Coming of Age

Lawhon presents Anastasia’s story as a coming of age story by including benchmarks in the Grand Duchess’ life, such as falling in love, learning the responsibilities of adulthood, and realizing the importance of protecting her family members from some truths. Even at the beginning of the novel, Anastasia appears to be a girl who is surprisingly mature and realistic despite her upbringing. Her behavior contrasts sharply with that of her mother, who was also raised as a Royal. In the 18 months covered by this novel, the reader watches as Anastasia develops from a child into a young woman.

Anastasia’s love and devotion for her family deepens as she matures, giving her the ability to not only comfort herself, but also to bear the terrible reality of their fate by herself in order to keep them from being afraid. Even at the beginning...