FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE BESTSELLER DIARIES OF THE ROMANOV PRINCESSES. CAPTIVATING AND TRAGIC STORIES OF RUSSIAN EMIGRANTS IN FRANCE — IN THE WORDS OF ITS EYEWITNESSES. At the turn of the century, Paris was a favorite holiday destination for Russian aristocrats who spent fabulous sums in local restaurants and cabarets. But just a couple of decades later, it became a refuge for tens of thousands of Russians — and at the same time a city of curse, where they suffered from poverty and longing for Russia. Hereditary princes and celebrated generals became taxi drivers, factory workers at Citroën and Renault, or even janitors and dishwashers. Their wives became models and seamstresses. Despite all the hardships, Russian culture flourished even in Paris — the hand embroidery of talented aristocrats found its way to the fashion house of Chanel, introducing Russian style into fashion for an entire decade. The names of Diaghilev, Chagall, Stravinsky, and Bunin resonated; Russian press, schools, trade unions, and homes for the helpless were created. But not all emigrants managed to integrate into French society: some ended their lives in poverty, while others fell victim to Chekist recruitments... Written based on hundreds of archival sources, historian Helen Rappaport's book is a colorful report from the past, telling the tragic story of Russian emigration in the words of its eyewitnesses. ----------------------------- Engaging and at times — heart-wrenching... Rappaport, a prolific historian and respected expert on the Romanov dynasty, paints a Paris in which Russians played a significant role for a long time. — Wall Street Journal On every page, Helen Rappaport, an unmatched historian, demonstrates her deep research into the era, the city, and its inhabitants. A vibrant cultural study of the Russian emigration that left their homeland in a time of turmoil. — Kirkus Review Full of colorful stories and vivid characters, this book about life in exile is very interesting. — Publishers Weekly
