I Was Anastasia

A Novel

By: Ariel Lawhon

Narrated by: Jane Collingwood, Sian Thomas, Ariel Lawhon

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Frozen River, this enthralling feat of historical suspense unravels the extraordinary twists and turns in Anna Anderson’s claim to be Anastasia Romanov. Is she the Russian Grand Duchess or the thief of another woman's legacy?

"Tantalizing, surprising, compelling, and utterly fascinating."—Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

Russia, July 17, 1918: Under direct orders from Vladimir Lenin, Bolshevik secret police force Anastasia Romanov, along with the entire imperial family, into a damp basement in Siberia, where they face a merciless firing squad. None survive. At least that is what the executioners have always claimed.

Germany, February 17, 1920: A young woman bearing an uncanny resemblance to Anastasia Romanov is pulled shivering and senseless from a canal. Refusing to explain her presence in the freezing water or even acknowledge her rescuers, she is taken to the hospital where an examination reveals that her body is riddled with countless horrific scars. When she finally does speak, this frightened, mysterious young woman claims to be the Russian grand duchess.

The questions swirling around Anna Anderson’s past and the mystery of Anastasia Romanov’s fate chart a saga that spans half a century and touches three continents. Every bit as vivid and climactic as it is poignant and enchanting, this novel brings a piece of legendary history to life.

Even knowing the true story,still enjoyed the book

Any additional comments?

I am familiar with the story behind this book, and that did not make it less enjoyable. I really enjoyed narration (Sian Thomas sounds so regal and dignified!), and the look into the life of Anna Anderson.

Yes, I gave it 5 stars

Even though I'm not fond of the flipping around throughout the years instead of staying within a timeline which is how we naturally live, proceeding forward, the storyline is wonderful. The mystery of the Romanov family is something that I have always wondered about & this story drew me in.

very interesting

This story is well written and performed . I enjoyed listening to it very much.

Loved it

I really enjoyed this book. What I did not like was that it kept jumping around in her life. The dates were not always in sequence so I got a little confused, but I really did like the book.

The romanovs might be my new obsession

Loved this story and although the jumping around the timeline made it harder to follow in audio format, I totally understand why the author did it this way. I think the author did an amazing job of telling the story from everyone’s point of view. I will be looking for more from this author.