Lost Roses Audiobook By Martha Hall Kelly cover art

Lost Roses

A Novel

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Lost Roses

By: Martha Hall Kelly
Narrated by: Kathleen Gati, Tavia Gilbert, Karissa Vacker, Catherine Taber
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About this listen

The million-copy best seller Lilac Girls introduced the real-life heroine Caroline Ferriday. Now, Lost Roses, set a generation earlier and also inspired by true events, features Caroline’s mother, Eliza, and follows three equally indomitable women from St. Petersburg to Paris under the shadow of World War I.

“A nuanced tale that speaks to the strength of women.” (Kirkus Reviews)

It is 1914, and the world has been on the brink of war so often, many New Yorkers treat the subject with only passing interest. Eliza Ferriday is thrilled to be traveling to St. Petersburg with Sofya Streshnayva, a cousin of the Romanovs. The two met years ago one summer in Paris and became close confidantes. Now, Eliza embarks on the trip of a lifetime, home with Sofya to see the splendors of Russia: the church with the interior covered in jeweled mosaics, the Rembrandts at the tsar’s Winter Palace, the famous ballet.

But when Austria declares war on Serbia and Russia’s imperial dynasty begins to fall, Eliza escapes back to America, while Sofya and her family flee to their country estate. In need of domestic help, they hire the local fortune-teller’s daughter, Varinka, unknowingly bringing intense danger into their household.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Eliza is doing her part to help the White Russian families find safety as they escape the revolution. But when Sofya’s letters suddenly stop coming, she fears the worst for her best friend.

From the turbulent streets of St. Petersburg and aristocratic countryside estates to the avenues of Paris where a society of fallen Russian émigrés live to the mansions of Long Island, the lives of Eliza, Sofya, and Varinka will intersect in profound ways. In her newest powerful tale told through female-driven perspectives, Martha Hall Kelly celebrates the unbreakable bonds of women’s friendship, especially during the darkest days of history.

Audiobook cast of narrators:

  • Sofya, read by Kathleen Gati
  • Eliza, read by Tavia Gilbert
  • Varinka, read by Karissa Vacker
  • Luba, read by Catherine Taber
  • The author's note read by the author
©2019 Martha Hall Kelly (P)2019 Random House Audio
20th Century Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction World War I
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Critic reviews

“A charming and vividly rendered historical novel.... Based on true events, this prequel to Lilac Girls transports.” (People)

“Inspired by true events, just like its predecessor, and just as well-researched, Lost Roses is a remarkable story and another testament to female strength. This sweeping epic will thrill and delight fans of Lilac Girls and readers of historical fiction alike.” (PopSugar)

“Epic...[Martha Hall] Kelly’s gift is bringing to life and to light the untold stories of women and families far away from the war front yet deeply affected by the decisions of leaders and the efforts of fighters. Fans of historical fiction...and viewers of period dramas will want to clear their calendars when Lost Roses comes out." (Booklist, starred review)

What listeners say about Lost Roses

Highly rated for:

The Audiobook Tells An Intriguing Story Based On Historical Events Surrounding The Russian Revolution And World War I, Focusing On The Lives Of Compelling Female Characters From Different Backgrounds. While The Well-researched Narrative And Fascinating Historical Fiction Elements Are Praised, Some Listeners Found Certain Aspects Like Overdramatic Narration, Slow Pacing, Contrived Romantic Subplots, And Unbelievable Character Portrayals To Be Drawbacks. The Themes Explored Include The Russian Revolution, World War I, Women's Roles, Aristocracy And Privilege, As Well As Friendship And Perseverance In The Face Of Adversity.
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Outstanding

Martha Hall Kelly did not disappoint! The first few chapters I was nervous being introduced to so many characters and not finding a flow. I wasn’t sure it was a book I would like less alone love. Thank goodness I kept reading every chapter was better than the last. It was outstanding! Kelly has clearly established herself as one of the great writers of our generation!

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Great story

Another wonderful story by this author! Although I enjoyed the first one more. Can’t wait for #3

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Readers

I like the story but the voice of Eliza became more annoying as the book went on. I felt like I was listening to a 1950s news cast.. she over emphasized everything so most of her dialog sounded frenzied...

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enlightening story

it's very sad the whites were so ignorant and the reds were so cruel. imagine if things had been otherwise. what would the world be like?

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Loved This Book

It brought the subject and the country side to life. Based on actual people, events

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Lost Roses, found...

Maybe the accents don't always appeal. Maybe the historical events are disturbing. However, it is an interesting story about the lives of women and how close friendships can save your sanity. This isn't an easy listen but it's worth hanging in there to know how it ends.

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Excellent!

I learned do much about Russia during WW I. The characters came to life. I enjoyed the way the narration went from character to character.

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Wonderful story!

Enjoyed this book being read by some engaging women’s voices. A wonderful story about strong women!

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Great story but for the grating Eliza

Really great story depicting the plight of Russian elites in the face of WWI....once you get past the haughty, shouting and altogether exasperating voice of Eliza's character, an unwelcome "nails on a chalkboard" reading that is unnecessarily over dramatic and which took away from the quiet rhythm the other voices created.

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Loved the story, hated the reader for Eliza

I kept up with this because the story was so intriguing, but I agree with others that the woman who read the Eliza character was just terrible, awful, grating, way too melodramatic -- I wanted to punch her, which was too bad because the character is actually a good one. I thought the Russian accents were so-so, but they were not nearly as annoying as Eliza's.

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1 person found this helpful