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The Passion of Marie Romanov
"July 17, 1918—from the writings of Marie Nicolaevna Romanovna, age 19. Midnight, in bed with her sister, Anastasia (Shvybz), in the Ipatiev Mansion in Ekaterinburg, during the last night of their lives.
So much of my story unfolds by moonlight. This is a tale of midnight wakings and forced marches before dawn. Since this nightmare began, I do not dare undress, even to go to bed. I wear my dressing gown, my hair is prepared, and my shoes are set beside me. I have no idea when we will be summoned to rise. We have moved, as in the worst of dreams, slowly toward this place. There is no logic other than the sleepwalker’s obedience—to follow instruction which we cannot resist: an actual lunacy.
Now, I have control only of this—my record of what happened to us, to me. I have committed a single sin, my one terrible transgression. I pray to be absolved.
In this recording of memory lies all meaning to my life. Let my will prevail in this, my ultimate wish, to salvage something of value from this tragedy. The rest, as my mother says, is in God’s hands.
When I look back, as I must in the short time allotted to me now, I can see the exact moment when our lives changed: at last light, on the thirteenth of March, 1917."
Here, in startling new historical detail, based on original diaries and letters, is the Romanov tragedy told from the point of view of the Tsar's third daughter, Marie, Anastasia's closest, older sister. Marie's story is unique-only Marie crossed the frozen Siberian river with her parents, and only Marie shared the full 78 days and nights in 'The House of Special Purpose.'
About the Author:
Laura Rose is a popular playwright in Russia and is of Russian descent. She has extensively researched the history and explored the Alexander Palace and the site of the Ipatiev mansion.
So much of my story unfolds by moonlight. This is a tale of midnight wakings and forced marches before dawn. Since this nightmare began, I do not dare undress, even to go to bed. I wear my dressing gown, my hair is prepared, and my shoes are set beside me. I have no idea when we will be summoned to rise. We have moved, as in the worst of dreams, slowly toward this place. There is no logic other than the sleepwalker’s obedience—to follow instruction which we cannot resist: an actual lunacy.
Now, I have control only of this—my record of what happened to us, to me. I have committed a single sin, my one terrible transgression. I pray to be absolved.
In this recording of memory lies all meaning to my life. Let my will prevail in this, my ultimate wish, to salvage something of value from this tragedy. The rest, as my mother says, is in God’s hands.
When I look back, as I must in the short time allotted to me now, I can see the exact moment when our lives changed: at last light, on the thirteenth of March, 1917."
Here, in startling new historical detail, based on original diaries and letters, is the Romanov tragedy told from the point of view of the Tsar's third daughter, Marie, Anastasia's closest, older sister. Marie's story is unique-only Marie crossed the frozen Siberian river with her parents, and only Marie shared the full 78 days and nights in 'The House of Special Purpose.'
About the Author:
Laura Rose is a popular playwright in Russia and is of Russian descent. She has extensively researched the history and explored the Alexander Palace and the site of the Ipatiev mansion.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
October 9, 2014
The book starts slow and pretty much stays that way until the the last few chapters. The author is repetitive. The book needs an editor. Did the author present an accurate portrayal of the Romanovs in their decline?
With the cons outweighing the pros, why did I give this book four stars? Because the mettle of each immediate and extended member of that royal family was finally taken. From the diary it appears that the family was upset that a proper dining table was not set and that they had to dress themselves when all about them their empire was falling. I give them credit for their oblivion because they had never known a life without royal trappings. The tsar was a weak man who had never wanted the job in the first place. Alix had sense but did not put it to use to save her family except for hiding a fortune in jewels inside the ladies' undergarments. Of the four daughters, Olga suffered some personal violation or affront by her prisoners. Marie determined not to die a virgin. She did not. Had someone in the family made a connection with reality, they might have been spared. It is odd that a realistic plan to keep the revolutionaries away until help could arrive was not made and carried out. On the last day of captivity, the royals dressed in their matching outfits, and went meekly into the chamber of Special Uses to have a family portrait made. As they posed for the camera, they were executed. It is here that the entire book is redeemed. It was fascinating reading because the Bolsheviks had to work fast to execute the family, clean the bloodied Special Usage room, and bury the bodies before the troops loyal to The House of Romanov arrived. There is more history told through another's pen after Marie was brutally slain. I have read about Rasputin's murder in other books. He was not easily slain and neither were the Romanovs.
Thank you, Ms. Rose, for a Good Read.
With the cons outweighing the pros, why did I give this book four stars? Because the mettle of each immediate and extended member of that royal family was finally taken. From the diary it appears that the family was upset that a proper dining table was not set and that they had to dress themselves when all about them their empire was falling. I give them credit for their oblivion because they had never known a life without royal trappings. The tsar was a weak man who had never wanted the job in the first place. Alix had sense but did not put it to use to save her family except for hiding a fortune in jewels inside the ladies' undergarments. Of the four daughters, Olga suffered some personal violation or affront by her prisoners. Marie determined not to die a virgin. She did not. Had someone in the family made a connection with reality, they might have been spared. It is odd that a realistic plan to keep the revolutionaries away until help could arrive was not made and carried out. On the last day of captivity, the royals dressed in their matching outfits, and went meekly into the chamber of Special Uses to have a family portrait made. As they posed for the camera, they were executed. It is here that the entire book is redeemed. It was fascinating reading because the Bolsheviks had to work fast to execute the family, clean the bloodied Special Usage room, and bury the bodies before the troops loyal to The House of Romanov arrived. There is more history told through another's pen after Marie was brutally slain. I have read about Rasputin's murder in other books. He was not easily slain and neither were the Romanovs.
Thank you, Ms. Rose, for a Good Read.
October 16, 2014
What a stunning book! The story is haunting, the prose literary and elegant, yet plausible as the voice of an imperiled 19-year-old. Laura Rose's research on the Romanovs is impeccable in its details, and when she imagines scenes that aren't within the historical record (this IS fiction, after all!) she does so with respect and a clear sense of what could have happened. I can't understand the vitriolic response by the reader offended by any suggestion of a romance between Marie and one of the young local guards. It is on record that some of the soldiers refused to participate in the execution, and the girls were entirely cut off from the rest of the world. Even their windows were whitewashed, a blank canvas for romantic fantasy. The lives of Marie and her sisters would be cut short soon enough, so why not? It is a testament to the author's skill that the familiar details of the brutal execution come so vividly to life--I felt it in a way I never have before. Marie's voice will stay with me for a long time. It's an extraordinary feat of historical imagination, and highly recommended.
December 10, 2014
Laura Rose breathes life into a piece of Russian history. Marie Romanov was born into a life of privilege, but in the aftermath of a revolution everything changes. After the Tsar Romanov is forcibly removed from power, his iconic royal family is degraded by degrees. The author reveals the story with a colorful depiction of their situation while at the same time slowly building suspense towards a violent end that seems inevitable - and violent it is. The author captures the absolute horror of the scene which left me cringing while hanging on every word. Great Read!
April 2, 2018
The Passion of Marie Romanov is an edge of the seat reading experience. I am Russian by nationality and I am very aware of Russian history. What happened to the Romanov family is no longer a mystery to anyone. However, Ms. Rose took the historical facts one step further by writing from the point of view of Marie Romanov, the third daughter of Czar Nicholas I. Ms. Rose must have completed a massive amount of research before writing this book to create such an extraordinary memoir. The book is an exciting, frightening, realistic account of Marie's last days. I could not put this book down.
October 2, 2014
Laura Rose writes with passion, authority, and high style. Here she pens a fascinating tale, a real page-turner, and uncovers some of the lesser known aspects, often horrific, of the Romanov story. She recounts with bracing clarity and immediacy the events surrounding the executions of the Romanov family, and, through her vividly-drawn portrait of Marie, sheds surprising new light on this iconic history. History buffs, lovers of new fiction and anyone who's ever expressed interest in Anatasia, Marie's more famous younger sister, will be pleased and satisfied by this substantial, solidly-crafted new work. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2014
This story was is wonderfully told it transported me entirely. Highly recommend.
June 27, 2014
Brilliant, heart-breaking - an exquisite literary novel based on the final year and a half in the life of Marie Romanov. This is the best Romanov novel I have ever read- I could not stop reading it, even as I wept for Marie and her sisters. The book is filled with new details about Marie's life in The Alexander Palace, Tobolsk and in the mansion called "The House of Special Purpose." To me, Marie appears for the first time as a fully developed soulful flesh-and-blood girl. There is a brief sensual/romantic scene with a guard, which to my mind, was done with delicacy. I believe a 19-year old girl, imprisoned, would yearn for love and want to be held. There is so much evidence that Marie loved to flirt with the young guards and got herself into trouble with one of them. She brought on the icy disdain of her mother and according to some accounts, even her eldest sister.This aspect was obviously an imagined but not unlikely occurence.
I loved the scenes with the Bolshevik woman dentist and the account of Palace life and then captivity in Tobolsk and Ekaterinbourg
I wonder who Marie would have been had she been allowed to live; we can never know but The Passion of Marie presents her as a sensitive girl with a great capacity for tenderness...I "kiss her thrice" as she always signed off....After reading this novel, I have had many dreams of Marie- this book is that hypnotic...Sets a new standard in beautiful writing for historical novels. It seemed accurate and well researched to me and I have read a lot of Romanov books.
I loved the scenes with the Bolshevik woman dentist and the account of Palace life and then captivity in Tobolsk and Ekaterinbourg
I wonder who Marie would have been had she been allowed to live; we can never know but The Passion of Marie presents her as a sensitive girl with a great capacity for tenderness...I "kiss her thrice" as she always signed off....After reading this novel, I have had many dreams of Marie- this book is that hypnotic...Sets a new standard in beautiful writing for historical novels. It seemed accurate and well researched to me and I have read a lot of Romanov books.
November 11, 2014
The Passion of Marie Romanov
I love this imagined look at the history of this tragic event in Russian royalty. Even to this day the mystery of this Royal family persist. I've always wondered about the children and their dogs, the girls were young ladies and bringing Marie to life through her diary reminded me of Anne Frank. This is an easy book to read and leaves me wondering if any diaries were actually found. It's sad to think of all the history that was lost of this tragic time. Since most books centered on Anastasia, Maria was like finding a lost chapter of the story of the Romanov family!
I love this imagined look at the history of this tragic event in Russian royalty. Even to this day the mystery of this Royal family persist. I've always wondered about the children and their dogs, the girls were young ladies and bringing Marie to life through her diary reminded me of Anne Frank. This is an easy book to read and leaves me wondering if any diaries were actually found. It's sad to think of all the history that was lost of this tragic time. Since most books centered on Anastasia, Maria was like finding a lost chapter of the story of the Romanov family!
April 20, 2015
Heartbreaking, tragic, such a waste of lives cut short - innocents never allowed to enjoy the freedom of adulthood. Told from Marie's journal, rescued by one of the guards keeping watch over The Romanovs, I couldn't put this book down, even though I already knew the ending. This piece of historical fiction is the best I've read about The Romanovs because her words paint the picture of a real family, their hopes and dreams, their successes, their failures, but most of all their eternal love and devotion to each other.
October 14, 2014
Great tragedy
I like historical novels. This time period is particularly interesting,as I cannot imagine the hatred of this royal family. I also cannot understand how men can commit such horrific murders ... on anyone.
I believe that this book would be of interest to anyone wanting an accurate description of that gruesome happening in history. It is particularly well told through the diary of Marie.
I like historical novels. This time period is particularly interesting,as I cannot imagine the hatred of this royal family. I also cannot understand how men can commit such horrific murders ... on anyone.
I believe that this book would be of interest to anyone wanting an accurate description of that gruesome happening in history. It is particularly well told through the diary of Marie.
January 11, 2015
Excellent view from Marie's perspective
I felt very close to the Royal family as I turned the pages. I wished to know more about Tatiana. She was talked about the least in this book. I loved how close the girls were. It was so sad that the Tsar was only really appreciated posthumously. Marie was a strong girl. For those captivated by the Romanovs, this is good read. We know the history, but this book makes us know the people.
I felt very close to the Royal family as I turned the pages. I wished to know more about Tatiana. She was talked about the least in this book. I loved how close the girls were. It was so sad that the Tsar was only really appreciated posthumously. Marie was a strong girl. For those captivated by the Romanovs, this is good read. We know the history, but this book makes us know the people.
September 21, 2014
This was a very well written book told through the eyes of Maria Romanov during their captivity. I've read a lot of books about the Romanovs, but I actually learned a few new things from this book! If you're interested in this time period, I recommend this book!
December 27, 2019
Based on the actual diary of the Romanov daughter, Marie, the book fed my passion for the subject and era.
April 19, 2015
wow!
I love learning about history through good, well-written, well-researched fiction. My only complaints were that Marie often repeated herself. But it was only a minor distraction. The writing was superb.
I love learning about history through good, well-written, well-researched fiction. My only complaints were that Marie often repeated herself. But it was only a minor distraction. The writing was superb.
May 29, 2017
If you are a Romanovphile as I am this is a must read. It was both well written and well researched . I couldn't put it down.
January 12, 2015
The Romanovs and their deaths
This was fascinating and also hard to believe how cruel and heartless the captors of the family were. A black moment in Russia's history
This was fascinating and also hard to believe how cruel and heartless the captors of the family were. A black moment in Russia's history
May 24, 2015
Great book
Truly made you feel like you were there so sad to think of what happens to good people caught at the wrong time in history
Truly made you feel like you were there so sad to think of what happens to good people caught at the wrong time in history
May 16, 2015
The passion of marie romanv
Sad, but such a touching book of the last year's of year and his family from point of view of middle sister marie.
Sad, but such a touching book of the last year's of year and his family from point of view of middle sister marie.
November 21, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fictionalized account of the last days of the Romanoff family but the author was very adept at making it read as if it is a real diary. Marie comes across as a fully developed personality, but unfortunately her other siblings do not. However, the depiction of her parents the Tsar and Tsarina is very good. And the terror of what this family went through comes across very well, as well as a sense of their life before their capture and downfall. It was the kind of book that was difficult to put down, even though I already knew what the end would be.
November 29, 2014
Imperial tragedy
A sad favorite chapter of history. Over thirty years of both fictional and historic accounts. This does a very good job of taking known elements of the characters and making it all mesh in seamlessly with the story. Marie's core hope is played so well against her recognition of the humiliating and painful spiral to their doom. Each family member a jewel seen through her loving eyes. Outstanding!
A sad favorite chapter of history. Over thirty years of both fictional and historic accounts. This does a very good job of taking known elements of the characters and making it all mesh in seamlessly with the story. Marie's core hope is played so well against her recognition of the humiliating and painful spiral to their doom. Each family member a jewel seen through her loving eyes. Outstanding!
April 9, 2015
I loved this book, lately I have been hooked on anything involving the Romavov's, a man who did'nt want to be Tsar and was ill equipped to be one, a woman who was in poor health and paralizied with fear for her only son and four lovely, good girls who never had the chance to really live and a small boy who lived with unimaginable pain all the days of his short life, Such a tragedy that they were so brutality murdered and for what.
April 10, 2015
Though a well known story, the author does a great job creating a new storyline through an unexpected character. Instead of using Anastasia, the author uses Marie. At time it seems a litter to contrived, but overall a great read if you are interested in the Romanov's ordeal.
April 14, 2015
Enjoyed every page.
A real page Turner. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Would like more of the same. While the story was indeed tragic it was also full of life at a different time.
A real page Turner. I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Would like more of the same. While the story was indeed tragic it was also full of life at a different time.
April 11, 2015
Fast, easy read for me.
This fictionalized account of the last months of the Romanovs told from Marie's diary was a real page turner for me.
This fictionalized account of the last months of the Romanovs told from Marie's diary was a real page turner for me.
Read
January 11, 2016Wow! I live in Russiai part time (bt not so much recently do to economics) and have studied Russian history for decades. This is the best historical novel I've read in a long time. Keyword phrase here for those who are upset by Maria's relationship with Peter Malakovich: "historical fiction." I don't find it odd or offensive at all. Then there are those who are offended that Anne Frank in her original diary discussed sex and sexuality.
Anyway, Laura Rose has put a tremendous amount of research into this book. She even managed to do the impossible. That is, make Aleksandra Feodorovna sympathetic and even likeable at times. For far too long Marie has been sort of an outlier. Most of the attention has gone to Anastasia for obvious reasons, and the Olga and Tatiana who were older and out there already in monoarchial society. I'm glad Marie has gotten her due finally. Rose has "created" a memorable character" and has written elegantly and frighteningly of the early days of the Russia Revolution. The murder of the Romanovs marks only the beginnng of the Red Terror. Now if the Bolshies has only let Nikky & Family retire to a nice country estate in Kent where they could grow beets.
Anyway, Laura Rose has put a tremendous amount of research into this book. She even managed to do the impossible. That is, make Aleksandra Feodorovna sympathetic and even likeable at times. For far too long Marie has been sort of an outlier. Most of the attention has gone to Anastasia for obvious reasons, and the Olga and Tatiana who were older and out there already in monoarchial society. I'm glad Marie has gotten her due finally. Rose has "created" a memorable character" and has written elegantly and frighteningly of the early days of the Russia Revolution. The murder of the Romanovs marks only the beginnng of the Red Terror. Now if the Bolshies has only let Nikky & Family retire to a nice country estate in Kent where they could grow beets.
October 7, 2014
I liked the book, but I kind of had a tough time with it. Obviously what happened to the Romanov family at the end was horrible, but in a lot of the preceding incidents I had a hard time sympathizing with them. The sense of entitlement was just too much. And I can't really blame the people for wanting social change. This book inspired me to do a lot of research on the real life conditions of the people in Russia at that time and what they were going through was horrible. It doesn't make it ok to horribly slaughter an entire family and their servants, but I understand why they wanted things to change.
The writing was pretty good, but there were some odd editing errors sprinkled throughout the book.
The writing was pretty good, but there were some odd editing errors sprinkled throughout the book.
February 16, 2015
I am the author, Laura Rose. I have been gratified by the many 5* reviews this novel has been awarded. It has consistently been a #1 Bestselling novel in Russian historical novel e-books on Amazon. I researched the book for 16 years and many readers have responded to the dedication and commitment that has resulted in so much information which is new. I have a passion for my subject and I am thrilled to share my obsession with so many. Now the book is available in paperback for those who prefer this format. A few readers have wondered if the book is a work of fiction or non-fiction? The answer is this is a novel (fiction)inspired by the facts of one of the most fascinating true stories in history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
Slow moving and nothing special in terms of prose, but it has an authentic, haunting feel, and is worth a read for Romanov History enthusiasts.
May 11, 2018
Great read
WOW
I didn’t realize or remember from history class how long they were held captive. Then the horrible execution.
Very interesting read.
I would highly recommend especially with the 100th anniversary coming July 2018.
WOW
I didn’t realize or remember from history class how long they were held captive. Then the horrible execution.
Very interesting read.
I would highly recommend especially with the 100th anniversary coming July 2018.
April 11, 2018
Fabulous book. Educational, heart-wrenching.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews