I Was Anastasia Summary
Ariel Lawhon

I Was Anastasia Overview

In the historical novel, I Was Anastasia, author Ariel Lawhon juxtaposes the stories of Anastasia Romanov and Anna Anderson. Lawhon allows her audience to decide how convincing Anna is in her claims that she is Anastasia. The story jumps back and forth through time, beginning with the start of the Russian Revolution in Anastasia’s story. Anna’s story starts near the end of her life, with Anna and her husband Jack receiving news that Anna’s appeal to be recognized as Anastasia has been rejected. These stories converge in the years of 1918 and 1920 when Anastasia reappears as Anna. Themes in the novel include coming of age, gut feelings, and the politics of Anastasia’s existence.