I Was Anastasia

By Ariel Lawhon

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - From the author of The Frozen River, this enthralling feat of historical suspense unravels the extraordinary twists and turns in Anna Anderson's claim to be Anastasia Romanov. Is she the Russian Grand Duchess or the thief of another woman's legacy?

"Tantalizing, surprising, compelling, and utterly fascinating."--Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

Russia, July 17, 1918: Under direct orders from Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik secret police force Anastasia Romanov, along with the entire imperial family, into a damp basement in Siberia, where they face a merciless firing squad. None survive. At least that is what the executioners have always claimed.

Germany, February 17, 1920: A young woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Anastasia Romanov is pulled shivering and senseless from a canal. Refusing to explain her presence in the freezing water or even acknowledge her rescuers, she is taken to the hospital where an examination reveals that her body is riddled with countless horrific scars. When she finally does speak, this frightened, mysterious young woman claims to be the Russian grand duchess.

The questions swirling around Anna Anderson's past and the mystery of Anastasia Romanov's fate chart a saga that spans half a century and touches three continents. Every bit as vivid and climactic as it is poignant and enchanting, this novel brings a piece of legendary history to life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1101973315
• ISBN13: 9781101973318
• Release Date: February 2019
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating Story!

I have always been intrigued by the story of Anastasia. This book is well written in a dual timeline. I learned a lot about the Romanov Family, and I have a few unanswered questions as well. I need to read more on them. I think this is what a great book does, gets you interested in the topic to further your knowledge.

what a chopped up reading experience

I read at least a book a week & have been for at least 10 years. I have never read a book written in such a manner. I've read many books where the reader jumps between two time periods & there is still continuity & a flow to the storyline. I cannot understand why the author wrote in the style that she did. I gave it 3 stars begrudgingly because the story was okay, what I could follow anyway. An example is a chapter headed 1922. The next heading is "One week earlier" followed by another "one week earlier" followed by "Seven months earlier." The next chapter heading is 1918. How can anyone hope to follow a storyline written like that? It's about Anastasia Romanov. I read the rave reviews & honestly wondered if we had read the same book!