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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.
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
…more 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. (less)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
…more 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. (less)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.
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.
Becky H
The Last Tiara
The Russian Revolution plays a large part in this tale of love, betrayal, family, jewels, secrets, privilege and glass ceilings. Like Russian novels, this one has twists, turns, blind corners and secrets galore. Sofia, a young art restorer in Tsarist Russia, is friends with the Tsar’s daughters, Olga and Tatiana. All three volunteer as nurses as WWI encroaches on St. Petersburg and their life of wealth and privilege. In hospital Sofia meets a young soldier who suffers from amnesia. That is where the joys and struggles and secrets begin only to later crop up in 1948 in New York City.
The main characters are, with
…more one exception, clearly drawn and true to themselves throughout. Rose has done her homework and it shows in her descriptions of Tsarist Russia and later the New York architectural, fine jewelry and social scene. Her descriptions of Faberge and the gem studded works they created are spot on. Her depiction of women in the field of architecture shows the glass ceiling in stunning detail.
A lovely novel that book groups will enjoy discussing. (less)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.
Elizabeth@Silver'sReviews
Elizabeth@Silver'sReviews - a bit wordy
What is the mystery behind a tiara obtained in Russia?
This mystery is the main focus of the book.
We meet mother and daughter in different years.
Sofiya is a nurse in an infirmary for wounded soldiers during the war in Russia in 1915. She takes care of one of the soldiers and falls in love. She also has many secrets her daughter, Isobelle, wants to find the answers to.
Her daughter, Isobelle, finds a tiara hidden in the wall of her mother’s bedroom, and Isobelle's curiosity begins the search for answers of why and how it got there.
THE LAST TIARA goes back and forth with background information of Isobelle’s mother
…more and Isobelle’s present-day search in 1948.
I wasn’t really thrilled with the mother’s story. It was difficult to get interested in even though it was this background information that was needed to solve the tiara’s mystery.
I did enjoy Isobelle’s search for the mystery of the tiara.
My only complaint is that even though THE LAST TIARA had a good story line, it was quite wordy.
I struggled through some of the chapters, but the ending brought my rating from a 3/5 to a 4/5.
The unraveling of the mystery is worth wading through the extra wordy chapters.
Fans of art, the history of Russia and its royal family, and their jewels will enjoy this book.
And how about that gorgeous cover? 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. (less)
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