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Once a Grand Duchess

Xenia, Sister of Nicolas II

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Once a Grand Duchess

By: John Van der Kiste, Coryne Hall
Narrated by: Anne Flosnik
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About this listen

This biography of Xenia, sister of Nicholas II gives a new angle on the Romanov story and provides new information on relationships within the family after the Revolution.

©2002, 2004 John Van der Kiste and Coryne Hall (P)2021 Tantor Military & War Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government
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The book itself is boring and shallow, considering the dramatic events. The performance is poor , since the voice of the reader is like echo , very difficult to listen to ,especially outside while walking , had to turn up the volume

could have been better

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This book is an absolute masterpiece—meticulously researched, beautifully structured, and utterly engaging from start to finish. The level of detail is impressive, yet the storytelling remains compelling, ensuring that even with the abundance of facts, names, and dates, there is never a dull moment.

The narrator does an exceptional job bringing the history to life, making it an immersive experience that keeps the listener transfixed throughout. The pacing is perfect, balancing historical depth with a gripping narrative that makes it feel less like a history lesson and more like an unfolding drama.

Highly recommendable for anyone fascinated by the Romanovs and the intricate history surrounding their dynasty. Whether you’re a history buff or a newcomer to the subject, this book is a must-read!

A captivating Dive into the Romanov’s legacy

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Thin book on what seems a thin life. Privileged but very little to show for it. Later impoverished she was granted grace and favour houses by the King for the rest of her life. She grasped no skills for financial matters and gave money to others who frankly needed to get out and work for a living, not least some of her offspring. Out of touch with what was happening in Russia, being caught out by the start of the First World War just confirmed the bubble she chose and lived in. The Romanov family obssessed with rank and nominal family heads in the aftermath of the revolution reflected little, if at all, on their part in its cause. The book is reasonably narrated, but the insistence on the subject's name as Kzenia rather than the westernised Zenia jars given the book is being read in English and not Russian.

A book & a life that passes without imprint.

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