Book Review For "The Tsarina's Daughter"

Written by: Carolly Erickson
St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 978-0-312-36738-1
324 pages
$24.95
4 Stars

Erickson writes a fictional account about Tatiana Romanov, the beautiful, enigmatic second daughter of the last Czar of Russia which will take the reader on an exciting adventure through the Romanov’s last days. Erickson effortlessly blends fiction into fact to bring the Romanovs alive – and giving Tatiana, a forgotten daughter, fresh breath. “The Tsarina’s Daughter” is full of danger, turmoil, and young love, which will keep the reader intrigued about Tatiana from beginning to end.

A young Tatiana starts out watching the glory days of the Romanovs fade into riots and unhappiness. The workers in St. Petersburg are on strike. One day, she rides with a worker into the streets of St. Petersburg and sees exactly how poor the living conditions are in the capital. She makes two very important friendship, Daria, a young girl who has just given birth, but who is a “peaceful” revolutionary, and Constanin, a young doctor who tries to help the poor.

A German cousin, Aldabert, expresses interest in her, but Tatiana is too young to return it. As the halcyon days of the Romanovs melt into unrest and turmoil, Tatiana discovers her mother is a bit “unbalanced,” and that Grandma Minnie is trying to get her mother to commit to one of Freud’s sanitariums. Father Gregory Rasputin also burrows his way into the Tsarina’s life, by saving her son, Alexi, however Father Gregory proves to be a black stain in the reputation of the ruling family. Aside from family problems, Tatiana learns more about Daria and explores a romantic relationship with Constanin.

When World War I hits, Tatiana, her mother, and Olga become nurses. While tending to the sick, Tatiana meets a young, handsome Georgian man, Michael, who she quickly loses her heart to. After healing him, Tatiana and Michael become lovers. Then the internal revolution hits Russia and the royal family is thrown into exile. Can Michael save Tatiana and her family from harm?

Erickson’s fictional account immerses the reader into the world of the Romanovs, a world filled with extremes that range from splendor and wealth to abject poverty. The story moves fast, engaging the reader, and captures a rich characterization of Tatiana, a daughter that isn’t explored as much as Anastasia. However, a true of portrait of Tatiana isn’t given. Her actual likes and dislikes aren’t explored. Her sisters’ characterization suffers to allow her to shine as the main character. Erickson reminds the reader at the end this is a fictional account, and it is. While several events may have happened in this story, Erickson takes creative license, especially with characterization, to tell her tale. Overall, “The Tsarina’s Daughter,” is a solid, escapist read to another time and place when the world was a little bit younger and naïve.

Book Review For "The Tsarina's Daughter"