figures in Russian history. Mickey Mayhew’s writing is excellent, and he has done a good job of creating a believable and nuanced portrait of Rasputin and his relationship with Alexandra Feodorovna. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in Russian history or historical fiction in general.
RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN is a captivating historical novel that delves into the mysterious life of the infamous Russian mystic, Grigori Rasputin, and his relationship with the last Tsarina of Russia, Alexandra Feodorovna.
Mayhew’s portrayal of Rasputin is a unique and nuanced one, steering away from the usual depictions of him as a villain or a saint. Instead, Mayhew presents a complex and human character, exploring the mystic’s inner turmoil and his beliefs in faith healing and spiritualism. The author’s attention to historical detail is commendable, and he does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of pre-revolutionary Russia.
The relationship between Rasputin and Alexandra Feodorovna is at the heart of the novel, and Mayhew portrays it with great sensitivity and depth. He shows how Rasputin’s influence over the Tsarina was both beneficial and destructive, and how his power over her ultimately contributed to the downfall of the Romanov dynasty. Mayhew’s writing is vivid and engaging, and he does an excellent job of bringing these historical figures to life.
One of the strengths of this book is the author’s ability to create a rich and immersive atmosphere. The novel is full of sensory details that transport the reader to early 20th-century Russia, and the author’s descriptions of the opulence of the Tsar’s court and the poverty of the peasants create a vivid and nuanced portrait of the time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the clothing and architecture of the times.
RASPUTIN AND HIS RUSSIAN QUEEN is a compelling historical novel that brings to life one of the most intriguing figures in Russian history. Mickey Mayhew’s writing is excellent, and he has done a good job of creating a believable and nuanced portrait of Rasputin and his relationship with Alexandra Feodorovna. I recommend this novel to anyone interested in Russian history or historical fiction in general.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews