Coryne Hall recently released a book titled ‘Rasputin’s Killer and His Romanov Princess,’ and it’s been my highly anticipated read of the year. In fact, I’ve eagerly awaited its release ever since I first heard murmurs about it.
To my knowledge, there are two English-published biographies about Prince Felix Youssoupoff: Greg King’s biography from 1996 and Christopher Dobson’s from 1989. However, over the past twenty years, a wealth of information has emerged from various Russian archives and the families’ personal collections.
This newfound information has not only shifted perspectives on the events leading to the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty but has also brought enigmatic figures, previously footnotes in biographical books, into the spotlight.
One such figure is Irina, who was vaguely addressed in Felix’s previous biographies. Perhaps this was due to the scarcity of information about her. However, in this book, we are presented with enough fragments to grasp the nature of Irina’s character and the less-than-ideal life she led, not just after the revolution but before. The book also paints a clear picture of her complex relationships with various members of her immediate and extended family.
The same can be said for Felix. While we may be aware of his love for his mother, their relationship is more intricate than many realize. Felix’s adoration for his mother is unquestionable, yet it becomes apparent that he struggled to meet her expectations, especially after the death of his brother, Nicholas. The book also delves into Felix’s previous flirtations and romances, particularly his relationship with Grand Duchess Elena.
Coryne Hall skillfully provides an updated biography that touches on the known facts while addressing fresh revelations that have emerged through personal correspondence. Naturally, not every aspect could be covered, but at its core, Hall does a wonderful job presenting Felix and Irina and their unconventional yet resilient relationship.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all readers. Given the limited availability of English biographies on Felix and Irina, this is a valuable addition to any collection of Romanov-related books.
