Angel on the Square

The main problem, I felt, with Angel on the Square was how much of a dry read it was. Ive read many historical fiction books concerning the Romanov family, and sadly nearly all of them relay the exact same events in almost the exact same way. This book was more eloquent and more entertaining to read than a lot of the rest, but it isnt daring or imaginative and it didnt tell me anything I didnt know. I also find it interesting that the author made a character up instead of defining a less familiar Romanov, such as Olga or Tatiana or even one of the familys friends. But they must all write about Anastasia - even if its indirect - because Anastasia was the Last Grand Duchess. What exactly is wrong with being the third-to-last Grand Duchess?

The writing style was very impersonal. Gloria Whelan obviously tried very hard to make the Romanovs or Rasputin or the peasants at the Oaks, which was Katyas familys summer retreat, as though they had their own minds in their heads by their actions, but I never felt like any of those actions had any weight. They all seemed to act in one way, too. Stepan, one of the peasants, was always spiteful and grouchy unless he was being whipped by the overseer of the Oaks, Vitya, who was always lying and embezzling unless he was choking rabbits to death. All of the characterization for the Romanov family seemed to come directly out of history books instead of out of an understanding of human nature. All things considered, it was very much like a soap opera.

As far as historical content goes, there was no problem. As far as I could see, Gloria Whelan didnt take any liberties with the events that happened in those years, nor did she exaggerate or belittle the state of Russia just before WWI.

The book itself just seemed to be lacking. Angel on the Square wasnt very visual or even very interesting, and the story has been told many times. The beginning wasnt very promising, as the quality of the story telling dropped suddenly after the first chapter was up, as though Gloria Whelan didnt really have the conviction for finishing the book anymore. I would, however, recommend reading this book, especially over the summer. It doesnt require much thinking or emotional involvement on the part of the reader and is therefore a perfect read when one wants to be mindless. Even if I do not care for what Gloria Whelan told in Angel on the Square, I do like the way she told it.