I’ve always been intrigued by the lives of royalty, and loved this inside look at the stories around the rise and fall of deposed monarchs. This is written by Alexander, (formerly) Grand Duke of Russia, in more of an op-ed vs strictly biographical style, with anecdotes, observations, and sweeping opinions on those he’s interviewing. It’s generously biased but nonetheless revealing for that bias, and a fascinating look not just at the lives of his interviewees, but his own psyche and bitterness mixed with pragmatism at the fall of royalty’s heyday in Europe.
I really enjoyed the narrator on this, he was great to listen to. Sometimes the voices for the characters were a little halting, or the pronunciation a little off (I’ve studied Russian, but most probably wouldn’t notice), but it was a nice and easy-flowing narration.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.