I knew nothing about the Romanovs before beginning this novel (Including in even which century this all happened! I had heard of the Romanvos but assumed this scandal/mystery was centuries old.) I also didn't know whether Anna really was Anastasia or not, which I think made this saga especially interesting for me to read. I won't tell you either, so you need to read the book to find out!
I love stories told with dual timelines and perspectives, and what makes this structure unique in I Was Anastasia is that while Anastasia's timeline moves forward in a traditional narrative, Anna's moved backwards Momento-style, and they two timelines meet at the end of the book in 1918. I will admit, the Momento/backwards timeline takes a bit of getting used to, but it's worth it, so keep going!
Ariel Lawhon writes beautifully and turns mountains of research into a gripping and fascinating historical tale. Even when I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about it and carrying this puzzle with me. Was she really Anastasia? How was her survival possible?
Importantly, the Author's Note at the end is 100% part of the reading experience for this book, so be sure not to skip it.
I Was Anastasia reminded me of The Cottingley Secret by Hazel Gaynor. If you enjoyed the real-life mystery behind that story, you will probably really enjoy this one as well.
I Was Anastasia is available wherever books are sold. You can connect with Ariel Lawhon on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
xo
Jenn
Disclaimer - I received a complementary copy of this novel from Penguin Random House Canada for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are true and entirely my own.
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