“DREAMING ANASTASIA: A Novel of Love, Magic, and the Power of Dreams,” by Joy Preble, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, $9.99 (young adult)
The mystery surrounding the death, or disappearance, depending on whom you talk to, of Anastasia Romanov has intrigued people for nearly a century.
While most believe that the teenager was killed with her family during the Russian Revolution, some believe the youth escaped. From women claiming to be the long-lost princess to myth-enhancing movies, Anastasia has become one of the most romanticized women in recent history.
In Joy Preble‘s “Dreaming Anastasia,” the princess takes center stage again, although this time, her tale takes a different twist.
The day Anastasia Romanov’s family was gunned down is a day she’ll never forget. The bullets should have taken her life, too, but they didn’t. Instead, two great, gnarled old hands reached for her and took her away.
Now Anastasia’s life is one of monotony, living in Baba Yaga’s ancient hut taking care of her “auntie.” Everything that surrounds Anastasia is magic, a magic she has no control over. Years pass, but Anastasia fails to age. She’s in limbo and only one person can help.
Anne is a ballerina. Living in Chicago, she doesn’t know much about Russian history, but then why would she need to? Except recently Anne has been having disturbing dreams, and they seem to be taking place from Anastasia’s viewpoint. It’s not until a handsome stranger turns up, however, that Anne realizes there’s something very real about her dreams.
At first glance, you might think, “great, another Anastasia story.” But “Dreaming Anastasia” is more than that. Though Anastasia is the title character, it’s Anne that takes center stage. These two young women, combined with Baba Yaga, of Russsian folklore fame, join together to make a trio of strong admirable characters. All of them are flawed but likeable. Even Baba Yaga, who has a reputation in fairy tales of being evil, has her merits.
After I got into “Dreaming Anastasia,” I really liked it. But it took a while to get there. The action definitely picks up as you get into the story, and it feels like the author gains confidence, as well. “Dreaming Anastasia” may have benefitted from some tighter editing in places, but overall, it’s worth your time.
