After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War
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- Author：Helen Rappaport
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Summary
From Helen Rappaport， the New York Times bestselling author of The Romanov Sisters comes After the Romanovs， the story of the Russian aristocrats， artists， and intellectuals who sought freedom and refuge in the City of Light。
Paris has always been a city of cultural excellence， fine wine and food， and the latest fashions。 But it has also been a place of refuge for those fleeing persecution， never more so than before and after the Russian Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty。 For years， Russian aristocrats had enjoyed all that Belle Époque Paris had to offer， spending lavishly when they visited。 It was a place of artistic experimentation， such as Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes。 But the brutality of the Bolshevik takeover forced Russians of all types to flee their homeland， sometimes leaving with only the clothes on their backs。
Arriving in Paris， former princes could be seen driving taxicabs， while their wives who could sew worked for the fashion houses， their unique Russian style serving as inspiration for designers like Coco Chanel。 Talented intellectuals， artists， poets， philosophers， and writers struggled in exile， eking out a living at menial jobs。 Some， like Bunin， Chagall and Stravinsky， encountered great success in the same Paris that welcomed Americans like Fitzgerald and Hemingway。 Political activists sought to overthrow the Bolshevik regime from afar， while double agents from both sides plotted espionage and assassination。 Others became trapped in a cycle of poverty and their all-consuming homesickness for Russia， the homeland they had been forced to abandon。
This is their story。
Paris has always been a city of cultural excellence， fine wine and food， and the latest fashions。 But it has also been a place of refuge for those fleeing persecution， never more so than before and after the Russian Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty。 For years， Russian aristocrats had enjoyed all that Belle Époque Paris had to offer， spending lavishly when they visited。 It was a place of artistic experimentation， such as Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes。 But the brutality of the Bolshevik takeover forced Russians of all types to flee their homeland， sometimes leaving with only the clothes on their backs。
Arriving in Paris， former princes could be seen driving taxicabs， while their wives who could sew worked for the fashion houses， their unique Russian style serving as inspiration for designers like Coco Chanel。 Talented intellectuals， artists， poets， philosophers， and writers struggled in exile， eking out a living at menial jobs。 Some， like Bunin， Chagall and Stravinsky， encountered great success in the same Paris that welcomed Americans like Fitzgerald and Hemingway。 Political activists sought to overthrow the Bolshevik regime from afar， while double agents from both sides plotted espionage and assassination。 Others became trapped in a cycle of poverty and their all-consuming homesickness for Russia， the homeland they had been forced to abandon。
This is their story。
Reviews
MB KARAPCIK
，
After the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport covers just that period and beyond， sweeping over the Belle Époque period and ending in the 1950s。 With an introduction to the brewing tensions that resulted in the murder of the tsar and his family and the mass exodus of royalty and anyone associated with the Romanovs， it's an interesting look at what happened to all these people。When all this unrest occurs， many displaced people， including literary and musical luminaries， fled to Paris and places not far f After the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport covers just that period and beyond， sweeping over the Belle Époque period and ending in the 1950s。 With an introduction to the brewing tensions that resulted in the murder of the tsar and his family and the mass exodus of royalty and anyone associated with the Romanovs， it's an interesting look at what happened to all these people。When all this unrest occurs， many displaced people， including literary and musical luminaries， fled to Paris and places not far from the City of Light。 It's a glaring look at the changes that people who barely lifted a finger to work must now completely revamp their lives to survive。 A stark episode involves some of these formerly wealthy people riding on a boat toward their new fates and handing over incredibly expensive jewelry and other priceless baubles to get a piece of bread。 The conditions on the boat are truly deplorable with snow blanketing the travelers and large rats running around。 It's a shock。Russians who once held an esteemed place in society must now ferry others in cabs， play doorman， or sew garments for whatever the equivalent of pennies are。 It's humbling to them， distasteful and disturbing to others， while some will do anything they can to survive。 It's bleak many times and tragedy befalls many of the people who still hold out hope that Mother Russia will return to its roots again。How ironic that I'm reading this book during all the unrest between Russia and the Ukraine right now。 It's almost too appropriate to read this book at the time。 You realize that this area of the world combats unrest so often that you wonder if it can ever be a peaceful place。 It's not hard to read， just sobering and， at times， dense。I was offered this book to read， and I took a chance on it because it sounded intriguing。 Except for stumbling over the pronunciations of names and keeping track of the long list of people， I really enjoyed the book。 And you don't really have to keep track of the "characters"--the stories keep you reading， anyway。Thank you， St。 Martin’s Press， for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review！ It was a pleasure！ 。。。more
PeggySue
，
After the Romanovs by Helen RappaportNarrated by Pearl Hewitt。This is a historical overview of the Russian exodus to Paris from the 1890’s to the mid 20th century。 It was interesting but I think it helps to already have some background in the history of the time period surrounding the Russian Revolution。 This story focuses on the upper classes and the artists， musicians， and writers because they were the ones who were written about at the time and the ones who kept their own records。 This book i After the Romanovs by Helen RappaportNarrated by Pearl Hewitt。This is a historical overview of the Russian exodus to Paris from the 1890’s to the mid 20th century。 It was interesting but I think it helps to already have some background in the history of the time period surrounding the Russian Revolution。 This story focuses on the upper classes and the artists， musicians， and writers because they were the ones who were written about at the time and the ones who kept their own records。 This book is very timely in that it made me think about the every day people who are being forced to leave Ukraine and will end up elsewhere with near to nothing and have to begin again。I am familiar with this narrator and she was good as always although there were some odd pronunciations。Thanks to Netgalley。 。。。more
Eric
，
I give Rappaport credit that she didn't dwell needlessly on the killing that took place in the Russian revolution that necessitated thinking about the Romanovs in the past tense - she devotes just a few sentences to obliteration of the last royal family and not much more to the other family members that fled。 Most of this work focuses on the Paris of that era and the impact that Russian refugees generally， and the nobility specifically， had there。 Sadly the idea of Russian generals driving cabs I give Rappaport credit that she didn't dwell needlessly on the killing that took place in the Russian revolution that necessitated thinking about the Romanovs in the past tense - she devotes just a few sentences to obliteration of the last royal family and not much more to the other family members that fled。 Most of this work focuses on the Paris of that era and the impact that Russian refugees generally， and the nobility specifically， had there。 Sadly the idea of Russian generals driving cabs and female nobility embroidering things listens rather dryly and one gets only tine glimpses at the humanity of these situations。 But Rappaport uses language rather effectively， so even as the story is less than wildly edifying it does hold one's interest almost throughout。 The latter sections on the Russian Orthodox Church presence in Paris was almost fascinating， making these congregations （if that is really what they were/are） the center of a significant slice of refugee life in "the City of Light。" 。。。more
Amber
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Really well researched and accessibly written while still leaving space for inquire elsewhere by staying on topic。 However， do not go in looking for Romanovs go in looking for more Paris based in the storytelling。 I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley; however， my opinions are my own。
Charlene
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a wonderful informative historical story filled with interesting complex characters。 The tragic events and unpredictable occurances make this a page turner and a must read。！
Emma Hoggard
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After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War， by Helen Rappaport。A perfect book to read today， as Russia invades Ukraine and millions flee to safety。 You can’t help but notice the similarities， the repetition of time and history。 In the late 1910s Bolsheviks take over Russia and thousands become refugees。 A hundred years later Putin takes over Ukraine and hundreds of thousands more become refugees。 Since the beginning， someone， somewhere has always After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War， by Helen Rappaport。A perfect book to read today， as Russia invades Ukraine and millions flee to safety。 You can’t help but notice the similarities， the repetition of time and history。 In the late 1910s Bolsheviks take over Russia and thousands become refugees。 A hundred years later Putin takes over Ukraine and hundreds of thousands more become refugees。 Since the beginning， someone， somewhere has always held the label “refugee”。 Yet the parallels between these two stories go much further。 Reading a sentence in this book about people fleeing from Odessa with nothing but a bag， you’d almost believe you were reading a news article written just hours ago。 What a difference 100 years can make， and yet， we always seem to find ourselves back in this place。You can find plenty of other little gems in this book。 Look out for stories about Chanel， Hemingway， and Versailles。 Rappaport moves effortlessly between broad overviews of history and charming anecdotes。 。。。more
Nancy
，
Russians in Paris Pre and Post WWIBefore WWI the Russian aristocracy flocked to Paris where they spent lavishly and delighted in the sophisticated capital。 Others came too: writers， artists， and musicians。 Political agitators like Lenin also found their way to the city。 After the war the Russians who had considered Paris a vacation spot found themselves refugees often with little or no money。 Aristocrats who had once played and spent vast sums now because servants。 I loved the story of a famous Russians in Paris Pre and Post WWIBefore WWI the Russian aristocracy flocked to Paris where they spent lavishly and delighted in the sophisticated capital。 Others came too: writers， artists， and musicians。 Political agitators like Lenin also found their way to the city。 After the war the Russians who had considered Paris a vacation spot found themselves refugees often with little or no money。 Aristocrats who had once played and spent vast sums now because servants。 I loved the story of a famous general who was discovered washing cars late at night。 Some of the artists， musicians and writers found fame in the their new home。 Stravinsky and Chagall are notable in this regard。 However， many struggled and could never rise above the poverty level。 Paris was also home to intrigue。 Banished aristocrats， particularly Archduke Krill， wanted to take back the empire。 He even proclaimed himself Tsar。This is a very enjoyable book。 Rappaport mixes historical narrative with stories of the lives of a variety of Russians from all classes。 I found the stories fascinating when placed against the background of Paris both before and after the war。 If you enjoy Russian history， you’ll find this book interesting。 I received this book from St。 Martin’s Press for this review。 。。。more
Pegeen
，
Like much about the Romanovs ， you need a cheat sheet for all the family members ， but the real strength of the book in my opinion is the heralding of the human spirit of refugees。 We need to remember this for our modern wars and their upheavals of refugees。
Ann
，
I can't read Helen Rappaport's latest historical nonfiction book， 'After the Romanovs，' and not think of Amor Towles' novel 'A Gentleman in Moscow，' the main character of which I dearly loved。 Both books give us compelling glimpses of post-Russian Revolution aristocrats fending for their posh， unskilled selves as they long for the disappeared Russia they so dearly love。 In light of what's happening in the world right now， it's an interesting time to be reading Russian history， and 'After the Rom I can't read Helen Rappaport's latest historical nonfiction book， 'After the Romanovs，' and not think of Amor Towles' novel 'A Gentleman in Moscow，' the main character of which I dearly loved。 Both books give us compelling glimpses of post-Russian Revolution aristocrats fending for their posh， unskilled selves as they long for the disappeared Russia they so dearly love。 In light of what's happening in the world right now， it's an interesting time to be reading Russian history， and 'After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles In Paris From the Belle Epoque Through Revolution and War' is indeed a thorough， well-researched， and easy-to-read look at the lives of Russian emigres pre- and post-Bolshevik takeover。[Thanks to St。 Martin's Press and NetGalley for an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this book。] 。。。more
Elizabeth Gomez
，
AFTER THE ROMANOVS is an interesting and well-written history of Russian aristocrats， artists， and more in Paris following the Revolution。 This book is very well detailed， but not in such a way that it bores or overwhelms the reader。 It's written so that anyone can enjoy it， from the casual observer to the hardcore historian。 This is my first time reading Helen Rappaport's work， but you can bet I'll be seeing what else she's got in store for readers！ AFTER THE ROMANOVS is an interesting and well-written history of Russian aristocrats， artists， and more in Paris following the Revolution。 This book is very well detailed， but not in such a way that it bores or overwhelms the reader。 It's written so that anyone can enjoy it， from the casual observer to the hardcore historian。 This is my first time reading Helen Rappaport's work， but you can bet I'll be seeing what else she's got in store for readers！ 。。。more
Starlight Wymore
，
When the Bolsheviks took over Russia， the Romanovs， along with many other Russians， were forced out of their beloved homeland。 Many resettled in Paris， where for the first time in their lives， they experienced poverty， hunger， and prejudice。 Rappaport does an excellent job describing the hardships of the Russian diaspora in Paris， their first experiences with manual labor， their transition from royalty to peasantry。 The book is very well-written， thoroughly researched， and surprisingly readable When the Bolsheviks took over Russia， the Romanovs， along with many other Russians， were forced out of their beloved homeland。 Many resettled in Paris， where for the first time in their lives， they experienced poverty， hunger， and prejudice。 Rappaport does an excellent job describing the hardships of the Russian diaspora in Paris， their first experiences with manual labor， their transition from royalty to peasantry。 The book is very well-written， thoroughly researched， and surprisingly readable for a work of academic non-fiction。 If you are a history buff like me， I highly recommend picking up a copy。 This one just came out Tuesday， March 8， 2022， so you should be able to find a copy at your local bookstore。Thanks to Helen Rappaport， St。 Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review。 。。。more
Judy Lesley
，
Thank you to NetGalley and St。 Martin's Press for an e-galley of this book。I have waited several weeks to write this review because I wanted to see if my opinion changed or differed in any substantive way because of hindsight。 The answer to that is that I'm still slightly confused about why this book specifically mentions the Romanovs in the title。 The entire book is not focused on the Romanovs and after the first chapter that name takes more of a backseat position。 Paris After the Romanovs is a Thank you to NetGalley and St。 Martin's Press for an e-galley of this book。I have waited several weeks to write this review because I wanted to see if my opinion changed or differed in any substantive way because of hindsight。 The answer to that is that I'm still slightly confused about why this book specifically mentions the Romanovs in the title。 The entire book is not focused on the Romanovs and after the first chapter that name takes more of a backseat position。 Paris After the Romanovs is a title that would seem to fit the subject matter best， at least for me。I don't know if this book suffered from being written during the early portions of the COVID-19 pandemic or not， but I found myself growing weary of the subject matter and putting the book aside for days at a time。 There wasn't any spark that ignited my enthusiasm so when the book began to grow tiresome， I had no problem putting it on a table and leaving it alone。 。。。more
Literary Redhead
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A fascinating， well-researched look at the lives of Russian refugees in Paris before and after the 1917 Revolution。 Perfect for those who want to understand more of Russian history in light of today's events。 Out now。 Thanks to the author， St。 Martin's Press， and NetGalley for the ARC。 Opinions are mine。#aftertheromanovs #HelenRappaport #StMartinPress #NetGalley A fascinating， well-researched look at the lives of Russian refugees in Paris before and after the 1917 Revolution。 Perfect for those who want to understand more of Russian history in light of today's events。 Out now。 Thanks to the author， St。 Martin's Press， and NetGalley for the ARC。 Opinions are mine。#aftertheromanovs #HelenRappaport #StMartinPress #NetGalley 。。。more
Christi
，
A well researched and incredibly in-depth novel， After the Romanovs takes a comprehensive look at life for many refugees after the Romanov family was assassinated， and many defected to Paris。 Helen Rappaport is a leading expert of the Romanovs and Russian history in general， and it is paramount in her writing。Being a novice of Russian history myself I found myself lost more than one time， especially the moments when it read more like a textbook， and I found myself struggling to concentrate。 I ne A well researched and incredibly in-depth novel， After the Romanovs takes a comprehensive look at life for many refugees after the Romanov family was assassinated， and many defected to Paris。 Helen Rappaport is a leading expert of the Romanovs and Russian history in general， and it is paramount in her writing。Being a novice of Russian history myself I found myself lost more than one time， especially the moments when it read more like a textbook， and I found myself struggling to concentrate。 I never really understood the reasons behind the revolution， but now I have more of an understanding as to why there was such an uprising。 Reading the accounts of the Romanovs murders was gut wrenching and truly unfathomable。 Though I now understand the motivations behind the extermination of the family， it doesn’t negate the fact that these were human beings， the loss of life is always sad。Definitely doesn’t have the same flow as some of the other nonfictions that I’ve read recently， but the information it does contain is eye-opening。 I loved the fluid segues between different persons of interest and periods of time， and must give credit to all of those that fled from Russia and had a true fall from grace。 To go from such incredible wealth to working as a taxi driver in a foreign land had to be earth-shattering。I left this book feeling depressed， especially with the current events going on with Russia and Ukraine。 There has always been such turmoil in that region and it just breaks my heart。 My prayers go out to all that are affected by this current conflict， and hope that it will have a peaceful ending soon。Watching what is currently happening， as well as reading After the Romanovs， I am now curious to learn more about this turbulent country and stormy past。 It is truly a fascinating topic and I thank Ms。 Rappaport for her comprehensive work。*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from St。 Martin's Press through NetGalley。 All views and opinions expressed are completely honest， and my own。 。。。more
Deb
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After the Romanovs by Helen RappaportRussophiles rejoice！ This is a data rich book about talented Russian émegrés and their undying love for the motherland。 Many escaped to Paris where they reestablished careers they loved。 While the regime back home changed often， the end results were the same: Clashes， coups， war and famine。 Still， most artists were pining for a return。 While there was poverty and starvation in both Russia and Paris， at least no one abroad was out to kill them for their non-co After the Romanovs by Helen RappaportRussophiles rejoice！ This is a data rich book about talented Russian émegrés and their undying love for the motherland。 Many escaped to Paris where they reestablished careers they loved。 While the regime back home changed often， the end results were the same: Clashes， coups， war and famine。 Still， most artists were pining for a return。 While there was poverty and starvation in both Russia and Paris， at least no one abroad was out to kill them for their non-conformity。 That was actually a plus in Parisian circles。 Artists， writers， ballerinas and intellectuals alike worked to continue to hone their crafts。 Some succeeded， while others flailed。 Some returned， some stayed。There are names you will recognize， Marc Chagall， for instance， and hundreds more you’ll be lucky to ever spell correctly。 Endless footnotes will tell you the author did her homework， but if you’re looking for a storyline， this is not your book。 #StMartinsPress#NetGalley 。。。more
Karen
，
When I opened my Kndle to read After the Romanovs， I was worried I would not stay interested after seeing the pages of the Russian Cast of Characters。 How was one supposed to remember them？ And， on a Kindle it is hard to go back and forth to check。 I solved this problem by making screenshots of the pages。 As I started reading， I felt I was at a gossip party。 I had been worried that the book would be too deep for me。 I loved Rappaport’s style of imparting knowledge about the Russian invasion in P When I opened my Kndle to read After the Romanovs， I was worried I would not stay interested after seeing the pages of the Russian Cast of Characters。 How was one supposed to remember them？ And， on a Kindle it is hard to go back and forth to check。 I solved this problem by making screenshots of the pages。 As I started reading， I felt I was at a gossip party。 I had been worried that the book would be too deep for me。 I loved Rappaport’s style of imparting knowledge about the Russian invasion in Paris life during “Belle Époque” era。 I am watching The Guilded Age right now and this is a good companion piece to get the feel of this period。 It also made me think of the Caroline Ferriday’s mom in LOST ROSES by Martha Hall Kelly 。 It is also extremely hard to read the footnotes on a Kindle as they are in the back。 Resolution: I have ordered a hard copy of After the Romanovs so I can reread sections and access the characters and footnotes etc。 I love this time period and I think this book will be an excellent resource to use when reading historical fiction of this time period。 My thanks to St。 Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book。 。。。more
Rosemary
，
This is a book that can be enjoyed no matter what your previous knowledge of royal Russians in exile is。 Research is impeccable and the footnotes and further information was helpful and interesting。 I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book about emigres influence on fashion， jewelry and culture。 However， it did seem strange reading this while the present situation in Ukraine was happening。 My only complaint is the title was misleading and I would have preferred a more straightforward book na This is a book that can be enjoyed no matter what your previous knowledge of royal Russians in exile is。 Research is impeccable and the footnotes and further information was helpful and interesting。 I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book about emigres influence on fashion， jewelry and culture。 However， it did seem strange reading this while the present situation in Ukraine was happening。 My only complaint is the title was misleading and I would have preferred a more straightforward book name。Thanks to #NetGalley and #AfterTheRomanovs for an advanced digital copy。 。。。more
SandyKay
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I received an advance copy of this book from St。 Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 All opinions are my own。Valuable resource for several areas of interest。Once again， I found myself drawn into a book that would have made an excellent resource for any number of my college history papers。 Nothing like a textbook， but filled with information and well-documented sources， this book will be a great addition to any library for those interested in French history， Russian his I received an advance copy of this book from St。 Martin's Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review。 All opinions are my own。Valuable resource for several areas of interest。Once again， I found myself drawn into a book that would have made an excellent resource for any number of my college history papers。 Nothing like a textbook， but filled with information and well-documented sources， this book will be a great addition to any library for those interested in French history， Russian history， WWI history， the rise of the Bolsheviks， the end of the tsars of Russia， the fall of the Romanovs， the history of migration and emigration across Europe， the history of refugees， and so much more。 Fascinating read of the culture and people in the years up to and after World War I。The author does a wonderful job painting the picture and submerging the reader in the world of Paris， eastern Russia， and several places in between during the end of the 1800s and through the interwar period of the 1920s and 1930s。 Without getting bogged down in details， the presentation is a great balance of providing as much information as possible while still being relevant and impactful。 I recommend this book for anyone interested in a variety of topics up to， during， and following World War I。Stars 3。5 Would I Recommend？ Yes 。。。more
Becki
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This book was a bit more cerebral （lots of footnotes） than I expected。 It was definitely well-researched based on the notes and such for the last 30%。 I ended up like it and learning some though。It begins before "after the Romanovs"。。。at least to my understanding of Russian history。 In fact， about half the book is about before Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered。 I truly had no idea about Paris being a second home to Russian emigres for decades upon decades。 The book focuses on the roy This book was a bit more cerebral （lots of footnotes） than I expected。 It was definitely well-researched based on the notes and such for the last 30%。 I ended up like it and learning some though。It begins before "after the Romanovs"。。。at least to my understanding of Russian history。 In fact， about half the book is about before Tsar Nicholas II and his family were murdered。 I truly had no idea about Paris being a second home to Russian emigres for decades upon decades。 The book focuses on the royals， the wealthy， and the artists who fled Russia at various times in the early 19th century and made a new life （or not） in France。I feel like it could have been better organized and still needed some editing， but I read an ARC。 I imagine those things will be fixed by the time the book releases。 This book was definitely readable for a scholarly work， though; and I think would be of interest to many who want to learn more about Russian history。。。particulary of the exiles。 Thanks to NetGalley annd the publisher for my complimentary copy; all opinions are my own。 。。。more
Jennifer Lara
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After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War by Helen Rappaport is the story of Russians in Paris。 Paris has always been the city of culture， fine wine and food， and the latest fashions。 It also has also been a refuge for those fleeing persecution。 For years， Russian aristocrats had enjoyed all that the City of Lights had to offer。 Living lavishly Paris was their home away from home。 However， with the rise of the Bolshevik Revolution and the fall o After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War by Helen Rappaport is the story of Russians in Paris。 Paris has always been the city of culture， fine wine and food， and the latest fashions。 It also has also been a refuge for those fleeing persecution。 For years， Russian aristocrats had enjoyed all that the City of Lights had to offer。 Living lavishly Paris was their home away from home。 However， with the rise of the Bolshevik Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty， many Russians came to Paris， some with nothing but the clothes on their backs。 Suddenly former princes become taxi drivers， their wives sewing for the fashion houses。 It is a story of menial jobs， political plots， espionage and assassination with few success stories while many lived in a cycle of poverty。 The one thing that joined them all was love of the land that they were forced to leave behind。 After the Romanovs bring the human stories to the historical events。 A very detailed account of those who left Russia， afraid for their lives， while hoping for the chance to bring Russia back to her glory。 The interesting aspect of After the Romanovs is the cycle in which people can easily become “enemies。” Vladimir Lenin declared the bourgeois， enemies of the revolutions。 But the bourgeois weren’t just the monarchy and the wealthy class but intellectuals， writers， and artists who influenced the country’s culture。 Many of these individuals would have been considered “have-nots” but because of their professions， they were now enemies of the revolution。 I enjoyed reading what happened to those who fled Russia after the revolution and how they fared。 Ms。 Rappaport does not shy away from the nit and gritty facts of these individuals’ stories， beliefs and attitudes that contributed to their downfall。 If you are interested in this area of history， I highly recommend After the Romanovs。 After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War is available in hardcover， eBook， and audiobook 。。。more
Homerun2
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3。75 starsA well-researched and anecdotal look at the White Russian emigres who fled before， during and after the Russian Revolution。 This group included those in line for the throne after the Tsar's murder and a few details of some of the nearly-delusional efforts to reinstate the monarchy。It's quite a mix， everything from the interesting tidbit of the high percentage of the male Russian aristocracy who ended up as Parisian taxi drivers， to the desirability of the countesses and princesses in t 3。75 starsA well-researched and anecdotal look at the White Russian emigres who fled before， during and after the Russian Revolution。 This group included those in line for the throne after the Tsar's murder and a few details of some of the nearly-delusional efforts to reinstate the monarchy。It's quite a mix， everything from the interesting tidbit of the high percentage of the male Russian aristocracy who ended up as Parisian taxi drivers， to the desirability of the countesses and princesses in the world of Parisian fashion。 Some had escaped Russia with their jewels or other assets， but many were reduced to poverty。 Great stories of the lucky people who built lavish homes and replicated their upper class lifestyle to those who worked in factories or as seamstresses。Many artists and creative folk fled， including some very famous names of authors， dancers， painters， poets， composers， and opera singers。 It all makes for a very interesting， if sad， read。 Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review。 。。。more
Jean Kolinofsky
，
The fall of Tsar Nicholas II and the murder of his family is a well known episode in history。 Helen Rappaport’s After the Romanovs explores the lives of Russian royalty prior to the revolution， when Paris was a playground for the elite。 Russian culture was brought to France by notables like Diaghilev and his creation of the Ballets Russes and the music of Stravinsky。 The amount of money that was spent on jewels and entertainment prior to the Russian Revolution was obscene while the Russian peopl The fall of Tsar Nicholas II and the murder of his family is a well known episode in history。 Helen Rappaport’s After the Romanovs explores the lives of Russian royalty prior to the revolution， when Paris was a playground for the elite。 Russian culture was brought to France by notables like Diaghilev and his creation of the Ballets Russes and the music of Stravinsky。 The amount of money that was spent on jewels and entertainment prior to the Russian Revolution was obscene while the Russian people suffered。 After the Revolution fortunes were lost and conditions worsened， forcing the elite to flee Russia。 Many were evacuated to Constantinople， which became a major transit area but while allies debated their relocation they were often forced to remain for weeks， forcing them to sell their possessions to support themselves。 While France welcomed a number of exiles to fill positions in factories and mines that were vacant after the losses in WWI， they often faced hunger and poverty as they struggled to survive。 There was an incredible number of people who fled Russia。 By telling some of the individual stories Rappaport brings a human element to her non-fiction。 Grand Duke Paul， the Tsar’s uncle， and his wife Olga had been banished by the Tsar after a scandal。 After living in Paris for a number of years， they returned to Russia in 1913， where Paul was later executed along with three of his Romanov relatives。 This is the story of Marc Chagall， Sandro， a Grand Duke who lived at the Ritz despite having no money until he was forced to move and the writer Gazdanov who became a taxi driver。 It is a fascinating look at history and is highly recommended。 I would like to thank NetGalley and St。 Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review。 。。。more
Cindy
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This was exactly the right time to read this book。 The first chapter was about Russians living the high-life in Paris right before the Russian Revolution and that was interesting but I wasn't especially hooked。 BUT THEN - the book shifted into the story of the Russian refugees who settled in France due to the revolution and I was fascinated。 I feel so much more of a connection to the Ukrainian refugees I see on the news today because I read this book。 Tens of thousands of Russians fled to France This was exactly the right time to read this book。 The first chapter was about Russians living the high-life in Paris right before the Russian Revolution and that was interesting but I wasn't especially hooked。 BUT THEN - the book shifted into the story of the Russian refugees who settled in France due to the revolution and I was fascinated。 I feel so much more of a connection to the Ukrainian refugees I see on the news today because I read this book。 Tens of thousands of Russians fled to France in the 1910s and they dealt with common immigrant issues - language， prejudice， building a new life。 Some of these refugees， though， were Grand Dukes who survived by driving taxis and Princesses who survived by doing piece work for the Paris fashion houses。 I had no idea of what they went through - this was all new to me。 I enjoyed reading their stories very much and am so glad I read them right now。 。。。more
Debie Orrell
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Very interesting book of the Russian influence in Paris in dance and fashion and the different people who were the influencers。 Those seeking refuge in Paris after seeking asylum from the Revolution in Russia would take what jobs they could find but we’re still capable of influencing the Parisienne society。 They still loved the ballet and fashion and the good food so would do what was necessary to continue these interests。Thank you NetGalley and St。 Martins Press for an ARC of this nonfiction bo Very interesting book of the Russian influence in Paris in dance and fashion and the different people who were the influencers。 Those seeking refuge in Paris after seeking asylum from the Revolution in Russia would take what jobs they could find but we’re still capable of influencing the Parisienne society。 They still loved the ballet and fashion and the good food so would do what was necessary to continue these interests。Thank you NetGalley and St。 Martins Press for an ARC of this nonfiction book on the aussian immigrants to Paris。 #Netgalley #StMartinsPress 。。。more
Jessica Samuelson
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This nonfiction book chronicles the lives of Russian émigrés in Paris， France。 The author begins near the end of the Belle Époque when grand dukes and other upper-class Russians frequented the city， spending exorbitant amounts of money on Paris establishments like the Hôtel Ritz and Cartier。 During the Russian Revolution， several members of the former ruling class fled to cities like Berlin and Paris。 Forced to leave most of their wealth in their homeland， many Russian émigrés found themselves i This nonfiction book chronicles the lives of Russian émigrés in Paris， France。 The author begins near the end of the Belle Époque when grand dukes and other upper-class Russians frequented the city， spending exorbitant amounts of money on Paris establishments like the Hôtel Ritz and Cartier。 During the Russian Revolution， several members of the former ruling class fled to cities like Berlin and Paris。 Forced to leave most of their wealth in their homeland， many Russian émigrés found themselves in need of paid employment for the first time in their lives。 Although they originally believed this to be a temporary situation， the years stretched into decades and the Russian émigré communities remained。As someone who grew up in the 1990s and therefore knew the Anastasia movie by heart， I had a vague idea of the Russian Revolution， the beginnings of Soviet Russia， and the fact that some of the former Russian elite （like Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia） fled to Paris。 I found this book very informative and well-researched。The timing for this book made a big difference for me。 While reading it， I kept thinking of the current situation in Ukraine and all the people who have recently become refugees because of it。 Due to this perspective， I found myself more interested in the parts about the general Russian community in France than the parts about specific famous Russian émigrés。 If I had read this book several months ago， I may have felt the opposite。 。。。more
Angel White （Bookn。All。Night）
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I don't often read actual history books， but when I do I always try to find a subject that really interests me。After the Romanovs is a well done piece of Non-Fiction。 You can really tell that the author has researched thoroughly the comings and goings of this time， and the people involved。I think if you're interested in the Romanovs， Paris， and this time period in general， I would say grab this one and give it a read。 It was very interesting to me， although I would say for people to be aware tha I don't often read actual history books， but when I do I always try to find a subject that really interests me。After the Romanovs is a well done piece of Non-Fiction。 You can really tell that the author has researched thoroughly the comings and goings of this time， and the people involved。I think if you're interested in the Romanovs， Paris， and this time period in general， I would say grab this one and give it a read。 It was very interesting to me， although I would say for people to be aware that this does read like a history textbook you would find in school。Some readers can find that daunting and a little off-putting， but I actually found it really easy to read and it was interesting enough that it was hard to put this one down。 I especially loved the very beginning， as the author lists the people involved and gives a short breakdown of who they are。 That was extremely helpful。I sincerely appreciate St。 Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy。 All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone。 。。。more
Michelle
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As I write this， the world is watching the human crisis in Ukraine and the millions of refugees pouring over the borders due to the invasion by Russia。 Just over a hundred years ago， Russians fled their homeland due to the Revolution。 How uncanny these two events take place on such a world stage and create such human upheaval and chaos among the Slavic population of Eastern Europe。 That being said， the Revolution refugees from the Bolsheviks read like a who's who of the elite of Russian society， As I write this， the world is watching the human crisis in Ukraine and the millions of refugees pouring over the borders due to the invasion by Russia。 Just over a hundred years ago， Russians fled their homeland due to the Revolution。 How uncanny these two events take place on such a world stage and create such human upheaval and chaos among the Slavic population of Eastern Europe。 That being said， the Revolution refugees from the Bolsheviks read like a who's who of the elite of Russian society， not the mass exodus of today of ordinary peoples。 Being driven from your homeland and forced into exile creates a historical refugee drama of immense proportions。 After the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport tries to capture the essence of forced relocation and settlement in Paris by Russia's monarchial oligarchy and its artistic community。 Rappaport's work begins with a detailed look of a world of glitz， glamour， obscene wealth， and indulgent lifestyles among Russia's elite in the early 20th century Paris。 Their world before the revolution created a dream scape that allowed them to escape the dreariness of Russian winters and growing social discontent。 Even Lenin found solace in the beauty of Paris prior to the outbreak of the Great War， one of the more fascinating chapters of the book。 Once the war begins and the Bolsheviks topple the tsar and his family， Paris becomes the refuge of these homeless elites and the thousands of others escaping the cruelty and barbaric purges of Lenin and Trotsky's bloodletting of the bourgeoisie。 Fleeing across the frozen tundra to the East or packed onto trains to the Crimea， the Russians are often caught in the struggle to stay one step in front of their persecutors。 Once they find their way to safety and freedom， life in Paris offers them a home but it is one fraught with peril and often poverty。 Their world of riches and privilege is left long behind。 Some of the more fascinating aspects of After the Romanovs are the later chapters in the book。 The first few chapters almost bog down in the weight of the minutiae Rappaport includes about the artistic community that thrives in Paris。 Honestly， I almost stopped reading the book at this point。 But then the chapter on Lenin pops up which provided a really interesting insight into a short time in his life on the eve of the revolution。 It also shifts the story from the privileged elite to the pogrom refugees who fled Russia years before。 Suddenly Rappaport's narrative changed tone and made for much more interesting reading。 No longer is the focus just on the Russian royals and artists indulging their pleasures in the City of Lights。 It shifts gears to expose the danger and heartbreak of a war and revolution。 One of the most interesting tales revolves around the Bolsheviks attempts to lure the refugees home with the plan to execute them。 Using the government in exile and the remnants of the White Army as their ruse， the Bolsheviks created a false organization to work in collusion with these runaway Russians。 Kidnapping， subterfuge， and murder of the refugees by Lenin's agents offered an early look at the future of the NKVD and later the KGB as objects of fear and terror。 Here Rappaport's attention to detail really pays off as she draws a withering portrait of the evil intent of the Bolsheviks' revolutionary zeal。 Meticulously researched and written， After the Romanovs provides an uneven but interesting view of a world long gone。 By looking at the revolution from the lives of those who fled offers a different historical context often not found in the numerous works devoted to one of the most important events of the 20th century。 Theirs is not the view of outsiders looking in at the "evils" of a Communist overthrow but one of those who lost everything to a revolution that stole their lives and homeland forever。 。。。more
Jane
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After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War written by Helen Rappaport is Historical Non Fiction。 Helen Rappaport has written a history of Russian Aristocrats and others in Paris before and after the socialist takeover and how they lived and survived even in poverty and exile。 This book is an interesting history of wealthy and poor Russians' enchanting love affair with Paris， France， and all things French。 The author supplies a list of characters After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War written by Helen Rappaport is Historical Non Fiction。 Helen Rappaport has written a history of Russian Aristocrats and others in Paris before and after the socialist takeover and how they lived and survived even in poverty and exile。 This book is an interesting history of wealthy and poor Russians' enchanting love affair with Paris， France， and all things French。 The author supplies a list of characters that play important roles in her book and a bibliography for more in depth study。 Excellent reference book of European Historical Non Fiction。I received a complimentary copy of this book。 Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own。 I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read， enjoy and review this book。 5 Stars 。。。more
Brenda
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