The House of Special Purpose - John Boyle

The House of Special Purpose
John Boyle

Georgy Daniilavich is a Russian peasant whose life takes a dramatic turn when he saves the life of Grand Duke Nicholas Nicholavich, the uncle of Tsar Nicholas II. Moved to the Winter Palace in Petrograd, Georgy finds himself at the centre of the Royal life at a time of great turmoil in Russian history.
Going back and forth between the Russian Court and Georgy’s later life in London - where he lives in exile with his wife Zoya – the story follows the events that have conspired in changing Georgy’s life forever.
The brutal murder of the Tsar and his family has always been one of the most talked about focal points of the Russian revolution. Since then, there has been much speculation surrounding the Tsar’s youngest daughter, Anastasia, surviving the execution. It is these myths that Boyle weaves into his story as we move closer to the events of that faithful day and the true identity of Georgy’s wife Zoya.
Already a fan of John Boyle, I was drawn to The House of Special Purpose by its historical content. Although much research has obviously gone into making the story credible, the story itself is disappointing. Despite Boyle’s attempt to tease out Zoya’s identity, it is clear from quite early on in the book who she is. With the mystery of Zoya taken out, the story’s strength becomes its historical context and at the heart of it, the love affair of the two main characters. And although the blossoming love affair is tender and touching, the historical points seem forced in their delivery. 3 stars