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There are currently 16 member reviews
for The Last Tiara
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Nancy D
A tale of Russia in the first 50 years of the 20th Century
Having not read any of Rose's books before, I didn't know what to expect. What I got was a book rich in the history of 20th century Russia before 1950 with touches of mystery, art history, and romance. Although to me many times using different narrators in different time periods seems contrived, in this book it works beautifully. Sit back, relax, and be transported into other eras as you read this book.
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Carmel B. (The Villages, FL)
Romanov or Bolshevik?
Intriguing storyline progressing along two tracks, one during WWI and the Russian Civil War in Petrograd and the other after WWII in New York. Readers who enjoy historical fiction mixed in with mystery, romance and a touch of class will thoroughly enjoy this novel. We learn a great deal about the Romanovs and the Bolshevik Revolution, as well as what it must have been like to be an émigré to America during that time or, perhaps, because of that time. The climax reminds me of a Dan Brown novel, fast-paced and full of surprising detours across continents and into underground lairs. This story is also reminiscent of "Dr. Zhivago" in its depiction of Russia and its citizenry's trauma and heart ache. Lots of intrigue to keep us turning the pages and a fascinating ending.
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Bill B
Good Historical Fiction
This is my first book by Ms Rose. I’m impressed. Very good historical fiction tackling numerous subjects and having two strong heroines in it’s dual storylines.
You tell me that part of the book is set in Russia during the revolution and I think “confusion and a boring plot”. Not here. The setting is detailed and well done. The story is fast paced and the characters are interesting. I always wanted to read the next chapter
When the story moves to NYC in the late 40’s, early 50’s it is equally well done. The glass ceiling for women in business, the development of Oak Ridge and the A bomb are going to interest you and probably many book clubs. ,
It’s everything you want in historical fiction, good story, good setting, you learn something.
Good job M.J.
I highly recommend it.
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Barry E. (Boynton Beach, FL)
Just a pleasure
Having never read any of MJ Rose's works I went in not knowing what to suspect. What I found was a historical mystery well written, heart wrenching full of witticism, romance, and informative. Rose's command of how a women thinks when used was superb and her definitions of many nuances of interpretation of life experiences were most interesting. I found myself taking some notes, looking up words, and just overall enthralled with the story.
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Mary B. (Laguna Woods, CA)
2 romances and a mystery
This book tells the story of a painting restorer in Russia in the 1920's and her daughter's search for answers about her parents after her mother dies in 1948 having told her very little about her life before immigrating to New York. There are interesting facts about the Hermitage and the Bolsevics and about the difficulties women faced as architects in 1940's. The mystery is how the mother came to own the last tiara Faberge designed and made for the Tzar.
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Judith S. (Binghamton, NY)
Love and Mystery from Russia
The Last Tiara is an interesting story about the lives of a mother and daughter entwined by love, mystery and intrigue. A tiara stripped of its beauty emerges as the main character. The human characters are underdeveloped. The result is a predictable story during which the reader may lose interest. Disappointing as the idea and plot are good.
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Carol R. (North Mankato, MN)
History, mystery and romance
I found myself drawn in to the mystery of the Faberge-designed Romanov tiara found in the walls of a New York apartment. The story is told in alternating chapters by mother, Sophia, and her daughter, Isobelle. This technique was effective in filling in the backstory of Sophia's life in Russia during WWII and her subsequent move to New York City with her daughter, Isobelle. Both are actually strong women, but I felt Isobelle's character was portrayed as reluctant and hesitant, despite the fact she worked as an architect (a man's occupation at the time). All-in-all, this is a good read and held my interest as the story unfolds to reveal the details.
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