It's a bad time to be speaking about anything Russian at the moment but I sincerely hope that this book doesn't suffer from the timing of the release because it is excellent. Honestly, I had no clue there were so many Russians who were drawn to Paris but Ms. Rappaport shows that there is a rich history from the Belle Epoque to right around World War II of the Russian presence in France. There is a heavy emphasis on the Russian royalty which is understandable because they were the only people who could afford to travel to France, especially in the pre World War I days. The author's description of the extravagance of the royals kind of makes one understand why the Russian Revolution took place with all of that money wasted on things instead of helping their fellow countrymen. The author also gives an excellent description of the desperation of the people trying to leave Russia after the Revolution and the despair they felt trying to find their way in a new country that didn't always treat them well. I learned a lot from this book about an era I had no idea existed and I enjoyed the excellent writing.

The fall of Tsar Nicholas II and the murder of his family is a well known episode in history. Helen Rappaport’s After the Romanovs explores the lives of Russian royalty prior to the revolution, when Paris was a playground for the elite. Russian culture was brought to France by notables like Diaghilev and his creation of the Ballets Russes and the music of Stravinsky. The amount of money that was spent on jewels and entertainment prior to the Russian Revolution was obscene while the Russian people suffered. After the Revolution fortunes were lost and conditions worsened, forcing the elite to flee Russia. Many were evacuated to Constantinople, which became a major transit area but while allies debated their relocation they were often forced to remain for weeks, forcing them to sell their possessions to support themselves. While France welcomed a number of exiles to fill positions in factories and mines that were vacant after the losses in WWI, they often faced hunger and poverty as they struggled to survive.

There was an incredible number of people who fled Russia. By telling some of the individual stories Rappaport brings a human element to her non-fiction. Grand Duke Paul, the Tsar’s uncle, and his wife Olga had been banished by the Tsar after a scandal. After living in Paris for a number of years, they returned to Russia in 1913, where Paul was later executed along with three of his Romanov relatives. This is the story of Marc Chagall, Sandro, a Grand Duke who lived at the Ritz despite having no money until he was forced to move and the writer Gazdanov who became a taxi driver. It is a fascinating look at history and is highly recommended. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review.

Very interesting book of the Russian influence in Paris in dance and fashion and the different people who were the influencers. Those seeking refuge in Paris after seeking asylum from the Revolution in Russia would take what jobs they could find but we’re still capable of influencing the Parisienne society. They still loved the ballet and fashion and the good food so would do what was necessary to continue these interests.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC of this nonfiction book on the aussian immigrants to Paris.
#Netgalley #StMartinsPress

This nonfiction book chronicles the lives of Russian émigrés in Paris, France. The author begins near the end of the Belle Époque when grand dukes and other upper-class Russians frequented the city, spending exorbitant amounts of money on Paris establishments like the Hôtel Ritz and Cartier. During the Russian Revolution, several members of the former ruling class fled to cities like Berlin and Paris. Forced to leave most of their wealth in their homeland, many Russian émigrés found themselves in need of paid employment for the first time in their lives. Although they originally believed this to be a temporary situation, the years stretched into decades and the Russian émigré communities remained.

Although I knew little of the Russian Revolution or the Russian émigré community in Paris, I found the book to be well-researched and interesting.

The timing for this book made a big difference for me. While reading it, I kept thinking of the current situation in Ukraine and all the people who have recently become refugees because of it. Due to this perspective, I found myself more interested in the parts about the general Russian community in France than the parts about specific famous Russian émigrés. If I had read this book several months ago, I may have felt the opposite.

As I write this, the world is watching the human crisis in Ukraine and the millions of refugees pouring over the borders due to the invasion by Russia. Just over a hundred years ago, Russians fled their homeland due to the Revolution. How uncanny these two events take place on such a world stage and create such human upheaval and chaos among the Slavic population of Eastern Europe. That being said, the Revolution refugees from the Bolsheviks read like a who's who of the elite of Russian society, not the mass exodus of today of ordinary peoples. Being driven from your homeland and forced into exile creates a historical refugee drama of immense proportions. After the Romanovs by Helen Rappaport tries to capture the essence of forced relocation and settlement in Paris by Russia's monarchial oligarchy and its artistic community.

Rappaport's work begins with a detailed look of a world of glitz, glamour, obscene wealth, and indulgent lifestyles among Russia's elite in the early 20th century Paris. Their world before the revolution created a dream scape that allowed them to escape the dreariness of Russian winters and growing social discontent. Even Lenin found solace in the beauty of Paris prior to the outbreak of the Great War, one of the more fascinating chapters of the book. Once the war begins and the Bolsheviks topple the tsar and his family, Paris becomes the refuge of these homeless elites and the thousands of others escaping the cruelty and barbaric purges of Lenin and Trotsky's bloodletting of the bourgeoisie. Fleeing across the frozen tundra to the East or packed onto trains to the Crimea, the Russians are often caught in the struggle to stay one step in front of their persecutors. Once they find their way to safety and freedom, life in Paris offers them a home but it is one fraught with peril and often poverty. Their world of riches and privilege is left long behind.

Some of the more fascinating aspects of After the Romanovs are the later chapters in the book. The first few chapters almost bog down in the weight of the minutiae Rappaport includes about the artistic community that thrives in Paris. Honestly, I almost stopped reading the book at this point. But then the chapter on Lenin pops up which provided a really interesting insight into a short time in his life on the eve of the revolution. It also shifts the story from the privileged elite to the pogrom refugees who fled Russia years before. Suddenly Rappaport's narrative changed tone and made for much more interesting reading. No longer is the focus just on the Russian royals and artists indulging their pleasures in the City of Lights. It shifts gears to expose the danger and heartbreak of a war and revolution.

One of the most interesting tales revolves around the Bolsheviks attempts to lure the refugees home with the plan to execute them. Using the government in exile and the remnants of the White Army as their ruse, the Bolsheviks created a false organization to work in collusion with these runaway Russians. Kidnapping, subterfuge, and murder of the refugees by Lenin's agents offered an early look at the future of the NKVD and later the KGB as objects of fear and terror. Here Rappaport's attention to detail really pays off as she draws a withering portrait of the evil intent of the Bolsheviks' revolutionary zeal.

Meticulously researched and written, After the Romanovs provides an uneven but interesting view of a world long gone. By looking at the revolution from the lives of those who fled offers a different historical context often not found in the numerous works devoted to one of the most important events of the 20th century. Theirs is not the view of outsiders looking in at the "evils" of a Communist overthrow but one of those who lost everything to a revolution that stole their lives and homeland forever.

After the Romanovs: Russian Exiles in Paris from the Belle Époque Through Revolution and War written by Helen Rappaport is Historical Non Fiction.
Helen Rappaport has written a history of Russian Aristocrats and others in Paris before and after the socialist takeover and how they lived and survived even in poverty and exile. This book is an interesting history of wealthy and poor Russians' enchanting love affair with Paris, France, and all things French.
The author supplies a list of characters that play important roles in her book and a bibliography for more in depth study. Excellent reference book of European Historical Non Fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

After the Romanovs is a compelling and timely in-depth look at aristocrats and nobility before, during and after the Russian Revolution in 1917. Author Helen Rappaport explains the Russian fascination with France which started in 1717. In the late 19th century obscenely wealthy Russians flocked to Paris and were lauded by awed locals. Also described are those in the arts who became part of the inner circle such as Pablo Picasso and Marcel Proust. Russian concerts and opera as well as philosophy were de rigueur. But the Revolution changed everything...material things became worthless and nobility found themselves in exile. Tsar Nicholas II and his family were barbarically assassinated and others were imprisoned and reduced to extreme poverty. Bolshevik Lenin's goal was to liquidate the Romanovs and therefore in 1918 required all bourgeoise to work, mostly at menial jobs. A few became philanthropists such as Mother Maria Skobtsova who suffered horrors as well.

Travel back home to Russia became impossibly risky for many and the suicide rate in Paris skyrocketed due to desperate homesickness and extreme poverty. A few were welcomed back such as Leo Tolstoy. But others in desperation sold precious jewels and clothing for figs, fresh water or a loaf of bread. The book continues through WWII and after. So much sadness.

The list of characters at the front of the book is a very handy reference. Stories are harrowing and heartbreaking. I was able to connect many dots after reading this and had many aha moments. If you are at all intrigued by the Romanovs or life during that era, do pick this up.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this gripping book.

3.5 stars, rounded down to 3.

This is one of those books one does not simply read straight through on a rainy afternoon It's a bit textbookish, but reads surprisingly easily at the same time--it's just _dense_, with a ton of characters! LOL!

I have long been fascinated by Russia and its history, and this overall is a welcome addition to the genre. It provides a fresh take on an aspect of Russian history I really wasn't familiar with, and enjoyed learning about--to a point, heh. The downside for me was just the, shall we say, colorful relations that many historical figures partook in. Passing reference is one thing, but after a while I just personally got to the point of saying "enough!"

Rappaport is evidently well versed in the topic and a talented researcher and historian. (I geekily appreciate her use of the "ts" spelling in "tsar" and "tsaritsa," rather than "cz"--a preference I developed while taking Russian-language classes in college.)

Certainly a helpful read when needed; probably not one I'd pick up, as mentioned, on a lazy afternoon, but sheds light on both the good and the bad of the time. I learned a lot!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Paris has been a place of great culture and wine for many centuries. Not as well known is that fact that many people have found refuge from their countries that have exiled them. or where they are in danger. Many Russian exiles spent time and LOTS of money there. They lived and worked there, some thrived, some did not. This is the story of those people and that time.

After years of upheaval, with the Bolsheviks taking power, over a million people fled Russia. It was daunting and, for many, harrowing. Large numbers of these refugees ended up in Paris. Helen Rappaport examines how they dealt with life economically, politically, philosophically. The book mainly concerns aristocrats, artists and writers. More than once Rappaport points to a lack of sources for individual histories of the working class immigrants, but does not ignore them. The resulting account highlights how every large scale refugee event is both unique and universal. Immigrants cluster together. They find work in specific occupations. They work to both fit in and uphold their own traditions and culture. And they endure discrimination and hostility. This book is very well researched and well written. I found it fascinating.

One reason this book sparked my interest was my Russian history professor who, as a child, had left Russia through the Caucasus as one of the million. Awareness of the connection with the wider history of refugees was the memory of my parents sponsoring two of my grandmother's brothers as Displaced Persons from Lithuania after WWII.(No, I'm not young.) I finished reading the book about two days before Russia invaded Ukraine, sending another million to uneasy lives.

Some would say that I am a bit too obsessed with the Romanov family so when this was offered to my by the publisher, I knew I wanted to read it. And I am so glad I did! So many books are focused on Tsar Nicholas II but rarely are the other players are court discussed (at least what I have read!). I thought this was a really well researched detailed account about their time in Paris and I really enjoyed reading how each person came to call that area their home. I have always wondered what happened to the other people are royal court when the assassination happened so I am grateful that Helen Rappaport made me not have to look any further! Thank you for a terrific read.

I have read her three pervious books about the Romanovs and knew that I had to read this one, as well. I wasn't disappointed. To go from a gilded life to poverty overnight, escaping Russia with just the shirt on your back and to arrive in Paris which, in your past life, had been a favorite vacation spot, and to have to find work of any kind just to survive. Such culture shock for so many and it took a heavy toll on them. The contrast of Paris in the 1920's through the 1930's with the Belle Epoque and Jazz Age set against their sudden poverty is heartbreaking. Helen Rappaport brings this period alive in a very readable style and I can easily recommend it to anybody who enjoys reading history. It's a must read.
My thanks to the publisher, St. Martin's Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I struggled with this book. There was too many facts too close together for me to feel that there was a comprehensive story. I felt overwhelmed. And I often got lost. The facts were interesting, and I learned about post Bolshevik Revolution Russians. Possibly for a Russian scholar this will be a great book that as a newcomer I felt completely overwhelmed and lost and I had a hard time with it.

DNF @ 25%. There's a plethora of solid information in here, but it felt like I was reading a history textbook. Russian history buffs will certainly enjoy this.

I admit that I didn't fully understand what this book was when I requested it. For that reason I will keep my review local as I wouldn't want to affect the ratings on Goodreads. Having said that, if I loved the Romanovs, I would love this book. It is clearly well-researched and the amount of information available is extremely impressive. It was very interesting and there was a lot I had no idea about- especially about the link with Paris. Honestly, my only complaint is that it felt dry... but I feel that way about most nonfiction books :)

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Great read on a fascinating subject. Rappaport makes history come alive. I learned a great deal. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Rappaport’s latest book on the Russian emigration after the Bolshevik overthrow is both timely and relevant. Rappaport weaves a seamless story of Russian Parisian life before the takeover and contrasts that with the horrifying aftermath. She describes the harsh realities faced by emigrants and refugees, which, unfortunately, rings true today with the refugee crises we see around the world.

Rappaport begins her book with a great glossary of historical figures she mentions throughout the book—there are a lot of them! It would have been interesting to have photographs throughout the book. Perhaps the final copy will have images. Rappaport proceeds to describe the atmosphere in Paris prior to the Bolshevik revolution, all the glamour and the glitz. She highlights the Romanovs, the intelligentsia, and the artists.

After the takeover, many of the remaining Romanov family members fled, along with White Army members, and the members of the artistic community. Paris offered sanctuary to many of the displaced Russians. Rappaport describes what the Russian people faced in Paris and how they coped with the loss of their home and their finances. Some caved to poverty and depression, and others rose up and created income from sewing or taxi driving.

Much of the book takes place during the 1920s, but it does continue through WWII. I found it noteworthy how the Russian émigrés faced more and more discrimination as WWII loomed. My favorite part of the book was the story of Mother Maria in Chapter 12 and how she met the needs of the impoverished Russian community. Her selflessness was truly inspiring.

Rappaport writes with a historian’s eye for details and a storyteller’s knack for captivating an audience.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC.

Helen Rappaport's latest book takes us to Paris. But not a Paris that most of us are familiar with. Starting in the early 1900s, the Paris of the Belle Époque was the Paris we may see in movies or books but can barely imagine- a Paris of limitless wealth, royalty, and endless parties. Russian Princes and Grand Dukes threw money around like it was water, bought homes and jewels for their mistresses, and catered to their highest tastes with no thought that the end could be in sight. When World War I arrived and they retreated to Russia, they had no idea of the changes that were to come. The Bolshevik Revolution that killed the tzar and his family, along with countless other hundreds of people, ended their Grand Russia. Hundreds of thousands of people fled for Europe, and tens of thousands ended up in Paris.

Rappaport does an excellent job of not getting sidetracked by all of the stories she could tell us. Instead, she stays focused on the few people or families she chose to follow to give the reader an overarching understanding of the conditions the Russian emigres faced. She doesn't fall into the possible trap of describing in detail the Revolution or the fighting- that isn't the point of this book and you can look to her bibliography for suggestions if you want to read more (or read one of her other books on the time period). She wants to follow the emigration, and does a brilliant job of immersing the reader in the hellish conditions suffered by everyone escaping Russia, be they peasant or prince. Once back in Paris it is a different world from the first few chapters and the reader can only marvel at the strength of the people who survived such incredible changes. From riches to rags, generals and princes to dishwashers and taxi drivers.

The focus isn't only on the (formerly) ultra rich. There are the writers, the artists, the brilliant circles that Paris was known for, only when they escaped the Bolsheviks so many writers and painters were faced with the shock of never seeing Russia again that they were disconnected from their true muse. Bunin, Chagall, and Stravinsky managed to succeed where so many failed and Rappaport tells the failures as well as the successes with compassion and courage.

After the Romanovs is in many ways a timely book, asking us to consider questions about success and failure, as well as having compassion for those displaced by political violence they had nothing to do with. It asks if it is possible to be a people, like Russians, if you are not living in Russia but exiled elsewhere- and if the Russia you and your generation remember disappears can you still be inspired by it? The generations of Russia's migration to Paris remained loyal to Russia to the end, a dream they held onto that kept them going, inspired their art and writing, their daily work, and their daily suffering.

Helen Rappaport's well researched After the Romanovs brings early 20th century Paris and the men and women living there to life in each page. Beautifully written, this is a book that is both inspiring and heart breaking. A must read for history lovers.


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

If I had read this book for a Russian history course in college, I may have loved it. But leisurely reading -with the hope to “maybe learn a bit but mostly just be entertained” -this book was not. It felt cold and factual and I made no connections with any of the characters besides feeling perplexed by the exiles lavishness in the face of what their country/leaders had just endured. I didn’t feel like there was any flow to this book and I never knew who the narrator was… I had that constant niggling feeling that I’d missed something (though I don’t think I did, besides an already deep knowledge of Russian/Romanov/Belle Époque history, which I admit not to have.)
I received this ARC through the publisher and netgalley and I enjoyed trying to trudge through. I’m sure this book will resonate with super Russian history buffs and those with a paper to write, but if you’re looking for a fluffy book about Russian exiles in Paris, this isn’t it. I have The Romanov Sisters by this same author on my shelf, maybe I’ll try that and hope it’s less analytical.

After the Romanovs provides a wealth of information and anecdotes about the Russian aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals who escaped to Paris, fleeing persecution in their homeland before and after the Russian Revolution and the fall of the Romanov dynasty. These Russian aristocrats, artists, and intellectuals had long spent time in Paris, enjoying the culture, fine wine and food, and fashion. They spent lavishly and were popular members of society. But when the Russian Revolution started and these same “beautiful people” lost their titles, positions, homes and wealth, life in Paris became much different – and very difficult – for them. Probably the most interesting thing among all these facts and points of history is how totally unprepared these folks were for any life other than the rich, pampered, entitled one they had always known. While many found new careers and new ways to make money, as cabdrivers or seamstresses for example, to many more It was inconceivable that things wouldn’t return to normal sooner or later, so they went into kind of a holding pattern, waiting for the good old days to come back when their names, titles, and connections would once again get them the special treatment they felt entitled to. They had nothing in common with the thousands of others who were displaced but were not aristocrats, artists or intellectuals; they had nothing in common with each other except being members of the elite. They found it hard, nearly impossible, to unite against the new regime or to find a common road forward. All their rivalries and jealousies of the past continued.

After the Romanovs is a fascinating book to read, well researched and impeccably and thoroughly referenced and noted, which helps to keep track of the names and relationships and history. There are many, many quotes, revealing in their own, not always flattering words, how they felt and how they coped. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of After the Romanovs via NetGalley for my honest review. I enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation. All opinions are my own.