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4 Burnside Literature- A to Z

The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar

by Robert Alexander

The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar Cover

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

It was a crime to horrify, fascinate, and mystify the ages. On the night of July 16, 1918, Bolshevik revolutionaries murdered the entire Russian royal family in a hail of gunfire. No one survived who might bear witness to what really happened on that mysterious and bloody night. Or so it was thought.

In masterful historical detail and breathtaking suspense, Robert Alexander carries the reader through the entire heartrending story as told through the eyes of a real but forgotten witness, the kitchen boy. Narrated by the sole witness to the basement execution, The Kitchen Boy is historical fiction at its best. But more than that, the accessible style and intricately woven plot-with a stunning revelation at its end-will keep readers guessing throughout.

Review:

"[Alexander] throws into question all our perceptions of the story thus far, and reminds us of the infinite variables that any truth contains." Kira Obolensky, Star Tribune

Review:

"Through the power of the author's imagination, we see not only the tragedy of the Emperor, but that of a human being, man, and father." Ivan Sergeevich Artsyshevsky, Representative in Russia, The Romanov Family Association

Review:

"Alexander brings each character, from the lowest and most peripheral, to those at the heart of the tragedy, magnificently to life." Susan Madison author of The Color of Hope

Review:

"Robert Alexander's tough, stylish prose is the perfect medium for this fast-becoming myth of evil and innocence, of frailty and courage, of betrayal and redemption."Judith Guest

Review:

"...a suspenseful story with twists and surprises enough to make you wish not to take a break from reading."Margaret George

Review:

"...a moving portrait of a family that, despite their legendary role in world events, proved in the end to be as mortal as the rest of us." Gregory Harris

Review:

"Sure to entrance readers in most public libraries, this is recommended for most historical fiction collections." Library Journal, Barbara Conaty, Library of Congress

Synopsis:

The haunting bestseller about the mysterious last days of the Romanovs as seen through the eyes of a young family servant. 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 as seen through the eyes of the Romanovs' young 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.

About the Author

ROBERT ALEXANDER has traveled to Russia for nearly thirty years. Born and raised in Chicago, Alexander now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 1 comment:
Krista Smith-Moroziuk, April 21, 2008 (view all comments by Krista Smith-Moroziuk)
Robert Alexander brings the time period to life. The book grips you from the first page, and stays with you long after the last page.
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(2 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)

Product Details

ISBN:
9780142003817
Subtitle:
A Novel of the Last Tsar
Author:
Alexander, Robert
Publisher:
Penguin Books
Subject:
Classics
Subject:
Literary
Subject:
History
Subject:
Assassination
Subject:
Historical fiction
Subject:
Family
Subject:
Historical - General
Publication Date:
January 2004
Binding:
Hardcover
Grade Level:
General/trade
Language:
English
Pages:
240
Dimensions:
7.78x5.07x.47 in. .37 lbs.

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