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Anastasia Romanov: The Tsar's Youngest Daughter Speaks Through Her Writings
Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna was destined to become the most famous of her siblings - through rumors of her survival of the family's brutal murder on the night of 16-17 July 1918. She has appeared in movies, novels, musicals and plays, and yet among all this the real Anastasia has been lost. Here for the first time, readers can discover the real Anastasia through her own letters and writings - translated into English by Helen Azar and George Hawkins, many for the first time - a surprisingly modern teenager from the dawn of the 20th century who had a sharp sense of humor, was intelligent but sometimes naughty, with a gift for storytelling and a penchant for taking "selfies" on her brownie box. Meet the historical Anastasia who inspired the legend.
415 pages, Hardcover
Published November 16, 2021
10 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Helen Azar
22 books108 followersHelen Azar has been interested in history of the Romanov Dynasty for many years, ever since she became fascinated with the saga of the human remains discovered outside Ekaterinburg in the 1990s, which were proven to be those of Russia’s murdered imperial family. The subsequent controversy about these bones, and Helen’s science background (she studied biochemistry), moved her to co-author several articles explaining the authenticity of the remains.
At the time, Helen was attending library school, and in summer of 2005, she got a unique opportunity to do an internship at Tsarskoe Selo Museum, where she worked with the imperial book collection – books which once belonged to the Tsars and Tsaritsas – from Catherine the Great to Nicholas II.
In 2012 Helen published her first book, “The Diary of Olga Romanov“, which was based on numerous wartime diaries and letters written by the eldest daughter of the last Tsar, which she translated directly from the scans of the Grand Duchess’s own handwritten documents.
In 2014 Helen founded and became administrator of this website, where she publishes original articles and excerpts from her books.
In the following few years Helen released 7 more books based on her original translations of diaries and letters of the other Romanov family members; the latest is scheduled to be released in 2019 – “Maria Romanov: Third Daughter of the Last Tsar” – the book based on the writings of Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna.
Late in 2018, Helen released a book, which is only available electronically through this website: THE PRIVATE DIARY OF MATHILDE KSCHESSINSKA, 100% of proceeds from which will go right back into running the website.
It had been Helen’s long standing dream to organise “In their steps” tour, which would allow to share her passion for the subject with others, as well as teach and learn more about this fascinating and tragic family. Their story truly represents the proverbial “truth is more interesting than fiction”, but unfortunately through the years, there has been a lot of misinterpretation and misinformation about them in secondary sources. The reason for that may be the lack of ready access to primary sources, not just during the Soviet era, but also today. There is also a strange shortage of Russian speaking historians outside of Russia who are interested in writing about this particular subject in English; and those few who know the language are not able or willing to spend months or even years deciphering the often indecipherable handwriting of the imperial family members.
Yet, in Russia there is still a mountain of untapped archival material which can give the world so much new information about that period in Russian history, as well as eliminate long standing myths and misinformation. Helen always felt that it’s very important to present this material in its almost raw form, which is why in her work she refrains from offering subjective interpretations, and allows the reader to make up his or her own mind based on the text they read.
In 2018, the hundredth anniversary year of the murders of the Romanov family, Helen published the book IN THE STEPS OF THE ROMANOVS, and created the dream tour, bringing a group of Russian imperial history enthusiasts to experience important historical events first hand, by literally following in the footsteps of the last imperial family during the last two years of their lives.
Among a number of other places, the group visited Tsarskoe Selo, Tobolsk and Ekaterinburg. A smaller group even went to Crimea and Moscow, where they ended their journey at the Russian State Archives, looking at the original documents written by the Romanovs. A six part documentary from this trip will be available later in 2019.
At the time, Helen was attending library school, and in summer of 2005, she got a unique opportunity to do an internship at Tsarskoe Selo Museum, where she worked with the imperial book collection – books which once belonged to the Tsars and Tsaritsas – from Catherine the Great to Nicholas II.
In 2012 Helen published her first book, “The Diary of Olga Romanov“, which was based on numerous wartime diaries and letters written by the eldest daughter of the last Tsar, which she translated directly from the scans of the Grand Duchess’s own handwritten documents.
In 2014 Helen founded and became administrator of this website, where she publishes original articles and excerpts from her books.
In the following few years Helen released 7 more books based on her original translations of diaries and letters of the other Romanov family members; the latest is scheduled to be released in 2019 – “Maria Romanov: Third Daughter of the Last Tsar” – the book based on the writings of Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna.
Late in 2018, Helen released a book, which is only available electronically through this website: THE PRIVATE DIARY OF MATHILDE KSCHESSINSKA, 100% of proceeds from which will go right back into running the website.
It had been Helen’s long standing dream to organise “In their steps” tour, which would allow to share her passion for the subject with others, as well as teach and learn more about this fascinating and tragic family. Their story truly represents the proverbial “truth is more interesting than fiction”, but unfortunately through the years, there has been a lot of misinterpretation and misinformation about them in secondary sources. The reason for that may be the lack of ready access to primary sources, not just during the Soviet era, but also today. There is also a strange shortage of Russian speaking historians outside of Russia who are interested in writing about this particular subject in English; and those few who know the language are not able or willing to spend months or even years deciphering the often indecipherable handwriting of the imperial family members.
Yet, in Russia there is still a mountain of untapped archival material which can give the world so much new information about that period in Russian history, as well as eliminate long standing myths and misinformation. Helen always felt that it’s very important to present this material in its almost raw form, which is why in her work she refrains from offering subjective interpretations, and allows the reader to make up his or her own mind based on the text they read.
In 2018, the hundredth anniversary year of the murders of the Romanov family, Helen published the book IN THE STEPS OF THE ROMANOVS, and created the dream tour, bringing a group of Russian imperial history enthusiasts to experience important historical events first hand, by literally following in the footsteps of the last imperial family during the last two years of their lives.
Among a number of other places, the group visited Tsarskoe Selo, Tobolsk and Ekaterinburg. A smaller group even went to Crimea and Moscow, where they ended their journey at the Russian State Archives, looking at the original documents written by the Romanovs. A six part documentary from this trip will be available later in 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 26, 2022
Absolutely fantastic work as always from Helen Azar and George Hawkins. Anastasia's personality shines brightly through her own words and her warmth, wit and love can be distinctly heard. Would recommend to anyone.
January 25, 2026
Helen Azar and George Hawkin's work translating and publishing the correspondence of the grand duchesses continues here with the publication of the one who has become most well-known in popular culture--Anastasia, made eternal by the persistent rumors of her survival.
While many are familiar with a fictional Anastasia or two, whether it is the troubled version depicted by Ingrid Bergman in 1956 or the spunky animated Anastasia featured in Don Bluth's 1997 film...
What about the real Anastasia?
This book features a translated selection of Anastasia's writings. Unfortunately, Anastasia burned her diaries in April of 1918, so what we are left with are letters, postcards, and some undated correspondence. In addition to these, the book sometimes includes diary entries from other familiar members related to specific letters, as well as copies of some letters written to Anastasia.
In order to really enjoy this book, I think one needs a basic understanding of the family and the history involved. Although there is an occasional footnote providing context or detailing who Anastasia is referring to, the letters and writings are presented almost entirely without commentary.
I won't pretend that Anastasia's writing is particularly memorable or engaging. (I sorely wish her diary had been preserved!) Most of the letters detail her feeling bored, hanging out with her family, having tea, sending greetings, asking after friends or family members of the letter recipient, and so on. They are often repetitive.
Through these writings, as well as the correspondence she received, we get a good idea of the fun-seeking and cheeky personality that earned her rather "imp" reputation.
The outside world creeps in now and then, especially once Anastasia begins to write about visiting the infirmaries and, after the family is being kept prisoner, suddenly mentioning that they are being kept to a few rooms, that they go outside and exercise, that there are certain things she won't write about...
A solid read for those looking for more primary sources related to the family.
While many are familiar with a fictional Anastasia or two, whether it is the troubled version depicted by Ingrid Bergman in 1956 or the spunky animated Anastasia featured in Don Bluth's 1997 film...
What about the real Anastasia?
This book features a translated selection of Anastasia's writings. Unfortunately, Anastasia burned her diaries in April of 1918, so what we are left with are letters, postcards, and some undated correspondence. In addition to these, the book sometimes includes diary entries from other familiar members related to specific letters, as well as copies of some letters written to Anastasia.
In order to really enjoy this book, I think one needs a basic understanding of the family and the history involved. Although there is an occasional footnote providing context or detailing who Anastasia is referring to, the letters and writings are presented almost entirely without commentary.
I won't pretend that Anastasia's writing is particularly memorable or engaging. (I sorely wish her diary had been preserved!) Most of the letters detail her feeling bored, hanging out with her family, having tea, sending greetings, asking after friends or family members of the letter recipient, and so on. They are often repetitive.
Through these writings, as well as the correspondence she received, we get a good idea of the fun-seeking and cheeky personality that earned her rather "imp" reputation.
The outside world creeps in now and then, especially once Anastasia begins to write about visiting the infirmaries and, after the family is being kept prisoner, suddenly mentioning that they are being kept to a few rooms, that they go outside and exercise, that there are certain things she won't write about...
A solid read for those looking for more primary sources related to the family.
May 4, 2025
It's so sad what happened to Anastasia and her family; it's truly terrible. I've always been curious about the real story behind Anastasia. While I found some inspiration in the animated movie, I know that many parts of it aren't true, so there are few similarities between the film and her real life. I still like the movie, but it's not the same as the true story of Anastasia.
A couple of months ago, I learned from my brother’s ancestry that I'm part Russian, which I find very interesting. I had no idea about this before I began reading about Anastasia. It was quite a shift for me to go from a fiction book to a nonfiction one, and it was a bit challenging to read at first since the book is mostly letters exchanged as a form of communication back in 1907–1908.
It’s crazy to think how long ago that was. While it's sad, it’s important to acknowledge that such tragedies have happened to many people throughout history. For instance, Anne Frank faced a similar plight, although their stories were different. If you appreciate Anne Frank’s narrative, you might also find this story compelling. Just keep in mind that Anastasia’s story is set in Russia, which is different from Anne's circumstance.
I find it fascinating to learn about history and the various events that shaped it, especially those that I don’t recall being taught in school. History is essential because it helps us remember that people have suffered and died. While that’s not okay, it reminds us that God is with them throughout it all. Anastasia seemed to have a strong faith in God, as did her family, which is reassuring. I believe she is still in heaven with her loved ones.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was intriguing to see the differences between life then and now, especially in terms of communication. The reliance on letters instead of texting or calling adds a nostalgic touch. In my opinion, letters offer a more meaningful way to communicate than text messages. While in-person conversations are wonderful, letters have a charm that modern communication sometimes lacks.
I highly recommend this book if you want to take a journey back in time. Be prepared, though; it’s a deep read that may bring you to tears. I anticipated this emotional reaction, so I didn’t cry as much as I did the first time I learned about Anastasia’s story. Before reading the book, I watched a documentary on YouTube about the Romanov family, which helped me understand the context better.
A couple of months ago, I learned from my brother’s ancestry that I'm part Russian, which I find very interesting. I had no idea about this before I began reading about Anastasia. It was quite a shift for me to go from a fiction book to a nonfiction one, and it was a bit challenging to read at first since the book is mostly letters exchanged as a form of communication back in 1907–1908.
It’s crazy to think how long ago that was. While it's sad, it’s important to acknowledge that such tragedies have happened to many people throughout history. For instance, Anne Frank faced a similar plight, although their stories were different. If you appreciate Anne Frank’s narrative, you might also find this story compelling. Just keep in mind that Anastasia’s story is set in Russia, which is different from Anne's circumstance.
I find it fascinating to learn about history and the various events that shaped it, especially those that I don’t recall being taught in school. History is essential because it helps us remember that people have suffered and died. While that’s not okay, it reminds us that God is with them throughout it all. Anastasia seemed to have a strong faith in God, as did her family, which is reassuring. I believe she is still in heaven with her loved ones.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was intriguing to see the differences between life then and now, especially in terms of communication. The reliance on letters instead of texting or calling adds a nostalgic touch. In my opinion, letters offer a more meaningful way to communicate than text messages. While in-person conversations are wonderful, letters have a charm that modern communication sometimes lacks.
I highly recommend this book if you want to take a journey back in time. Be prepared, though; it’s a deep read that may bring you to tears. I anticipated this emotional reaction, so I didn’t cry as much as I did the first time I learned about Anastasia’s story. Before reading the book, I watched a documentary on YouTube about the Romanov family, which helped me understand the context better.
September 30, 2022
Anastasia was the sister everyone was waiting on and her book does not do her justice. It feels rushed - the footnotes are gone and they were a huge asset to the other sister's diaries. (Someone who picks up this diary to read and does not have an extensive Russian history background or who has not read the other sister's diaries will be totally lost.) Anastasia's "diary" was in a different format than her sisters as well. ("Diary" because Anastasia burned all her diaries so this is solely letters and cards.) Anastasia's personality does shine through - she was a pistol. I do recommend but make sure you have Google ready if you haven't read the other diaries.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews