The True Story of the Romanov Family

by Diaconesti Monastery

We are thrilled to announce the publication of a new graphic novel, available in both Romanian and English, featuring exceptional illustrations and content that evoke the true story of the Imperial Romanov Family. This project has been a labor of love, motivated by our deep respect for these revered saints and our devotion to those martyred during the „Red” persecution of the 20th century—saints whose lives and sufferings we have chronicled in several books published by our publishing house. Drawing from numerous historical sources—studies, memoirs, and diaries—we have meticulously reconstructed key moments in the life of the Imperial Family and presented them in a visually captivating format suitable for readers of all ages. From the love story between Nicholas and Alix to the children’s education in the imperial palace, from the tragedy of the Otsu Incident to the prophetic meeting with the Blessed Pasha Ivanovna of Diveevo, all are captured in exceptional illustrations, crowned with artistic refinement by the eleven Fabergé eggs—famous jewels from the Romanov collection—depicted on the book’s title page. This graphic novel aims not only to captivate Romanov history enthusiasts but also to offer a model of family, faith, and dignity in a world where these values are increasingly under threat.

68 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2024

Reviews

[Alenka of Bohemia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is clear that this graphic retelling of the story of the Romanov family was done with a great amount of love. The illustrations are rich in colour and detail and the book is worth its price just for them. But if you want more than a simplified overview, you will not get too much from it. is it factually correct? Yes, for the most part. But I have to say that in the pursuit of underlining the saintliness of the Romanovs, the actual human beings they once were are being lost and overwritten by the Orthodox Church. they had flaws which made their humility and piousness at the end all the more impressive and touching, but somehow the discourse here is that they were saints from the moment of their births. And in no way can you simply leave out Rasputin from the story and not be disingenuous about your intentions.

If you are an avid Romanov enthusiast, I would recommend this book for the artwork, but at the same time, this is not the TRUE story of the Romanov family. It is an outline told from only one point of view - that of the modern Orthodox church.