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St. Petersburg #1
Angel on the Square
From the author of the 2000 National Book Award winner, Homeless Bird, comes an evocative glimpse into a chilling period in world history. Gloria Whelan manages to take the fly-on-the-wall approach one step further in her latest piece of historical fiction. In Angel on the Square, a young girl joins Russian Tsar Nikolai II, Empress Alexandra, and their children when her mother becomes one of the empress's ladies-in-waiting. Katya Ivanova, as companion to the Romanov children, has an insider's view of the crumbling of tsarist Russia from 1913 to 1918. Initially, life is lavish and amusing for this young aristocrat, although her friend Misha's revolutionary ideas often battle in her mind with her own loyalty to the tsar. Gradually, though, the world outside begins to enter the palace walls, and Katya's life--along with that of all nobility--changes forever.
Whelan's balanced treatment of both sides of the Russian revolution is remarkably accessible. Katya is an appealing protagonist; readers will hang on her every word as she is transformed from a spoiled, sheltered child into a caring, hard-working adult. Young readers couldn't ask for a better introduction to this terrifying, earthshaking epoch in history. (Ages 10 and older) --Emilie Coulter
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First published August 21, 2001
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About the author
Gloria Whelan
76 books343 followersGloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
November 26, 2023
This was everything I was hoping for in an Anastasia Romanov story!
It's a well told tale with heart, tenderness, hardships and sorrow. And it's nicely balanced too. The politics of the era were not one-sided. Whelan showcases the pros and cons of both the aristocracy and the people of the revolution, giving the reader food for thought.
The book begins in the winter of 1913 and progresses through the fall of 1918. We see Anastasia as a twelve-year-old girl and the subsequent years leading up to her death, which, in this story, is no mystery.
The narrative is Katya's. She is a young lady in the aristocracy. Her mother is a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, and as a result, Katya soon becomes a companion to Anastasia. The palace and the Tsar's family are both fascinating and mesmerizing. But when Misha, the sixteen year old orphan who lives with Katya and her mother, shows Katya the rougher side of town and the living/working conditions of most, she begins the mental journey of trying to reconcile differences in caste and distinguish between black and white and gray. Unfortunately, the Revolution is moving faster than she can keep up, and even Misha becomes disillusioned with his own side.
It's a gripping historical fiction and one that everyone will be glad they read! I definitely recommend this, and if you decide to read it as a family, there are great discussion opportunities.
Cleanliness: There is some misbehaving done by the children but it's not portrayed in a positive light. There are some dances; some alcohol is mentioned. There is a romantic thread but it's slight and not detailed or mushy. There is some violence but it's not detailed. The duchesses think that maybe Rasputin is the devil himself, working black magic (this is never described or eluded to as fact).
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
It's a well told tale with heart, tenderness, hardships and sorrow. And it's nicely balanced too. The politics of the era were not one-sided. Whelan showcases the pros and cons of both the aristocracy and the people of the revolution, giving the reader food for thought.
The book begins in the winter of 1913 and progresses through the fall of 1918. We see Anastasia as a twelve-year-old girl and the subsequent years leading up to her death, which, in this story, is no mystery.
The narrative is Katya's. She is a young lady in the aristocracy. Her mother is a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, and as a result, Katya soon becomes a companion to Anastasia. The palace and the Tsar's family are both fascinating and mesmerizing. But when Misha, the sixteen year old orphan who lives with Katya and her mother, shows Katya the rougher side of town and the living/working conditions of most, she begins the mental journey of trying to reconcile differences in caste and distinguish between black and white and gray. Unfortunately, the Revolution is moving faster than she can keep up, and even Misha becomes disillusioned with his own side.
It's a gripping historical fiction and one that everyone will be glad they read! I definitely recommend this, and if you decide to read it as a family, there are great discussion opportunities.
Cleanliness: There is some misbehaving done by the children but it's not portrayed in a positive light. There are some dances; some alcohol is mentioned. There is a romantic thread but it's slight and not detailed or mushy. There is some violence but it's not detailed. The duchesses think that maybe Rasputin is the devil himself, working black magic (this is never described or eluded to as fact).
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
April 12, 2008
My kids and I recently read, Angel On The Square, for my daughters' book group. Katya, a young Russian aristocrat, and her cousin Misha both lost their fathers during the last war. While Katya and her mother Irena are loyal to the Czar, Misha supports the revolutionary leader, Alexander Kerensky. Misha takes Katya out among the peasants and for the first time she sees the poverty and degradation in which they live.
Eventually, Irena sends Misha to the military academy due to his involvement with the revolutionaries. When the Empress asks Irena to become her lady-in-waiting, Irena and Katya move to the Alexander Palace to live with the royal family. Katya becomes close to the Grand Duchesses and looks upon the Czar as a father. But she still cannot reconcile the exploitation she saw among the peasants.
When World War I breaks out with Germany, Misha's class at the military academy is graduated early and he is sent into battle. The war is a disaster and Russia suffers many losses. The Czar goes to the battle front and leaves the Empress to rule Russia. After several years at war, the civil unrest escalates. The peasants, unhappy with the war and the Empress's rule, are ready for revolution. The Czar abdicates the throne hoping to save Russia and Kerensky heads the Russian government. For several months the royal family, along with Katya and Irena, live under house arrest until they are eventually sent to Siberia. In Siberia, still under house arrest, they find out that Kerensky's revolutionary government has been overthrown by the Bolsheviks and Lenin now heads the government. The royal family is taken away and Katya and Irena are not allowed to stay.
Katya and her mother cannot return to St. Petersburg due to the danger all aristocrats are under so they go to their country estate, The Oaks. They arrive only to find the estate has been burned by the peasants who worked their land. They are taken in by a peasant couple and Katya begins learning how to farm the land. Katya and her mother begin their new lives as peasants and are soon reunited with Misha.
The kids and I really enjoyed this book. After finishing it, my daughter bemoaned the sad ending. We were able to discuss the history behind the book and how the author had to end with the death of the royal family because Lenin really did have them killed. This book gave us some meaty discussion topics: divine right of kings, revolution, strikes, riots, Russia, monarchy, aristocracy, peasants, georgics, WWI, and Communism. We also discussed the difference between the American Revolution, the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution and why each ended differently. Angel On The Square also inspired us to do some of our own research to learn more about Rasputin, the Empress's adviser, the death of the royal family, and the Bolshevik Revolution.
Eventually, Irena sends Misha to the military academy due to his involvement with the revolutionaries. When the Empress asks Irena to become her lady-in-waiting, Irena and Katya move to the Alexander Palace to live with the royal family. Katya becomes close to the Grand Duchesses and looks upon the Czar as a father. But she still cannot reconcile the exploitation she saw among the peasants.
When World War I breaks out with Germany, Misha's class at the military academy is graduated early and he is sent into battle. The war is a disaster and Russia suffers many losses. The Czar goes to the battle front and leaves the Empress to rule Russia. After several years at war, the civil unrest escalates. The peasants, unhappy with the war and the Empress's rule, are ready for revolution. The Czar abdicates the throne hoping to save Russia and Kerensky heads the Russian government. For several months the royal family, along with Katya and Irena, live under house arrest until they are eventually sent to Siberia. In Siberia, still under house arrest, they find out that Kerensky's revolutionary government has been overthrown by the Bolsheviks and Lenin now heads the government. The royal family is taken away and Katya and Irena are not allowed to stay.
Katya and her mother cannot return to St. Petersburg due to the danger all aristocrats are under so they go to their country estate, The Oaks. They arrive only to find the estate has been burned by the peasants who worked their land. They are taken in by a peasant couple and Katya begins learning how to farm the land. Katya and her mother begin their new lives as peasants and are soon reunited with Misha.
The kids and I really enjoyed this book. After finishing it, my daughter bemoaned the sad ending. We were able to discuss the history behind the book and how the author had to end with the death of the royal family because Lenin really did have them killed. This book gave us some meaty discussion topics: divine right of kings, revolution, strikes, riots, Russia, monarchy, aristocracy, peasants, georgics, WWI, and Communism. We also discussed the difference between the American Revolution, the French Revolution and the Russian Revolution and why each ended differently. Angel On The Square also inspired us to do some of our own research to learn more about Rasputin, the Empress's adviser, the death of the royal family, and the Bolshevik Revolution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2019
I felt that the age level for the book demanded a few too many concessions in terms of historical detail. There is also no author's note regarding historical sources, further reading, etc., which is a missed opportunity. I don't know that such young readers need to deal with this part of world history. Waiting a few years might be better. There were a number of places where the class struggle was presented a bit too simplistically, and I would be concerned that young readers would form their first beliefs about communism without a more extensive understanding. I was glad that the final chapters gave a somewhat more balanced view. Nevertheless, I still found it unsophisticated overall. The final plight of the Romanovs is presented as kind of a rumor. It would have been better for readers to have been given the truth, even if it were outside of the story in a closing historical note.
I was not overly impressed with the writing. I kept thinking how a more gifted author - Eva Ibbotson, for example - would have improved things. One immediate change I imagine would be a switch from first person to third. I felt that the perspective had a way of curtailing eloquent language and complex construction. The opulence of St. Petersburg could have really benefited in being described in that way, although the sections about farms could have been equally improved.
It's a quick read, but for me that was because it leaned more to literary fast food than fine cuisine. It's not bad, but could have been much better. Haven't decided about reading the sequels.
I was not overly impressed with the writing. I kept thinking how a more gifted author - Eva Ibbotson, for example - would have improved things. One immediate change I imagine would be a switch from first person to third. I felt that the perspective had a way of curtailing eloquent language and complex construction. The opulence of St. Petersburg could have really benefited in being described in that way, although the sections about farms could have been equally improved.
It's a quick read, but for me that was because it leaned more to literary fast food than fine cuisine. It's not bad, but could have been much better. Haven't decided about reading the sequels.
February 27, 2012
Continuing my journey to study Russian history, I found this book on one of my shelves and spent a pleasant rainy day reading this well written historical novel.
Combining fact with fiction, Angel on the Square is wonderful for many reasons, primarily because it does just what historical fiction should do, ie it opens the door to a glimpse of history and wets the appetite to search for more knowledge about the subject.
Twelve year old Katya Ivanova lived a life of splendor behind guilded palace walls. Her life was secluded and sheltered. When her mother becomes the lady-in-waiting to Empress Alexandra life drastically changes and through Katya's eyes we witness the growing tension in Russia as the Tsar suppresses the masses, embraces WWI and through sheer ineptitude ushers in the downfall of a culture and country rich in tradition.
As she continues a life of luxury, through her young, naive revolutionary friend Misha, she becomes aware of the plight of the masses of poor, starving and increasingly dissatisfied pheasants.
Through Katya's eyes we witness a country crumbling as the rich become the enemies and the poor are used as pawns in the hands of the revolutionaries and Lenin.
This book presents a well balanced depiction of the evils of a monarchy out of touch with the unrest of the masses while also showing the madness of a brutal group who portray themselves as wanting the best for the people while ruthlessly using and then discarding those they claim to represent.
Angel on the Square is more than a YA coming of age book, it is complex, intricate and multifaceted.
Recommended!
Combining fact with fiction, Angel on the Square is wonderful for many reasons, primarily because it does just what historical fiction should do, ie it opens the door to a glimpse of history and wets the appetite to search for more knowledge about the subject.
Twelve year old Katya Ivanova lived a life of splendor behind guilded palace walls. Her life was secluded and sheltered. When her mother becomes the lady-in-waiting to Empress Alexandra life drastically changes and through Katya's eyes we witness the growing tension in Russia as the Tsar suppresses the masses, embraces WWI and through sheer ineptitude ushers in the downfall of a culture and country rich in tradition.
As she continues a life of luxury, through her young, naive revolutionary friend Misha, she becomes aware of the plight of the masses of poor, starving and increasingly dissatisfied pheasants.
Through Katya's eyes we witness a country crumbling as the rich become the enemies and the poor are used as pawns in the hands of the revolutionaries and Lenin.
This book presents a well balanced depiction of the evils of a monarchy out of touch with the unrest of the masses while also showing the madness of a brutal group who portray themselves as wanting the best for the people while ruthlessly using and then discarding those they claim to represent.
Angel on the Square is more than a YA coming of age book, it is complex, intricate and multifaceted.
Recommended!
June 12, 2015
Angel on the Square is one of my absolute favorite books. It's an easy read, seemingly not much depth, and not really a tearjerker or focused on hot guys or the destruction of the world...but rather it's a middle grade book set in one of my favorite time periods, the Russian Revolution and the events leading up to it.
Katya is the typical poor little rich girl, and you know, even if it's just a book for the younger ages, her character development doesn't feel like moral judgment at all. It isn't some kind of lesson to be passed on: "be nice to the poor! Treat others with respect! Fear is not a good way of gaining loyalty!" But you get the lessons all the same. I mean, I guess the Russian Revolution was a lesson in and of itself, so there's that. But still. I felt that I learned as Katya learned and matured.
The lovely descriptions of the house and the luxuries (her mother's jewelry, I want those sapphires), the Faberge eggs, the delicious food, the ballroom. I love for details of royal living, so Whelan made a fan of me when she went through all this.
The Tsar is not a cruel man, but he does not understand how to rule a country. Alexandra is not a bad person and only a loving, terrified mother, but she does not understand politics. The children don't get it either. Yet they aren't bad people. No one taught them though that to govern a country, you must maintain some semblance of equality. But ah, I suppose that wasn't in fashion then. Who could expect a ruler to give up what he believes is his divine right to a country, to a palace, to a rich life?
Katya learns that the revolution isn't all bad. Misha humanizes the revolutionaries for her. She must mature quickly during these troubling times because the tide is turning in Russia. Yet, while she doesn't want Misha hurt, she cares about Anastasia and the Tsar's family. This is a difficult dilemma for a young girl, to reconcile her friend's beliefs with what she has known all her life.
I liked the hopeful ending. Having Katya create that little house for her mother was beautiful. She is a survivor. Even if she is no longer nobility after the revolution, even though she eats simple meals instead of beautiful meals cooked by servants, life will go on. I like her and Misha together too. :)
Katya is the typical poor little rich girl, and you know, even if it's just a book for the younger ages, her character development doesn't feel like moral judgment at all. It isn't some kind of lesson to be passed on: "be nice to the poor! Treat others with respect! Fear is not a good way of gaining loyalty!" But you get the lessons all the same. I mean, I guess the Russian Revolution was a lesson in and of itself, so there's that. But still. I felt that I learned as Katya learned and matured.
The lovely descriptions of the house and the luxuries (her mother's jewelry, I want those sapphires), the Faberge eggs, the delicious food, the ballroom. I love for details of royal living, so Whelan made a fan of me when she went through all this.
The Tsar is not a cruel man, but he does not understand how to rule a country. Alexandra is not a bad person and only a loving, terrified mother, but she does not understand politics. The children don't get it either. Yet they aren't bad people. No one taught them though that to govern a country, you must maintain some semblance of equality. But ah, I suppose that wasn't in fashion then. Who could expect a ruler to give up what he believes is his divine right to a country, to a palace, to a rich life?
Katya learns that the revolution isn't all bad. Misha humanizes the revolutionaries for her. She must mature quickly during these troubling times because the tide is turning in Russia. Yet, while she doesn't want Misha hurt, she cares about Anastasia and the Tsar's family. This is a difficult dilemma for a young girl, to reconcile her friend's beliefs with what she has known all her life.
I liked the hopeful ending. Having Katya create that little house for her mother was beautiful. She is a survivor. Even if she is no longer nobility after the revolution, even though she eats simple meals instead of beautiful meals cooked by servants, life will go on. I like her and Misha together too. :)
November 22, 2016
Summary from Goodreads:
In the fall of 1914, safe behind palace walls, Katya Ivanova sees St. Petersburg as a magical place.The daughter of a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, Katya spends all her time with the Grand Duchesses; the royal family feels like her own. But outside the palace, a terrible war is sweeping through Europe, and Russia is beginning to crumble under the weight of a growing revolution. Now, as Katya's once-certain future begins to dissolve, she must seek to understand what is happening to her beloved country and, for the first time in her life, take charge of her own destiny.
Plot:
Honestly, the overall plot was fairly boring. I found myself skimming at many parts. I do, however, like all the information on the Romanov family. This is my first book that I've read about them, and it was mildly interesting. Obviously not interesting enough to keep me from skimming. There's really not much to say about this plot, besides the fact that it really didn't keep my attention. The ending was predictable, and even thought this book was boring, it was still sorta fun. That's why I rated it 3/5 stars.
Characters:
The characters didn't really have any depth to them, given that this is a children's book. I just don't even know what to say. I guess it was pretty interesting to read about Anastasia (I LOVE THE MOVIE), and it was fascinating to see how the family functioned. It was also really cool to read about Rasputin, and his creepy manor.
Overall & Recommendations:
I could've done without this book, even though it was mildly fun. The characters were dull, but it was interesting to read about the Romanov family. I can't say I recommend this book to middle graders. I do think it would be a fun read for children, though.
Quotes I liked:
"It is hard to give up what you know for what you don’t know."
“I thought I understood what was best. I knew too little and believed too soon.”
In the fall of 1914, safe behind palace walls, Katya Ivanova sees St. Petersburg as a magical place.The daughter of a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, Katya spends all her time with the Grand Duchesses; the royal family feels like her own. But outside the palace, a terrible war is sweeping through Europe, and Russia is beginning to crumble under the weight of a growing revolution. Now, as Katya's once-certain future begins to dissolve, she must seek to understand what is happening to her beloved country and, for the first time in her life, take charge of her own destiny.
Plot:
Honestly, the overall plot was fairly boring. I found myself skimming at many parts. I do, however, like all the information on the Romanov family. This is my first book that I've read about them, and it was mildly interesting. Obviously not interesting enough to keep me from skimming. There's really not much to say about this plot, besides the fact that it really didn't keep my attention. The ending was predictable, and even thought this book was boring, it was still sorta fun. That's why I rated it 3/5 stars.
Characters:
The characters didn't really have any depth to them, given that this is a children's book. I just don't even know what to say. I guess it was pretty interesting to read about Anastasia (I LOVE THE MOVIE), and it was fascinating to see how the family functioned. It was also really cool to read about Rasputin, and his creepy manor.
Overall & Recommendations:
I could've done without this book, even though it was mildly fun. The characters were dull, but it was interesting to read about the Romanov family. I can't say I recommend this book to middle graders. I do think it would be a fun read for children, though.
Quotes I liked:
"It is hard to give up what you know for what you don’t know."
“I thought I understood what was best. I knew too little and believed too soon.”
September 16, 2019
This started a bit slow for me. Maybe it was the whole aristocracy? This is the story of Katya who is the daughter of a lady-in-waiting to the Empress Alexandra and the royal family of Tsar Nicholas. Living a more pampered life, Katya only knows of the rumored rebels through her cousin Misha. Katya begins to see what life has been like for those living in hardship and truly pampered she has lived her life. As the book goes along you begin to see what it was like in the beginning stages of the Russian revolution and the beginnings of World War One. This is the first story in the St. Petersburg Saga. I really felt like the story wrapped you in the more you got into it, almost a Les Miserable environment to the tale. The suspicion in the hearts of its people, the desire for revolution and realizing the cost, the innocent people that have no idea what they are getting into, and the desire for justice and country but at what cost?
Whelan has quickly become a favorite author. She takes on the challenge of hard topics but brings the story together in an engaging way and in such a way as to not make it incredibly difficult for young readers to process all that is going on.
Whelan has quickly become a favorite author. She takes on the challenge of hard topics but brings the story together in an engaging way and in such a way as to not make it incredibly difficult for young readers to process all that is going on.
June 29, 2017
I was looking for a historical fiction to read to my kids before our visit to St. Petersburg, and this book was perfect. I read it with my 10 & 7 year-old, and they were both interested in the story. It does a decent job of giving a balanced side to both the aristocrats and to the general populace with their struggles. I had a bit of a struggle explaining some aspects of a revolution to my kids as I read, partially because sometimes there is no great answer, but it raised a lot of awareness on their part, and hopefully the history will be more alive to them on our short trip. Whelan did a fairly decent job of making sure that you were aware of the history, but not making it so gruesome that it didn't freak out my nervous 7-year-old.
May 29, 2009
This is the first Whelan book I read--and I loved it. I enjoy young adult fiction. In this book and all others I've read--she creates strong female protagonists who overcome great adversity. They are dynamic, growing from beginning to end. Another feature of Whelan's writing is authenticity regarding setting, time frame, history, and culture. One aspect of the last which I very much enjoy is her use of words in the language of the land (for example, in this, as well as the successive books about Russia near the Revolution, she chooses Russian words on occasion). Any of Whelan's books would provide strong role models for older girls. They'd be great "read alouds" too.
February 1, 2010
This book was something different, kind of a treat for me, because it’s about World War I – not my comfort zone – but also about Russia, which is something I’ve been interested in lately.
It’s meant for children, as per usual, but the shallowness of this book was not a problem for me, really. I felt like the length was suitable for the story. I would’ve liked a little more of a follow up – checking in on Misha, especially, because he was so important to Katya, and, thus, to you as the reader. But I like the way it ended, overall.
I really love the conflict between whether or not the Tsar & Empress were good or bad people – in the right or in the wrong.
It’s meant for children, as per usual, but the shallowness of this book was not a problem for me, really. I felt like the length was suitable for the story. I would’ve liked a little more of a follow up – checking in on Misha, especially, because he was so important to Katya, and, thus, to you as the reader. But I like the way it ended, overall.
I really love the conflict between whether or not the Tsar & Empress were good or bad people – in the right or in the wrong.
March 8, 2025
But Misha, we have traded thoughtlessness for evil.
October 5, 2016
-POTENTIAL SPOILERS-
Here's another book on the Russian Empire I surprisingly waited this long to read. And honestly? It was a mixed-bag, but luckily it had more good things going for it than bad.
First of all, let's start with the good stuff, since there actually are a lot.
The descriptions in the first half of this book are BEAUTIFUL. Being a childrens' book, they are simple, yet the saying' less is more' truly reigns supreme in this book. I could perfectly picture everything that was gong on-the lacy ball gowns, the pretty dolls, the bejeweled palace.
I also liked the main character! I think she's one of the only girl characters in a book taking place in the Russian Empire who actually LIKES her status! She loves going to balls and wearing fancy gowns, and even though she doesn't think about the peasants very much, she's not selfish or spoiled. She's naive in her attempts to help the populace, and the author shows that even though things don't always work out for her, her heart's in the right place.
However, you will notice that this book has three stars, because unfortunately, this book has a lot of problems.
For starters, the pacing is WAY too fast-paced. Normally I prefer books with a faster pace, but this was just annoying. I felt like someone was constantly grabbing my arm and pulling me at a running pace, never letting me catch my breath and just admire everything.
Another thing is that the gorgeous descriptions just kinda stop in the second half of the book, when the war starts. It's really....boring. Not to mention the fast pace makes everything come across as being super dry, as if the author suddenly lost interest in what she was talking about. I don't really get invested in what the royal family is sacrificing for the war effort since the story doesn't care what they're sacrificing either!
The latter part is also incredibly glossed over and rushed. There's so much one could do with both WW1 and the Russian Revolution, and everything here was so watered-down calling it watered-down would be an insult to watered-down things. And I know it's a childrens' book, but that is NOT a good excuse. I've read some dark historical novels written for children, so there's no excuse why she couldn't go in deeper with this.
Some of the historical descriptions aren't very accurate either, which isn't good, especially in a childrens' book. Let's start with the fact that Rasputin is portrayed as being basically evil, and even the Romanovs, with the exception of Tzarina Alexandra, don't like him. In my opinion, Rasputin was a lot of things, and did a lot of questionable things, but he wasn't evil. If you wanted to make him mysterious, there were way better ways to do that than by making him almost rape a maid. Plus, in real life, ALL of the Romanovs liked him, including the children. Anastasia and Maria were excited for his visits so they could tell him about their days and grievances, and never once did he lay a hand on any of the Romanova sisters.
Speaking of the siblings, their descriptions were pretty much glossed over. When the main character first meets them, she just quickly runs through their personalities, but in the remainder of the book, we never see any of their supposed quirks. Anastasia is a bit of a trouble-maker, but not enough to make her stand out, and the other three sisters were incredibly one-note, you could've smashed them all into one character. Also, Maria is described in the book as having golden curls, but in real life, Maria was described as having dark brown curls, like her older sisters. Anastasia, on the other hand, had bright golden curls.
The names are also really weird. Anastasia's nickname is Stana. Ummmm.....okay. In real life, she was referred to as Nastya, or Nadya, or even more common, 'imp' due to her personality. Maria is referred to as Marie, which was her nickname, not her real name. Plus the main character's name is pretty stereotypically Russian, which isn't a good sign.
Her name is Katya Ivanova, which is short for Ekatrina, although I almost always have seen that name spelled Yekatrina instead. Yes I know she's named after Catherine the Great, but so was every other girl back then. Ivanova implies her father was named Ivan, another common Russian name. Other than that, however, all the other Russian names in this were surprisingly accurate for both the nation and time period! And a lot of them were really uncommon! Props for that.
Despite all my hate, I actually really enjoyed reading this, and the positives actually outweighed the negatives. It was a mixed-bag that I was glad I read, and it actually was very enjoyable.
Here's another book on the Russian Empire I surprisingly waited this long to read. And honestly? It was a mixed-bag, but luckily it had more good things going for it than bad.
First of all, let's start with the good stuff, since there actually are a lot.
The descriptions in the first half of this book are BEAUTIFUL. Being a childrens' book, they are simple, yet the saying' less is more' truly reigns supreme in this book. I could perfectly picture everything that was gong on-the lacy ball gowns, the pretty dolls, the bejeweled palace.
I also liked the main character! I think she's one of the only girl characters in a book taking place in the Russian Empire who actually LIKES her status! She loves going to balls and wearing fancy gowns, and even though she doesn't think about the peasants very much, she's not selfish or spoiled. She's naive in her attempts to help the populace, and the author shows that even though things don't always work out for her, her heart's in the right place.
However, you will notice that this book has three stars, because unfortunately, this book has a lot of problems.
For starters, the pacing is WAY too fast-paced. Normally I prefer books with a faster pace, but this was just annoying. I felt like someone was constantly grabbing my arm and pulling me at a running pace, never letting me catch my breath and just admire everything.
Another thing is that the gorgeous descriptions just kinda stop in the second half of the book, when the war starts. It's really....boring. Not to mention the fast pace makes everything come across as being super dry, as if the author suddenly lost interest in what she was talking about. I don't really get invested in what the royal family is sacrificing for the war effort since the story doesn't care what they're sacrificing either!
The latter part is also incredibly glossed over and rushed. There's so much one could do with both WW1 and the Russian Revolution, and everything here was so watered-down calling it watered-down would be an insult to watered-down things. And I know it's a childrens' book, but that is NOT a good excuse. I've read some dark historical novels written for children, so there's no excuse why she couldn't go in deeper with this.
Some of the historical descriptions aren't very accurate either, which isn't good, especially in a childrens' book. Let's start with the fact that Rasputin is portrayed as being basically evil, and even the Romanovs, with the exception of Tzarina Alexandra, don't like him. In my opinion, Rasputin was a lot of things, and did a lot of questionable things, but he wasn't evil. If you wanted to make him mysterious, there were way better ways to do that than by making him almost rape a maid. Plus, in real life, ALL of the Romanovs liked him, including the children. Anastasia and Maria were excited for his visits so they could tell him about their days and grievances, and never once did he lay a hand on any of the Romanova sisters.
Speaking of the siblings, their descriptions were pretty much glossed over. When the main character first meets them, she just quickly runs through their personalities, but in the remainder of the book, we never see any of their supposed quirks. Anastasia is a bit of a trouble-maker, but not enough to make her stand out, and the other three sisters were incredibly one-note, you could've smashed them all into one character. Also, Maria is described in the book as having golden curls, but in real life, Maria was described as having dark brown curls, like her older sisters. Anastasia, on the other hand, had bright golden curls.
The names are also really weird. Anastasia's nickname is Stana. Ummmm.....okay. In real life, she was referred to as Nastya, or Nadya, or even more common, 'imp' due to her personality. Maria is referred to as Marie, which was her nickname, not her real name. Plus the main character's name is pretty stereotypically Russian, which isn't a good sign.
Her name is Katya Ivanova, which is short for Ekatrina, although I almost always have seen that name spelled Yekatrina instead. Yes I know she's named after Catherine the Great, but so was every other girl back then. Ivanova implies her father was named Ivan, another common Russian name. Other than that, however, all the other Russian names in this were surprisingly accurate for both the nation and time period! And a lot of them were really uncommon! Props for that.
Despite all my hate, I actually really enjoyed reading this, and the positives actually outweighed the negatives. It was a mixed-bag that I was glad I read, and it actually was very enjoyable.
November 9, 2019
This was a different take on the Russian Revolution from most of the fiction I've read about it, and Whelan did well presenting both sides of the issue and how a happy medium could have been found if the Tsar and Tsarina had been more willing to listen. But where this book falls short is in the characters. The protagonist is not very memorable, and the Grand Duchesses and Alexei are all pretty much skimmed over as characters. Rasputin makes a few appearances but despite being such a strange and intriguing figure in the bizarre real-life story, here he is just a blandly evil creepy guy with poor table manners. Granted, he was probably a creep in real life too but this depiction of him lacks any nuance.
Angel on the Square isn't a bad book, it just tends to gloss over some of the most interesting elements of the true story of the Romanovs, and so it's not one I'm tempted to re-read.
Angel on the Square isn't a bad book, it just tends to gloss over some of the most interesting elements of the true story of the Romanovs, and so it's not one I'm tempted to re-read.
March 1, 2010
Wealthy, twelve-year-old Katya Ivanova and her mother have always lived a luxurious life in their mansion in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia. They spend their summers on their country estate, The Oaks, and Katya's mother is a close friend of Empress Alexandra. When the Empress invites Katya's mother to come live in the palace as a lady-in-waiting and to bring Katya along to be a companion to her youngest daughter, Anastasia, Katya is thrilled. She and Anastasia, or Stana as she is called, become close friends. Katya even gets to accompany the royal family on their elegant yacht. But as the years go by, the world is engulfed by a terrible war. Defeat after defeat lowers the morale of the Russian soldiers, and soon the people are rebelling. Even though she has seen firsthand the poverty that many people live in, the royal family has become a second family to Katya. As revolution changes her once predictable life, Katya must change, too, if she is to survive what is to come.
Angel on the Square is one of my favorite books by Gloria Whelan. Over the course of the story, which takes place over several Katya changes from a spoiled little girl to a mature young woman with a greater awareness of the world around her. One of my favorite historical fiction reads years ago and I would definitley still recommend it.
Angel on the Square is one of my favorite books by Gloria Whelan. Over the course of the story, which takes place over several Katya changes from a spoiled little girl to a mature young woman with a greater awareness of the world around her. One of my favorite historical fiction reads years ago and I would definitley still recommend it.
January 19, 2011
I picked this book up because I really liked Homeless Bird, another book by the same author. This is a junior historical fiction book set in Russia during the time of the revolution. The main character, Katya, is born into an aristocratic family and is fiercely loyal to the Romanov family. Her opinion of them begins to be torn as she has opportunities to see how the majority of the Russian citizens live. Even though I know the main historical events of this period, the fictional characters' lives made the book really interesting. It made it so even though I knew how things were things were going to turn out for Russia and the Romanovs, I wanted to keep reading because I didn't know what was going to happen to Katya. The book did a really good job of covering WWI from a russian aristocratic perspective, who Rasputin was, the Bolshevik revolution and rise of Lenin, as well as the final fate of the Romanovs. I really wanted to book to mention the Amber Room somewhere, but it never did. I just have a thing for the Amber Room lately, but I guess I'll have to go find another book about that if I want to read more about it. I think this book is probably great for 4th-5th grade and up.
February 2, 2019
I read this again because a fifth-grade teacher wanted more age-appropriate books about revolution to compare when studying the American Revolution, and this one the only one I knew. Read from a comparison perspective, it is rather enlightening. Between 1776 and 1918, there's taxation without representation, and there's a war going on with soldiers who don't have food, or weapons, or boots...
It's 1913, and Katya and her mother are part of the aristocracy, and they go to the palace to be companions to the empress and grand duchesses. Katya's "cousin" Misha is older, and is a revolutionary. Whelan presents the Romanovs in a sympathetic light, while Katya gradually learns the reasons that Misha is against imperialism. Misha supports Kerensky, but knows there will be trouble if Lenin takes over. (If you don't know anything about Kerensky--he makes it out alive and goes on to teach Russian history at Stanford. Teaching about a revolution in which he himself was instrumental!)
It's so sad to read this story, and know what was to come. There are so many ways Russia's story could have gone...
A complex time presented in a way that young readers can begin to think about war, class, and democracy.
It's 1913, and Katya and her mother are part of the aristocracy, and they go to the palace to be companions to the empress and grand duchesses. Katya's "cousin" Misha is older, and is a revolutionary. Whelan presents the Romanovs in a sympathetic light, while Katya gradually learns the reasons that Misha is against imperialism. Misha supports Kerensky, but knows there will be trouble if Lenin takes over. (If you don't know anything about Kerensky--he makes it out alive and goes on to teach Russian history at Stanford. Teaching about a revolution in which he himself was instrumental!)
It's so sad to read this story, and know what was to come. There are so many ways Russia's story could have gone...
A complex time presented in a way that young readers can begin to think about war, class, and democracy.
December 29, 2015
I read this for a project for school. Simple but sweet, Angel on the Square allowed us to explore a kind of time period I feel like isn't appreciated enough. Everyone talks about the Holocaust, the American Revolution (though I do agree both of those time periods are interesting), etc., but not many may know about the Russian Revolution in this time. My one problem with the book was I felt like most of the book was just Katya and the Tsar's family hiding and hiding and hiding...BUT it doesn't mean that wasn't interesting. However, if you don't like those kinds of books, I would recommend not reading it. Here were the best parts of the book:
-A once prim and proper girl learning to survive.
-Katya's relationship with the Tsar's family, esp. Stana (aka Anastasia).
-Katya and Misha's relationship.
-A once prim and proper girl learning to survive.
-Katya's relationship with the Tsar's family, esp. Stana (aka Anastasia).
-Katya and Misha's relationship.
April 2, 2017
I was interested in this book, because I wanted to hear a more factual story about Tsar Nicholas II's Imperial family after seeing a movie about Anastasia. We listened to the audio book. The movie was terrible, it warped all historical facts about Anastasia--but this book, a historical fiction was very well done. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as well as my sixth graders. We looked up, historical pictures of the family and St. Petersburg, Russia. I know it will definitely set up my boys to understanding the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia when they study it in their later years. We continued the Russian Saga with "The Impossible Journey" immediately.
February 13, 2019
Angel on the Square is set in Russia just before and during World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution. It’s told from the point of view of an aristocratic young girl, Katya. Her mother is selected to be a lady-in-waiting for the Empress and, since Katya is about the same age as Anastasia, she goes with her to be a friend and playmate for the princess. I had a bit of a hard time getting into the story, but once I got about 2/3 of the way through it I could hardly put it down. I highly recommend this book to kids who are learning about the Romanovs or the end of Imperial Russia.
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February 23, 2009I'm not really far into my book yet i think it is a pretty good book so far. Well my book is about emporers and rulers of kingdoms and i dont really thgink it goes into a lot of detail about some of the characters but other than that itg is an aweesome book. I would oly suggest it to people who dont like detail because it doesnt have much in it. Also, if you like kingdoms/palaces and snobby annoying people to go along with it than this is the perfect book for you.
January 7, 2019
This book was very well written! The author used colorful language which made it engaging and hard to put down. I could see how the characters grew and developed through the war and the hard times. I love learning about history through fiction, so it was very enjoyable and interesting to learn about World War I and the Russian revolution of 1917 from the perspective of Katya Ivanova, the daughter of the lady in waiting to the Empress. A very good and recommended read!
December 28, 2010
My family really likes Whelan's other book, "Homeless Bird." This one wasn't as good as Homeless Bird, but was still enjoyable. It's about an aristocrat girl and friend of the royal family whose life changes during the Russian overthrow of the royal family. My 8-year-old daughter loved it. It's appropriate for all ages, although maybe a little unsettling or sad for sensitive young readers.
November 2, 2012
I started with the second book in the series, but very much enjoyed this first book. I think any of the three I have read so far can be read as a stand-alone, but they are so good you naturally want to read all of them.
September 26, 2021
One of my longtime favorites.
REREAD SEPTEMBER 2021: awww Gloria Whelan’s stories have always had a special place in my heart
REREAD SEPTEMBER 2021: awww Gloria Whelan’s stories have always had a special place in my heart
April 14, 2021
Learning the Russian language brought to my attention that I really knew very little of Russia’s history so I have learnt all about the colourful history of Russia. Easier said than done! But reading this wonderful book makes clear the viewpoints of the rich,the poor and how people felt about the Tazr and about the revolution! Definitely worth a read! I hope to get my hands onto the books following this one!
June 19, 2020
A slow start but it picked up about half way through as the Russian Revolution was becoming a reality. My girls all enjoyed it and it was a good conversation starter for discussions on the revolution of 1917.
October 5, 2020
I love history but don’t know a lot about Russia. This book was super clarifying and informative, while still being very well-written. The only complaint is that at times it was a bit childish. 🙂
January 27, 2021
History lesson on governments taking care of themselves and ignoring what's really happening with the country's people.
May 15, 2022
Family read aloud. We all enjoyed this. Great breakdown of some Russian history at a kid appropriate level, which is helpful as we’re discussing the war in Ukraine as a family.
March 18, 2021
It was kind of sad. But I really enjoyed it. It kind of showed that being like um... taking wealth, and prosperity for granted isn't good... It was a fun story, and I loved it. :D
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