A Lifelong Passion

I picked up this book because my grandfather fought in the Tsar's army during World War I and I wanted to know more about the Tsar, his wife, and his family who were eventually executed by the Bolsheviks. This is a very hefty read, close to 700 pages. The author used the letters and diaries of those in the royal family as well those of the people who knew them. It's a stunning read. I was surprised to learn how religious the royal family was, and how much their faith dictated their behaviour. It was also surprising how ignorant they were as well about the people under their rule. How they could continue to live so lavishly when the majority of people were just getting by is hard to fathom. But we are living in a time today, when that kind of wealth still exists and those who live in luxury are blinded to the plights of others. Fascinating story well told.