The Last Romanov (Under Editing)

Further Reading and Watching

Just a fun little thing I'm trying out with my books. These are just some of the books and movies that inspired this book, for different reasons. You'll also find various books and movies that are not only about the Romanovs and the revolution, but on Russian history and culture, in general. I'll also be adding on to this book as I read/watch more things on the subjects featured in this book. Hope you enjoy it.

1. "Anastasia"

I think it's pretty safe to say that this movie inspired a whole new generation of Romanov fanatics, and I'm no exception. This movie was the very first exposure I'd had to both Russian history and the Romanovs in general and the story of Anastasia's possible survival. It's a really great movie, and I really like the new musical based off of this movie, too. This is also probably one of the few things you'll see on pretty much any of my further reading/watching lists that is family friendly. It's a kid's movie, so there will be no surprises if you decide to watch it with your parents, your kids, etc. Just don't tell the kids how things actually ended up with the Romanov family, because they'll cry just like I did when I found out...

2. "Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld

So, this book was the first steampunk I'd ever read. I think I mostly picked it up because of the super cool illustrations in the book (I know that you aren't supposed to do that, but... well, we all do it; might as well admit it), but it's a really fascinating read, and explores both steampunk and biopunk. If you aren't super familiar with the steampunk genre and are looking to read more after reading this book, I totally recommend this one. I still haven't read the other books in the series, but as soon as I stop getting distracted by other books, I plan on it.

3. "First Squad: The Moment of Truth"

"First Squad: The Moment of Truth" is a really, really odd movie. Like, really odd. I totally recommend it to those of you willing to give it a shot. Basically, the premise is that the German army is raising a dude from the dead to help them on the Eastern Front during World War Two, and it's up to the top secret paranormal section of the Soviet army to stop them. The Russian dub, English sub version I've been able to find on the internet is also a bit of a documentary, with weird interviews from people that were part of organizations very similar to the ones featured in the movie. Like I said: really weird, but really awesome. And, though it is a cartoon, this probably isn't great for younger readers due to a whole lot of violence.

4. "Anastasia and Her Sisters"

So, this book is a surprisingly factual fictional story about Anastasia and the other Romanov daughters, spanning from before World War One to the night the Romanovs were killed in the basement of the Ipatiev House. If you're somewhat interested in the history behind this story, but not sure just quite how much digging you want to do, this is a nice, short, easy-to-read book that tells the basics pretty well. This book would also be great for the younger readers in your life who have some interest in history. In short: great for those that are just starting their Romanov fascination and for younger readers to dip their toes in.

5. "Enemy at the Gates"

I'm pretty sure this movie inspired Sasha's character. Actually, I know it did, because this book was almost about a sniper named Vasily, too... Anyway, this book maybe isn't the most factual account of  Vasily Zaytsev, a Soviet sniper during the siege of Stalingrad credited with a crap ton of kills, nor is it the most bestest movie on the war ever, but it is entertaining. I mean, it has Jude Law in it, so there you go. 

6. "City of Thieves"

Before I start talking about this story, let me be perfectly clear: this book is not - I repeat: IS NOT - for young/impressionable/sensitive readers. If that's you, skip over this. I mean, I don't really consider myself any of the above things other than maybe young, and there were still some things that I found a little disturbing. That being said, if you aren't one of my young/impressionable/sensitive readers, this is a great read in general. Like I said, there were some things that I found disturbing in the gore section, as well as an excessive use of the f-bomb and sexual references, but all and all, I enjoyed it. It's also a pretty short book, which I know is a plus for a lot of people. But, as I said, this is probably best saved for adult readers: both because of the content being mature, but because I think they'll be able to fully appreciate this book.

7. "Romanovs: 1613 to 1918"

Remember when I talked about how that "Anastasia and Her Sisters" book is really great for people that just want to dip their toes in the Romanov story? That's one end of the spectrum. This baby is on the far end of that spectrum. This 700 page beast is not for the faint of heart: this is for people who really love history and are looking for a more in depth analysis of history. If that describes you, this is an excellent read for you. I'm not totally finished with it, as of yet (I actually just started it) but it's absolutely fascinating. Finding a good, somewhat impartial analysis of history is super hard to do, especially when some of it is as recent as some parts of this book, but I think Montefiore does a good job of balancing the story. This is also really great is you're interested in exactly how the Romanov dynasty developed and pretty much went unchallenged as the royal family from their establishment to their demise in the revolution, because Montefiore also does a good job of connecting events. In short: for the true history buffs only, but is awesome if you're willing to sink your teeth into it.