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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A new twist on a well known story. Well done, but the ending – I found a bit of a let down.
This book kept my interest and was sooo hard to put down. Historically correct information made the Fiction part easy to believe. For those interested in Nicholas and Alexander and the horrific death of them and their family, this gives a realistic possibility.
I don’t normally read books of this nature, but this was an interesting read. the ending was not what was expected.
Fascinating!
I always wanted to learn about what went on with the Czar and now I know.
Wonderfully written and great and informative read.
Wonderful book giving a new look at the end of the Czar Nicholas family. Very detailed and just a page grabber.
Compassionate look at what Romanovs might have endured before their murder.
Didn’t hold my interest.
the historical content…..
A true story about an amazing time and an amazing event in world history. Recommend!
The characters are well developed and interesting. The story is mesmerizing.
I could not put this book down. It was interesting, informative and the end will surprise.
Good read but historically inaccurate
This was a very touching story with a heart breaking plot twist at the end.
For fans of A Gentleman in Moscow this is a very good read. Shows a different perspective on a sad moment in Russian history.
Loved this book. Fascinating look into the Russian royal family who were killed during the Revolution. The characters were so realistic and the story itself was a
page turner right to the last page. The characters were very alive. An alternative history that technically was a real possibility.
A new twist on the always fascinating, dramatic and interesting last weeks of Russia’s last Czar Nicholas II and his family.
As we know from history and numerous biographies and novels, the Romanovs are still a subject we love to read about : especially their deaths and the still debated questions of where their jewels may be.
I did find the book more interesting from the point of research, which was incredibly extensive by Mr. Alexander: almost too much as I believe it weighs the narrative down. I have read and loved Russian authors – Tolstoy is a favorite – since I can remember, so I enjoyed the pages on the Revolution and the historical details very much.
The book stayed close to actual history. Good read.
Great summer read