Rasputin: And the Downfall of the Romanovs

by Antony Beevor, Rob Heaps (Narrator)

'THE GOLD STANDARD OF NARRATIVE HISTORY' - DAN SNOW

How could a barely literate peasant from Siberia determine the fate of the world? Undoubtedly, the so-called 'mad monk' Rasputin bewitched Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra. Yet their strange and scandalous relationship conceals a riddle , one that casts an intriguing light on the controversial 'great man' theory of history.

Rasputin was a devoted monarchist, not a revolutionary. He had no official position, no forces at his command. Nevertheless, he contributed more to the fall of the Romanov dynasty than any other individual. So demoralised was the Tsarist officer corps by stories of corruption, to say nothing of the rumours of his debauchery with the Empress - and even her daughters - that when the February Revolution broke out, not a sword was raised in defence of the regime.

Just as Rasputin cast a spell over the Romanovs, his legend has bewitched historians. More than a century later, we still fail to comprehend fully the collapse of the greatest autocracy on Earth. Was there any truth to the wild tales that brought down the empire? Or was his true legacy an unsettling lesson on the potency of myth?

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Russia, Audiobook, Politics, Russian History

Audible Audio

First published April 14, 2026

About the author

Sir Antony James Beevor is a British military historian. He has published several popular historical works, mainly on the Second World War, the Spanish Civil War, and most recently the Russian Revolution and Civil War.
Educated at Abberley Hall School, Winchester College, and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Beevor commanded a troop of tanks in the 11th Hussars in Germany before deciding in 1970 to leave the army and become a writer. He was a visiting professor at Birkbeck, University of London, and the University of Kent. His best-selling books, Stalingrad (1998) and Berlin: The Downfall 1945 (2002), have been acclaimed for their detailed coverage of the battles between the Soviet Union and Germany, and their focus on the experiences of ordinary people. Berlin proved very controversial in Russia because of the information it contained from former Soviet archives about the mass rapes carried out by the Red Army in 1945.
Beevor's works have been translated into many languages and have sold millions of copies. He has lectured at numerous military headquarters, staff colleges and establishments in Britain, the US, Europe, and Australia. He has also written for many major newspapers.

Reviews

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a bit of a history nerd and am particularly interested in the period of the last Russian tsar, Nicholas II - Robert Massie’s dual biography, Nicholas and Alexandria, remains a top favorite read. The author of this book is a distinguished historian so I was thrilled to gain access to this ARC (thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin Press - my thanks).

As Beevor writes in his Introduction, this is “not a conventional biography” but rather serves to focus on “the no-man’s land between truth and myth, [and] between fact and fiction.” As the book details there is so much misinformation and disinformation, it’s often impossible for the real Rasputin to emerge. Beevor has drawn from Russian archives “previously unpublished reports, interviews, and interrogations.” As you read, indeed, this is less about the man but about others thoughts of the man and how that impacted a diseased and morally corrupt nation.

The family under the influence of Alexandra was isolated and her influence was more extensive than I realized from previous books. Nicholas was just not tsar material - I kept thinking of Louis XVI who too just wanted a simple life. Then all the sycophants in the background didn’t help much. Rasputin was a disgusting human and he milked every advantage he had but that Alexandra could not lose him for the life her child is perhaps understandable, but it brought with it the conspiracy theories that feasted on a family’s suffering. I did learn a lot of new things in this book that I think helped me see the Romanovs more clearly.

Beevor is a wonderful writer - this is the first book I read by him. He brings history to life in his writing. I couldn’t put the book down. I will definitely be adding this to my history book collection so I can re-read it.

Highly recommend.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

May he rest in pieces

[Matti Sjöstedt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Antony Antony Beevor’s Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs is undoubtedly a rewarding work for readers with a strong interest in history, yet for the general audience it may prove rather heavy going.

Beevor introduces a continuous stream of secondary characters, many of whom appear only briefly and whose names are difficult to retain, especially as not all of them are easy to trace within the book’s structure. A more selective approach might have allowed greater space for deeper characterisation of the central figures, while improving the overall readability.

For that reason, I would hesitate to recommend Rasputin as a first choice for readers who lack prior familiarity with Russian history and the complex events of the late imperial period.

[Adii (adiiturnsapage) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was giddy and jumping with joy when I received this book, the history geek that I am 😀 I had watched a lot of documentaries about the Russian revolution and Rasputin, but reading a narration by an expert was a different experience altogether.

Grigory Rasputin was arguably the ultimate wild card of history. He wasn’t a politician, a general, or even a nobleman. In fact, he was a barely literate peasant from the Siberian wilderness with zero official power. He wasn’t trying to start a revolution, either - he was actually a die-hard fan of Tsar Nicholas II, and a monarchist.

Yet, despite having no "real" authority, he managed to charm and manipulate his way into the heart of the Russian royal family. This strange, hypnotic influence did more to topple the mighty Russian Empire than any rebel army ever could. This man was unique', observed one writer. 'Like a character out of a novel, he lived in legend, he died in legend, and his memory is cloaked in legend.'

Antony Beevor is a wonderful writer, and writes with great confidence and authority. He made this history book extremely interesting and unputdownable, bringing the past to life. Indeed a rewarding piece of work. This is a must read for history lovers but I would caution others...this can be a rather heavy read.

Rated: 4.5/5

[Margo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC - I've read a fair few books on the Russian Revolution, and took some coursework for my undergrad on the subject, and while Rasputin's influence has been touched on, it's never been to as much depth and detail as this book. I liked the switch between Rasputin chapters and wider Russian history, policy, and society as the book progressed, particularly in relation to Nicholas II and Alexandra's delusions, beliefs in divine right and supreme monarchy, and their foibles in failing to relate to the Russian people (peasants, workers, soldiers, and nobility) in both peacetime and in the Russo-Japanese War and World War I. While the book ends with Rasputin's assassination and the immediate aftermath, including the February Revolution and the Tsar's family's initial imprisonment in their palace, it leaves off before the full revolution and their ultimate demise. That said, I particularly enjoyed the insight into the widespread hatred of Rasputin and his effects on Alexandra and Nicholas II, and how this hatred drove the assassination plot as well as increased the dissatisfaction and disillusionment that led to the Russian Revolution. Very solid reading for those interested in the period.

[Henk Hofman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raspoetin en de ondergang van de Romanovs
Anthony Beevor

Op de aansprekende cover van dit boek staan drie personen afgebeeld. De monnik Raspoetin in het midden, met aan weerszijden tsaar Nicolaas II en diens vrouw tsarina Alexandra Fjodorovna. Daarmee wordt treffend aangegeven dat het in dit boek om drie hoofdrolspelers gaat. Het verhaal ontvouwt zich ook aan de hand van deze drie perspectieven. Een echte biografie is het dus niet (wat natuurlijk geen enkel bezwaar is).
Het is een merkwaardig drietal op deze foto. Wie waren ze en wat was hun relatie? Waarom staat die vreemde monnik tussen twee monarchen in? Hij is de meest intrigerende van dit drietal.
Raspoetin (1869-1916) heeft altijd tot de verbeelding van mensen gesproken.
Als je in de zoekbalk van je computer zijn naam intikt, merk je dat gelijk aan de resultaten. Raspoetin wordt ‘een bezeten monnik’ genoemd. In de hit daaronder heet hij ‘een gestoorde monnik, een alcoholist en een aseksuele deviant’. Die ‘aseksuele’ oriëntatie wordt weersproken door de volgende hit, waarin gewaagd wordt van duizenden minnaressen en partners die Raspoetin zou hebben gehad. Duidelijk is in ieder geval dat de monnik nog steeds bevreemding oproept. Op foto’s in het boek is het contrast tussen de monnik met het bleke gezicht, lange haar en morsige baard, omringd door Russische aristocraten, de mannen gekleed in indrukwekkende uniformen en de vrouwen in schitterende japonnen, bijzonder groot.
Tsaar Nicolaas II (1868-1918) en zijn vrouw tsarina Alexandra Fjodorovna (1872-1918) waren door afkomst en huwelijk op de troon terechtgekomen. Zelden zijn twee mensen zo ongeschikt geweest voor hun rol als monarch dan deze twee.
Beevor vertelt met verve hoe de onzekere, weifelende tsaar en zijn labiele, emotionele vrouw helemaal in de ban van Raspoetin terecht kwamen. Dat had er vooral mee te maken dat de kroonprins aan hemofilie leed, als gevolg daarvan een enkele keer op de rand van de dood zweefde, maar door de wonderlijke krachten van Raspoetin toch nog genas.
Vanaf dat moment genoot Raspoetin de onvoorwaardelijke toewijding en het vertrouwen van de Romanovs. De keizerin had een kammetje van Raspoetin in bezit gekregen. Ze gaf het aan haar man met de opmerking: “Vergeet niet je haar te kammen voordat je moeilijke gesprekken voert en belangrijke beslissingen moet nemen. Dat kammetje zal je zeker helpen”.
De tsarina gaat zich steeds meer met die belangrijke beslissingen bemoeien en geeft op aangeven van Raspoetin door aan haar man welk beleid hij moet voeren en wie hij als minister moet aanstellen.
Het verhaal neemt daarmee de proporties aan van een drama. Het is een tragedie voor alle betrokkenen en het hele land. Tegelijk is het een klucht en een ridicuul verhaal. De Russische aristocratie was in de ban van mystiek geraakt. De Eerste Wereldoorlog was uitgebroken en eiste enorme aantallen slachtoffers, maar in Moskou bekommerde men zich daar niet om en dompelden mensen zich onder in “een orgie van dansen, sport, diners en drank.”
Raspoetin had intussen ook machtige vijanden. Mannen die met afschuw vervuld waren over de invloed die Raspoetin op het hof had, de corruptie in regeringskringen, en de nederlagen van het Russische leger aan het front.
Het dramatisch hoogtepunt van dit boek is dan ook zonder meer de moord op Raspoetin. Toen bekend werd dat de monnik onschadelijk was gemaakt, leidde dit tot uitbarstingen van vreugde onder het volk en werd er in restaurants getoost op de moordenaars.
Raspoetin werd in december 1916 vermoord. Een paar maanden later brak de Revolutie uit. De monarchie werd afgeschaft en nog weer een jaar later werd de tsaar met zijn gezin vermoord door de communisten. Precies zoals Raspoetin dit alles had ‘voorzegd’.
Volgens de auteur maakt zijn boek duidelijk dat geschiedenis niet altijd door ‘grote mannen’ wordt bepaald. Dat is zo en Raspoetin is er een duidelijk voorbeeld van. Meer dan wie ook heeft de ‘bezeten monnik’ bijgedragen aan de ondergang van een dynastie die 300 jaar over Rusland had geheerst. Overigens zonder dat dit zijn opzet is geweest.
Ook maakt het boek duidelijk dat geruchten, complottheorieën en verdachtmakingen een enorme impact hadden op het politieke en militaire vlak. Feit en fictie liepen door elkaar heen en Beevor heeft er een kluif aan om die twee van elkaar te onderscheiden. Hetzelfde probleem waar onze generatie mee te maken heeft.
Met dit boek heeft Beevor een meeslepend thema te pakken en hij vertelt zijn verhaal met passie.
Een psychologisch portret van Raspoetin ontbreekt. Als historicus zal Beevor dit niet tot zijn taak hebben gerekend. Hij levert wel de bouwstenen om al lezend inzicht te krijgen in het karakter van deze merkwaardige man.
Een verklarende woordenlijst zou nuttig zijn geweest. Een enkele maal had iets meer uitgelegd kunnen worden. Als voorbeeld noem ik bladzijde 13 waar de naam van Nikolaj Sokolov wordt genoemd. Hij moest in 1919 een onderzoek instellen naar de moord op de Romanovs. Dit wordt begrijpelijk als je weet dat de moordenaars de communisten waren (de Roden onder leiding van Lenin)) en dat hun tegenstanders (de Witten onder leiding van monarchist admiraal Koltsjak) de opdracht tot dit onderzoek gaven.
Deze opmerkingen nemen natuurlijk niet weg dat lezers zullen genieten van dit boek. Dit is geen droge historie, maar een boeiend gepresenteerd verhaal dat bol staat van spanning en dramatiek. Je kunt je alleen maar verbazen over de manier waarop dynastie en samenleving hun eigen graf hebben gegraven. Raspoetin was niet het echte probleem. Dat waren de tsaar en zijn vrouw die hem verafgoodden en hem de ruimte gaven om macht uit te oefenen.
Het boek is geïllustreerd, voorzien van een notenapparaat en een literatuurlijst. Het zal zeker een gretig lezerspubliek trekken en dat is helemaal verdiend.

Anthony Beevor (1946), is een militair historicus die meerdere boeken schreef over de Tweede Wereldoorlog, de Russische Revolutie en de Spaanse Burgeroorlog (1936). Hij ontving veel prijzen en onderscheidingen. In 2017 werd hij in de Britse adelstand opgenomen. Dit boek is vaardig vertaald door Ruud van de Plasche.

ISBN 8789026372032 | Paperback | Omvang 382 blz. | Uitgeverij AmboAnthos | 12 maart 2026
© Henk Hofman, 8 april 2026

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for an advance copy of this history that looks at the mad mystic moujhik known as Rasputin, a man known as a villain in fiction, and as much worse in Russian history, given powers far beyond that of most mortals, with a gift for making friends and influencing those in power, to detriment of the Tsar, his family, and even history.

I am not sure where I first heard about Rasputin. I know it was in the fictional sense. Maybe a Shadow pulp story. I think he was in Doc Savage. I know he was in the Hellboy Comics, but that was much later. In fact I think he was the villain in many a story I read, in movies I watched, even an animated musical. A man of magic and mystery, a man who was difficult to kill, with the power of mesmerism and myriad other powers. I remember when I first saw his name in a history book, I was like, what the heck. This guy was real? However even history seemed to fall under his power. Rasputin strode through many books like a super villain, living though assassination attempts, laughing off poison, bullets, beatings even the cold. With a glance he brought women under his sway, strong leaders gave him obedience. Nations lived and died by his whims. Much of this could be true. How did a peasant rise so high in a place that cared about social status as much as Tsarist Russia. What was his power, what was his magic? Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs by Antony Beevor is a serious look at a subject that is ripe for hyperbole, one that looks at the times, the players, and tries to get to the truth about Rasputin, a myth as much as a man.

The book begins with a dream that the Empress Dowager, the mother of the last Tsar Nicholas ii, had while pregnant. She dreamed that a peasant would be responsible for the death of her son. With this Beevor looks at the world of Russia, a nation close to revolution at many given points, with rights being given and taken away as leaders came and went. Nicholas' father was not a fan of his son, who he thought was slight, and not willing to fight for what was good for the country. Also Nicholas entered the job without my training in being a ruler, but with a dream of taking back power lost to the Tsar, and making Russia great again. The Tsarina also did not fit in, not truly understanding the ways that power and social circles worked. This and not delivering a son after three pregnancies made her a distant fretful person. Which only worsened upon the birth of her son, who had hemophilia. The only thing that seemed to help was a peasant mystic, an uncouth man with a love for women, sin, and a gift to be right about things, either by luck or by dark arts. Rasputin was quick to worm his way into the halls of power, but made many, many enemies along the way. Mad powers were ascribed to him, and due to his power and influence with the Tsar and his family seemed to many to be true. So much so that many attempts to hinder him were stopped by the Tsar himself. Until a group of nobles decided enough, was enough.

Beevor is a very good writer, able to describe moments in a you are there kind of sense, with a full explanation of the broader picture. Beevor never lectures, but shares the story, almost in a oh look at this kind of way. The narrative ever slows down, and even with the many characters and huge breadth of Russia to write about, never loses its way. Beevor cuts away a lot of the mythology, the assassination attempts, the final death of Rasputin, and yet is quick to say about a few things, I really don't know. How did Rasputin cure the Tsar's son from a distance. how did he know certain things would happen. Luck possibly, controlling the narrative, maybe. Or something more.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, mainly because Beevor writes about everything so well, and so clearly, I learn much while enjoying what I am reading. The book is enthralling and quick, with a narrative pace that really keeps things moving. I always come away from Beevor books in awe for how he makes history so interesting, and important. I eagerly await what he has planned next.

[Shannon Cilento · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Another hit from prolific historian Antony Beevor! In Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs, historian Antony Beevor once again proves why he is one of the most compelling narrative historians writing today. Rather than leaning into the mythology that has long surrounded Grigori Rasputin, Beevor grounds the story in political instability, family dysfunction and the very human vulnerabilities that allowed Rasputin to gain such extraordinary influence over the Romanov family.

One of the most striking themes in this book is how the lack of medical knowledge at the time left even the most powerful people in the world searching for answers in mysticism and spiritualism. Reading about the desperation surrounding the illness of Tsarevich Alexei, I was reminded of the storyline involving King George in Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte arc (a very millennial take, I know)…the sense that when science fails, people will turn to anyone who promises hope. Alexandra’s guilt over passing hemophilia to her son made her especially vulnerable, and Beevor shows how figures like Rasputin, and earlier advisers such as Philippe, were able to step into that void.

Beevor also does an excellent job providing the broader historical context of the early 1900s, showing that the Romanov dynasty was already under immense strain from political unrest, war, and internal dysfunction long before Rasputin entered the picture. In many ways, the family did not become unstable because of Rasputin. Rather, their instability made them susceptible to him. His presence exposed and deepened cracks that were already there.

What I appreciated most is that Beevor avoids portraying Rasputin as a supernatural figure or prophetic legend. Instead, he presents him as a man who became “cloaked in legend,” a phrase that feels especially relevant in modern times. It brought to mind the way contemporary figures (cough cough Epstein) can become mythologized in the public imagination, when in reality they are simply human beings making conscious choices, sometimes harmful ones, that affect others in very real ways.

This book is a fascinating and unsettling, look at the final years of the Romanovs, and another excellent work from one of the most reliable historians writing today. Highly recommended for readers interested in Russian history, royal biography, and the psychology of power.

Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the advance copy of this book in exchange for honest review.

[Elma Voogdt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raspoetin, ook daar zijn boeken bij overvloed van. Maar ook hier raakt men niet uitgeschreven over, dat blijkt wel met het nieuwe boek: “Raspoetin en de ondergang van de Romanovs”.

Het boek begint met een droom die de keizerin-weduwe, de moeder van de laatste tsaar Nicolaas II, had tijdens haar zwangerschap. Meer vertel ik daar niet over; dat moet de lezer zelf ontdekken, maar niet alle dromen zijn bedrog, laat ik het daar maar bij houden. Aan de hand hiervan werpt auteur Antony Beevor een blik op de wereld van Rusland. Nicolaas II was geen doortastende tsaar, evenmin als zijn vrouw. Alexandra Fjodorovna stond onder grote druk, want na drie zwangerschappen was er nog steeds geen mannelijke troonopvolger. Het maakte haar tot een afstandelijke en bezorgde vrouw. Het werd er niet beter op na de geboorte van de zoon Aleksej, die aan hemofilie leed. (Hemofilie is een erfelijke aandoening. Door een afwijking in een gen zijn er problemen met de bloedstolling.)

In hun wanhoop zochten Nicolaas II en Alexandra hun toevlucht tot een mystieke boer, een onbehouwen man met een voorliefde voor vrouwen, die in zonde leefde en zogenaamd mensen kon genezen. We hebben het hier over Raspoetin. Deze Raspoetin wist zich snel een weg te banen naar de hoogste kringen zo ook bij de tsaar en tsarin van Rusland. Raspoetin zou uitzonderlijke krachten zijn toegeschreven, en door zijn macht en invloed op de tsaar en zijn familie leken die voor velen ook waar te zijn. Nicolaas en zijn vrouw ( voornamelijk zijn vrouw) geloofden heilig in hem en wie tegen hem was of een verkeerd woord over hem zei, werd meteen door de tsarina of de tsaar zelf teruggefloten. Raspoetin maakte niet alleen vrienden, maar ook veel vijanden….. Met alle gevolgen van dien.

Op basis van nieuw ontdekt bronnenmateriaal vertelt Antony Beevor het verhaal van Raspoetin. Beevor beschrijft alles zo goed en helder, wat het lezen van het boek gemakkelijker maakt. Het boek is meeslepend en vlot geschreven. Het weet de aandacht van de lezer goed vast te houden. Het boek telt 384 pagina’s en de hoofdstukken zijn niet al te lang.

Samengevat: de auteur plaatst Raspoetin in de historische context van zijn tijd en beschrijft de talloze redenen waarom hij zo belangrijk was voor de tsaar en tsarina, en hoe hij bijdroeg aan de val van de Romanovs. Het boek is dan ook een aanrader voor iedereen met interesse in geschiedenis.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read Rasputin by Antony Beevor, I couldn't help but laugh at times. It wasn't a funny laugh, but more like the laugh you let out when you witness something that leaves you incredulous. Beevor is telling the story of Rasputin, but he is also showing just how completely dysfunctional the Russian monarchy was at the time. Did Rasputin help bring down the czar and his family? Absolutely. Would it have fallen without his help? I'd vote probably.

Beevor is one of my go-to authors for anything in Russian history. His Stalingrad book could not have been better. This narrative is different but no less well-done. I have read about Rasputin before, but Beevor provides the most comprehensive picture of the madman. Yes, he was seemingly magical, threatening, and unkempt. Beevor shows all of those sides but doesn't forget to add the last aspect. He was also fairly ridiculous. He was a drunken name dropper and there were many who immediately saw through him. His escapades would be worthy of laughter except of course for the people hurt along the way.

Millions of people would end up killed, maimed, or lose loved ones because the royal family thought listening to a much-maligned and barely literate stranger from Siberia was a great idea. I really appreciate Beevor's tone in this story. He is still just as scholarly as his other books, but he lets the reader know many of these things are ridiculous on their face. The royal couple were hopelessly lost if not needlessly antagonistic. The author got an audible laugh when he mentioned Rasputin and Empress Alexandra teamed up to choose cabinet ministers, but unfortunately they were horrible judges of character.

Beevor also takes on the legends head-on. He clearly delineates what is made up, what actually happened, and what we can never truly know. Rasputin should be no one's hero. He was a villain who could convince people of things, but he would just as easily commit a sexual assault and try to ruin lives. However, it doesn't mean he did all the things ascribed to his name. In the end, Beevor did exactly what I hoped. I learned the true story while being entertained along the way.

(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and Viking Books.)

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a few books about the Russian Revolution, the Romanovs and Rasputin. This is an extremely interesting account, suitable for both those who know a fair amount about these events and also those who are new to this history. And what a history story it is. As Beevor says, it is the tale of how a barely literate Siberian peasant contributed to the collapse of the greatest autocracy in the world.

It is the tale of the final Tsar and his wife, who was uncomfortable and unsuited in her role as Tsarina. Alexandra Feodorovna would have been happier as a middle-class housewife, even though she seemed to embrace autocracy with fervour. She thought she knew best, hectored her husband, refused to socialise and hid her shyness beneath a haughty exterior and hypochondria. When her much-adored and wanted son, and heir to the throne, turned out to have haemophilia, she became easy prey to Rasputin. Whether this self-styled holy man aided her son's health, or it was through suggestion or mere chance, is unclear. Regardless, she believed in his ability to save her son and relied on him, unwisely listening to his attempts to have power by meddling in politics and causing resentment and anger.

Rasputin careered through society, with a host of aristocratic women willing to adore and worship him. With an ear to the throne, welcomed in palaces, his wealth, power and influence beyond belief, it was only the Tsar and Tsarina who failed to understand how resentment was growing. Although many attempted to warn them, Rasputin's apparent ability to heal the Tsarevich Alexei. Well, at least until the least discrete planned assassination imaginable. So many longed for Rasputin's death, but his murder seemed to ignite revolution. Overall, this is a fascinating read and Beevor is both academically vigorous and yet an excellent storyteller.

[Ryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having followed this story since I was very young and more recently reading Robert Massie’s fantastic book, Nicholas and Alexandra, I felt content in the knowledge I had on this subject and was done with the material. That was until Antony Beevor made a go at it, I knew I had to return to the Romanov family one last time and it did not disappoint!

Beevor widens the story out to the lesser known people circling Rasputin and the Romanovs. You see how popular mysticism actually was amongst the upper classes in Russian society. You meet the man who came before Rasputin, Monsieur Philippe. Also seen as a Spiritual Advisor, a clear pattern is revealed that shows just how emotionally susceptible the Empress was and how comfortable these peasant class holy men were to pushing their political advice and opinions onto the Tsar.

You gain a clearer understanding of just how protective Alexandra was of Rasputin when you see the numbers of replacements made on Rasputins behalf. Forty three Governor changes in the first nine months of 1916. Four Prime Ministers, 3 Foreign Ministers, 5 Ministers of the Interior, and the list goes on, all in a fifteen month window.

Something I really enjoyed was the backstory to the assassins and how they played in to the aristocracy. Before they lured Rasputin to his demise there was also Khionya Guseva, a woman who almost succeeded in killing Rasputin first.

A quote that stuck with me; “Yet it was the demoralization of the ruling class, not the fervor of revolutionary dogma, which accelerated the collapse of the 300 year old Tsarist regime.”

Excellent book, highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for a review!

[Ellen bransford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sir Antony Beevor is well known for his trove of research and books on World War Two, the Spanish Civil War, and the Russian Revolution and Civil War. Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs is another great book for history buffs.

The story of Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra and the demise of the Romanov dynasty may be well known but Beevor takes the reader deep into the social and religious beliefs of the day and helps us understand what allowed Rasputin to have an influence beyond his education and social standing.

Beevor enlightens the reader on the history of Russia, the love match between Nicholas and Alexandra and the horror they experience when they discover their son and heir was afflicted with hemophilia.

As a German born woman who was “now more Russian than most Russians” Alexandra turned to her Russian Orthodox religion and one of the many mystics believed to have power to heal. That Rasputin was a charlatan is well documented. The depth and breadth of that influence is well explained here.

Beevor has a vast array of resources though he did quote a source that “is said to have read.” I found that perplexing among all the diaries, interviews and other primary sources used. But the book is well researched.

Be ready for many characters, not always necessary, and the typical Russian over-use of names and patronymics. It can be overwhelming.

If you enjoy learning about the last days of the Romanovs, Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs will add to your knowledge base.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC copy. All opinions are my own.

[Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Antony Beevor is a remarkable historian and writer. His storytelling is rich and immediate, and his grasp of history so complete that the pages fly by before your completely engaged eyes.

Beevor has written extensively about Russia, and Rasputin: Downfall of the Romanovs is an excellent addition. The magnetic Siberian appeared on the scene in St. Petersburg just when the Tsar and Tsaritsa needed him most. After four daughters they finally had an heir, and he had hemophilia. They had already embraced other healers, but none of them had the charisma, the empathy of Rasputin. His growing influence and rumors of his sexual conquests (including, allegedly, Alexandra and her daughters) lead to his murder by members of Nicholas' circle who hoped this would save the monarchy. It didn't. Social unrest and military disasters during World War I forced Nicholas to abdicate less than three months later.

Beevor clearly describes the disaster of Nicholas' reign. He was temperamentally unsuited to the job, naturally indecisive but unwilling to listen to others. He isolated himself and his family, perhaps because as the son and grandson of rulers who had been blown up he worried about safety. Perhaps the Romanov dynasty was unsalvageable by the time Nicholas came to the throne in 1894, but he was certainly not the guy to turn that tide.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital review copy of this fine historical work.

[Tessa Pacelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Some prayed to him, others sought to destroy him"

In Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs, Antony Beevor does something most historians fail to do: he makes a story you think you already know feel completely new.

I've been fascinated by Russian History for as long as I can remember. A place with a history so utterly familiar to an American and yet so alarmingly foreign and alien. As Beevor himself quotes the 19th C poet Feodor Tyutchev "One should not forget that the Russia cannot be understood with the mind alone."

This is not just a biography of Rasputin. It’s a slow-motion collapse of an empire, told through one of history’s most mythologized figures. Beevor strips away the caricature of the “mad monk” and replaces it with something far more interesting and unsettling: a flawed, opportunistic, deeply human man who thrived inside a broken system. The real achievement of the book is its central argument. Rasputin didn’t singlehandedly destroy the Romanovs. He exposed how weak they already were. The monarchy was rotting from within, and Rasputin became the lightning rod for that decay.
In short, Rasputin wasn’t the disease. He was the symptom.

This is basically a political thriller, incredibly relevant in today's world.

Rasputin: The Downfall of the Romanovs is a mastercIass in narrative history. Highly recommended!

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a very historical deep dive into the life of one of Russia's most notorious residents and how his involvement with the Romanov family changed the course of history as we know it. Grigori Rasputin was known for a plethora of assumptions and accusations including but not limited to: the mad monk, a madman, the supposed lover of the Tsarina Alexandria, the alleged 'healer' of Alexei, a mystic who delved too deep into escapades of orgies and debauchery despite being a religious man. But are these accusations actually accurate or just malicious rumors to help compose the notoriety of this simple man? Now that is up for the reader to decide.

As someone who has always loved learning and studying the Romanov family from their connections to the British royal family and Catherine the Great to their tragic and horrific deaths, Rasputin played a critical role in the demise of the Tsar and his family and this is a book that history lovers shouldn't skip.

I would like to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every historical subject Anthony Beevor takes on he exceeds expectations. His novel on Rasputin and the downfall of the Romanov’s in my opinion is one of his best writings. Rasputin has always been a huge mystery of a figure in the history of Russia. It’s hard to believe a simple peasant could become such a legend in the Romanov court with the ability to influence the Tsar and Tsaritsa decision making on many matters. Beevor’s storytelling is able to bring to life how dependent the Romanov’s were on Rasputin’s seemingly holy ordained ability to keep their son Nicholas who was afflicted with hemophilia alive. It is amazing what a mother will be able to accept and not question for the wellbeing of their children.
I have to admit, Beevor had me laughing at times with the wild behavior of Rasputin and the attempts of those who tried to remove Rasputin from his proximity to the power he held over Russia. Ultimately Rasputin’s fate came to be and so too the Romanov dynasty.
Thank you, to NetGalley, Anthony Beevor and Viking an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC for providing this ARC for review.

[Dropbear123]

3.75/5

Pretty good, fairly quick biography of Rasputin and how he contributed to the end of Tsarist Russia. Very critical of Nicholas and Alexandra’s rule, specifically how unsuited their personalities were to running an empire. The main theme through the book is that the corruption, both moral and economic, symbolised by Rasputin alienated the Romanov’s natural conservative allies so much that when the February Revolution happened no one was willing to risk their lives defending the Tsar.

This is the first biography I’ve read of Rasputin himself but over the years I have read a decent amount on the Russian Revolution. Personally I’d say there isn’t any new revelations about Rasputin but the book does still do a good job of being an accessible biography. Overall I’d recommend it.

[Linden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rasputin, the infamous mystic who ingratiated himself with the royal family of imperial Russia, is a fascinating subject. The author places Rasputin in the historical context of his time, detailing the myriad reasons why he was so important to the Tsar and Tsaritsa, and how he contributed to the downfall of the Romanovs. The egos, the decadence, the entitlement of a few--it is all here, and the author helps the reader understand the personalities behind the throne. This is not only a well researched book, but it is also very readable, and is recommended to anyone with an interest in history. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

[Matt Galyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really insightful look into the fall of the Romanov dynasty. This volume is much, much more than a biography of Rasputin, though it is not less than that. Beevor helpfully draws a through line from the introduction of Rasputin to the Tsar and Tsarista to their eventual downfall without placing all of the blame for the collapse of the government on Rasputin. He demonstrates the impact of Rasputin on the royal couple, but shows that it was a confluence of events that led to the events of 1917 and beyond. This was a really, really great volume on a fascinating time in European history.

[Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

tens of thousands had died, leaving their skeletons in the foundations of this conspicuous symbol of Romanov power

he poisoned all the cats in Grigorys apartment as proof that he could poison Rasputin as well

the two raven-haired adventuresses were known in St.Peteresberg as the Black Crows, the Black peril or the Montenegrin Spiders

The Alexander Palace presented a curious contrast of luxury and simplicity. The four Grand Duchesses slept on little more than camp beds yet their bath was made of solid silver

Grandees amused themselves with seances, soothsayers, table-turning, black magic and any hint of supernatural phenomena. The odd charlatan, mentally disturbed prophet or misguided Starets appeared in the palaces of St Petersburg. 'In general shamanism flourishes in an aristocracy,

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sir Antony Beevor never fails to educate me. This work is no exception. While most of know the gist of Rasputin’s involvement with the Romanov family and the general facts of his demise. Beevor takes a deep dive into the Tsar and Tsaritsa relationships with Rasputin and governing of Russia. I was unaware of the degree to which the last empress of Russia meddled (and so much more) in the operation of the regime. According to Beevor’s meticulously researched account the 300 hundred year dynasty was shattered by the mentally unbalanced autocratic empress with blind faith in a clever, clairvoyant peasant and a weak willed emperor. Fascinating stuff.

[Donna Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read but nothing that was massively new in the historical records . I did find out that Putin’s Grandfather was supposedly a Chef at the Royal Astoria where Rasputin would eat . Their paths may have crossed ….
So he was definitely not the lover of the Tsarina but many others obliged . I see a mother desperately trying to heal her Son by any means necessary and a weak Tsar too scared to oppose her .
The rest is the sorry tale of a scheming charismatic man who was a brilliant manipulator and who overwhelmed two weak monarchs resulting in Revolution .

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally an informative and well-researched book, easy to read and with a clear explanation of how Rasputin became such a huge factor in the downfall of the Romanovs. But one passage in the book irks me. In a completely anomalous statement, Beevor describes current Russian Federation president, Vladimir Putin, as a fantasist. I know there is a lot of Russophobia in the west these days, as there has been for almost 200 years, but honestly what is a gratuitous comment like this doing in a book about the Romanovs? Deducted a star for that alone.

[Petter Wolff · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I read a translation to Swedish published by Historiska Media, and that edition is catastrophically bad (translation, language, structure, editing). Can't say exactly how the original differs, although I'm sure it can't be quite as horrible.

Regardless, Beevor rang of quality to me so I expected a solid history work. However it's a hot mess. The lack of structure to the text is baffling. The character analysis of main personae is extremely poor. I regret reading it.

[Daniel Headifen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn’t quite grab me liked I hoped it would. A piece that did get my attention was that a corrupt world built up round Rasputin. He wanted attention and influence. Others wanted money. That there wasn’t more corruption around him surprises. Brought at Paraparumu Paper Plus with Xmas voucher from Gaye.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Viking for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Beevor clearly cares deeply about this subject matter, and his care and dedication come through. While it was slightly too detailed for someone with my level of interest, I think he does a great job of weaving the story of the Romanovs into the story of Rasputin.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun to read. Antony Beevor is one of the world's great military historians, the author of a bunch of books about WWII. So it was a change of pace to read a biography by him. It is hard to believe someone like Rasputin was real — and that the Tsar and Tsaritsa were so bamboozled by him.

[Richard Ströberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Som i en rysk 1800-talsroman förvirras jag av att egennamn, släktnamn, titlar och smeknamn blandas huller om buller men annars är det en intressant bok som ger Rasputin åtminstone lite återupprättelse.

[Carys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a fascinating subject to read about. Such a well researched book. I got slightly overwhelmed at times with all the names, dates and events but that says more about me than the book !