Scan barcode
alexandromeda's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting easy read, although not as saucy as the “secret lives” would imply. It wasn’t an in-depth exploration of the Romanov family but provided a good basic summary of events in an accessible, entertaining style.
zlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
Concise yet vivid accounts of tsarist regimes, unsparingly honest about cruelty, brutality and indifference to the lives of others. The complex political and familial connections within each regime are presented in a way that will jar the memories of readers already familiar with Russian history and pique the curiosity of readers with less familiarity. Good notes at the end of each chapter, and frequent references to other historians and biographers within the text that may inspire readers to seek out other works. The author’s tight storytelling, combined with foreshadowing, give each chapter a sense of increasing foreboding as the inevitable murder of the Romanovs draws near. As a librarian, I’d consider recommending this to students with the advice that they should go on to read some of the source material listed in the bibliography.
lharri2's review against another edition
4.0
This book was so intriguing throughout the entirety of the book. It was jam packed with historical information. 4.5/5 stars.
adamo010's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
dgrachel's review against another edition
informative
fast-paced
3.5
While I found some of the language Farquhar uses to describe many of the Romanov rulers objectionable, it is very clear that most of them suffered from developmental disabilities and/or severe mental illness. This book is a gossipy wild ride through 300 years of madness, ineptitude, and dreadful, traumatic parenting. Don’t expect serious discussion of politics, international relations, or statecraft - this version of history is a train wreck.
jandi's review against another edition
3.0
A very interesting, although inconsistent account of the lives of the Romanov dynasty. It includes as much debauchery and betrayal as the title suggests, and the author conveys what could be a dry topic in a rather humorous manner. I was a bit disappointed by the uneven coverage received by the different tsars. Nicholas II and Alexandra receive a lot of attention, covering not just gossip, but the series of events and environment surrounding them that led to their downfall. Alexander I gets a very lengthy section on the Napoleonic Wars, however, his chapter ends after Napoleon's defeat. On the other hand, of Catherine the Great all we get is a (long) list of lovers, with little mention of her achievements. Peter the Great doesn't get much better either - too much debauchery and too little of what happened in his time. Worth a read tho, specially for the last few chapters.