The Kitchen Boy: A Novel of the Last Tsar

What is the purpose of Robert Alexander’s frame narrative (a story within a story)? How might this structural choice relate to the novel’s theme of hiding and ascertaining truth?

How does Volodya’s past as a Bolshevik guard affect how one reads the novel upon completion? Does Volodya’s past strengthen it? Or does his past weaken the novel’s political critique?

In the Epilogue, Kate decides to keep her family’s Romanov heritage a secret from her children. Do you agree with her decision? What is the significance behind her choice to maintain the string of lies she worked so hard to uncover?

One of the primary themes in The Kitchen Boy is forgiveness in the face of betrayal. Did you feel betrayed by Volodya when his past was revealed? Do you think Volodya deserves to be forgiven for what he did to the Romanovs?

Robert Alexander is an American author with decades of personal experience in Russia. Do you think Alexander’s position as an American had any influence on his fictional exploration of Russia’s history? Do you think his position made him more objective?

How does Volodya’s dark past and personal feelings toward the Bolsheviks affect how he tells his story (i.e., the narrative tone and themes)?

The Kitchen Boy explores how historical accounts can be different depending on perspective—with Volodya’s being the primary one. If you could choose a different narrator, who would it be? How would this “change” the story?

What role do faith and fate play in The Kitchen Boy? How does religion impact how Volodya sees himself and relates to others?