I've had this one checked out from the library for months, it seems. But once I actually started reading it, it moved quite quickly. That doesn't mean it was an "easy" read, however. It was just as dark and depressing as you might expect. It isn't always easy to read a book when you know the ending.
This one is rich in details, I thought. And it did a great job of putting everything into context, especially in terms of social classes. One got a feel for what life was like for the rich and the poor. It was easy to understand WHY the masses were ready for change, ready to rebel, ready to have a voice, ready to be taken seriously. Desperation. The book dwells on the desperation felt during these decades. That and despair. It's not an uplifting book. It's not a book with a lot of hope to it.
I think it authentically captures the times, the injustice of the times. And in a way, it is fascinating enough. But it's also heartbreaking. Because it doesn't matter if you're looking at the before or after picture, life was HORRIBLE, living conditions were awful.
© 2014 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews
2 comments:
Ooh, I love books about the Romanovs! I'm definitely checking this one out.
I actually did check this book out of the library after reading your review, and I really liked it! I posted a review here if you're interested in reading it. Thanks for bringing this book to my attention! I'm a sucker for Romanov books, and I think this one was probably the best I've read so far.
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