FICTION

The Last Romanov

by Dora Levy Mossanen
Sourcebooks Landmark. Apr. 2012. c.352p. ISBN 9781402265945. pap. $14.99. F
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In her third novel, Mossanen (Harem; Courtesan) plays up the mysticism that surrounded the Russian imperial court in its final, fateful years. Darya Borodina, a healer and a rumored witch, narrates the tale of a privileged family besieged by politics and revolution. As a friend of the royal family, Darya sets powerful forces in motion when she introduces Rasputin to Empress Alexandra as a possible savior for her ailing son. After surviving the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the royal family, Darya spends the following decades searching for the heir to the throne, Prince Alexis, who she believes was not killed with his family.
VERDICT Mossanen gives new life to the familiar Romanov legend with this vividly imagined retelling of historical events. While perhaps too fantastical (no supernaturals, just a wee bit of healing magic) for traditional historical fiction readers, this novel is a good crossover title to recommend to fantasy readers with an interest in magical realism.
Reviewed by Cathy Lantz, Morton Coll. Lib., Cicero, IL , Mar 01, 2012
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