I have finally started on the series on my book list for the Fall Into Reading Challenge at Callapidder Days. The Russians is a 7-book series written by Michael Phillips and Judith Pella. I have read the first two so far.
The first book, The Crown and the Crucible, was a little slow at first with a long prologue(although I recommend reading it) and I had a little trouble getting to the story. But once I did, I was hooked. I love history and these books are full of it! The story starts in 1876 (not counting the prologue which goes back to 368 A.D.) during the reign of Tsar Alexander II. There are the beginnings of civil unrest and the tsar's rule is being threatened. The story follows two families: one a peasant family from the countryside, the other aristocracy in St. Petersburg.
The second book, A House Divided, continues with the story of the two families. The country has become even more threatened by the violence of the revolutionaries and Tsar Alexander II's reign is even more in trouble. I am enjoying this up close look at the history of Russia. It is very interesting to see the thoughts and circumstances of the people at that time and see what led to more recent events in my own lifetime. I'm looking forward to the next 5 books!
If you are a lover of history, or if you simply love the story of families who face many challenges, I think you would enjoy these books.
Check out more great book reviews at Callapidder Days.
Comments
I remember you reading some sort of Russian series in high school or college I think...was that something different? (I remember you recommending it to me, but I never got around to reading them.)
I'll have to check out both series...I'll add them to my "must read" list.