As someone who studied all things Russian in university, I was instantly intrigued by The Rebel Romanov. Catherine the Great and her son Paul are often front and center in pop culture—especially with recent portrayals in shows like The Great and Catherine the Great—but Julie of Saxe-Coburg? Not nearly as well-known, despite her fascinating life. Enter Helen Rappaport’s latest, which shines a much-deserved spotlight on this complex and bold woman.

I received an advanced audiobook copy via NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, and narrator Jennifer Dixon did a fantastic job. She moved seamlessly between English, Russian, French, and German, making the story feel immersive and authentic.

While the early chapters focus more heavily on Catherine and Paul, and I found myself slightly distracted at first (a common issue for me with nonfiction), once Julie's story took center stage, I was fully engaged. Rappaport strikes a great balance between scholarly research and compelling storytelling—it never felt too dry or overly academic.

If you're interested in the Romanovs and want something a little off the beaten path, this is a great pick. It’s a poignant portrait of a woman who defied the constraints of royal life in pursuit of her own freedom. And as always, I support women’s rights—and more importantly, women’s wrongs.

As someone who has long been captivated by the history of the Romanovs, I was immediately drawn to The Rebel Romanov. This book delves into the life of Julia Romanov, a figure whose existence has often been overshadowed by the more prominent members of the Romanov family. Tragically, little is known about her life, and even more so about her final resting place, however, Helen Rappaport does an amazing job of piecing together the information that there is still available.

Despite the title suggesting rebellion, I didn’t find Julia to be the rebellious figure I expected. Instead, her story paints a portrait of a woman who endured an incredibly painful and difficult existence. Her life was filled with hardship, and the book poignantly highlights this lesser-known side of the Romanov legacy.

After finishing this book, I found myself reflecting on the many layers of the royal family’s history—one that often resembles the drama of a soap opera or a modern-day reality show, especially when considering the numerous illegitimate children and secretive affairs that emerge throughout the pages.

I would highly recommend The Rebel Romanov to anyone with an interest in royal history. It covers not just Julia’s story but also provides insight into the broader intrigues and mysteries of the royal families.

I'm a 90s child. Give me anything involving the Romanov's and I will eat it up.
I love reading all crumbs about Catherine the Great, always and seeing all the political connections of the 1800s throughout Eurasia
And history is always great because it reminds ones that no matter what, people have always been people