First published 2010
Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany paces his palace, wrestling with his complex feelings toward his cousins who rule the other great European powers. His relationship with Tsar Nicholas II of Russia and King George V of Britain grows increasingly strained as their nations drift toward conflict. Wilhelm remembers childhood summers with his royal relatives, but those innocent days seem distant now. Political pressures mount as each emperor faces domestic challenges and international tensions. The three cousins exchange letters and meet at state functions, but their personal affections cannot overcome the forces pulling their empires apart. Wilhelm watches helplessly as family loyalty collides with national duty. The bonds between these royal relatives, once strong enough to bridge any divide, begin to fracture under the weight of history. At its heart, this is a story about how love between family members can survive even when their worlds are set on a collision course toward war.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, political-thriller
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, family-drama
Setting: Germany, Russia, Britain
Period: Early 20th Century
624 pages · Paperback · Penguin Books