Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient), directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters)
With the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution approaching, encounter the bestselling novel that brings this pivotal historical moment to life.
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 Romanov as seen through the eyes of their 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."
Synopsis
Soon to be a major motion picture starring Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient), directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters) 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 Romanov as seen through the eyes of their 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.
"Ingenious...Keeps readers guessing through the final pages." --USA Today
Synopsis
Drawing from decades of work, travel, and research in Russia, Robert Alexander re-creates the tragic, perennially fascinating story of the final days of Russian monarchs Nicholas and Alexandra as seen through the eyes of the Romanovs young kitchen boy, Leonka.
Synopsis
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
For nearly thirty years Robert Alexander has been traveling to Russia, where he has attended Leningrad State University and worked for the U.S.Government. Since 1990 he has been a partner in a St. Petersburg company that operates a warehouse and customs clearance center, dental clinic, and Barabu, a chain of espresso-wine bars with locations at The Hermitage and the Fortress of Peter and Paul. Born and raised in Chicago, Alexander now lives in Minneapolis.