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13.01.2022 Elizabeth Zuckschwerdt. Friends of the Tsar before the family's escape from the Russian Revolution of February, 1917. vividpublishing.com.au/friendsofthetsar/
11.01.2022 https://onedrive.live.com/
09.01.2022 Alexander and Adelaide owned a textile Factory in then petrograd in 1917.
05.01.2022 Review #5: Review by Lesley Jones Reviewed By: Lesley Jones... Review Rating: 5 Stars - Congratulations on your 5-star review! Get your free 5-star seal! Reviewed By Lesley Jones for Readers’ Favorite Friends of the Tsar by Jon De Graaff is a collection of captivating stories told from the viewpoint of Australian Blue, a cattle farmer who is briefly visiting the Zuckschwerdt family in Petrograd, Russia. The main theme of each story highlights how humanity can overcome the worse possible situations and remain optimistic when facing danger or emotional turmoil. The majority of the stories relay the events just before and during the Russian Revolution of 1917 and, later on, the war between the British and Germans in World War II and how one family's involvement altered their view of themselves and others. Each ancestral tale revolves around the hardships people had to endure such as food shortages and the violence between the police and the people. The actions of brutality towards women and children slowly began to turn the mindset of the people against the dictatorship they were forced to live under. The strength of Friends of the Tsar by Jon De Graaff is definitely in the dialogue. The author has an incredible talent for relaying the emotions and thought patterns of each character brilliantly. I loved the relationship dynamic between the characters and how they developed. The research into historical events in 20th century Russia and how these affected the people involved was incredible. Added to that was the amazing descriptive narrative that brought everything to life. The richness of Russian culture and traditions was extremely interesting and I thought Blue's explanation about life in Australia and his love for nature absolutely fascinating. There are some great moments of tension, especially the scene in Petrograd harbour where Blue was almost captured, but laugh out loud moments too, especially the scene with the German spy. The most heartbreaking scene to read was between Vera and her father as she confessed a horrific secret she had been keeping since childhood. I found Blue really lightened the mood with his infectious humor and games which brought the family together. The relationship between Blue and Monica was also extremely endearing.
