About the book: It is 1917, when revolution threatens to destroy the Romanov dynasty. Anton Klassen, a Mennonite from Russia’s southern steppelands, is given a sacred trust and a royal command by none other than Imperial Tsar Nikolai himself. Yet, fighting a past of insecurity and cowardice, Anton has much to prove. . . to the fatherland, to himself, and to the woman he loves – a rescued chambermaid from the Royal House of Romanov. When Anton learns the dangerous secret Oksana harbors, will he find the courage to fulfill his mission, or will he abdicate his reponsibility and destroy Oksana’s future? Only faith in the promises of God can save the Heirs of Anton.
My review: Susan K. Downs and Susan May Warren co-authored this book set in the year of 1917 in Russia. The Bolshevik revolution and the Romanov dynasty are perhaps pieces of history not well-known to many of us. I think I only took one or two years of world history in high school. I do remember covering this material, but is was really fascinating to revisit this time period in the form of story. Bits of Russian culture and language are sprinkled throughout the story. The main characters in this book go through many struggles that test their faith and force them to make difficult decisions. However, these struggles only serve to bring them closer together, and closer to God. In the end, they know only God can sustain them and without Him they are alone. It is a love story, between man and woman, between friends, and among family. The plot is action-filled and compels you to keep reading. Those who enjoy historical fiction (and romance!) will enjoy this book.
I believe this is the 4th book in the Heirs of Anton series and unfortunately, I read it first! I don’t know if that will affect my reading of the other books in the series, but I’ll read them anyway. And I’ll let you know if the others are as good as this one!
Oksana by Susan K. Downs and Susan May Warren is available from Barbour Publishers. Also, this book has been republished under the title The Sovereign’s Daughter.
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September 4th, 2008 at 11:45 pm
Sounds interesting, though I wonder if the author’s were true to the original Mennonite convictions of non-resistance and avoiding political involvement based on their belief that they were ONLY of the kingdom of God and not of worldly kingdoms. That would be interesting to know
. Mennonites have always been persecuted for those particular beliefs amongst others.
September 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am
yes, that does all play a part in this particular plot – read to find out how! : )
September 30th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed OKSANA! It was a joy to co-author this series with Susan Warren.
Don’t worry about having read the last book first. We designed this as a “reverse generational saga”–starting in present day and going back one generation in time with each subsequent book. So, you actually started with the order most readers are accustomed to reading a generational series, with the most historical account first. Either order you read them in should provide a fun experience. Blessings! Susan Downs
September 30th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Jennifer, just as an FYI–we did extensive research into the Russian Mennonite communities, beliefs, and customs in preparation for writing this series. Susan Downs
September 30th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
[...] Adult Fiction: The Tsarina’s Daughter by Carolly Erickson. Reviewed at S. Krishna’s Books. The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander. The kitchen servant boy tells the story of the downfall of the Romanov family from his point of view. The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander. A novel about the Russian Revolution and Grand Duchess Elisavayeta Feodorovna Romanov, wife of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich of Russia. Reviewed at Life and Times of a New Yorker. Oksana by Susan May Warren and Susan K. Downs. Reviewed at The Friendly Book Nook. [...]
February 8th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
It’s hard to discover knowledgeable persons on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks