This novel starts by telling you that you will be angry with the storyteller at the end...then you are swept into the story of Anna Anderson, who allows people to believe that she is the Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia, whose entire family was executed at the time of the Bolshevik Revolution. But is she really? Many stories have been written about Anastasia over the close to 100 years since her family was murdered, and whether or not she survived. If you know the full story, you know how the book ends. If you don't you can easily find out, but I suggest you wait and be surprised. I enjoyed the book, although I found it difficult to follow with the way the timeline jumped around. It was a very somber read as I knew what the Romanov family faced and how the story ended.

This book tells the alternating stories of Grand Duchess Anastasia (told chronologically forward) and Anna Anderson (told incrementally backward) until the overlap. A clever device particularly for a story whose conclusion is widely known. However, it didn’t fully work for me, getting choppy and convoluted in the middle.

By far the best historical fiction title I've read in a long time! Not only is the story historically accurate, but the way it unfolds is unique and significantly adds to the plot and character development. Even though most readers today probably know how the book ends, before they even start it—Ariel Lawhon's masterful story telling will leave you cheering for, or jeering against one of the Anastasia's—which one is up to you!

My background on the Romanov's was very limited prior to reading 'I Was Anastasia'. As a fan of historical fiction I was anxious to remedy that hole in my reading history.

The Good:
The book was meticulously researched. I could tell that Lawhon was invested in telling a well-crafted story. I enjoyed the writing style and it certainly held my interest. I had a hard time not falling into an "Everything Romanov" rabbit-hole (I resisted until I finished).

The Not-So-Good:
This story is told in reverse with dual timelines and multiple narrators. This made it very difficult for me to follow. It ended up being a distraction. I read an ebook version. Had I read a print version I would have had easier time flipping back and forth.

Thank you to NetGalley and DoubleDay Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

"I was Anastasia" by Ariel Lawhon tells the story of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romonov and Anna Anderson the woman who claimed her title. Going between the two characters we are left thinking perhaps they are ome and the same. This is a historical fiction novel where Anna gets to tell her story. I enjoyed this novel. It takes you in from the first page and is hard to put down. I kept wanting to read more.

Interesting look at the Romanovs. It took some time to get used to the backwards timeline.

I became a fan of Ms. Lawhon after reading The Wife, The Maid and the Mistress and Flight of Dreams so I was thrilled to see this new book. It definitely does not disappoint. I was Anastasia tells the story of Anastasia Romanov in her own words, or are they?

This story is well thought out. I knew nothing about Anastasia and the death of her family so this was an entirely new subject for me. I was completely intrigued and captivated up until the last page. The plot was well researched and the characters have depth. I felt as if I knew Anastasia, her family and others in her life. The only factor I found slightly disconcerting was the timeline of the story. I had to stay completely on top of the times or I became confused. It had storylines that started in the past and future and sometimes in the middle.

I give this book a very high recommendation. I totally enjoyed it and couldn’t put it down. The ending took me completely off guard. As any good historical fiction, this story has inspired me to do more research on this tragic family. This novel can be read and enjoyed by teen to adult readers.

Hearbreaking. The book traces the life of Anastasia Romanov, allegedly the only survivor of a massacre during the Russian Revolution.
The book has two distinct timelines, and the ending is where they merge. The first main story is of an old woman who may or may not be Anastasia trying to reclaim what is hers. The second timeline is Anastasia and her family those miserable months leading up to their execution.
It was awful what the family went through, even if one doesn't agree with the politics. It is also part mystery novel. I found myself going back and forth on if the woman was or could be Anastasia herself.

This fascinating piece of Russian history has been featured in books, movies, and documentaries for decades. Yet no one tells the story quite like Ariel Lawhon. When I finished the book, I sat in silence for over an hour processing the experience. This historical fiction novel reads more like historical suspense and is an emotional journey for the characters and the reader. Two alternating chronological accounts propel the narrative forward, one moving forward in time, the other backward. Suspense builds until the stories converge and the tension is released. The main character is not necessarily Anastasia, but her most famous imposter. The reader learns her history of trauma, suffering, and resilience. In the Author’s note after the final chapter, we learn more about the structure and choices the author made regarding historical facts, her soft spot for Anna Anderson, and why she felt compelled to write this story. We’ve known for decades DNA testing proved Anna as an imposter, yet I still found myself wanting to believe her, due to the author’s most delicate and brilliant handling of Anna’s story. Readers will notice the enormous amount of research the author invested in this project. One can imagine non-linear timelines add an extra layer of challenge to the writing process and certainly, it was delightfully challenging as a reader too. Before the first chapter and after the last, Anna Anderson addresses the reader. The first address, “Fair Warning” pulled me into the story immediately. The last address, “I Told You So” sent delicious chills up my spine. I believe the technique is called, breaking the fourth wall, and it felt desirably intrusive and intimate as a reader. I can’t say enough good things about this book. If you like historical fiction, mystery, suspense, and just really amazing writing- pick this book up and buddy read it with a fellow bookworm. You are going to want to talk about it!

Told by alternating between two timelines, one which starts in 1917 at the Imperial village and residence at Tsarskoe Selo, and moves forward, and the second which starts in1970 Charlottesville VA and moves backward. Both converge on July 17, 1918 with the massacre of the Romanov family and their staff. The decline of the Romanovs and revolution, followed by the mystery and the legal proceedings, make this a compelling read, which leaves one to ponder the universal question---Did Anastasia survive? Even if you have read everything available about the Romanovs, this is an engrossing addition to you collection.

The Romanov's... one of most mysterious tales in all of Russian History. Is she or Isn't she the Tzars daughter Anastasia Romanov? Like a photo album that has missing pages throughout its covers, I was Anastasia was told in gaps and back views, this non-linear story feels like said missing-paged photo album.

Ariel Lawhon does a marvelous job convincing you that Anna Anderson is absolutely Anastasia Romanov from heart-breaking journeys into exile, traumatic train rides, death-defying slaughters, and yet, you still have to wonder if anyone can survive what Anna Anderson claims she has.

The story is poetic, filled with all that you can imagine of tragedy but also, loving memories of family, friendship, and compassion from those who selfishly provide for Anna if only to gain notoriety and material wealth.

It did take me a while and sometimes still after the first 100 pages I tended to have to go back to keep the pages in order of timelines. However, when you reach the end of the story, you understand what the author is achieving.

This story is a must if you have ever wondered about Anna/Anastasia's identity.

I gave this book 4 stars.

I received this book courtesy of Double Day Books via NetGalley in lieu of my honest review.

4.5 A Tale of Two Women Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Years ago when I was a teenager I saw the movie Anastasia with Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brenner. It captivated me. As I sat in my living room watching this Black and White film, everything about it was a wonder. The acting, the subtle romance between Yul Brenner and Ms. Bergman... I was hooked.

I then found Nicholas and Alexandra: An Intimate Account of the Last of the Romanov and the Fall of Imperial Russia. It was a 1967 biography of the last royal family of Russia by historian Robert K. Massie. I inhaled that and always wondered about what was the real story behind this Myth.

Ariel Lawhon has written a book which takes us on a journey of two women... they are on a collision course ...destined to converge at the end...It is done with a sure hand and may take a moment to see how all of this is happening... But Happening it is

The main focus is on the woman known as Anna Andersen and also the Royal Family Romanov during their last months. We have Anna's story told from her perspective... a long and hard life with insights of all those around her who made her journey difficult... but also possible...
We see how things were during all the years she was trying to receive the justice in recognition she so dearly wanted. We meet all the players...society's Grand Dames of the time who make her their house guest ...only to enjoy the notoriety...We go back in time with each important moment and see the manipulation by all... including Anna's...

And then there is the telling of the fall of the Romanov's through Anastasia's eyes. Her love of her family and her place in it. Her ability to see what is happening before most of them. The telling of the hardships they learn to endure. The fight to hold on when everything is crashing around them....

This story is done in such a way where you are given enough fact mixed with some of the author's admitted mixture of characters to want to know more. Anna was a hard person to feel for as Anastasia was someone to love...Yet both play off each other and in order to have the full story... this way to telling it was very unusual...It kept you wondering and so you kept reading... even though you do have much of it already in your mind...

I shall always love the Ingrid Bergman movie...and since it and many of the books out there were made long before more information about the Romanov Family has come to light...It is safe to say... The Myth will still live on as long as those want it...

A gifted copy was provided by Doubleday Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

I must say this was a very compelling book. I was sucked in from the beginning. I read through the night until the I finished it. I really felt for both Anastasia and the rest of Romanovs, for they were treated towards the end. But I also felt for Anna Anderson. This was a very good read! I enjoyed this author's style of writing immensely.

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Most people know the story of the execution/assassination of Tsar Nicholas II and the rest of the Romanov family in Elakterinburg, Russia at the hands of the Bolsheviks following the Russian revolution. Most have also heard of the woman (Anna Anderson) who claimed for years to be Anastasia Romanov and that she survived the brutal attack that claimed the lives of her family and servants. This is a clever telling of that story. The question about what whether Anastasia Romanov survived the firing squad in the basement has fascinated people for decades. Lack of DNA testing and location of a grave/burial site helped many who stepped forward to claim that she was the sole survivor. Of course, through the passing of time, DNA testing has been conducted and grave site excavations have given a clear answer.

But as the saying goes...it's not the destination, it's the journey. Lawhon takes the reader on a unique journey using two story lines. While reading this book, readers will either enjoy or become annoyed by the storytelling. While Anastasia Romanov's story is told chronologically, the story of Anna Anderson is told in reverse. In Author's note, Ariel Lawhon states that the movie "Memento" is a favorite of hers. This style of writing also reminded me of the book "All the missing girls" which was also told in reverse.

I found that I rather liked how she told her story. The storytelling was unique, granted, it did take me a couple of chapters to wrap my head around it. Thankfully, the chapters are labeled with the time you are reading. That is a big help! There is a lot of historical detail in this book. It is evident that the Author did a great deal of research prior to the writing of this book. History buffs may detect that Lawhon blended several characters into one (i.e. had one character be a blending of 2 real life guards of the Romanov's) in order to help the reader keep track of events and not be weighed down by too many characters.

It is hard to say too much without giving away spoilers, but this work of historical fiction was very good. I really appreciated how she blended historical facts with fiction. If you do not know the entire family about the Romanov's family's fall from grace and the events leading up to their execution, it is laid out for you here.

I highly recommend reading the Author's note at the end. I think this is essential. She details her research, why she blended characters, her inspiration for the reverse story telling and what lead her to write this book. I was actually deciding between a 3.5 and a 4 star rating, and then I read the Author's note and that pushed the book to a 4 star rating for me.

I love when books cause me to think, feel and also to learn. I did learn some facts while reading this book and I found I often wanted to put the book down and think about what I had just read. Mainly because things in this book really happened. Sitting and thinking about the horrible treatment of this family (especially the girls) and what they endured -living in constant fear and dread, I can't even imagine.

Again, interesting story-telling and a compelling read.

Thank you to Doubleday books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers copy of this book.

When I read the description for “I Was Anastasia” I became instantly intrigued. I never learned much about the Russia’s revolution, so I was unfamiliar with the history of the Romanov family, and, specifically Anastasia. Because of this, I was able to begin reading this novel with a completely unbiased, open mind. I’m glad that I didn’t have any preconceived opinions on Anna Anderson’s identity before I read the book because the ending was far more fascinating by my not knowing.

“I Was Anastasia” is an excellent story. I liked learning bits about the Russian Revolution, as well as seeing into Anna’s life after the Romanov executions. I thought it was unique to begin and end the book with Anna speaking to us, the reader, about what unfolded over the course of Anna/Anastasia’s lives. Another aspect I particularly enjoyed of this reading wasn’t even in the actual novel—it was the author’s note at the end. Lawhon shared some fascinating information about the history of Anna Anderson’s lifelong quest to be recognized as Anastasia Romanov. Lawhon’s “behind the scenes” information helped to fill in the gaps that my ignorance of the Anastasia affair had created.

Though I thought the author was smart to use multiple timelines to tell Anastasia’s story, but I didn’t like the way in which she delivered it. While I am a generally fan of multiple/dual timelines, this novel was far too confusing. The story didn't just go from present to past--it went all over the course of Anna's life in no particular order. At times I found it difficult to tell which events had already happened and which were still to come. I really didn't care for that. Though I do acknowledge that this sometimes did allow for interesting reveals, I didn't feel that it was worth the amount of confusion and frustration that it caused.

The quality of writing in “I Was Anastasia” was great, and I felt drawn to the material right away. I think that had the timeline been a bit less confusing that this would have been a five star novel for me. I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in history and historical fiction and wants a fairly unbiased account of the evidence of Anna Anderson’s true identity.

WOW! Just, a 5+ stars WOW!

A big Thank you goes out to Netgalley/Doubleday Publishing and the author Ariel Lawhon for an advanced ebook copy.

“Am I truly Anastasia Romanov? A beloved daughter. A revered icon. A Russian grand duchess.”

This book was just exquisite! When I was around 12 years old I became interested in the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia/Anna Anderson story. And just young enough and romantic enough to believe Anna was truly the Grand Duchess and survived the Revolution. But, like most young dreams and fantasies it was not to be.

I’m honestly having a hard time with this review because there are no words that would adequately describe this book. The Anna Anderson timeline itself starts in the present and works backwards with parts of Anastasia's life woven in which is going forward. And this was absolutely brilliant! I loved how the author gave us descriptions of the Romanov’s days as captives, I don’t ever remember reading details quite like this before. I knew how the ending was going to be, but I was still tense and anxious like this was my first reading of the Tsar family story. Then Ariel gifts us with this awesome last chapter followed by an internal dialogue of Anna Anderson, which was very astute. And then follows that with the best Author’s note ever.

I am sure most if not all know the ending to this story, I say, Read. It. Anyway. This book has become my favorite historical read of 2017! And that book cover is my absolute favorite, ever! Gorgeous! Ariel Lawhon you have found a forever fan.

This is one intriguing book. While having a basic knowledge of the Romanov family and their untimely deaths in 1918, I wasn't all that familiar with the events leading up to that time. That has changed since reading this book.

The books starts in 1968 with Anna and weaves back in time to 1918. It also alternates with Romanov's family story from 1917 - 1918. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the backward telling of Anna's story however, once I became accustomed to it I found it to be very effective. And it worked well with the progressive Romanov family story.

I was fascinated by Anna's journey, and all that she endured. It amazed me how she continued on without losing hope particularly when people, including many members of the Romanov Family, dismissed her as a fraud and fortune hunter. Her relationship with Gleb, essentially her right hand man, was unique and complicated. Once I finished the book my view of both Anna and Gleb has come into a new light....and this has me really examining things differently. I actually love that...to have rethink about different aspects of the book due to the ending!

I became engrossed in the Romanov family's tale - a wealthy, prestigious, Royal family used to commanding all, reduced to prisoners. It was interesting to me to see more how they handled this change in their circumstance and status. I also appreciated getting to view the thoughts and actions of those guarding the family (from the original Provisional Government guards led by Alexander Kerensky to later the Bolsheviks).

This is a well written and engaging book. I found myself constantly reaching for it to find out what happened next and really few things make me happier then being that into a book. I would highly recommend.
I received an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Remember the thriller recently written completely in a reverse timeline and readers either tolerated it or hated it? I didn't mind it too much, once used to it. Well, in this book only half of it goes backwards in time, but it bothered me anyway. The chapters alternate between Anna Anderson's story and Anastasia's. The Anastasia chapters slowly lead up to when the Romanov family is executed in 1918, and Anna's goes from 1970 to around the time of the executions. Only at the end do we know how it all started.

I have been wondering... why another book on Anastasia; doesn't everyone already know this story? Have we not watched it played memorably by Ingrid Bergman in the great old film, Anastasia, and heard the countless rumors of a Romanov surviving? I was curious what this author could offer that wasn't already done. For me, a few more personal details, and a renewed curiosity about Anna Anderson. This is historical fiction and the author says she fudged on some details but not much.

All in all, I am not certain I'd recommend this one unless you do not already know the story, and even then a non-fiction might deliver better. I have enjoyed looking at some pictures of the two characters, and there was a definite facial resemblance. If this had been my first time learning about the Romanovs, I am sure I would have rated it much higher. Knowing how it would end and failing to feel any real connection until the last couple of chapters sabotaged this experience for me, I'm afraid. Even so, some parts will remain memorable, I'm sure.

Than you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

I am usually a WWII buff and read everything I can get my hands on, but I've recently been interested in the assination of the Russian Royal Family. I was fascinated from the fire page through the last and will highly recommend this

I love the unique style of this book. It's made the story so much more compelling. I can't wait to review it on my blog.