The Lost Crown by Sarah Miller. Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011.
Are you familiar with the story of the Russian princess
Anastasia? Probably. However, much of your knowledge
probably comes from movies and children’s stories. The Lost Crown is both an engrossing story and an excellent
addition to the historical fiction genre.
This is the story of Tsar Nicholas II and his family. It is told from the perspectives of the
four daughters- Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia. Initially, it may be difficult to separate the multiple
narrators, but their personalities become distinct through the development of
the novel.
The girls are depicted with different personalities, quirks
and dreams. At the beginning of
the novel, they lead lives of privilege with numerous servants, social
engagements, elaborate gowns and jewelry. The turmoil in Russia causes drastic changes in
the family’s lives.
Royalty and other members of the aristocracy become targets
of the revolutionaries, so the girls and their parents are moved. Initially, it’s difficult for them to
know if they are being protected or jailed but this becomes clear as their
treatment worsens and they become more and more isolated from friends and other
family members. The bewilderment
of the girls, who are a little naïve about the politics exploding around them,
makes the tragic ending of the story even more affecting.
Visit author Sarah Miller's website.
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