For the last Book Bite of Women’s History Month, I wanted to share one of my favourite authors, Clare McHugh! When I saw that she had a novel publishing in 2024, I was over-the-moon, and I have to say- it did not disappoint in any way. I could not put this novel down- I normally will stop to research things but nothing could distract me from this story. Let’s get into The Romanov Brides by Clare McHugh!
Thank you to HarperCollins and Clare McHugh for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Romanov Brides, Clare McHugh
From the author of A Most English Princess comes a rich novel about young Princess Alix of Hesse—the future Alexandra, last Empress of Imperial Russia—and her sister, Princess Ella. Their decision to marry into the Romanov royal family changed history. They were granddaughters of Queen Victoria and two of the most beautiful princesses in Europe. Princesses Alix and Ella were destined to wed well and wisely. But while their grandmother wants to join them to the English and German royal families, the sisters fall in love with Russia—and the Romanovs. Defying the Queen’s dire warnings, Ella weds the tsar’s brother, Grand Duke Serge. Cultivated, aloof, and proud, Serge places his young wife on a pedestal for all to admire. Behind palace gates, Ella struggles to secure private happiness. Alix, whisked away to Russia for Ella’s wedding, meets and captivates Nicky—heir apparent to the Russian throne. While loving him deeply, Alix hears a call of conscience, urging her to walk away. Their fateful decisions to marry will lead to tragic consequences for not only themselves and their families, but for millions in Russia and around the globe. The Romanov Brides is a moving and fascinating portrait of two bold and spirited royal sisters, and brings to vivid life imperial Russia—a dazzling, decadent world on the brink of disappearing forever.
Why You Should Read This…
McHugh is absolutely one of the most talented historical fiction authors writing right now. She has the rare ability to take these historical figures that are often “unlikeable”, share their stories, and leave you feeling incredibly connected to them.
While I’ve always been interested in Ella, I had never considered her marriage in particular. The Romanov Brides has left me much more interested in Ella and Serge as a pair and has added another element when doing my own readings now. And I fully admit, I have never had any particular fondness for Alix as someone who “met” her after her marriage. However, this has left me reconsidering my perception of her, and I wouldn’t have thought that was possible.
I think that one of the biggest strengths of this book is the number of well-known royals that are secondary characters. Many of us are more than familiar with Queen Victoria, Bertie (aka the Prince of Wales, future King Edward VII), Kaiser Wilhelm II, etc, and their general personalities. They are realistic characters playing their roles in the novel, which is key for a novel that is based on real people and events. McHugh has clearly done the research, and it pays off beautifully in setting this stage for us.
If you are interested in the Russian, British, and related royal families of nineteenth century Europe, The Romanov Brides is a must-read!
Is The Romanov Brides on your to-read list?
Cheers,
The Historian
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