Soon to be a major motion picture starring Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient), directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters) Drawing from decades of work, travel, and research in Russia, Robert Alexander re-creates the tragic, perennially fascinating story of the final days of Nicholas and Alexandra Romanov as seen through the eyes of their young kitchen boy, Leonka. Now an ancient … kitchen boy, Leonka. Now an ancient Russian immigrant, Leonka claims to be the last living witness to the Romanovs’ brutal murders and sets down the dark secrets of his past with the imperial family. Does he hold the key to the many questions surrounding the family’s murder? Historically vivid and compelling, The Kitchen Boy is also a touching portrait of a loving family that was in many ways similar, yet so different, from any other.
“Ingenious…Keeps readers guessing through the final pages.” —USA Today
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I was unhappy with the fictional character in this book, the plot stays true to the story of the Tsar and his family with the exception of this character. It really makes no sense.
Great book. Wonderfully written and very informative. This is how history class should be taught and we would remember everything. Highly recommend this book.
Brilliant! This is a novel that makes a reasonable bedtime irrelevant. I found myself so engrossed that it was 4AM the first night when I had to carry the puppy to bed because he’d given up on me hours before! It reads like a history of the Romanovs, but in a first person tale, the kitchen boy’s, as he served the imprisoned Tsar and family.
And then, it turns so twisty that I was caught completely off guard — I think I gasped! (And I think of myself as a perceptive reader.)
This is novel which is compelling and a wonderful way to spend a couple of evenings and even encouraging me to sneak an hour or so of reading it into my usual daily schedule.
Bravo Robert Alexander! Bravo!
This book brings the Romanov family to life. I could feel all of their emotions-the fear, despair, longing, grief. A wonderful historical fiction of a sadly true event.
Interesting twist on an historical tragedy
Excellent book that really allows you to get into the characters hearts and souls. Being a true story, it makes history come alive to read books like this. I was spellbound and looked forward each day to reading more about this tragic event. Grateful that I found this book.
Not that well told
I enjoy reading books on Tsar Nicolas and his family. I found this book to be written very well and while it is fiction It seemed very believable. It kept my interest from beginning to end.
Interesting read, especially the surprise ending
Character development couldn’t keep me from giving up about halfway through. If you’re not familiar with the historical setting and the grisly denouement this would be an top notch read.
The ending surprised me! I loved learning more about this historical time in Russia.
I knew the basic facts about the Romanov assassinations. This book has so many things in it that I did not know, i.e., That this Russian Czar and his family were very religious, forgiving, kind and loved by many. That though they had once lived in luxury they accepted their imprisonment stoically and always had faith in God and that they would eventually be released. The kitchen boy of the book title is given a larger role in the story than what he had in actuality, but the premise is so intriguing and believable! This was well done and a very enjoyable read.
This is the sad story of the last days of Nicholas and Alexandra, along with their children, as told by a young boy who served in their household. You think you know how it will all end. But there are some twists and surprises concerning the narrator and the modern day part of the story.
Great for Russian history and well developed story.
This book provides an in depth look at Nicholas II, the emperor of Russia, and his family in 1917 when they were in captivity during the overthrow of the government. The reader experiences captivity with the Royal Family and their secret communications with supporters on the outside up to and including their murders. I found the resolution of the book to be somewhat unbelievable as all the loose ends were tucked into a nice explainable package in the present day. The events were fictionalized and unlikely to have occurred.
Enjoyed the story – loved the ending!
I really enjoyed this book.
Thought is started a little slow.
The ending is thought provoking.
Very good book. However, if you know the history of this family, it is a bit redundant. I did know the history and found it interesting from the point of the house boy; interesting ending.
A wonderful book. Very well written and informative about the actual events
Hard to read the tragedy of the Romanov family but an interesting twist to the history.