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Anastasia
"Some men don't fall in love; they get lost. I was lost from the moment I saw Anastasia Romanov in the taxi club that first night..."
Shanghai 1921
American journalist Michael Sheridan jumps into the Whangpoa River to save a White Russian refugee he met in one of Shanghai's taxi clubs. Anastasia Romanov bears an extraordinary resemblance to the princess of the same name, rumoured to have survived the brutal murder of her family at the hands of Bolshevik revolutionaries. The fate of the youngest daughter of the last Russian Czar has become one of the most talked-about mysteries of the time. But Michael's Anastasia is suffering from amnesia and cannot remember more than the last year of her life.
Unravelling the mystery of her past and her identity takes Michael and Anastasia from the streets of Shanghai to the decadence of pre-war Berlin and London, from Bolshevik Russia to New York, just before the Wall Street crash. Michael is the only man who has ever helped Anastasia without wanting something in return - but can she give up the chance to be the princess for true love?
Spanning the turbulent and romantic decade of the twenties, internationally bestselling author Colin Falconer weaves a tale of murder and betrayal, royal scandal and financial intrigue - and ultimately one of the greatest love stories ever told.
Shanghai 1921
American journalist Michael Sheridan jumps into the Whangpoa River to save a White Russian refugee he met in one of Shanghai's taxi clubs. Anastasia Romanov bears an extraordinary resemblance to the princess of the same name, rumoured to have survived the brutal murder of her family at the hands of Bolshevik revolutionaries. The fate of the youngest daughter of the last Russian Czar has become one of the most talked-about mysteries of the time. But Michael's Anastasia is suffering from amnesia and cannot remember more than the last year of her life.
Unravelling the mystery of her past and her identity takes Michael and Anastasia from the streets of Shanghai to the decadence of pre-war Berlin and London, from Bolshevik Russia to New York, just before the Wall Street crash. Michael is the only man who has ever helped Anastasia without wanting something in return - but can she give up the chance to be the princess for true love?
Spanning the turbulent and romantic decade of the twenties, internationally bestselling author Colin Falconer weaves a tale of murder and betrayal, royal scandal and financial intrigue - and ultimately one of the greatest love stories ever told.
372 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
227 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Colin Falconer
68 books730 followersColin Falconer writes fast-paced historical adventures that sweep readers across centuries and continents, from the battlefields of Rome to the intrigues of forgotten empires. His novels blend action, danger, and unforgettable characters in richly imagined worlds.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
May 14, 2017
If I could, I would give this... this.... THING zero stars! Because, ladies and gentlemen, this awful piece of lurid fiction made me both outraged, confused and outraged again. Before we delve into everything wrong, let me just state that HISTORICAL FICTION dealing with REAL peronalities who have been WELL DOCUMENTED should, at least, RESPECT the truth that is easily researched and confirmed by a FRIGGIN GOOGLE SEARCH! Mr. Falconer did not do any research. Or if he did, he probably printed his notes and used them as toilet paper. Otherwise I cannot imagine how this abomination of a book was allowed to take shape at all! This publication is nothing but rape of history, far beyond any tasteful and acceptable line of what should one be allowed when writing about REAL people.
I read first 160 pages, after which I skimmed the rest, not having strentght left to go into detail. The writing is sloppy, disjointed and without any artistic quality that would make it stand out. Within the first forty pages you shall encounter these innacurate things, which could be EASILY PREVENTED by just going on Wikipedia!
1) In the beginning the four daughters of the Tsar and their brother are arriving into Ekaterinburg to be reunited with their parents. - In reality Grand Duchess Maria had arrived with her parents months before.
2) "Nurse" Sofia Karlovna mentioned in the book was NOT A NURSE. She was a Lady-in-waiting and she was never even allowed to get out of that train to say her goodbyes. Furthermore nickname "Shura" is used for her, when that was in fact the nickname of the ACTUAL nurse (and by that time MAID) Alexandra Tegleva.
3) Anastasia being RUDE and PROVOKING the Red guards (who in their turn are all unthinking, disgusting animals)
4) The girls constantly being talked about as PRINCESSES. The title was GRAND DUCHESS.
5) Anastasia saying "I AM A PRINCESS AND TILL THIS DAY I HAVE NEVER HAD TO CARRY MY OWN STUFF" when in fact all the imperial children, even before the revolution, would engage in physical work including cleaning their rooms, sawing wood and breaking ice in the spring, not to mention their work in hospitals during the war.
6) Jemmy was Anastasia´s. Tatiana had another dog, Ortipo. And there was yet another dog in the family, Alexei´s Spaniel Joy.
7) The behaviour of the guards in the house is SEVERELY exaggarated (yes there was a guard on duty when they went to the loo but NO the door was not dismantled! NO, Avdeyed did NOT curse in front of the Tsar.
8) Nicholas NEVER LOST HIS COOL, but in the book he is repeatedly RUDE and commanding the guards who in their turns call him slurs in the face.
9) Anastasia hates Alexei because he is such a burden and she is jealous of him! In reality she was his closest friend, loved him unconditionally.
10) There are NO relationships between anyone in the family apparently. Much like there is NOTHING that would scream "relationship" later among the fictional people. But we KNOW that the last Imperial family was EXTREMELY CLOSE and loving.
10) Tatiana is ambushed during her nightly visit to the toilet and RAPED but that is just about it, it leads nowhere, no plot point. THIS NEVER HAPPENED!!!! NONE OF THE GIRLS WAS MOLESTED BY THE RED GUARDS!!! And this whole thing is USELESS!!!!
11) Anastasia is a provokateur who acuses her father of everything being his fault TO HIS FACE. (WTF???!!!)
12) Alexandra is mentioned to be "same age as Nicholas". In fact she was four years his junior.
13) On the night of the murder there are people in the streets because the shooting can be heard all over the city apparently. In fact the streets were empty and the Bolsheviks made sure of that
14) Also there are many quotations about Anastasia - some of which I recognized as genuine, but many are simply made up - including several mentioning that she was a devil and deserved to die - but it is NEVER pointed out they are made up!!!!!
15) Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna in the 20s is meantioned as "unhappy" and fat "spinster". In fact she was a trim and content, wedded to Captain Kulikovsky, and mother of two.
16) Grand Duke Kyril is Tsar´s brother in the book. He was his cousin.
17) Grand Duke Ernst of Hesse (brother of the last Empress) wants to be Tsar of Russia. WTF??!!! He was a German princeling with NO claim. And he NEVER EVER wanted to be the Tsar.
18) And I forgot this thing: Alexei Nikolaevich DEMANDS a chocolate from a guard, is NASTY and RUDE to him and when the guard is provoked Nagorny stops him from harming Alexei, for which he is taken away and shot. In reality Nagorny did not want to let a guard steal a little golden cross from the boy. For THAT he was taken away. But in this book Anastasia does not forget to BLAME ALEXEI for Nagorny´s death.
I just could not go on.... This book is TRASH of the lowest order. Authors need to STOP USING THE ROMANOVS AS PLOT DEVICE IF THEY ARE NOT EVEN GOING TO TRY TO PORTRAY THEM AS THEY WERE.
If you want to read decent and good Romanov fiction, just read these: The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar The Lost Crown or even better the non-fiction like Nicholas and Alexandra or Romanov Autumn: Stories from the Last Century of Imperial Russia
I read first 160 pages, after which I skimmed the rest, not having strentght left to go into detail. The writing is sloppy, disjointed and without any artistic quality that would make it stand out. Within the first forty pages you shall encounter these innacurate things, which could be EASILY PREVENTED by just going on Wikipedia!
1) In the beginning the four daughters of the Tsar and their brother are arriving into Ekaterinburg to be reunited with their parents. - In reality Grand Duchess Maria had arrived with her parents months before.
2) "Nurse" Sofia Karlovna mentioned in the book was NOT A NURSE. She was a Lady-in-waiting and she was never even allowed to get out of that train to say her goodbyes. Furthermore nickname "Shura" is used for her, when that was in fact the nickname of the ACTUAL nurse (and by that time MAID) Alexandra Tegleva.
3) Anastasia being RUDE and PROVOKING the Red guards (who in their turn are all unthinking, disgusting animals)
4) The girls constantly being talked about as PRINCESSES. The title was GRAND DUCHESS.
5) Anastasia saying "I AM A PRINCESS AND TILL THIS DAY I HAVE NEVER HAD TO CARRY MY OWN STUFF" when in fact all the imperial children, even before the revolution, would engage in physical work including cleaning their rooms, sawing wood and breaking ice in the spring, not to mention their work in hospitals during the war.
6) Jemmy was Anastasia´s. Tatiana had another dog, Ortipo. And there was yet another dog in the family, Alexei´s Spaniel Joy.
7) The behaviour of the guards in the house is SEVERELY exaggarated (yes there was a guard on duty when they went to the loo but NO the door was not dismantled! NO, Avdeyed did NOT curse in front of the Tsar.
8) Nicholas NEVER LOST HIS COOL, but in the book he is repeatedly RUDE and commanding the guards who in their turns call him slurs in the face.
9) Anastasia hates Alexei because he is such a burden and she is jealous of him! In reality she was his closest friend, loved him unconditionally.
10) There are NO relationships between anyone in the family apparently. Much like there is NOTHING that would scream "relationship" later among the fictional people. But we KNOW that the last Imperial family was EXTREMELY CLOSE and loving.
10) Tatiana is ambushed during her nightly visit to the toilet and RAPED but that is just about it, it leads nowhere, no plot point. THIS NEVER HAPPENED!!!! NONE OF THE GIRLS WAS MOLESTED BY THE RED GUARDS!!! And this whole thing is USELESS!!!!
11) Anastasia is a provokateur who acuses her father of everything being his fault TO HIS FACE. (WTF???!!!)
12) Alexandra is mentioned to be "same age as Nicholas". In fact she was four years his junior.
13) On the night of the murder there are people in the streets because the shooting can be heard all over the city apparently. In fact the streets were empty and the Bolsheviks made sure of that
14) Also there are many quotations about Anastasia - some of which I recognized as genuine, but many are simply made up - including several mentioning that she was a devil and deserved to die - but it is NEVER pointed out they are made up!!!!!
15) Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna in the 20s is meantioned as "unhappy" and fat "spinster". In fact she was a trim and content, wedded to Captain Kulikovsky, and mother of two.
16) Grand Duke Kyril is Tsar´s brother in the book. He was his cousin.
17) Grand Duke Ernst of Hesse (brother of the last Empress) wants to be Tsar of Russia. WTF??!!! He was a German princeling with NO claim. And he NEVER EVER wanted to be the Tsar.
18) And I forgot this thing: Alexei Nikolaevich DEMANDS a chocolate from a guard, is NASTY and RUDE to him and when the guard is provoked Nagorny stops him from harming Alexei, for which he is taken away and shot. In reality Nagorny did not want to let a guard steal a little golden cross from the boy. For THAT he was taken away. But in this book Anastasia does not forget to BLAME ALEXEI for Nagorny´s death.
I just could not go on.... This book is TRASH of the lowest order. Authors need to STOP USING THE ROMANOVS AS PLOT DEVICE IF THEY ARE NOT EVEN GOING TO TRY TO PORTRAY THEM AS THEY WERE.
If you want to read decent and good Romanov fiction, just read these: The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar The Lost Crown or even better the non-fiction like Nicholas and Alexandra or Romanov Autumn: Stories from the Last Century of Imperial Russia
January 30, 2023
S obzirom da volim historijski temeljene romane, a posebno su mi zimi drage teme o Romanovima, Rusiji i II svj.ratu.
Uzeh ovaj roman očekujući priču o princezi Anastaziji, a dobih meksičku sapunicu, za koju je autor samo uzeo zvučnu historijsku ličnost kao pozadinu.
Roman se brzo čita, površan je, opisi su neuvjerljivi, rješenja raspleta su kao u grčkim dramama (deux ex mahina), dolaze sa neba 🫣
Sve u svemu, ko voli radnju i fabulu, bez neke dubine, može uzeti ovaj roman kao preporuku, dobit će zanimljivu radnju.
Od mene ocjena 2.2/5
Apsolutno neuvjerljiva priča koja više liči na meksičku sapunicu nego priču o princezi Romanovih
Mislim da je autor samo izabrao motiv da bi privukao čitaoce, a sve ostalo je puno sranja i historijski netemeljenih informacija.
Uzeh ovaj roman očekujući priču o princezi Anastaziji, a dobih meksičku sapunicu, za koju je autor samo uzeo zvučnu historijsku ličnost kao pozadinu.
Roman se brzo čita, površan je, opisi su neuvjerljivi, rješenja raspleta su kao u grčkim dramama (deux ex mahina), dolaze sa neba 🫣
Sve u svemu, ko voli radnju i fabulu, bez neke dubine, može uzeti ovaj roman kao preporuku, dobit će zanimljivu radnju.
Od mene ocjena 2.2/5
Apsolutno neuvjerljiva priča koja više liči na meksičku sapunicu nego priču o princezi Romanovih
Mislim da je autor samo izabrao motiv da bi privukao čitaoce, a sve ostalo je puno sranja i historijski netemeljenih informacija.
December 31, 2011
Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
There is a line in historic fiction. It is either a fictional account of the truth or a fantastic romp featuring characters who happen to have actually existed. I favor the former and in general don’t have a lot of appreciation for the latter. Colin Falconer’s novella might entertain those unfamiliar with the facts but I found his story poorly researched. Some elements appear to be purely fabricated while others are based on nothing more than rumor and gossip.
In Falconer’s narrative, all five children arrive in Yekaterinberg together. This is an element that contradicts the known facts. The family was briefly separated in April 1918. Alexandra (or Alexandria as Falconer sometimes refers to her) and Nicholas travelled with Maria several weeks before the other children. Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia and Alexei remained in Tobolsk until Alexei was well enough to make the journey.
Every chapter opens with a quotation, a few unattributed lines of text. This is what I mean by fabrications. The content doesn’t concern me as much as the lack of source material. These quotes don’t appear in any other document. I’ve googled them and the only results are hits for Falconer’s work. I guess I don’t understand why the chapters open this way. The quotes appear out of place in the story as well as misleading as they don’t appear to belong to any character historic or fictitious.
As for elements based on rumor and unverifiable fact I have only three words to give you: Tatiana ganged raped. I know rape was a common rumor and I understand why. Four princesses held in captivity until their bloody execution. What vilifies their captors more than portraying them as having stripped away of the innocence of one of these young women by violating her body? I’ve read several books on the family's capitivty but not one of those academic texts states that a rape occurred in the Ipatiev House. One of the guards said “I felt the empress myself and she was warm” and another is supposed to have declared “Now I can die in peace because I have squeezed the empress’s breasts” while disposing of the bodies but beyond the rather disgusting idea of violating a corpse I’ve found nothing to support the event Falconer exploits in the course of his story.
I have a million other comments on the novella but I think one example of each point more than adequately expresses my opinion. Would I feel differently if Falconer explained the content in his author’s notes? Perhaps, though I think it is important to state that The House of Special Purpose carries no disclaimers, no references, nothing beyond “If you enjoyed this book, look for the sequel: Anastasia now out on Kindle: US and Kindle UK.” The lack of commentary speaks louder than the piece itself and the sales attempt discloses what I believe to be the true purpose behind the piece.
The truth of the Romanov’s last days will never be known but I find Falconer’s version overly exaggerated and sensational. A disgraceful exploitation of the tragic fate of the Romanovs. The only thing I find more upsetting is the final line of the cover blurb. It’s all true. This story was published in 2011. The remains of Nicholas, Alexandra, Olga, Tatiana, Botkin, Demidova, Trupp, Kharitonov and one of the younger daughters were discovered in 1979 and were officially identified through DNA testing in 1998. The remains of Alexei and the last Grand Duchess were discovered in 2007 and officially identified through DNA in 2008. The idea of a survivor is great story telling fodder but at this point, when science has disproved the possibility, I have a lot more respect for the authors who stick to fictionalizing the unknown aspects of what we know to have happened.
One final note. The sequel blurb (I have no intention of actually reading the book) put me in mind of the 1986 made for tv movie Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna which starred Amy Irving, Olivia de Havilland, Omar Sharif, Rex Harrison and a very young Christian Bale. The Mystery of Anna takes place in two parts, featuring the last days of the family, then flashing forward to a young woman throwing herself into a river in Berlin. The woman is rescued, and sent to an institution where she is diagnosed amnesic. The story is of course based on the life of Anna Anderson. Falconer’s Anastasia appears to take place in Shanghai, obviously not Berlin, but according to the blurb the story also begins with an amnesic woman being rescued from a river. I sincerely hope my initial impressions prove incorrect but I can't help but be turned off by the overused story line.
There is a line in historic fiction. It is either a fictional account of the truth or a fantastic romp featuring characters who happen to have actually existed. I favor the former and in general don’t have a lot of appreciation for the latter. Colin Falconer’s novella might entertain those unfamiliar with the facts but I found his story poorly researched. Some elements appear to be purely fabricated while others are based on nothing more than rumor and gossip.
In Falconer’s narrative, all five children arrive in Yekaterinberg together. This is an element that contradicts the known facts. The family was briefly separated in April 1918. Alexandra (or Alexandria as Falconer sometimes refers to her) and Nicholas travelled with Maria several weeks before the other children. Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia and Alexei remained in Tobolsk until Alexei was well enough to make the journey.
Every chapter opens with a quotation, a few unattributed lines of text. This is what I mean by fabrications. The content doesn’t concern me as much as the lack of source material. These quotes don’t appear in any other document. I’ve googled them and the only results are hits for Falconer’s work. I guess I don’t understand why the chapters open this way. The quotes appear out of place in the story as well as misleading as they don’t appear to belong to any character historic or fictitious.
As for elements based on rumor and unverifiable fact I have only three words to give you: Tatiana ganged raped. I know rape was a common rumor and I understand why. Four princesses held in captivity until their bloody execution. What vilifies their captors more than portraying them as having stripped away of the innocence of one of these young women by violating her body? I’ve read several books on the family's capitivty but not one of those academic texts states that a rape occurred in the Ipatiev House. One of the guards said “I felt the empress myself and she was warm” and another is supposed to have declared “Now I can die in peace because I have squeezed the empress’s breasts” while disposing of the bodies but beyond the rather disgusting idea of violating a corpse I’ve found nothing to support the event Falconer exploits in the course of his story.
I have a million other comments on the novella but I think one example of each point more than adequately expresses my opinion. Would I feel differently if Falconer explained the content in his author’s notes? Perhaps, though I think it is important to state that The House of Special Purpose carries no disclaimers, no references, nothing beyond “If you enjoyed this book, look for the sequel: Anastasia now out on Kindle: US and Kindle UK.” The lack of commentary speaks louder than the piece itself and the sales attempt discloses what I believe to be the true purpose behind the piece.
The truth of the Romanov’s last days will never be known but I find Falconer’s version overly exaggerated and sensational. A disgraceful exploitation of the tragic fate of the Romanovs. The only thing I find more upsetting is the final line of the cover blurb. It’s all true. This story was published in 2011. The remains of Nicholas, Alexandra, Olga, Tatiana, Botkin, Demidova, Trupp, Kharitonov and one of the younger daughters were discovered in 1979 and were officially identified through DNA testing in 1998. The remains of Alexei and the last Grand Duchess were discovered in 2007 and officially identified through DNA in 2008. The idea of a survivor is great story telling fodder but at this point, when science has disproved the possibility, I have a lot more respect for the authors who stick to fictionalizing the unknown aspects of what we know to have happened.
One final note. The sequel blurb (I have no intention of actually reading the book) put me in mind of the 1986 made for tv movie Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna which starred Amy Irving, Olivia de Havilland, Omar Sharif, Rex Harrison and a very young Christian Bale. The Mystery of Anna takes place in two parts, featuring the last days of the family, then flashing forward to a young woman throwing herself into a river in Berlin. The woman is rescued, and sent to an institution where she is diagnosed amnesic. The story is of course based on the life of Anna Anderson. Falconer’s Anastasia appears to take place in Shanghai, obviously not Berlin, but according to the blurb the story also begins with an amnesic woman being rescued from a river. I sincerely hope my initial impressions prove incorrect but I can't help but be turned off by the overused story line.
February 4, 2018
Trigger warnings: execution, graphic descriptions of death, rape, animal cruelty, amnesia, attempted suicide, domestic violence, sex slavery.
DNF on page 124.
Not long after I started this book, I realised that I've DNFed another book by this author in the past - one that deals with the Spanish invasion of Tenochtitlan. So things weren't off to a great start.
Let's bullet point all my problems with this:
- If you're going to use actual historical figures as characters in your book, at least try and get their personalities even vaguely right. Hell, trying to even get the HISTORY vaguely right would be a good start...
- We jump straight from the execution of the Romanovs to Michael meeting Anastasia in Shanghai in 1921. There's no explanation of what happens in between (and, like, maybe it's meant to turn out that she's not THE Anastasia Romanov, but still. It bugged me)
- Anastasia is a "taxi girl", which seems to be kind of like an escort? Essentially a sex worker who meets men in bars and goes to their rooms with them. And she's doing this because she was brought into China by the triads and has been pushed into sex work to pay off her debt to them.
- Anastasia jumps off a bridge and Michael saves her. It's never mentioned whether this is because she's suicidal or whether it's an accident.
- Michael's got a Chinese servant whose dialogue is very "Girl leave with bad man, what Master want do?" and it's horrible.
- Anastasia ends up married off to Grand Duke Who Gives a Fuck basically against her will? She spends a lot of time being all "My husband doesn't want to have sex with me, thank GOD". Then she walks in on her husband dressing up in her clothes and she's all "Well. That explains a lot" and he beats her to a bloody pulp.
And that's the point at which I gave up on this trashfire of a book.
DNF on page 124.
Not long after I started this book, I realised that I've DNFed another book by this author in the past - one that deals with the Spanish invasion of Tenochtitlan. So things weren't off to a great start.
Let's bullet point all my problems with this:
- If you're going to use actual historical figures as characters in your book, at least try and get their personalities even vaguely right. Hell, trying to even get the HISTORY vaguely right would be a good start...
- We jump straight from the execution of the Romanovs to Michael meeting Anastasia in Shanghai in 1921. There's no explanation of what happens in between (and, like, maybe it's meant to turn out that she's not THE Anastasia Romanov, but still. It bugged me)
- Anastasia is a "taxi girl", which seems to be kind of like an escort? Essentially a sex worker who meets men in bars and goes to their rooms with them. And she's doing this because she was brought into China by the triads and has been pushed into sex work to pay off her debt to them.
- Anastasia jumps off a bridge and Michael saves her. It's never mentioned whether this is because she's suicidal or whether it's an accident.
- Michael's got a Chinese servant whose dialogue is very "Girl leave with bad man, what Master want do?" and it's horrible.
- Anastasia ends up married off to Grand Duke Who Gives a Fuck basically against her will? She spends a lot of time being all "My husband doesn't want to have sex with me, thank GOD". Then she walks in on her husband dressing up in her clothes and she's all "Well. That explains a lot" and he beats her to a bloody pulp.
And that's the point at which I gave up on this trashfire of a book.
May 29, 2009
The history of the last Russian Czar and his family is a tragic one and the rumour that Anastasia somehow survived lends intrigue and mystery.
Part One of this book was a good read, emotional and tense, but after that the book went downhill for me. In fact, I fail to understand what purpose Part One served in the story, as the character known as Anastasia Romanov suffers with amnesia and can't remember anything of her past.
The blurb on the back cover claims that this is greatest love story ever told, but I disagree with that. Whatever else was going on in the story, the two main characters didn't treat each other with much love at all. Chivalry does not equal love. Sex does not equal love. I'll say no more because I don't want to write in any spoilers.
The older female characters (a fake Russian countess, a downstairs neighbour and a mother-in-law) were invariably spiteful when things didn't turn out happily for them. There were no exceptions to this.
The main character did not have any redeeming feature and I just could not empathise with her at all. The atmosphere throughout the book was bleak, without happiness or contentment or much hope.
Having said that, the book raised an interesting question for me: who are we without our memories and our backgrounds?
Unfortunately, I cannot say I enjoyed this book and I did not find the ending satisfactory.
Part One of this book was a good read, emotional and tense, but after that the book went downhill for me. In fact, I fail to understand what purpose Part One served in the story, as the character known as Anastasia Romanov suffers with amnesia and can't remember anything of her past.
The blurb on the back cover claims that this is greatest love story ever told, but I disagree with that. Whatever else was going on in the story, the two main characters didn't treat each other with much love at all. Chivalry does not equal love. Sex does not equal love. I'll say no more because I don't want to write in any spoilers.
The older female characters (a fake Russian countess, a downstairs neighbour and a mother-in-law) were invariably spiteful when things didn't turn out happily for them. There were no exceptions to this.
The main character did not have any redeeming feature and I just could not empathise with her at all. The atmosphere throughout the book was bleak, without happiness or contentment or much hope.
Having said that, the book raised an interesting question for me: who are we without our memories and our backgrounds?
Unfortunately, I cannot say I enjoyed this book and I did not find the ending satisfactory.
March 25, 2015
Iako je početak jako solidan i dovoljan da održi pažnju i uvuče u dalju radnju, ostatak kgnjige je mešavina Anastazije koja ne zna šta želi (donese jednu odluku, pa na sledećoj stranici istu pogazi, pa na trećoj se vraća opet na početak, o tri četiri rečenice 'unutrašnje' borbe koja dovodi do odluka ne želim da pričam). Sa druge strane tu je Majkl osoba bez trunke samopoštovanja i tu je njihova hoću-neću-neću-hoću ljubavna priča. Glavna misterija u knjizi, da li je ona zapravo ruska princeza ili nije, što je bila osnova na početku, izgubila je na snazi kako je knjiga odmicala.
Takođe, sam odnos umnogome podseća na 'Avanture nevaljale devojčice'.
Generalno, glavni junaci su mi bili sve iritantniji kako se knjiga približavala kraju, a sam kraj je nekako nedorečen.
Tri zvezdice samo zbog dobrih opisa društvenih zbivanja sa početka XX veka.
Takođe, sam odnos umnogome podseća na 'Avanture nevaljale devojčice'.
Generalno, glavni junaci su mi bili sve iritantniji kako se knjiga približavala kraju, a sam kraj je nekako nedorečen.
Tri zvezdice samo zbog dobrih opisa društvenih zbivanja sa početka XX veka.
October 27, 2010
An interesting take the last Russian Czar's daughter Anastasia. The book was hard to put down and I recommend it to anyone interesting in the story of Anastasia.
February 25, 2023
Este o fictiune istorica romantizata. Nu va asteptati la detalii istorice exacte, nu pe asta se axeaza cartea. Insa mi-a placut tare mult cartea, iti capteaza atentia pana la ultima pagina.
July 19, 2014
I loved this book. French author, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once wrote that perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. Colin Falconer's Anastasia is a slim book that recalls the very best masterpieces. For me, it is now a modern classic.
I am passionate about the Russian Revolution and the murder of the Romanovs but what initially drew me to this novel was promises of time travel to 1920s Shanghai, Berlin and New York. I was not disappointed. Colin Falconer's wonderfully scribed vivid descriptions transported me to the bars and nightclubs of Shanghai with its expat soirées and its seedy Triad underworld, before sweeping me away to the sexual decadence and currency collapse of Weimar Berlin. Soon after, I was indulging in London's tea houses and flapper period, casting an uneasy eye on rising unemployment, before finally leading a ritzy life in 5th Avenue New York prior to the Wall Street collapse.
If all this travel wasn't enough, Colin Falconer also managed to paint glimpses into Lenin's Russia and make poignant observations on the Revolution's disappointing aftermath.
In this passage, the main character, journalist Michael Sheridan, travels to Petrograd (now St Petersburg) where he attempts to uncover evidence to prove that the love of his life is or is not the late Anastasia Romanov. Michael's visit to the room where the Romanovs were murdered is particularly harrowing. I was left with a feeling not evoked by other novels dealing with the same subject.
In his depiction of all cities, I loved the author's keen eye for the tragic pantomimes of excess and how these are often bound to chaos and misery. Even his female character, Anastasia, assuming she were a Romanov, would embody the idea of aristocracy toppled by Revolution; wealth's sudden descent into poverty.
Through conflicting desires Anastasia strives to survive, reminding the reader constantly of the fine line between fortune and destitution.
I whizzed through the suspenseful second part of this book which saw Michael putting on his ruthless journalist cap and going to war with the very scum of stockbrokers. With the aid of an unlikely ally, he uncovers a stunning revelation filled with political intrigue about the fate of the Romanov fortune.
This is a fantastic novel packed with social insights; it combines elements of romance, mystery and intrigue. Highly recommended.
I am passionate about the Russian Revolution and the murder of the Romanovs but what initially drew me to this novel was promises of time travel to 1920s Shanghai, Berlin and New York. I was not disappointed. Colin Falconer's wonderfully scribed vivid descriptions transported me to the bars and nightclubs of Shanghai with its expat soirées and its seedy Triad underworld, before sweeping me away to the sexual decadence and currency collapse of Weimar Berlin. Soon after, I was indulging in London's tea houses and flapper period, casting an uneasy eye on rising unemployment, before finally leading a ritzy life in 5th Avenue New York prior to the Wall Street collapse.
If all this travel wasn't enough, Colin Falconer also managed to paint glimpses into Lenin's Russia and make poignant observations on the Revolution's disappointing aftermath.
In this passage, the main character, journalist Michael Sheridan, travels to Petrograd (now St Petersburg) where he attempts to uncover evidence to prove that the love of his life is or is not the late Anastasia Romanov. Michael's visit to the room where the Romanovs were murdered is particularly harrowing. I was left with a feeling not evoked by other novels dealing with the same subject.
In his depiction of all cities, I loved the author's keen eye for the tragic pantomimes of excess and how these are often bound to chaos and misery. Even his female character, Anastasia, assuming she were a Romanov, would embody the idea of aristocracy toppled by Revolution; wealth's sudden descent into poverty.
Through conflicting desires Anastasia strives to survive, reminding the reader constantly of the fine line between fortune and destitution.
I whizzed through the suspenseful second part of this book which saw Michael putting on his ruthless journalist cap and going to war with the very scum of stockbrokers. With the aid of an unlikely ally, he uncovers a stunning revelation filled with political intrigue about the fate of the Romanov fortune.
This is a fantastic novel packed with social insights; it combines elements of romance, mystery and intrigue. Highly recommended.
July 22, 2019
Na kraju, nije toliko loša.
To kažem zato što mi je prosto bilo ogavno da jednu bitnu istorijsku ličnost za moj narod neko pretvori u prostitutku Šangaja (da ne upotrebim neku drugu reč). Sama pomisao na to je unižavanje carske porodice. Pritom, deluje kao da Falkoner nije uopšte proveravao bilo šta pre nego što je počeo da piše ovu knjigu.
Kasnije, shvatila sam da je to zapravo samo podloga koju je koristio da bi od nje napravio naivnu devojku koja nema ništa, a žarko želi sve. Samim tim, mogla sam da razumem Anastaziju jer, da sam u njenoj koži, verovatno bih uradila isto.
Mogla bih da stanem u Anastazijinu odbranu kada bi postojao sud. Jednostavno, ona je bila ljudsko biće koje želi da bude voljeno, ali smatra da je to nemoguće za osobu kao što je ona. Kada je Baniševski došao sa idejom da je ona izgubljena ruska princeza, ona je, tako naivna i željna svega, to prihvatila.
Majkl mi je bio interesantna ličnost, ali previše nerealna. Po meni, ljubav nije dobra, ako je slepa. Mada, čini mi se da je on bio svestan njenih mana i da ih je uprkos svemu voleo, što je naravno plus.
Anastazija je bila kukavica u mnogim situacijama. Nije znala šta želi. Čak nije ni rekla Majklu da je dete njeno i da nije bilo Sofi možda nikad ne bi ni saznao. Na kraju je bila toliko gadna da traži po ko zna koji šansu nakon odbijanja, što je po meni, između ostalog, neprihvatljivo.
Ono što se meni svidelo jeste sam kraj. Ne podnosim srećne krajeve, koliko god to oholo izgledalo. Deluje mi previše naivno, pogotovo u ljubavnim romanima. Naravno, težim im, ali nisam zadovoljna uvek ukoliko se dogode.
To kažem zato što mi je prosto bilo ogavno da jednu bitnu istorijsku ličnost za moj narod neko pretvori u prostitutku Šangaja (da ne upotrebim neku drugu reč). Sama pomisao na to je unižavanje carske porodice. Pritom, deluje kao da Falkoner nije uopšte proveravao bilo šta pre nego što je počeo da piše ovu knjigu.
Kasnije, shvatila sam da je to zapravo samo podloga koju je koristio da bi od nje napravio naivnu devojku koja nema ništa, a žarko želi sve. Samim tim, mogla sam da razumem Anastaziju jer, da sam u njenoj koži, verovatno bih uradila isto.
Mogla bih da stanem u Anastazijinu odbranu kada bi postojao sud. Jednostavno, ona je bila ljudsko biće koje želi da bude voljeno, ali smatra da je to nemoguće za osobu kao što je ona. Kada je Baniševski došao sa idejom da je ona izgubljena ruska princeza, ona je, tako naivna i željna svega, to prihvatila.
Majkl mi je bio interesantna ličnost, ali previše nerealna. Po meni, ljubav nije dobra, ako je slepa. Mada, čini mi se da je on bio svestan njenih mana i da ih je uprkos svemu voleo, što je naravno plus.
Anastazija je bila kukavica u mnogim situacijama. Nije znala šta želi. Čak nije ni rekla Majklu da je dete njeno i da nije bilo Sofi možda nikad ne bi ni saznao. Na kraju je bila toliko gadna da traži po ko zna koji šansu nakon odbijanja, što je po meni, između ostalog, neprihvatljivo.
Ono što se meni svidelo jeste sam kraj. Ne podnosim srećne krajeve, koliko god to oholo izgledalo. Deluje mi previše naivno, pogotovo u ljubavnim romanima. Naravno, težim im, ali nisam zadovoljna uvek ukoliko se dogode.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2015
It was an interesting perspectiv especialy that it was not about Anna andersen
January 7, 2023
Измислената история на последната, по чудо оцеляла наследница на руския царски род Романови. Определено е книга, насочена към женската аудитория - с фокус към безкрайни емоции, влюбвания, драми и всякакви такива дрисни.
Главната героиня е сламка, носеща се абсолютно безволево по реката на живота. Как пък в нея веднъж не се зароди някакво собствено... не амбиция даже, ами желание, насока или каквото и да е друго, освен да прескача от мъж на мъж - и то не по собствено усмотрение, ами ей така който дойде.
О, дали изобщо го обичам? О душата ми е пуста, ще мога ли изобщо да обичам някога? О, драма! О, нещастие! О сапунени сериали!
Главната героиня е сламка, носеща се абсолютно безволево по реката на живота. Как пък в нея веднъж не се зароди някакво собствено... не амбиция даже, ами желание, насока или каквото и да е друго, освен да прескача от мъж на мъж - и то не по собствено усмотрение, ами ей така който дойде.
О, дали изобщо го обичам? О душата ми е пуста, ще мога ли изобщо да обичам някога? О, драма! О, нещастие! О сапунени сериали!
May 6, 2015
Очекував нешто сосема поинакво!!!
November 30, 2022
Анастасија - Колин Фалконер
Не, не, не ........ и НЕ !!!
Кога веќе пишуваш книга по историска фикција и се накануваш главната хероина да биде ни помалку, ни повеќе Анастасија Николаевна Романова, мислам дека треба подлабоко да биде истражуван нивниот живот. Случувањата кој оставиле печат, кој биле забележани од луѓето околу нив.
На кратко, станува збор за ќерката на рускиот цар Николај II Романов, која сепак останува жива и е единствен жив член на семејството Романови, после погубувањето кое е извршено над нив, а со кое сите горе, долу сме запознаени.
Анастасија го губи сеќавањето поради повредите кој настануваат од куршумите кој летаат околу неа, но за среќа ни еден не е смртно опасен. Продадена е во Шангај, каде започнува да работи како проститутка, за да може да преживее.
И сега секој тука би рекол, е да не ти се допадна затоа што авторот избрал од кралска ќерка да биде проститутка. Но, во овај случај не е тоа причината.
Замислата како таква може да помине, но темата треба да биде добро обработена, уредена, за да биде прифатена од читателите.
Премногу долго ја барав оваа книга и премногу големо ми е разочарувањето. А со толку ќејф се наканив веднаш да ја прочитам.
Корицата привлекува, но лажи.
Од мене 1 и тоа е многу за жал.
Не, не, не ........ и НЕ !!!
Кога веќе пишуваш книга по историска фикција и се накануваш главната хероина да биде ни помалку, ни повеќе Анастасија Николаевна Романова, мислам дека треба подлабоко да биде истражуван нивниот живот. Случувањата кој оставиле печат, кој биле забележани од луѓето околу нив.
На кратко, станува збор за ќерката на рускиот цар Николај II Романов, која сепак останува жива и е единствен жив член на семејството Романови, после погубувањето кое е извршено над нив, а со кое сите горе, долу сме запознаени.
Анастасија го губи сеќавањето поради повредите кој настануваат од куршумите кој летаат околу неа, но за среќа ни еден не е смртно опасен. Продадена е во Шангај, каде започнува да работи како проститутка, за да може да преживее.
И сега секој тука би рекол, е да не ти се допадна затоа што авторот избрал од кралска ќерка да биде проститутка. Но, во овај случај не е тоа причината.
Замислата како таква може да помине, но темата треба да биде добро обработена, уредена, за да биде прифатена од читателите.
Премногу долго ја барав оваа книга и премногу големо ми е разочарувањето. А со толку ќејф се наканив веднаш да ја прочитам.
Корицата привлекува, но лажи.
Од мене 1 и тоа е многу за жал.
February 2, 2013
If you've ever wanted to walk the streets of early twentieth century Shanghai, Berlin, London, or New York, then you will love the wide landscape of this novel. All the big cities come to life with all the political and economic intricacies of that time. From the grittiest of inhabitants, to the most decadent and smug, Falconer gives you a view into the turmoil of the Great War without clubbing you over the head with a clunky recitation of history.
Michael is a self-made journalist unwilling to be tethered to his family’s fortune back in New York. He falls instantly for Anastasia, a prostitute who looks like Anastasia Romanov, the murdered daughter of the Czar. The mystery of her identity pulls them apart repeatedly, as Anastasia longs for her elusive past and the grand life of a Duchess. A privileged existence that Michael repudiates. Cruel love and chance encounters through years and long distance have you turning pages and hoping for the best.
A well paced read that I enjoyed, not only for the authentic portrayal of the cities, but also for the aching love story that plays out among the events of the early twentieth century.
Michael is a self-made journalist unwilling to be tethered to his family’s fortune back in New York. He falls instantly for Anastasia, a prostitute who looks like Anastasia Romanov, the murdered daughter of the Czar. The mystery of her identity pulls them apart repeatedly, as Anastasia longs for her elusive past and the grand life of a Duchess. A privileged existence that Michael repudiates. Cruel love and chance encounters through years and long distance have you turning pages and hoping for the best.
A well paced read that I enjoyed, not only for the authentic portrayal of the cities, but also for the aching love story that plays out among the events of the early twentieth century.
March 19, 2019
Traversând deceniul turbulent şi romantic al anilor `20, autorul de cărţi de succes internaţional Colin Falconer ţese o poveste despre crimă şi trădare, despre scandal regal şi intrigă financiară – şi, în final, una din cele mai mari poveşti de dragoste spuse vreodată. De fapt, acest roman este doar o poveste de dragoste, extrem de atipica şi foarte mult disputata dacă s-ar desfăşura în prezent. De fapt, este un joc al influenţei, al corupţiei, luptei pentru putere şi deznădejde. O luptă continuă în descoperirea trecutului, extrem de mult distorsionat în această carte, cel puţin istoria Rusiei este mult distorsionată în această carte.
https://funions.ro/recenzii/anastasia...
https://funions.ro/recenzii/anastasia...
July 27, 2012
I wanted to like this story -- it had all the elements that would have made it perfect for me. The last days of the Russian empire are my favourite time in history. But that may have been the problem...I have read too much to enjoy this for what it is. And maybe it's well-researched, but very few of tje facts line up with the other reading I have done on the period and that annoyed me. On the whole, I was glad it was a Kindle freebie, I would have been much more disappointed had I paid actual money for this.
January 8, 2015
Taky máte knihu, ke které vždy budete mít speciální vztah, protože vám otevřela brány do té pravé literatury a přesvědčila vás, že knihy stojín za to číst? :) Moje je tato :))
January 7, 2012
Mercifully short, an hour or two that I will never get back
January 24, 2012
My most favorite book
January 2, 2019
A different take on the Romanov princess, but interesting. We see her in a different landscape. A beautiful love story. A fast moving but not enough to get lost. Enjoyed this book.
August 30, 2016
When I started the book, I haven't imagined the story would get so complex and develop in the way it did. Very interesting read.
August 21, 2019
Изключително продуктивен автор ,за пореден път съм очарована от умението му да те държи до последната страница,умението да разказва и обогатява.Много силна книга даваща силни емоции!
June 20, 2020
Nisam želela ovakav kraj...
January 10, 2024
Колин Фалконър- Анастасия
Книга вдъхновена от митове. След убийството на семейство Романови и неговото прикриване се зараждат множество слухове какво точно се е случило, един от тези слухове,който е доста разпространен разказва,че великата княгиня Анастасия е оцеляла в онази нощ. Книгата се базира на този слух и описва история за една жена,която няма спомени,но има качества да бъде изгубената Анастасия.
Книгата не ми хареса, темата ме привлече,но изпълнението е доста слабо. Героите с нищо не ме спечелиха, а самият образ на Анастасия беше представен ужасно. Майкъл беше образът,който ме задържа до края на историята,но и той сам по себе си не беше нещо изключително.
Мита за Анастасия и нейното оцеляване е доста разпространен, среща се в доста книги и филми и ми беше интересно да видя тази гледна точка,замисълът донякъде беше оригинален,историята ме беше завладявала,но към средата до края всичко беше доста посредствено. Не бих я препоръчала книгата :)
"Вината има нужда от време, за да избие отвън- също като ръждата."
"Животът не те оставя да плуваш в спокойни води, рано или късно ти налага да потърсиш брега ,иначе те засмуква във въртопите си. Животът е промяна,не неподвижност."
"След време омразата се изгубва. Като монета,изпаднала от пробития джоб. Търсиш я и не я намираш. Лесно беше да мразиш някого, когото не познаваш."
Книга вдъхновена от митове. След убийството на семейство Романови и неговото прикриване се зараждат множество слухове какво точно се е случило, един от тези слухове,който е доста разпространен разказва,че великата княгиня Анастасия е оцеляла в онази нощ. Книгата се базира на този слух и описва история за една жена,която няма спомени,но има качества да бъде изгубената Анастасия.
Книгата не ми хареса, темата ме привлече,но изпълнението е доста слабо. Героите с нищо не ме спечелиха, а самият образ на Анастасия беше представен ужасно. Майкъл беше образът,който ме задържа до края на историята,но и той сам по себе си не беше нещо изключително.
Мита за Анастасия и нейното оцеляване е доста разпространен, среща се в доста книги и филми и ми беше интересно да видя тази гледна точка,замисълът донякъде беше оригинален,историята ме беше завладявала,но към средата до края всичко беше доста посредствено. Не бих я препоръчала книгата :)
"Вината има нужда от време, за да избие отвън- също като ръждата."
"Животът не те оставя да плуваш в спокойни води, рано или късно ти налага да потърсиш брега ,иначе те засмуква във въртопите си. Животът е промяна,не неподвижност."
"След време омразата се изгубва. Като монета,изпаднала от пробития джоб. Търсиш я и не я намираш. Лесно беше да мразиш някого, когото не познаваш."
October 12, 2021
CASA CU DESTINAŢIE SPECIALĂ EKATERINBURG, RUSIA, APRILIE 1918
„Anastasia? Avea virtuţile ei, desigur. Dumnezeu o înzestrase cu talent la limbi străine şi cu o ureche bună; iar ea ce a făcut cu acest talent? L-a folosit ca să râdă de alţii. Era un duce care venea uneori cu noi pe iahtul regal Standart; bietul om vorbea sâsâit şi am auzit-o de multe ori bătându-şi joc de el pe la spatele lui.”
Trenul care ducea trecutul şi viitorul Imperiului Rus se mişca încet de-a lungul unui peisaj cu pini cenuşii. Primăvara, Uralii erau nişte petice de gheaţă care străluceau în soare, un gol vast şi sinistru; câţiva cai păşteau, o pată de fum se vedea ieşind pe coşul unei colibe dărăpănate.
Acest tren nu avea nimic remarcabil din punctul de vedere al trecătorului întâmplător: nici steaguri, nici ghirlandă pe locomotivă, vagoanele nu erau luxoase în mod special. Dâra de fum alb plutea în aer, groasă şi nemişcată. După ce dispărea, nu exista nimic care să o înlocuiască.
„Anastasia? Avea virtuţile ei, desigur. Dumnezeu o înzestrase cu talent la limbi străine şi cu o ureche bună; iar ea ce a făcut cu acest talent? L-a folosit ca să râdă de alţii. Era un duce care venea uneori cu noi pe iahtul regal Standart; bietul om vorbea sâsâit şi am auzit-o de multe ori bătându-şi joc de el pe la spatele lui.”
Trenul care ducea trecutul şi viitorul Imperiului Rus se mişca încet de-a lungul unui peisaj cu pini cenuşii. Primăvara, Uralii erau nişte petice de gheaţă care străluceau în soare, un gol vast şi sinistru; câţiva cai păşteau, o pată de fum se vedea ieşind pe coşul unei colibe dărăpănate.
Acest tren nu avea nimic remarcabil din punctul de vedere al trecătorului întâmplător: nici steaguri, nici ghirlandă pe locomotivă, vagoanele nu erau luxoase în mod special. Dâra de fum alb plutea în aer, groasă şi nemişcată. După ce dispărea, nu exista nimic care să o înlocuiască.
January 17, 2022
I honestly loved this book. I couldn't find it brand new anywhere so bought it second hand on Ebay and I'm so glad I did. A fictional take on the lost princess of Russia. A book about love. Hardships. Decisions and consequences. Falconer made 1920s Shanghai, Russia, Berlin and America come alive with his writing I will definitely be rereading.
March 17, 2022
This book plays with the rumour that the Grand Duchess Anastasia somehow survived the massacre of her family by the Bolsheviks and makes up a love story around that fiction. Suspend belief and treat it as a holiday read.
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