The Race to Save the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport Book Review

The murder of the Romanov family in July 1918 horrified the world, and its aftershocks still reverberate today. In Putin’s autocratic Russia, the Revolution itself is considered a crime, and its anniversary was largely ignored. In stark contrast, the centenary of the massacre of the Imperial Family was commemorated in 2018 by a huge ceremony attended by the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.

While the murders themselves have received major attention, what has never been investigated in detail are the various plots and plans behind the scenes to save the family―on the part of their royal relatives, other governments, and Russian monarchists loyal to the Tsar. Rappaport refutes the claim that the fault lies entirely with King George V, as has been the traditional claim for the last century. The responsibility for failing the Romanovs must be equally shared. The question of asylum for the Tsar and his family was an extremely complicated issue that presented enormous political, logistical and geographical challenges at a time when Europe was still at war.

Like a modern day detective, Helen Rappaport draws on new and never-before-seen sources from archives in the US, Russia, Spain and the UK, creating a powerful account of near misses and close calls with a heartbreaking conclusion. With its up-to-the-minute research, The Race to Save the Romanovs is sure to replace outdated classics as the final word on the fate of the Romanovs.

We have all heard the stories of miraculous escapes and daring rescues but the truth is that Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra and their five children were all brutally murdered in that basement. However, that doesn’t mean attempts weren’t made to save them, especially the children. Helen Rappaport goes through the different attempts made by various family members, from the best-known offer of asylum from King George V (which eventually fell through) to the attempts made by King Alfonso XIII of Spain.

Helen Rappaport is an expert on the Romanovs and it certainly shows in her approach to this book. There is no nonsense and easy debunking of rumours. You can’t go wrong with Helen. The book’s tragic conclusion can’t help but make you wonder…. what if all the parties involved had worked together to save the Romanovs?

The Race to Save the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport is available now in both the UK and the US.