The Book Keeper is a little bit of a history dork. I love history. I cannot help it. I especially enjoy history dripping in fashion, jewels, and pageantry. Therefore, I love reading about pre-revolution Russia. If you also enjoy world history, I would highly recommend Nicholas and Alexandra: The story of the love that ended an empire.What is interesting about this book is that I acquired it because a friend HATED it. When she described it, I remarked that I thought it sounded like something I would enjoy. The rest is, well, history. The Book Keeper carried this HUGE hardcover book on and off the L for a month or so, savoring each and every word.
Normally, the Book Keeper presents her own personal theories for "Tuesday's Theory." HOWEVER, I thought it would be fun to highlight the theory of another. Author Robert K. Massie brilliantly sets forth his theory that but for Alexis Romanov's hemophilia, the Revolution would not have occurred. Specifically, as hinted at in the title, it was Alexandra's love for her son, and in turn, Nicholas' love for Alexandra, that was actually responsible for the fall of the House of Romanov. Massie supports his theory with incredible research comprised of letters, diary entries, anecdotes, photographs, and government reports. Most interesting, is that Massie points to his own personal experience with hemophilia as his inspiration to to research the world's most famous hemophiliac. The biggest surprise? Nicholas and Alexandra's British family's refusal to allow the family to seek refuge in England.
The book is certainly not for everyone, but this Book Keeper found it fascinating.
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