Escape of the Grand Duchess by Susan Appleyard is a gripping historical novel that shatters the notion that royalty is synonymous with privilege and ease. At its heart is Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, the youngest sister of Tsar Nicholas II—a Romanov who defied a doomed destiny and survived.
Unlike her ill-fated brother and his family, Olga’s story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and daring escape. Trapped in a loveless marriage to a reckless gambler—who harbours secrets of his own—she finds hope in the arms of a dashing army lieutenant. But before she can claim her own happiness, she must first endure the brutal realities of World War I, where she serves as a nurse on the frontlines.
As the Russian Empire teeters on the brink of collapse, the infamous Siberian mystic Rasputin tightens his grip on the imperial court, setting the stage for revolution. With the Bolsheviks seizing power and the Romanovs marked for death, Olga faces an impossible choice: risk everything to stay or flee into the unknown with her true love and their children.
Rich in historical detail and driven by an unforgettable heroine, Escape of the Grand Duchess is a sweeping riches-to-rags tale of survival, love, and the strength it takes to forge a new life in the face of unimaginable upheaval.
Praise:
“Escape of the Grand Duchess” is not merely a tale of survival; it is an emotional and gripping exploration of Olga’s unwavering desire to seek solace amidst the ruins of her past. The novel beautifully captures her internal struggles and the relentless hope that drives her onward, making it a poignant and vivid narrative of resilience. This book comes highly recommended.
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Writing Interview Questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
The tragedy of Tsar Nichols II has fascinated people for over a century, but I didn’t find many novels about it, at least not recently. I wanted to tell the story without focusing too much on the tragedy.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising.
Researching wasn’t difficult but it was endlessly fascinating. Finding information about the interior of palaces was difficult. There were many surprises. For example, I discovered that ether was first used as an aesthetic in 1842, but before that Babylon, Persia, China, Egypt, and others had all attempted to create it.
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
Olga’s first husband was a homosexual and she didn’t find out until the morning after her wedding night.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Brave because she set out on a long trek while pregnant to save her family. Compassionate because she worked as a simple nurse during World War I. Unpretentious because she preferred simplicity to ostentation.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
The back story. Dealing with World War I and the Revolution, both of which had a profound effect on her life. Figuring out how much was necessary without overwhelming the main narrative.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
No, I don’t think so.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on the second draft of a book about Olga’s grandparents.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
I would tell them that they are not the best judge of their writing, so do some research – there are many books, blogs, articles advising how to do it – and get on with it.
Personal Interview Questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
Reading, of course. Also, I go to the gym, join activities at the community centre, but my favourite is loafing on a beach and frolicking in the water.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress.
What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?
Dinner is meat pie. Husband is cooking. I’d rather have chili.
What would be a perfect day?
As above: on a beach and frolicking in the water, then dancing at night.
What is the best part of your day?
5:00 pm. Aperitif time.
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Tea – I used to be English.
Hot or cold: Hot.
Movie or book: Book.
Morning person or Night owl: Morning.
City or country: City.
Social Media or book: Book.
Paperback or ebook: Mostly eBooks.
Susan was born in England, which is where she learned to love English history, and now lives in Canada in the summer. In winter she and her husband flee the cold for their second home in Mexico. Susan divides her time between writing and her hobby, oil painting, although writing will always be her first love. She was fortunate in having had two books published traditionally. Since joining the ebook crowd, she has published nine books, some of which have won various awards.
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What a fabulous interview! Thank you so much for hosting today's tour stop.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interesting questions and for providing me with the opportunity to speak honestly to prospective readers.
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