May 03 2007
Rubies in the snow by Kate Hubbard
Allen
and Unwin 2007
Age 12 -14 The world of the Tsar of Russia is recreated in this diary
novel of his daughter, Anastasia. She reveals her claustrophobic world
through her entries telling of her daily activities. Her mother is
often ill, lying down in her bedroom; her younger brother is protected
and has a guardian, lest he fall and bleed; her sisters are on the
verge of coming out and so are watching the young men carefully;
stories about 'our friend' abound. Little by little the author
introduces the poverty and despair that was Tsarist Russia, a backdrop
to Anastasia's narrow world. As war breaks out and people begin to be
openly hostile towards the Royal family, Anastasia's diary tells us of
her outrage but she is oblivious to what it all means. Their lives are
changing but she cannot see why. She helps the wounded in an army
hospital, seeing first hand the effects of the war. When the revolution
occurs and she is imprisoned with her family, she still dreams of going
to the Crimea for her holidays.
Astute readers will find hints as to what happens all the way along,
and for those who already know, the entries are often poignant. The
author has made a credible job of portraying Anastasia's world to the
modern reader, and this book could well be used when studying Tsarist
Russia and the Revolution.
Fran Knight
© Pledger
Consulting, 2007