If you're looking for a book that discusses the exiled Romanovs and how they survived after the Russian Revolution, I recommend this book. Xenia's desire to stay keyed into the family, especially after the war, offers a surprising look at humility and grace after tragedy. The author does a good job of using primary sources, often her own words, and notes the different ways the Grand Duchess helped stranded and destitute Russian emigres.

The hardest part was reading about Anastasia and the death of Tsar Nicholas II from the family's perspective. Desperate for happier news, the family seemed to be at odds. When 'Anastasia' showed up, the family divided. One of the final great tears in a family known for close relationships (not just marriage to first cousins, either). When one of the older generation fell, everyone seemed to mourn for Xenia, showing a deep appreciation for her empathy.

Learning about George V's actions in the war and the possibility of saving the Imperial family but choosing not to really helped fill in gaps that history often ignores. We learn about WWI in America, in a rather rushed fashion, while not studying how the revolution created a hard downfall for the royals across the continent. A group of us became us versus them during the greatest challenges of the 20th century. And how guilt can cause one to overcompensate in some ways.

I will say if you're not up on the European royal family lineage, you might find a lot of problems. I frequently had to move back and forth between the charts and reading. Mostly because everyone kept using the same name for generations at a time. However, it's clear the amount of resources each chapter referenced and the clear look into her life.

Definitely worth a read as a continuation into the life of European royalty. Queen Victoria's reaches extended everywhere.