Rubies in the Snow: Diary of Russia's Last Grand Duchess 1911-1918

by Kate Hubbard

Cast your mind back, to the early years of the 20th century. To Russia. An endless country of icy wastes and dusty plains, of silvery birch trees and black earth. A country of extremes. Of unimaginable wealth and unspeakable poverty. Of excess and hunger, culture and cruelty. A country ruled for nearly 300 years by one family, long accustomed to power and privilege - the Romanovs. And born into that family is a girl, an ordinary sort of girl in many respects, but one swept up by extraordinary her name is Anastasia Nicolaevna Romanov, the last Grand Duchess, and this is her diary. Accompany her on an incredible journey, as the world around her fragments and shatters -

Genres: Historical Fiction, Russia, Romanovs, Royalty, Young Adult, Fiction, 20th Century

188 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2007

Reviews

[Helen Azar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am surprised that I never came across this book until now. I rarely read Young Adult books, but of course make exceptions for Romanov fiction. There simply is not enough decent Romanov fiction out there, period. IMO this one is a gem. Although of course it is not based on the diaries of real Anastasia (who unfortunately burnt them all when the revolution broke out), the author clearly did a lot of research and seemingly read the diaries of the other sisters. Not sure why this book got so many 3 star ratings, even though the reviews say it is a very good book, but I would definitely recommend it to Romanov fiction and non-fiction history fans. Even though the book is not "perfect" I am still giving it 5 stars to offset the unfair 2 and 3 star ratings, at least a little.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was many things. Adorable, funny, touching and ultimately sad because we all know the ending and much like a Titanic book you know how it's going to end and you would do anything to stop it. I'm always leery of Romanov fiction it usually involves one or more of the girls escaping the massacre one author had two of them somehow get out, the girl falls in love with her rescuer and turns into a sex maniac despite her sheltered and pious upbringing and seemingly uncaring about the trauma she's been through and the fact that the family she was very close to has been brutally killed. She never tries to leave Russia or try to find her grandmother or aunts or uncles or cousins. Or they follow a similar plot line. This one came highly recommended. Romanov historian Helen Rappaport gave it five stars, some of my fellow history lovers also praised this book so I gave it a try. It is the fictional diary of Anastasia Romanova youngest daughter of the last Tsar of Russia. While the real Anastasia did have a diary she and Marie burned theirs so we don't know what the real diary said. This was a pretty good approximate of what Anastasia's diary might've sounded like. From picking on and complaining about her siblings, feeling left behind as the baby of the girls and hating her body for neing so fat while not being able to turn down good food, me too girl, we follow her from a young immature 10 year old to the final days of her life as a 17 year old. It's sad to read on her sixteenth birthday that her next birthday would be better and then a year later she has only a line or two. I'm seventeen today that's all there is to say. Her and Tatiana in the garden during their imprisonment talking about how they found each other annoying but now they weren't so bad. You can hear her voice come through in this book and it shows the author did her research. There are a few things that weren't perfect but compared to other Romanov fiction this was a beautiful story and well worth the read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was always a big fan of the story of the Anastasia and this book really brought it to life. We got to see life as the Romanovs would have seen it and experience the emotions that Anastasia would have felt, growing up as the youngest daughter of the Czar and Czarina of Russia.

I recommend this to people who enjoy biographies or those who enjoy historical fiction.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally I got my hands onto a copy of this book and am glad I did. It was an enjoyable easy read. For anyone who likes to read fact or fiction about the Romanov Family this is one to add to your reading list.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. I've already known the outcome of the Romanovs and enjoy reading depictions of their lives. I think it's a perfect book for anyone wanting to learn a bit more about the Romanovs or starting their research.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rubies in the Snow was a great book- I learnt a lot and had no idea what was going to happen. It was quite sad at the end.

[Ciara Losty · Rating 4 out of 5]

albeit fiction, this book is insightful of the life of Anastasia Romanov leading to the fall of the tsarist system in 1917.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Similar to the diary of Anne Frank in many ways, Rubies in the Snow, by Kate Hubbard, is Anastasia Nicolaevna Romanovs' diary. Given to her at her 10th birthday. Her father is the tsar of Russia, and she is the princess. After a dramatic change, Anastasia's life is drastically altered and her lifestyle changes immensely. This diary is quite easy to get into, but can at parts be a little boring, and the real action begins in the latter half of the novel. This diary moves you with its youthful innocence, and when its ruthfully brought back to reality, it digs deep down. I stood speechless after this book. A beautiful book.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fictionalised diary of Anastasia, from ages 11 to 17. Fascinating stuff. Started off a little slow and read very young but to be fair, the author was writing as a very young girl at the start! It definitely got more interesting as the political situation in Russia started swiftly chaning.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written as the diary of Anastasia Romanov from her tenth birthday until her last day. It gives real insight into the life of the Romanovs and is suitable for older children/younger teenagers.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like sad books then here is a fantasic book to read. I cried and im not a cryer when ity comes to books. This is really good!

[Siabhaon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to finish,and a modernly sad book.

[Clodagh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not everyone likes the Royal Family.