Dora Levy MossanenBesprekingen

This book was ridiculously stupid. It was all over the place.

I picked this book up simply because it had the name 'Romanov' in it. I'm not even kidding. I didn't even read the back of the book to figure out what it was about, I just bought it. I love reading about history and different spins on history, and what happened to the Romanov family is well known.

The book was a tad bit disappointing. The writing was a little slow, and not much of the mystery that happens in the book is explained. I was expecting the book to revolve what happened to the Romanov family, or the events surrounding their deaths, but it didn't really.

The book took me a long time to get through because it never really grabbed my attention. Unfortunate because I really wanted to love this book.

I should have written this review at once, not a day later...oh well.

There is something about the way this book is written, I have come across books like this before and I have always enjoyed them. But to explain what it is in the writing I like, that I just can't. It is jumpy and one would think that would be bad, but cos of the way it's written it works. It's like I am always in her mind, being sad, confused, angry, thinking about certain events in her life, missing her husband, hearing his voice. It is the writing that makes it excellent.

Soraya, there was this one event where I was all noo! But at the same time I was all yes! And yes won. Feelings are complex, I can't say much more about it. But I enjoyed reading about her life after she left with a broke heart, and I enjoyed the flashbacks cos it was so alien. How after the revolution they went from dancing and wearing makeup to being scared. Because the morality police looked through windows and if they saw you in the street and a single strand of hair was shown they were there with razor blades. But she loved her country, the scents, the food, the life.

An interesting book about love, life and revenge. I want to see if her other books are written with the same style.

Message to all the naysayers- it's FICTION book folks, not a memoir or history of the Romanovs. Mossanen writes of an era when the Russian revolution took place and beyond... Mysticism is added but instead of detracting from the storyline,it is so well written that it added to it- and i abhor fantasy books!
Darya is the orphaned daughter of friends of the Russian royal family. She is welcomed into the household to watch over the tsarevich.
After the slaughter of the Romanovs she 'knows' he survived and spends her eternal life searching for him....does she find Alexei?
I think the ending was cool.
I for one will stand up and recommend this book to anyone with an open mind with an interest in history, with a dose of WHAT IF?!

The narrative is rather comprehensive, including a surprise twist of sorts towards the end. The mixture of historical events occurring in Iran with the crisis and upheaval Soraya faces gives merit to her irrational and radical thinking as well as actions. Culture, religion, decorum and traditions are explored aiding in understanding Soraya and all involved in the uproar. Betrayal, oppression, secrets, lies, revenge, profound love, deceit all create a plot leaving the reader guessing at where it will lead. You could describe the plot as somewhat chaotic, however, Mossanen manages to maintain command.

Soraya is relatively complex with a demeanor of heavy brusqueness. With her prickly nature, her emotions uncontrollable, I never found myself warming up to her or really feeling her pain. She’s a great example of karma exacting its punishment. She is predatory, revengeful, vindictive but really she’s on a path of self-destruction, clearly out of control, wholly emotionally driven which is utterly dangerous. Her anger manifests with the Revolution in her country, the scorn women faced following the Revolution and Aziz’s betrayal was the last straw, especially since it involved a familiar person in Soraya’s life. Really when you break it down, Soraya was dealt a quad betrayal.

I felt Mossanen left a few loose ends with the narrative and with character development, the characters ‘reacted’ but failed to ‘communicate,’ even when confronted there was no real communication. It left me questioning if it was cultural or did these characters choose not to verbalize. Perceived as almost unfinished or leaving the peruser to assume.

An examination into a woman experiencing the ravages of betrayal, oppression while allowing her frustration and hurt lead her on a emotionally driven course. A delve into cultural differences and attitudes towards women and infidelity. Interesting, educational, not to mention an intriguing read with a potentially lethal emotionally unstable protagonist.

I really enjoyed the first bit, but this one was just too heavy on the language right out of the gate, which was a bummer; I was really looking forward to reading it, and Soraya's voice was fresh and interesting.

Thanks to Sourcebooks for the chance to read the ARC.

This is a tough one for me. I actually finished this book a bit ago but I keep thinking about my feelings about it. I did not end the novel with any kind of good feelings. I despised all of the characters and several times while reading it I found I was asking myself why I was bothering to finish it. Perhaps I was hoping for some return to sanity? Some manner of it all making a tiny bit of sense? I have no clue. So here goes nothing....

Soraya marries Aziz and finds she loves him so very, very much that she cannot share him with anyone. She perpetrates a fraud but feels her betrayal is A-OK because she does it out of love. He screws around with her best friend and Soraya goes off the deep end; she leaves Iran for Los Angeles, she rents a house and starts killing and mounting butterflies. You see, her (former) best friend's name means butterfly. She also starts cultivating a rare, tropical plant that is poisonous. Don't ask how she learns this....

And I haven't even covered the weird stuff yet.

Sooooo, where to go from here? The characters were well developed, just hateful. The plot was detailed, well drawn and full of twists, just ugly. I really, really did not like this book.

I have read several historical books set in Russia in the past two years, so when I saw this one, I picked it up immediately. I knew I had to read it. Once I picked it up and started reading though, I thought ‘not so much’. It started out a bit slow, but I am so glad I stuck with it!

Darya’s parents are in the same social circle as Tsar Nicholas, and Darya’s mother is the best friend to Tsarina Alexandra. When Darya is orphaned at age 17, the Tsarina takes her into the castle and appoints her as a ‘nanny’ to the young Tsarovitch, Alexei. She comes to love him as a son, and is very loyal to the Royal Family, even in the midst of revolution. Rather than abandon them, Darya follows the Romanovs to their imprisonment and eventual death. Darya survives, and remains convinced that Alexei also has survived. She feels it is her duty to find him and help restore the monarchy, and this remains her life long goal. Many years later, when Darya is 104, which the local attribute to her evil magic, she is summoned to meet with a man who claims to be the heir to the throne. The story alternates between Darya at age 17 and Darya at age 104, and there a few year surprise twists!

I found this to be a fascinating story! This is historical fiction at it’s best. The main character, Darya, is entirely fictional, but she interacts with so many people right out of history, and there is so much historical detail. I was inspired to read more about the Romanovs and Rasputin after finishing this one. If you are a fan of Russia history, give this one a try!

An intriguing book...facinating historical fiction on the Romanov family. You will enjoy the book if you have any interest in the Anastasia story - what would happen if the heir to the throne had lived??

I did appreciate bits of the historical reality in this book. The writing style is rich and flowery. The ending took me by surprise, which shows the author's vivid imagination. The fantasy aspect was, on the other hand, a bit too far-fetched.½

Darya Spiridova is born out of love with an opal eye and a special gift for seeing the future. After her parents tragic death, she is taken in by the Romanov Tsarina for her calming nature and healing gifts. After predicting the birth of Tsarevich Alexei, Darya becomes his godmother and caregiver. Mother Russia is a hostile place and Darya tries to ignore the anti-Imperial sentiments. However, the become more apparent after Darya falls in love with a Jewish Court Painter, a man far below her station. She hides her love, living two separate lives. When the Imperial Mood finally breaks and the family is taken hostage, she accompanies the family and leaves her lover. After the family is murdered, Darya and her lover are reunited. Broken and Haunted, Darya believes Alexi survived. And now, a 104 year old woman with a faberge egg living in the old Entertainment Palace, she refuses to give up the search for the heir.

The Last Romanov is an interesting blend of myth and history. Darya is a wonderful narrator. Her devotion to Alexei is heart warming and heart breaking all at once. Mossanean gave the Imperial Family a certain humanity. I was touched in one scene where hemophiliac Alexei falls and begs Darya not to tell his parents, as he will be certainly sent to bed.
The mysticism was a turn off to some, but I enjoyed it. This time in Russian history is shrouded in mystery, with tragic results. I loved how the author gave each time period a distinctive feel. The past glittered and simmered, while the present was depressive and heavy. The end wrapped up all the loose ends in a way that made me happy.

THE LAST ROMANOV by Dora Levy Mossanen is an impressive historical fiction set in Russia. This is the story of the Romanov's,a Royal family and the orphan left behind. It is written with vivid descriptions and details that brings Imperial Russia,the Royal family and the Romanov's to life. A story of mystery,redemption,prophecy,myths,a royal family,murder,second changes,magic and tragedy. So sit back and enjoy your journey with "The Last Romanov" you will not regret it and will learn volumes. Ms. Mossanen has a way of drawing the reader into this story as she weaves history with mystery,and magic. I would recommend "The Last Romanov" to anyone who enjoys history,Russian history,fantasy,Empress Alexandra,Anastasia,Tudor fiction,and Russian Royals. A wonderful read for all! Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at Sourcebooks Landmark,the author's website,and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More

Like a lot of people around the world, I’ve always been fascinated by the story of what became of the Romanovs. When I saw The Last Romanov by bestselling author Dora Levy Mossanen, I knew I had to read it. I remember as a teen being convinced that one of the daughters, Anastasia, had survived. Every time a new potential Anastasia was found, I held my breath and crossed my fingers in hopes that it was true. I was sure she was out there somewhere. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=3525½

Great storytelling about a tumultuous time. The combination of history and magic is riveting. The story appeals to fans of both history and fantasy.

Article first published as Book Review: The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen on Blogcritics.

The story of the Romanov’s has been one that draws fascination and rumors. From the possible life of Anastasia, to their colorful yet brutal history, the stories fade in and out of history. Many remain fascinated even now with this Royal family of Imperial Russia.

In The Last Romanov by Dora Levy Mossanen, we learn more about the years and treachery, the color and pageantry, and the sadness and despair of this family that continues to bring questions and still hold many enthralled. With a deft pen and a deep and interesting look into the history following the family, Mossanen takes you back in time, building a story of love and passion, with a twist of belief and a bit of myth. I have never really understood the fascination with the imperial family of Russia, yet I now find myself just as interested and wondering as the most adept of seekers. How did all this happen? Did the Romanov’s really just not understand the seriousness of the times, or was the advice they received not reliable?

Mossanen has given us the character of Darya, through whose eyes we view the mysteries and enchantments of the times. As caregiver to Alexei, she puts her charge above everything else in her life including that of her love. After the fall of the Romanovs, she is still convinced her Alexei has survived against all odds, and she makes it her life’s work to find the heir to the Russian throne and return royal blood to an imperial Russia.

The characters are an amazing array, with the Royal family themselves, the mysterious Rasputin, and then there is Darya, an enigma who is full of passion, and just a bit of danger and magic. The descriptions and story are moving and exciting, and yet forlorn and sad. The action is thrilling and yet horrifying. A real history tied in with myth and mystery, it is hard to find a time to put the book down. You will find yourself enthralled with the history of a family that just did not seem to see beyond themselves, or understand the hysteria of the time. Their life continues to evoke interest, and their deaths to create questions. Many questions seem to remain unanswered and open to interpretation even today.

Darya is a character full of mystery herself, and fits well within the parameters of the differences evinced within the family. She is mysterious and beautiful and yet shrouded in mystery. Her life wends throughout the story adding a darkness and mythical cadence, a richness just a bit more sublime. The love and care of the family and all who are a part is heartfelt and creates a genuine feel that makes you long to know more.

I would recommend this book to the history buff, or the fantasy fan. If you enjoy romance, intrigue, history and a bit of fantasy, this is the work that will take you there. With an eye to detail and a strong bit of history, you will be sucked into a story that holds you to the finish.

This would be a great book for a reading club or discussion group. The history is real and the characters are true to life and quite imperial. This is a must have for your library.

This book was received as an ARC through the publicist. All opinions are my own based on my reading and understanding of the material.

Aan het begin van de vorige eeuw wordt Simone door haar moeder, comtesse Francoise, en haar grootmoeder, madame Gabrielle, voorbereid op een leven als courtisane. Deze vrouwen, die afstammen van een lange traditie van elite-prostituees, zijn de grandes dames van La Belle Époque - de minnaressen van graven, markiezen en koningen, de meesteressen van verleiding, magische illusie en voortdurende bekoring, die vele machtige mannen hebben betoverd. Simone weigert om deze 'familietraditie' voort te zetten en trouwt tegen de wens van haar moeder in met de joodse Cyrus, een juwelenhandelaar aan het hof van de Perzische sjah. Maar Cyrus wordt op gruwelijke wijze vermoord. Ontgoocheld keert Simone terug naar Frankrijk, waar ze, door als courtisane te gaan werken, hoopt de moordenaar van haar geliefde echtgenoot op te sporen en de moord te wreken. Wat echter begint als een zoektocht naar de moordenaar van haar geliefde echtgenoot, leidt tot de onthulling van zijn geheime leven.

I felt as though this book couldn't decide what genre it wanted to be and suffered for it. I wanted and expected to be reading realistic historical fiction, but there were unnecessary silly ghosts ("At that moment, the ghost of Dr. Jacques Mercier materialized from behind Delacroix's painting. He tickled her soles and swirled at her feet. Finding his vantage inappropriate, he stumbled up to squeeze between her breasts") and other too-convenient magic. I expected to read about how courtesans interacted with and influenced important men, but I didn't think that they would do it by consciously opening up their pores and releasing their magical scent to make the men desire them helplessly--that's an easy way to move the plot along, but it eliminates any real interest in the description of the courtesan. I wanted more political intrigue and less magic. I have nothing against magic in general, but every time it occurred here it felt very out of place.

I read this book because I loved the author's previous novel, Harem, which I would strongly recommend as an alternative to this. I started reading this with high hopes, and ended up very disappointed.

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12394069