Amazon Prime Free Trial
FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button and confirm your Prime free trial.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited FREE Prime delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
$12.96$12.96
Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com
$11.63$11.63
Ships from: Amazon Sold by: Zoom Books Company
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the authors
OK
The Lost Crown Paperback – Illustrated, July 10, 2012
Purchase options and add-ons
Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia. Like the fingers on a hand—first headstrong Olga, then Tatiana the tallest, Maria most hopeful for a ring, and Anastasia the smallest. These are the daughters of Tsar Nicholas II, grand duchesses living a life steeped in tradition and privilege. They are young women each on the brink of starting her own life. The summer of 1914 is that precious last wink of time when they can still be sisters together—who link arms and laugh, sisters who share their dreams and worries, and who flirt with the officers of their imperial yacht.
But in a gunshot the future changes—for these sisters and for Russia.
As World War I ignites across Europe, political unrest sweeps Russia. First dissent, then disorder, mutiny—and revolution. For Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia, the end of their girlhood collides with the end of more than they ever imagined.
At the same time hopeful and hopeless, naïve and wise, the voices of these sisters become a chorus singing the final song of this great empire. Impeccably researched and utterly fascinating, acclaimed author Sarah Miller recounts the final days of Imperial Russia.
- Reading age12 years and up
- Print length448 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level7 - 9
- Lexile measure880L
- Dimensions5.5 x 1.3 x 8.25 inches
- PublisherAtheneum Books for Young Readers
- Publication dateJuly 10, 2012
- ISBN-101416983414
- ISBN-13978-1416983415
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Editorial Reviews
Review
"- SLJ July 2011"
The Lost Crown.
Miller, Sarah (Author)
Jun 2011. 448 p. Atheneum, hardcover, $17.99. (9781416983408).
The Russian Grand Duchesses, who were murdered by the Bolsheviks in 1918 along with the rest of their family, have become something of a literary mainstay. This thoroughly researched novel brings the four young women to readers in their own voices. In alternating chapters (each with a small photo of the
narrator), Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia report on their lives and their relationships and slowly but
surely reveal the perilous situation in which they find themselves. Each Grand Duchess comes across as a unique personality, with the best known, Anastasia, the most distinctive. But each girl is given time and space to reveal and reflect, and like the best historical novels, this allows modern-day teens to see parts of themselves in very different people. Sometimes the Russian words and history overwhelm the narrative, but by the heartbreaking book's conclusion, readers will be caught up in the girls' story. A glossary, a note about the Russian calendar, and an affecting epilogue complete the book.
--"BOOKLIST", April 15, 2011
Tsar Nicholas II's four ill-fated daughters provide a fictional, inside look at Imperial Russia's dying days in this thoroughly researched, poignant and compelling account of how the deposed Romanovs coped with abdication and arrest from 1914 to 1918.
At the beginning of World War I, Russia's grand duchesses, Olga (19), Tatiana (17), Maria (15) and Anastasia (13) lived privileged, protected lives with their mild-mannered father, Nicholas, their anxious mother, Alexandra and their hemophiliac younger brother, Aleksei. Relying on letters, diaries and photographs of the imperial family as well as memoirs of people who shared their last years, Miller imagines how war and revolution irrevocably transported the Romanovs from their palace to house arrest in rural Tobolsk and final captivity in Ekaterinburg. The human side of their story is related chronologically through the alternating first-person voices of insightful Olga, organized Tatiana, kind-hearted Maria and impish Anastasia. Removed from the political drama exploding outside their doors, Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia emerge as isolated, unique young women with their own dreams and fears. As they nurse wounded soldiers, care for their fretful mother, amuse their ailing brother and suffer humiliation and deprivation, the four sisters symbolize family devotion and enduring hope in the face of bitter fate.
A fascinating, moving exploration of the endlessly fascinating Romanovs, buttressed by extensive and fascinating backmatter. - "KIRKUS, "May 1, 2011, *STAR
"A dramatic, powerful narrative and a masterful grasp of life in this vanished world."
--Greg King, co-author of "The Fate of the Romanovs" and" Resurrection of the Romanovs "
"As Romanov fiction goes, this is probably the best of the bunch."
Helen Rappaport, author of "The Last Days of the Romanovs: Tragedy at Ekaterinburg"
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (July 10, 2012)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 448 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1416983414
- ISBN-13 : 978-1416983415
- Reading age : 12 years and up
- Lexile measure : 880L
- Grade level : 7 - 9
- Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,270,363 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.
Sarah Miller began writing her first novel at the age of ten, and spent two decades working in libraries and bookstores. Her nonfiction debut, The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century, was hailed as “a historical version of Law & Order” by The New York Times. It was named one of Reader’s Digest's Best Biographies You Should Have Read By Now, and chosen as a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best selection. In addition to her non-fiction work, she is also the author of two historical novels for teens, Miss Spitfire: Reaching Helen Keller and The Lost Crown, both ALA Notable Books, as well as a bestselling novel for adults, Caroline: Little House Revisited. Sarah lives in Michigan.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers enjoyed the book. They found the characters distinct and well-developed. The writing style was described as exquisite and brilliant. Readers appreciated the well-researched, informative, and relatable story of the Romanov family. They also found the book a great introduction to the subject and a must-read for teens.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book. They find it entertaining and informative about history. The Lost Crown is described as an excellent book about Romanov Russia.
"...The Lost Crown was an amazing book of hope and dreams, sadness and fear, but ultimately, the love and bond of four sisters, whose world was changing..." Read more
"...Of their own passivity ... and yet a warning to us all! Nice read though a bit difficult at the beginning to be able To..." Read more
"...Painstakingly researched and exquisitely written, it is a delight...." Read more
"...It is an awesome book to read for history!" Read more
Customers enjoy the personalities of the characters. They find the narratives capture each character's distinct personality and individuality. The story portrays the relationships between four sisters without altering their fate or playing favorites. The girls show remarkable mettle when facing challenges. Readers appreciate that the book covers the perspectives of all the daughters and that they blossom as young women.
"...The characters are wonderfully portrayed, and witnessing their growing indignity and helplessness really moved me...." Read more
"...Each character is very well formed, and different in their own ways - Olga the smart one, Tatiana the beautiful, Maria the sweet, and Anastasia the..." Read more
"...All we have is four young women with distinct personalities managing to keep their individuality, their dignity, their humanity, and their affection..." Read more
"...Though brought up in a sheltered world, each girl shows a remarkable mettle when facing the increasingly horrific situation of their later years...." Read more
Customers praise the writing style. They find it exquisitely written in four different perspectives and offer insights into the average person's life. The author includes an illuminating author's note and helpful index. The book is based on letters and diaries, making it authentic and poignant.
"...I found that the dialogue as imagined by Miller is well written and sounds so authentic, with each Grand Duchess having a distinct voice...." Read more
"...formed, and different in their own ways - Olga the smart one, Tatiana the beautiful, Maria the sweet, and Anastasia the clown...." Read more
"...The author also includes an illuminating author's note and a very helpful bibliography for those who want to read more about this subject, as I..." Read more
"...Tho this book THE LOST CROWN is fiction it IS based on letters and diaries ,so the girls ( mostly - tho Alex is included) become PEOPLE not merely..." Read more
Customers find the book well-researched and informative. It provides a relatable account of the Romanov family's story, with helpful references and bibliography. Readers describe it as a great introduction to history, with a refreshingly perceptive and honest writing style.
"...are not familiar with Romanov history might find this a great introduction to the subject...." Read more
"Very informative and relatable telling of the Romanov family’s sad story. I liked that the story was told alternately through the girls...." Read more
"...The author also includes an illuminating author's note and a very helpful bibliography for those who want to read more about this subject, as I..." Read more
"...Painstakingly researched and exquisitely written, it is a delight...." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read. They say it's a great historical read for teens and pre-teens.
"...The Lost Crown is a must-read for all teens - and every other Romanov fan, regardless of age." Read more
"This is an excellent novel about the last days of the Romanov dynasty, narrated by the four doomed daughters of Nicholas and Alexandria...." Read more
"Great pre-teen.adolescent read. Historical without being boring. Girls would love this book...." Read more
"Great Book..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's authenticity and honesty. They find it poignant and perceptive.
"...It captures the voices of each of the grand duchesses in an authentic and truly poignant fashion. I highly recommend it." Read more
"...I thought it was well written, refreshingly perceptive and honest." Read more
"Part fiction, mostly facts. I love how the author kept it as authentic as possible, but used the fiction to play at the story line!" Read more
Customers appreciate the storytelling. They find it authentic and relatable, with events being played out as they did almost 100 years ago. The story is told alternately through the girls' perspectives.
"...The events are played out just as they did almost 100 years ago, which is a testament to the author's thorough research...." Read more
"Very informative and relatable telling of the Romanov family’s sad story. I liked that the story was told alternately through the girls...." Read more
"Part fiction, mostly facts. I love how the author kept it as authentic as possible, but used the fiction to play at the story line!" Read more
Reviews with images
A tragedy ending, but worth reading about their journey.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2011I have read many books, both fiction and nonfiction on the Romanovs, but this is by far the most emotional and intensely tragic account I've encountered. Told from the alternating perspectives of the four sisters collectively known as OTMA (Olga, Tatiana, Maria, Anastasia), these first person narratives capture the personality of each character superbly. Since it's historical fiction, most readers will know how their story ends, but that also makes it more heart-wrenching to read, especially towards the conclusion, in anticipation of the demise of the Romanov family. The very last line of the book, delivered by Olga, is probably the most poignantly brilliant sentence I've read in literature in quite some time.
Those who are not familiar with Romanov history might find this a great introduction to the subject. The book includes an index of names and roles, Russian phrases, pictures and a summary of historical context. Each chapter contains a photo of the sister narrating which may alleviate any confusion a reader may have with the constantly shifting perspective.
The events are played out just as they did almost 100 years ago, which is a testament to the author's thorough research. I found that the dialogue as imagined by Miller is well written and sounds so authentic, with each Grand Duchess having a distinct voice. The characters are wonderfully portrayed, and witnessing their growing indignity and helplessness really moved me. I can't say enough about the emotional impact this had on me, so I will leave it to readers to experience it for themselves.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2023Very informative and relatable telling of the Romanov family’s sad story. I liked that the story was told alternately through the girls. They became real girls to me and not just the executed daughters of the Russian Tsar. I liked it almost as much as the author’s book Marmee.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2011The Lost Crown, a new novel by author Sarah Miller, is an excellent book of Romanov Russia. The book is about the world - famous Grand Duchess Anastasia Nicholaievna Romanov and her elder sisters, Olga, Tatiana and Maria. In alternating chapters narrated by each of the Grand Duchesses, Ms. Miller clearly brings alive the challenges and joys of being a daughter of the Tsar. Each character is very well formed, and different in their own ways - Olga the smart one, Tatiana the beautiful, Maria the sweet, and Anastasia the clown. Each of these girls take very different perspectives on their father's choices, and show how four different girls could form such a bond.
At the beginning is the happy times - aboard the yacht Standart, with their only worry their brother Aleksei's hemophilia to cast a shadow. Almost before the reader knows it, the war occurs, then abdication, and finally house arrest. The girls still hope - for a better life, for escape - but Ms. Miller creates a foreboding attitude near the end of the story, yet still Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia continue to dream of a better life. It ends in a cellar at Ekaterinburg, with the brutal Romanov Massacre. The way Ms. Miller chose to write about the massacre tore my heart to shreds, but after I read the Epilogue, I flipped it over and started again!
The Lost Crown was an amazing book of hope and dreams, sadness and fear, but ultimately, the love and bond of four sisters, whose world was changing around them, and when you finish, you'll be in awe that this actually happened for real - such a sad, tragic story, but Ms. Miller handles it with talent and personality that other authors might not even dare touch. The Lost Crown is a must-read for all teens - and every other Romanov fan, regardless of age.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2011This is an excellent novel about the last days of the Romanov dynasty, narrated by the four doomed daughters of Nicholas and Alexandria. There are no gimmicks here--no love affairs between the girls and their guards, no survivors of the cellar massacre. All we have is four young women with distinct personalities managing to keep their individuality, their dignity, their humanity, and their affection for their family while their world collapses. It is well researched and heartfelt.
The author also includes an illuminating author's note and a very helpful bibliography for those who want to read more about this subject, as I certainly do now.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2019I liked knowing them
In detail their personalities, family dynamics and their everyday life. I learnt how being separate allows for
Stories to be created around the “others” and separate us with hatred and resentment - you cannot
Hate someone you know close and that is shown in this book.
It was desperate for to read them victims
Of their own passivity ... and yet a warning to us all!
Nice read though a bit difficult at the beginning to be able
To
Change perspectives every chapter !
- Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2017I love history...and the Russian Romanovs have always intrigued me,however most usually the children and their personalities are glossed over. Or they are talked about as a group.
OTMA is how the girls were referred to, but those 4 were deeply affected by their upbringing, surrounding and their parents woes. Naive and sensitive, intelligent but lacking in social skills, their growth was stunted in comparison to others in their age group.
Tho this book THE LOST CROWN is fiction it IS based on letters and diaries ,so the girls ( mostly - tho Alex is included) become PEOPLE not merely names. Heartbreaking in that the reader knows what the ending holds and yet, for some reason, hope remains. The time span covers the interim period of life in the palace and their deaths in captivity.
But they were loving young ladies who deserved much more than bullets and bayonets in the basement.
Top reviews from other countries
- Penny blossomReviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2012
5.0 out of 5 stars In love from page 1!!!
Such an amazing story told from the view of all the four sisters and not focusing on Anastasia as per normal. Beautifully written and absorbing, a real page turner.