Cover Image: The Lost Daughter

The Lost Daughter

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Member Reviews

Sad, but beautiful. Very Russian I suppose. I liked the Secret Wife a lot, but I LOVED this one. I know the reality, but it’s nice to think that Maria could have been spared and experienced a harsh, but loving life. Thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

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My Review:
This historical novel starts off in 1918 with one of the Romanov's sisters Grand Duchess Maria a few doors down from where her and her family's assassination is being planned. Move forward to 1973 and one of the shooters is at his deathbed telling his daughter he did not want to kill her. Stunned Val begins a search for what really happened to Maria.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Well, I have to stay this riveting historical novel is a must read. What interested me what analyzing the story and thinking about if the Romanov children had survived would we ever have found out? It is a fascinating story that is told in a very entertaining way, so much so that I could not put the book down until the very end.

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The Romanov family never expected what would happen to them until up to the very last minute. History proves that to be true. So as the Tsar and Tsarina and their daughters and son waited under house arrest, they had no idea what was to be their fate. Maria, with her vivacious personality made friends with her captors, often spending time with the guards and getting to know them. But then when the family’s tragedy occurred, she wasn’t ready for what was to come.

Without giving away the story – I’ll just say that decades later, a women discovers her father’s past is nothing like she’d been told. With a few clues to guide her, she researches his past – and what she finds is extraordinary. And what we learn may have happened to the Grand Duchess Maria is also shocking.

This is a well-crafted tale that you truly do not want to put down. I was enthralled by the history woven with the fictional story, and one could believe that it may have happened this way. A wonderful story that historical fiction readers are sure to enjoy.

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I read one of Gill Paul’s novels last year and loved it. I was so excited to see that she was writing a novel about the Romanov family that was coming out in August. Rather than pick up one of her other novels, I decided to hold off and wait for this one to come out.

The Romanov tragedy is fascinating to me. It’s one of the greatest tragedies in modern history, but while I am fascinated by it, I haven’t actually read a lot about the family and the history or politics of the time.

This was one of the big reasons I was looking forward to this one. While it’s a fictionalized account of the family, I knew there had to be a lot of history intertwined in this one so I was eager to start it. I didn’t even read the summary when I saw it, I just say that it was about the Romanov family and written bu Gill Paul, I didn’t need to know anymore than that.

Summary

Summer 1918: Pretty, vivacious Grand Duchess Maria Romanova faces an uncertain future. The nineteen-year-old daughter of the fallen Tsar Nicholas II, she now lives with her family in suffocating isolation, a far cry from their once-glittering royal household. Her days are a combination of endless boredom and paralyzing fear; her only respite is a clandestine friendship with a few of the guards imprisoning the family—never realizing her innocent flirtations could mean the difference between life and death.

1973: When housewife Val Doyle hears her father’s end-of-life confession, “I didn’t want to kill her,” she’s stunned. So, she begins a search for the truth—about his words and her past. The clues she discovers are baffling—a jewel-encrusted box that won’t open and a camera with its film intact. What she finds out pulls Val into one of the world’s greatest mysteries—what really happened to the lost Romanov daughter? (summary from Goodreads)

Review

As I said, I didn’t read the summary in it’s entirety. I just saw Romanov and started to read it. I actually thought with a title like ‘the lost daughter’ it would be about one of the more famous daughters, Anastasia, but it wasn’t. It was actually about Maria. The murder of the family actually happened in the first third of the book and the moments/months leading up to the death of the family were written so vividly and with such emotion, that I had to put the book down for a while after reading that section. My heart just hurt for that poor family, especially the small children. Paul is a powerful writer and I thought she did a fantastic job at that focusing on those months leading up to the murders.

While this part was only a small part in the story, it was really powerful and set the tone for the entire book and once my heart healed I was able to pick this book up again and devour it! I loved the alternating time periods in this book and the switches really kept things moving and me reading. I don’t know that I loved Val’s character (the modern character), but I liked the way that the author balanced the past with the present.

I know that a lot of other reviewers felt like this book packed an emotional punch and it left them reeling. I completely agree. This book packed so much more motion than the other novel I have read by her. This book was so emotional and well written and she should be commended for creating such a rich and powerful story. I adored this one.

Book Info and Rating

Kindle Edition, 464 pages
Published August 27th 2019 by William Morrow Paperbacks (first published October 18th 2018)
ASIN B07G13Z9ZC
Free review copy provided by publisher, William Morrow, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: historical fiction

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Favorite Quotes:

The minutes crawled interminably, so slow she suspected the clock had been tampered with in order to torture them.

That evening, she explained to Nicole that a judge had decided she did not have to visit her daddy anymore. “OK.” Nicole nodded, quite happy with this. “Will I get a new daddy now? What do we have to do? Should we apply somewhere?”

If you can help someone without harming anyone else, then why on earth wouldn’t you do it?


My Review:


This was my first experience of being immersed in Gill Paul’s epic storytelling and I am beyond impressed. The Lost Daughter was beautifully written, lushly descriptive, and heartbreakingly realistic. Her emotive writing was taut with tension and pulled me right inside her characters’ various storylines. I felt my chest tighten as if I were fleeing with them and racing for escape while in danger of capture. The book spanned 90 years with an intriguing and enthralling fusion of fact and fiction. The story hit all the feels and I was enthralled, educated, and horrified yet highly entertained by Ms. Paul’s absorbing and well-crafted tale.

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A family tragedy. A fight for love. A long-buried secret.

Russia 1918, the Tsar and Tsarina Romanov were executed in the Revolution. There were conflicting reports as to whether their five children were also executed. Because of the opulence and romance of a royal family, it was hoped that one or more of the children had escaped and hid themselves. I remember as I was growing up hearing different stories of what could have happened, mostly about Anastasia. I had not heard anything about Maria. It was interesting to read about her and what she may have been like. The incredible detail of the writing makes you feel as though you are there. Not a quick read, it takes you through the pain, suffering, starvation and cruel living conditions in Russia at that time, also weaving in a more recent day (1973) character in Australia. Smoothly done. Holds your interest until the very end. Mild sexual content.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#TheLostDaughter #NetGalley #GillPaul #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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I often find books about the Romanov family to be intriguing and captivating, and Gill Paul's rendition of the Romanov story and its tragedy did not disappoint. The take on their story and, in particular, that of Grand Duchess Maria left me wanting to read more by this author. Definitely a must-read for any historical fiction fan.

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The Lost Daughter is a spellbinding what-if novel. It envisions what could have happened had Maria Romanov survived. With two timelines that eventually converge in unexpected ways, the Romanov timeline opens just as the family is moved to Ekaterinburg. It shows their last few days from Maria’s perspective before her fictionalized escape. Helped by a guard named Peter, they manage to form a new life for themselves in Stalinist Russia. Will the truth be discovered? What trials will they endure?

The more modern storyline is set in the 1970s. Valarie Doyle’s father, a Russian national now living in Australia where she was raised, has passed. Val is in an abusive marriage and is trying to find a way out. When she does, she faces struggle after struggle, including learning the truth about her father who on his deathbed proclaimed “I didn’t mean to kill her” and “there was so much blood.” With her daughter Nicole in tow, how does Val manage? What other truths does she discover about her family and her heritage?

Both storylines show the struggles of women living in isolation with a secret. Each responds differently and discovers new things about themselves. Paul wrote in such a spellbinding way that readers are instantly connected to the characters and do not want to place the book down. She has done a great deal of research about the people and times, something that reminds me of A Gentleman in Moscow, as both place readers in the heart of Stalinist Russia and all that entails-fear, unfulfilled wants, restricted movements. However, one wonders whether someone who grew up in opulence could have really tolerated living in those conditions no matter how believable Paul made it sound. As a whole, I enjoyed this novel so much I requested a copy of The Secret Wife by Paul about Tatiana Romanov to read before I completed reading this novel!

I'll be posting this review to my blog shortly as well.

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This book was INCREDIBLE! There are several reasons why this book should be considered by any who love historical fiction. While there has been plenty of attention paid to the youngest Romanov daughter Anastasia, very little has been paid in recent fiction to any of the others. It was very refreshing to read a tale focused on the middle child, Maria. The author wove together the elements of both a dual-timeline and a chronological one masterfully. Paul definitely put a considerable amount of time and effort into the evolution of this novel and it emanates from each and every page. The book presents a comprehensive overview of how life evolved for those who lived in Russia during and after WWI. It also provides insight into how White Russian immigrants impacted life in neighboring China. The use of a kind of reverse Stockholm syndrome provided just the right touch to knit the characters together in a very bizarre and unusual way. This book will consume you from the moment you begin. I will be seeking out all other titles by Gill Paul from now on.

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A telling chronicle of love and loss. Without the tough moments, the outcome of life would be different. Would you trade a heartbreak in your past if you knew that you would be sacrificing something fulfilling that you would have in your future?

1918- There were always rumors that perhaps one of the Romanov girls survived. In The Lost Daughter, the story begins with the Romanovs being taken to the Ipatiev House. Being held as captives by the Bolsheviks, we see their imprisoned state through the eyes of the third daughter, Maria. Shortly after, Maria and her family are murdered but miraculously she survives. She is met with a new changing Russia, but how can she continue without her family?

1973- In Australia, Val’s father is dying, and she knows little to nothing about his past in Russia. He continues to murmur, “I didn’t want to kill her” which leaves Val with even more questions. Her mother left her when she was only thirteen, and without any other family she knows she must dig to uncover the lost remnants of her family’s history.

Historically, Gill Paul outdid herself. Spanning from 1918-1976, the reader is propelled through Russia’s changes. Communal blocks, rations, assigned jobs, “shock workers”, banned Orthodox churches, and secret police permeate the lives of Soviets after the Romanov's are killed. Ironically, Maria’s children are raised under the watchful eyes of communism and implanted with proletariat ideals. How can the same supporters who killed her own family claim they have the best intentions for her children?

Within Maria’s life we see a story of forgiveness, strength, perseverance, and hope. As a character, she transforms from a vulnerable and helpless young lady into a courageous and resilient woman through times of affliction and times of joy. Gill Paul flawlessly turns suffering into something beautiful through the character of Maria Romanov. The character of Maria is a hero, and she will stay with me for a long time.

HIGHLY recommend to lovers of historical fiction and those interested in the effects of the Bolshevik revolution. Please note, there is a rape scene at the beginning. Many thanks to NetGalley, Gill Paul, and HarperCollins for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

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I knew this was about the Romanov's and the Russian revolution and was very excited to read a Gill Paul book, but didn't look too deep to know where it was headed when I started reading the Lost Daughter. I loved the story. I loved following Maria's story and slowly learning about Val's connection. I really enjoyed the two different perspectives and how they tied the whole tale together. I am super excited to recommend this book to friends and to dig into Gill's backlist books! I love a historical fiction that takes a new twist and perspective on history!

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the early copy to read and review.

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I received a free Advance Reader Copy through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

<b>3.5 stars rounded up.</b>

It's refreshing to see a story about a Romanov escaping that isn't Anastasia. Paul gives a consistently realistic (if romanticized) version of that fateful July evening and what happened after, imagining a world in which Maria lives on after the execution of her family. Woven throughout Maria's narrative which begins in 1918 is the story of Val, a battered housewife in the 1970s. Paul merges these stories together in an unpredictable way.

I read my first (and last) Danielle Steele novel last year--Zoya, and I found myself drawing comparisons between The Last Daughter and it. The Last Daughter is a significantly better and more believable story. Maria is a rounded character who suffers hardships throughout her life and makes mistakes which affect her life and the lives of her loved ones; no Mary Sues here. The villains had nuance and depth to them, sometimes not realized by the protagonists till years later.

At times, it felt like there were too many ideas crammed into one story. You have the story of the Romanovs, WWII in Russia, Soviets and Communists, abused wives and how difficult it was to get a divorce in the 1970s, a daughter stolen away from her mother, a thief with a mysterious past--it was a bit much. It also felt like the story dragged a bit due to the extensive timelines of the characters lives--we see decades upon decades of time pass throughout the novel.

Regardless, the story was interesting, and it brought something new to the table. I'd have no problems recommending this to someone with a casual interest in the last of the Romanovs.

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I read The Romanov Empress a little while ago, and it definitely piqued my interest with regard to the Romanov Family Dynasty. I personally do not get into the belief that one of the children was able to somehow escape the brutal murder of their family, but I do enjoy reading about the "what ifs" of history. There are several novels out there that look at these "what ifs" with the Romanov's, and some are able to create a better and more believable story than others. This novel was one of the better ones. It held my attention throughout, and set it up as a great mystery, where you truly could not guess how it would turn out. It was a great page turner, and it didn't take me long to finish it, as I was unable to put it down for long. There are so many people out there who are fascinated by the history of the Romanov's, and this is a great book for those people, especially because the author chose the Grand Duchess Maria to focus the story on. So many of the other novels either focus on Anastasia or the actual Emperor and Empress Romanov. It is interesting to get the story from a different point of view. Definitely worth reading if this topic lies in your area of interest!

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I devoured this book. Literally read it in one afternoon, and it’s been quite a while since I’ve read for hours on end without stopping. The whole novel was very well-written, and the characters pulled me in instantly. I love anything written on or about the romanovs - though fiction, it made me hope that maybe one or more of the family did escape the execution. And I liked the parallel stories going back and forth in time. Definitely recommend.

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A delightful take on Romanov history, Paul explores the life of Grand Duchess Maria in this “what if” narrative. The alternative history explores the escape and survival of third daughter Maria while weaving in the tale of a second protagonist set in 1970’s Australia. Two women faced with seemingly insurmountable journeys find commonality in inner strength, community, and love. Paul’s ability to merge the two life stories in a complicated yet approachable narrative is masterful. Taking from historically accurate cues the author paints a haunting view of post-revolution communism while creating characters that are sympathetic and endearing. A must-read for historical fiction lovers!

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This book contains two points of view. The first is Grand Duchess Maria and begins when her family is sent to Yekaterinburg and follows her unlikely survival and the ensuring years. The second pov is Val, an abused women in the 1970's. On her father's deathbed, he confesses to Val - "I didn't want to kill her." While Val struggles to leave her husband, she searches for the truth of her father.

I thought this book was a bit mediocre. It was extremely predictable and a bit slow moving. The time transitions were not handled very well and large periods of time were glossed over. Overall, not a book I would re-read or recommend.

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What if one of the Romanov daughters survived the brutal attack on her family and lived to tell the tale? Not Anastasia, but Maria - the middle child of the five. Maria survived the assassination attempt and was saved by a guard who ran away with her. On the other side of the world, a bitter Russian emigre leaves a mystery behind for his Australian daughter to piece together about what really happened and his connection with it.

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A great "what-if" novel for those still very interested in the lost Russian royalty and their murders. Paul writes an engaging novel of the middle daughter of Tsar Nicholas, Maria, and a scenario of a live lived after surviving the brutal murder of her family. The characters and the time periods she lives through are well researched and believable. Be prepared for reading two timelines, but Paul is able to integrate them seamlessly. Highly recommend to readers of historical fiction.

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I was interested in The Lost Daughter because I am fascinated by the Romanovs and their demise. The novel was not very well-written (and was very unbelievable at times), but it was fast-paced and engrossing. I stayed up too late to finish it. I was disappointed with how the two past and present stories came together. However, the story painted such a heartwrenching and dismal picture of Russia following the Revolution... I need to learn more. I appreciate a book that inspires me like that

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