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.

I was very familiar with the history of the Romanov dynasty prior to reading this book. I loved Ms. Lawhon's unique style of writing. For me in the beginning the structure of the book took some getting used to but it was well worth it. This story held me captive throughout. I was one of those who wanted Anastasia to have survived that horrific day. Even though I knew the historic outcome, Ms Lawhon's novel carried me through all the emotions and tensions the characters endured. I was there. Exceptional! Whether you like to read historical novels or not this is must.

I was a young girl when I first heard the story of a young girl who may've survived her assassination because bullets and bayonets couldn't get through the slew of jewels and baubles sewn into her clothing. Since then, I've read almost everything I could get my hands on about the last grand duchess. In every story, I can't help hoping for her survival, even though I'm aware of the scientific findings regarding the imperial family. I didn't, however, ever read about Anna Anderson. I couldn't tell you why, especially since, as I've said, I'm a hopeless survivalist (is that a term?). But when I read the summary for I WAS ANASTASIA, I knew I had to get my hands on it as soon as possible. Fortunately, I was able to get an early copy. This book impressed me in so many ways, including how the author integrated insights regarding the family's imprisonment I hadn't yet heard during my years of reading books and novels, along with performing my own research. Whether these insights are factual or the author's creative license matters little to me, as I feel these thoughts and moments added greatly to the overall story.

I'll admit the unique structure of the story took me a few chapters to get used to, but once I did, I think it worked beautifully for the story. Anastasia's story ticks forward chronologically, while Anna Anderson's ticks backward. I watched the dates within each storyline loom closer and closer until I knew they'd converge. The end result was me flying through the pages, eager for more. Of course, being familiar with the Romanov story added an extra layer of dreaded anticipation, as I knew the significant dates of the story, including the date of their controversial deaths

I won't speak much of the ending, as I want people to form their own opinions. And really, I'm not sure of my own opinion -- besides the fact I really enjoyed this book and the author's writing style. I not only recommend I WAS ANASTASIA to people who also share my fascination in Anastasia Romanov but any lover of historical fiction. Immediately upon finishing this book, I looked up other books by Ariel Lawhon. I've already added FLIGHT OF DREAMS to my TBR list!

You are not prepared to read this book.

I am so...torn. The story is told moving forward chronologically by Anastasia Romanov, and backwards in time by Anna Anderson. Both are allegedly Anastasia, but you don’t know if Anna really is.

And I hated Anna! Her attitude and the chip on her shoulder made it very hard for me to sympathize with her, but then I also kept thinking “but if she is Anastasia, then maybe she has a right to act this way?” It. Drove. Me. Crazy.

Good on the author for telling the story so well that I was really questioning reality. I even googled Anastasia to see what happened and I was still not convinced! That’s how well done this was.

This book is PERFECT for a book club. So much to discuss! But also there are some pretty terrible and graphic events in the story, just to warn you.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free preview of the book. I’m excited to see what others think when this comes out!

This book took some time getting used to. Anastasia Romanov's story is told in chronological order, while Anna Anderson's is told backwards, until the two stories finally converge at the end. I didn't like that at first. It confused and frustrated me for the first few chapters. But once I understood what was happening, and WHY the author wrote it that way, I was very intrigued. There are some historical inaccuracies, which is why I took away one star, but overall it was an excellently written book on the Anastasia Romanov/Anna Anderson sage.

I really enjoyed this book. There are two timelines in the book - the last 18 months of the Romanovs' lives running forward, and Anna Anderson's memories running backward (starting end of life back to appearance). I also really appreciated the fact that while some factual liberties were taken, the author stayed true to the overall history. The author's note at the end was enlightening, but due to spoilers, wait until you've finished the book to read it.

I've been drawn to the whole Tzar Nicholas II massacre for almost 20 years. I came into this book with a fairly strong basis of the whole Anastasia/Anna Anderson debate. I knew the facts. I knew the timelines. I knew a lot of the details behind everything. While I didn't read this book with a blank slate for the author to fill, I still was putty in the author's hands. It didn't take me long to be swept up in the dueling stories. Just as I knew so much. I also learned so much.

Ariel Lawhon had the difficult job of telling a complex story that was once a well known debate. A debate that, for some, still lives on. She handled this task with great respect and creativity. She made a real life story from many, many years ago feel relevant and current. She doesn't give much away as she tells the story from Anna's point of view. She writes her whole side of the story with a compassion and dignity that few ever thought to have.

She rotates the reader between Anna's story and Anastasia's. Event by event, you relive the family's imprisonments, treatment, and ultimate deaths. I found myself, once again, hoping and praying what I knew would happen wouldn't. You become a fly on the wall for disgusting acts of hatred and violence. By the time the family meets their end, you are sick with anger and disgust. But you will also never forget Anastasia, or her family.

Readers will be sucked into these two lives and the events within them from the first page. You will ride every roller coaster along with the characters. I have no doubt this book is destined for the bestseller lists. You will be a tangled mess of emotions by the time you read the author's note. As Ariel Lawhon tells you what was fact verses fiction, that ball of emotion will only increase. Several things you desperately want to be fiction are not. I Was Anastasia is a book that will stay with you long after you have closed the book.

Wish it would already be published so I could recommend it for Christmas. Customers are always looking for historical fiction and novels set in Russia are popular. Loved it!

I love, love, love this book. So well done with masterful handling of the complicated plot structure. Very well researched and beautifully written—the characters are vivid and alive, and I just could not put it down, even knowing how it ended for the Romanov family. This is one of those stories that resonates and is still following me around long after I’ve finished it. It brought me to tears more than once. The icing on the cake is the author’s afterword—the best I’ve ever read, even better than Stephen King’s! ;) I’ll be reading more Ariel Lawhon, too.

What a completely compelling story! I just finished it and I'm a little at a loss on what my opinion is. I HIGHLY recommend it, if only for the discussions it will stir up.

I was so excited to receive this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I loved Ariel's Lawhon's other books and was excited about the topic of Anastasia Romanov. I enjoyed learning more about that period of Russian history. Overall I liked the story, however my only hesitation is the structure of the book. Lawhon even addressed it in the author's note, which helped me appreciate it. But the book seemed to jump randomly around in time, over a period of forty years, making it harder for me to get into it. But beyond the structure, this was a fun read!

I Was Anastasia is part mystery and part historical fiction. Ariel Lawhorn did a great job of making this woman relatable without making her too much of an ordinary woman. I felt the the beginning was hard to get through since I didn't know anything of the original story of Anna Anderson, but once the flashbacks to the time in Russia began the story found cohesion and a good pace.
As someone who is not fully aware of all the details of the original case I took great fun guessing and then subsequently researching which parts of the book were based more in fact than rumor. As with any historical novel, those two lines cross again and again.
Lawhon's structuring of Anna's story was unique. She uses competing points of view at different times from both "Anastasia's" points of view. It was a structure that felt unique to this story and made me question again and again whether or not these women were the same person. In some ways the book gives closure but the answer doesn't seem to be as important to the finale as much as the idea of the case causing the question at all. Lawson tapped into the undefinable part of this story that is half myth and half truth without making those changes obvious.
Overall, I enjoyed this journey and Lawhon's writing and both "Anastasias".

I received an advance reader's copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I Was Anastasia shattered my heart into a million pieces like a well-written book should. Previously, I was not familiar with the story of Anastasia Romanov. The author takes one on a journey through the lives of Anastasia, a Russian tsarevna, and Anna Anderson, a woman who in the present, claims to be Anastasia. This is controversial in that Anastasia was assumed to have been killed, along with her family, by a firing squad years ago. The author captivated me by her personalization of the characters, including Anastasia’s beloved dog, Jimmy, who also stole my heart.