Luc Mary - Book Review

“Les Derniers Jours des Romanovs” by the historian Luc Mary, is a fantastic book recounting the final days of the Tsarist regime in Russia. The style of writing used by this historian is ideal for any advanced French learners, with nothing too complicated.

I think Nicholas II lacked leadership skills and did not fully comprehend the level of poverty rife in Russia and the subsequent disenchantment building up amongst the Russian population. Nicholas II had the opportunity to reform the existing political system; initially the protestors did not want the Tsar to be removed as head of state. However, a lack of empathy and complacency led Nicholas II to ignore the protests.

With such week leadership and complacency, the reformists seized the opportunity to overhaul the political system; they turned the demonstrators against the Tsarist regime. Often in history, the leaders that rise to power are opportunists, who identify a moment of weakness in the existing leadership and take advantage of it.

“Les Derniers Jours des Romanovs” is an excellent book, which explains in clear detail this very important event in Russian history. A highly recommended book for any advanced French learners, and any French people keen on history.”