Book Review: "Anastasia's Secret" by Susanne Dunlap

The youngest daughter of the doomed Romanov family has captured the imaginations of many. Anastasia Romanov has inspired movies and even theories that she survived the murder of her family. Anastasia continues to inspire and capture the imagination in "Anastasia's Secret" by Susanne Dunlap.

"Anastasia's Secret" is a glimpse into the world of the youngest daughter of Czar Nicholas II. Known as the comedic and fun member of the family, Anastasia has a close relationship with her parents and siblings: Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Alexei. Kept secluded with her family members and ignorant of the poverty of Russia, Anastasia has no clue how unpopular her father and family are becoming. It takes a young guard named Sasha to expose Anastasia to the dangers and realities of the outside world. When revolution comes to Russia, Anastasia's world is changed forever. The seizing of the government by the Bolsheviks leaves the Royal family imprisoned by guards and eventually sent to Siberia. During all this, Anastasia's bond with Sasha deepens and they embark on a passionate love affair. The novel explores Anastasia's love and bond with her family and Sasha and the dangerous days of revolution in Russia.

"Anastasia's Secret" is a well-written look at the life of Anastasia. Movies have dramatized or incorrectly portrayed her life, but Dunlap gives her story much realism with her portrayal of Anastasia's life with her family and the tragedy that came from the revolution in Russia. When Dunlap brings fiction into the story with the relationship between Sasha and Anastasia, she makes it that it seems like it could have been believable and truly happened. Dunlap has a way of perfectly mixing history and fiction.

It may be jarring for readers to see Anastasia embark on a passionate relationship, but it is almost uplifting considering the days of tragedy and a brutal ending that await her. Dunlap gave Anastasia a love story in her novel, a love story the real Anastasia most likely never encountered. It's a lovely aspect to the novel.

The best part of the novel is the portrayal of Anastasia's family. Disillusioned Czar Nicholas III, fragile and much maligned Alix of Hesse, sensitive Olga, beautiful Tatiana, kind Maria, and sickly Alexei. You will feel as if you are part of the family when reading the novel.

"Anastasia's Secret" is a lovely look into the life of the fun-loving youngest Romanov daughter and what her world was like during the tragic fall of her family.

To purchase "Anastasia's Secret": http://www.amazon.com/Anastasias-Secret-Susanne-Dunlap/dp/B004IK9EH8

For more information on Susanne Dunlap: http://www.susannedunlap.com/Susanne_Dunlap/Home.html