⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
When I first picked up The Rebel Romanov: Julie of Saxe-Coburg, the Empress Russia Never Had, I assumed it was a historical novel. A few pages in, my eyes started to glaze over—and that’s when I realized it was actually a biography. Still, I was curious about Julie’s life, so I pressed on.
Helen Rappaport, known for her royal deep dives, tells the little-known story of Princess Julie, aunt of Queen Victoria and one-time bride-to-be of Grand Duke Constantine. Handpicked by Catherine the Great, Julie entered a dangerous court full of rivalries, gossip, and a husband who alternated between cruel and charming. Her courage to walk away from an abusive marriage and royal duty in the early 1800s is the most powerful part of her story.
But despite the fascinating premise, the book doesn’t quite deliver on its potential. The pacing is uneven, and at times it veers more into speculation than solid history. There’s a fair bit of repetition, and some chapters feel padded with tangents about court life that distract from Julie’s personal journey. The writing is also dry—bordering on textbook—and the flood of noble names makes it hard to follow.
If you are into Russian history, by all means give this a try. It just wasn’t my jam.
** Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a comp. All opinions are my own.