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C. W. Gortner
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The Romanov Empress: A Novel of Tsarina Maria Feodorovna (Thorndike Press Large Print Historical Fiction) Library Binding – Large Print, October 17, 2018

by C. W. Gortner (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,626 ratings
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A Novel of Tsarina Maria Feodorovna From the opulent palaces of St. Petersburg to the World War I battlefields and the bloodied countryside occupied by the Bolsheviks, C. W. Gortner sweeps us into the fall of an empire and the bold heart of the woman who tried to save it.
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  1. Print length
    760 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Thorndike Press Large Print
  4. Publication date
    October 17, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1.5 x 8.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    143285450X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1432854508
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thorndike Press Large Print; Large Print edition (October 17, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Library Binding ‏ : ‎ 760 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 143285450X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1432854508
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.5 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,626 ratings

About the author

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C. W. Gortner

C. W. Gortner

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C.W. GORTNER holds an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Renaissance Studies from the New College of California, as well as an AA from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco.

An established author of historical fiction, he's been translated in 26 languages and toured internationally. Several of his historical novels are national and/or international bestsellers. He previously worked as a fashion executive and then devoted twelve years of his professional life to the public health sector. In 2012, he became a full-time writer following the success of his novels.

In his extensive travels to research his books, he has danced a galliard at Hampton Court, learned about organic gardening at Chenoceau, and spent a chilly night in a ruined Spanish castle. He's also a dedicated advocate for animal rights, in particular companion animal rescue to reduce shelter overcrowding.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,626 global ratings
Royalty Done Well
5 Stars
Royalty Done Well
I just finished “The Romanov Empress” by C.W. Gortner. Having read most of his books, I have to say that this is his best of those. A writer of this kind of subject faces several hurdles. One is world building. The historical setting involving all of Europe and its royalty is daunting, but it was created so effectively as to draw in the reader to time and place. A second challenge is to render the main character in all her strengths and weaknesses in a way that is fair to her and to history. The main character and the closest satellite persons around her all shine with their own personalities and quirks. Last, the biggest hurdle is creating a story in which you, the reader, know the end because it is historical, and yet, the story grips you in human aspects so that, chapter by chapter, you are propelled to the end. And~after reading, you might~with a sense of irony or pangs of regret~ask yourself: But for a decision made, bad timing, or a character flaw, how history might have played out so much differently. “The Romanov Empress” comes highly recommended.
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Top reviews from the United States

Tracy
5.0 out of 5 stars Really Enjoyed This Book!
Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2018
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I knew very little about the Romanov Family when I started this book. Literally, I knew the name, where they came from and not much more.

It took me a little bit to get into it but the last half of the book I was enthralled and didn't want to stop reading. The story of Tsarina Maria Feodorovna, I have to say, was an amazing one! I had no idea her sister was Queen of England and that she had quite the network of family not only in Russia but in other countries too.

I had heard of Rasputin, but really knew nothing of who or what he was. I can only say I found his rise to power to be unbelievable and his character was certainly creepy!

I admire the Empress' attitude and strength, even if I didn't always agree with her decisions. Sometimes I very much agreed with her decisions and wanted to kick people for not doing what she said!

All in all this was a great read! I learned a lot about Russia, the people and what they were dealing with. The author did a great job with this story!
12 people found this helpful
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K. A. Carroll
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2020
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I know the story from Alexandra's side, of course, of the mother in law who tried to "run her life." It was interesting to hear the other side. Tsarina Maria Feodorovna is a good and sympathetic character whose son and daughter in law destroyed the Romanov dynasty as she watched. Nevertheless I don't think Alexandra deserves as much blame as Maria lays at her door.
I bought the book as an audio book and the lack of a star is because of narration. It took me a year to get through it, and I love Russian history and have visited Russia. Please buy this book, it's a good story. But the audio account did not engage my interest and, in fact, came between me and my enjoyment of the book. So I switched back to the written version which deserves at least the four stars.
One person found this helpful
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niki
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite historical fantasy novel
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2023
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I first heard the audible version of this book and fell in love with the way reader read it and the voice of the main character. I am a big fan of the Romanov family history and that started a few years ago.
This book is about princess Dagmar of Denmark and her journey to dowager empress of Russia. I do not want to give away too many spoilers but I really liked how her relationship with Tsar Alexander the third, I cried for her when she lost him.
I love the authors voice and how he wrote Minnie’s story. This novel led me to purchase some more historical novels that I am in the process of reading. I love this novel so much that I purchased the physical and kindle version of the book.
One person found this helpful
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Al
5.0 out of 5 stars Minnie at her finest
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
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She saw her father-in-law murdered. Her husband died young and her son was a spoiled rich kid. Yet she maintains a Regal bearing through it all. She was minor royalty pressed into the role of a major player. Her sister becomes Queen of England, she, becomes Empress of Russia. The minor Danish princesses come to rule over two major countries on the verge of the 20th century. We'll written this book describes he just as I have imagined her to be. Enjoyable read from cover to cover.
One person found this helpful
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Margaret Rodenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful storytelling, highly recommended
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2020
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THE ROMANOV EMPRESS is a fascinating recounting of the last decades of Russia’s royal family before the 1917 revolution. Told through the eyes of Maria Feodorovna, wife to Alexander III and mother of the last tsar, Nicholas II, it’s an intimate view of royal family life and strife. The history is relevant, too, in our own time of dramatic change.

I switched back and forth between the kindle and the audio versions. I was so glad the audio book didn’t burden the reader with Russian, Danish, English, and other accents. The sole narrator (Katherine Lee McEwan) doesn’t create distinct voices for every character, so you’re left with the feeling that Maria Feodorovna is truly telling you about her life. It worked great.

Author C.W. Gortner takes full advantage of the empress’s perspective to do what historical fiction does best—intertwine an engrossing personal story with historical events. Once again, he proves himself a master of this genre. You get all the intimate details of dress, living conditions, customs, politics, and history in a neat packet of sharp prose and masterful storytelling. Highly recommended!
6 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer. Rocky Recio!
4.0 out of 5 stars FASCINATING!!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2022
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I had never known or read this side of the Romanov family of the Tsarina Maria Feodorovna side of the story. This was really interesting to read & of course so sad knowing the ending, but still I couldn't stop reading it till the end. Another great book by C.W. Gortner!!!
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Shari T
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating!
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023
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Anyone who has interest in the Romanov dynasty will enjoy this book!. Maria Federovna is an incredible woman! She always seems to rise to the occasion and survive insurmountable odds.
I couldn't put this book down but was sad when it ended! Even though there may have been some poetic license in the telling of the story, there is enough truth to satisfy my questions.
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jjk
5.0 out of 5 stars Good price
Reviewed in the United States on September 20, 2023
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Ok
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Top reviews from other countries

Martha
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing !
Reviewed in Canada on August 10, 2019
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Though the story of the Romanov tragedy is well known, seeing it through the eyes and life of the empress mother bring the horrors of this era in Russian history home.
4 people found this helpful
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patricia
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a real jewel for anyone that loves hustory.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 31, 2020
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I loved this book as it explained the best and worst days of the Romanovs. I knew little about this lady except her sister was married to King Edward the seventh. This story is told in the first person which makes it very real and touching. For anyone that likes history like I do this is a real jewel. It has explained the family connections at that period in history. It also puts a human face to the black and white pictures we know them by.
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Anna
5.0 out of 5 stars Page turner
Reviewed in Germany on January 27, 2020
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I really enjoyed the book
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Julie Palmer
4.0 out of 5 stars OK read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 25, 2022
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I have studied Russian History extensively, this book was a pleasant surprise to be honest. Dates were a bit vague and some of the facts were not fully correct but a good insight into Maria Feodorovna. If this book has left you wanting to know more there are lots more non fiction books available, I have bought many on Amazon
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Client d'Amazon
2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointemnt
Reviewed in France on July 18, 2018
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I love historical fiction, and was really looking forward to this book. I am of Russian descent and knew the Empress Maria Feodorovna's story. I understand that this is fiction, but nevertheless I found it too far from the truth. The Tsarina's husband is represented as a brute. Though Alexander III was not as handsome as his older brother and had different talents, he was a well educated man who spoke several foreign languages fluently. He adored his wife, as his affectionate, articulate letters to her demonstrate. Neither was he a heavy drinker. Alexander traveled to Denmark to woo and to propose to Dagmar, the future Marie Feodorovna, after her fiance's death, she wasn't simply shipped off to Russia. He also loved and appreciated his son, the future Nicholas II, and Nicholas, as heir to the throne, proposed to Alexandra with his knowledge and blessing, though it's true that he was originally against the match. They were married soon after Alexander III's death, the wedding was not put off for very long. While it is true that Marie and Alexandra had a difficult relationship, Alexandra was not as rude and catty as this novel portrays her, nor was she prone to tantrums. Neither was Nicholas II a wishy-washy fellow, torn between two powerful women. His marriage to Alexander and their subsequent family life was the only tru joy in his difficult and tragic life. I find these characterisations particularly offensive as this year is the 100th anniversary of their tragic and brutal death.
One person found this helpful
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