A Story of Russia, Romanovs, and Revolution
by
Step into the glittering world of Imperial Russia – and witness its dramatic fall – through the eyes of Countess Olga Konstantinovna Kleinmichel.
Born into aristocracy and intimately connected to the Romanov dynasty, Olga’s life was shaped by privilege, love, and ultimately survival.
In this richly expanded second edition of Upheaval, her granddaughter Alex de Fircks deepens the memoir with never-before-published diary entries from 1919, personal letters exchanged with Grand Duchesses Olga and Tatiana, and rare photographs from the family archive.
The result is a vivid, intimate portrait of a vanished world.
From her wedding – attended by Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra – to her harrowing escape from Bolshevik forces, Olga’s story is a testament to resilience, grace, and the enduring power of memory. Upheaval is not just a memoir – it’s a historical treasure.
Countess Olga Konstantinovna Kleinmichel was born into an aristocratic Russian family with close ties to the monarchy. Her grandfather had been a close friend of Tsar Nicholas I, and Olga herself became friendly with the daughters of Tsar Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia. In 1914, Olga married Lieutenant Pavel Alexeievitch Voronov, a naval officer on the Tsar’s personal yacht, the Standart, and one of Grand Duchess Olga's love interests. Their wedding was attended by the Tsar and his family, with Empress Alexandra standing in for Voronov’s mother during the service.
In 1932, Olga Woronoff, née Countess Kleinmichel, published her memoir Upheaval, which traced her life in Russia before and during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. Olga was the grandmother of Alex de Fircks, and in this second edition of her book, Alex has used Olga’s personal notes and letters, as well as family documents, to further enrich her story and the story of Russia at that time. This edition also includes excerpts from Olga’s never-before-published diary of 1919 and correspondence between Olga and the two eldest daughters of Tsar Nicholas II, courtesy of the State Archive of the Russian Federation (GARF).
Olga’s memoir Upheaval traces her life from childhood to her escape from Russia during the Civil War. With chapters describing her family, their staff, and the places they lived, as well as her wedding, the memoir provides readers with a deeply intimate account of the life she led before the ensuing turmoil. The second half of Upheaval recounts Olga’s personal experiences during the Revolution and Civil War, following Pavel through southern Russia as he fought in the White Army.
In this second edition of Upheaval, Alex de Fircks has added explanatory notes and passages from the diary Olga kept during the last year she lived in Russia. This diary reveals how, despite the conflict, life remained reasonably normal, with dinner parties, plays, and operas to attend. Also included, with permission from the State Archives of Russia, are the letters exchanged between Olga and the Grand Duchesses Olga and Tatiana. This edition features the original photographs as well as new images from Olga’s family album.
Alexander Nazaroff, The New York Times wrote:No writer…has printed a more living account of human beings who lived and perished, were heroic…weak, bewildered and absurdly brave during months of… Terror.
Ella Carey, Best-Selling Author wrote:The confusion of the first days of Bolshevism and the dramatic story of her husband's hiding and escape...are well told. ... The calm tone of Woronoff's narrative help to bring out the drama and sad impressiveness of her truthful story.
Elise McCune, Historical Author wrote:Olga Woronoff’s memoir Upheaval was a moving, must-read for me. Set in the last days of Imperial Russia and during the Bolshevik Revolution, Olga’s clear prose not only paints a vivid picture of one of the most turbulent times in modern history but highlights what is really important at the end of the day. I think her story would touch the heart of any reader who is interested in Russian history or indeed in any history.
Cathy Koning, author of ‘Life Blood: Lessons from one woman who survived serious illness against the odds’ wrote:Upheaval is an emotionally engaging memoir written by Olga Woronoff, on growing up in Russia, her marriage to Paul Woronoff, who served as a naval officer on Tsar Nicholas II of Russia’s yacht, the Standart, where he became close to all the members of the Imperial Family, the Revolution, and the Civil War. With additional chapters and notes drawing on new research, written by her granddaughter, Alex de Fircks, Upheaval is a testament to the human spirit.
Graeme Lambert, Secondary Humanities Teacher - Retired wrote:Upheaval offers a new perspective on an extraordinary first-hand account of the life and times of an aristocratic Russian family both before and after the Bolshevik revolution. In Upheaval Madame Olga Woronoff (née Countess Kleinmichel) chronicles a life of privilege within the inner circle of the Tsar and Tsarina, the harrowing experience which led to her fleeing her homeland with her husband and finally settling in America. The author’s granddaughter, writer Alex de Fircks, contrasts the public story with the opinions Woronoff privately held in her personal diaries. She also helpfully offers background material on the important participants featured in this fascinating and important look back into Russian history.
Helen Azar, Romanov historian, translator, and author wrote:Upheaval provides readers with a detailed and personalised view of epic world events through the eyes of an individual caught up in the world-changing Russian revolution. Being close to the Romanovs gave the original author a unique perspective. Alex has enhanced this work to make it more detailed without detracting from the author’s integrity.
...you, the reader, now have the chance to witness life after the revolution through the eyes of the other Olga, who – along with her husband Pavel – had such a close connection to Russia’s last imperial family, and lived through events that most people only learn about from books or films.
Alex de Fircks
Olga Woronoff
