Chris' Fish Place

Disclaimer: ARC read via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

                Perhaps it is unfair to read this book after reading Elephant Company, which was the type of book that made me want to go find everything else by the author.   This isn’t the first Farquhar book I’ve read, and last year I read Hughes book about the Romanovs. 

                But it’s Farquhar.  Even when he writes about things you know like the back of your hand, he is hilarious.  It’s  a joy to spend a few hours reading one of his books.  He’s like the professor whose classes are always filled from day one.

                In this slim volume about the Russian Romanov Tsar, Farquhar

shows that the same wit and vibe he brought to American history, and scandals in royal houses, is aptly suited for vodka drinking Tsars.  Even if you have read Hughes’ excellent work that covers the same material, Farquhar’s book will include little tidbits that are just completely strange and historically unimportant, but great to know.   Like in the footnotes of Terry Pratchett, the footnotes of Farquhar are ones that no reader should miss.  Some of his best bits are there – like the bit about cross dressing success (this was not in Hughes).

                Perhaps the weakest part of the book, and weakest isn’t quite the world, are the three chapters that focus on the most famous Romanovs of all – Nicholas, Alexandra and their children.  While it is understandable to include a more detailed look at the end of the rulers, it does feel a little bit dragged out – except for the part detailing Alexandra’s character.  The in depth look at Alexandra’s actions and behavior, outside of her understandable desire to save her son, were particularly well done and strengthen what would have been a too drawn out look.

                Furthermore, considering recent events concerning Russia and the Ukraine, there are few choice bits in this book that will shed more light or understanding on the Crimea events.  Good timing on Farquhar’s part and it makes it a worthwhile read.

                As always, there is a nice list of further reading and source works.

 If you haven’t read anything about the Romanovs before, this book is an excellent introduction.