I used to be a total history nerd. I’d spend hours ingesting historical fiction and always begged my mom to read one more chapter in our history curriculum. But through high school, as I was forced to read dry history textbooks and take countless tests to assess my learning, the subject lost its luster.
Whenever I find a book I want to read, I add it to a book list on my phone. Each year I create a new list and move the books I didn’t get to over to that year. About two weeks ago I was undecided which book to listen to on tape next. So I picked the first book in alphabetical order on my list. It was Angel on the Square, by Gloria Whelan, which a friend had recommended to me to give me some background after we listened to the Anastasia soundtrack.
I listened to the book, and suddenly remembered why I used to be such a historical fiction person.
Angel on the Square takes place in Russia during World War I. The main character, Katya, and her mother live with the Imperial family as Russia joins the war and the country is torn to pieces due to poor leadership, selfish politics, and civil poverty. Although Katya is just a child at the beginning, she is sensitive to injustice and witnesses the selfishness of the aristocrats, showing a clear picture of what civilian Russia was like even though Katya is well off.
While listening to this book, a good chunk of which takes place in the Russian Winter Palace pictured above (the literal angel on the square sits just in front of it. Go look it up!), I learned a ton about Russia during and after World War I. And I was never bored from the history. The author expertly wove Katya’s life into the events she witnessed. In addition, the story was populated with vibrant characters who entertained and frustrated. I’m being honest when I say there were a handful of characters that would have caused me to throw the book across the room if I’d had a hard copy (so yes, right up there with St. John Rivers and Henry Thorpe) while there were others I wanted to slap and hug at the same time.
And then there was Katya. Like I said, she was a young, selfish little aristocrat at the beginning of the book. A child blind to the fact that not everyone lived as well as she. A child who frowned to go outside because the people smelled bad. I won’t spoil the ending, but I will say that by the end of the story, Katya has grown into a lovely, selfless young woman. It was really neat to watch her transform out of the corner of my eye as the story took place.
All that to say, this book had a deep impact on me. Because of Angel on the Square, my love of history has been reawakened. I would so recommend it! Oh, and the audiobook on Hoopla books is great.
Also, the downfall of Russia wasn’t entirely caused by Queen Victoria’s Hemophilia genes. She may have passed them to Alexei Nikolaevich, Emperor Nicholas II’s (the final emperor of Russia before Lenin took over) son, but the Russian revolution would have happened whether Alexei was healthy or not. Just thought I’d clear that up. π
Image credit: Pexels
I love this book so much! You need to read the rest of the series. All three other books are incredible but also completely heart breaking. Be prepared to cry!
THERE IS MORE??? EEEEEEE!!! I am and will be prepared. I’m so excited now! Thank you for telling me!
Oo, I love historical fiction. This looks right up my alley; I’m going to have to find it.
I read a book last year called The Family Romanov, by Candace Fleming. It was engaging, and the wealth of information was fascinating. I highly recommend it if you want to read more about the Romanovs. I think it showed a well-rounded view of that time.
*Searches for book on library*
*Reads blurb*
*Adds to 2023 book list*
This sounds like a very interesting book! I’ll have to read it! Historical fiction is very interesting and I need to read more of it. Thank you!
Sure! I hope you enjoy it!
Ooh, Iβm gonna have to check this out! Iβve been getting back into historical fiction this year. Thanks for the recommendation!!
You’re welcome! π
Sounds like my cup of tea! Iβm going to have to check this one out, it sounds intriguing. Thanks for the recommendation!! ππ
And Iβm totally with ya there on St. John and John Thorpe lol π
Absolutely!
Ikr! My copy of Northanger Abbey may or may not have been hurled across the room. His fault, not mine. π
I need to read this book! I love historical fiction, especially set in the early 1900s, and this sounds like a great one. Thanks for the recommendation!!
Yay! You’re so welcome! β£οΈ