Metaphor for Guilt
At the beginning of the novel, Misha describes himself as a weary old man. He uses physical descriptions of himself with references to wrinkles, liver spots, a slumped back, and never-ending pain as a way to represent his weariness and the things he has carried with him throughout his life. One of these things is the guilt of knowing the truth about what happened to the Romanov family that many years ago in Russia, and he has been physically damaged due to the guilt he carries with him.
Metaphor for the Spread of Truth
By addressing his audiobook to his granddaughter Katya, Misha is trying to get the burden of his harrowing truth off his chest. Katya represents the first step in the people learning about the events that took place in Misha's past. She had always been curious to learn of her family background, as was stated in the novel, and she will be even more excited and energized to learn this huge story. By telling his own granddaughter before passing away, the author is setting up a metaphor for the spread of truth and how future generations will now be able to know of this dark secret that was kept hidden for so long.
Metaphor for Family Bonding
When the Romanov family was taken from their royal palace by the soldiers of the Bolshevik Revolution, they were finally put together and allowed to be close, even if it wasn't under the best circumstances. This occurrence was a metaphor for the bonding that a family has to go through. Previously, the family had been cold and distant, which can be expected of families at that time, especially royal families who must be tasked with taking care of the nation. The Tsar would be busy for weeks on end and the mother had to conduct stately affairs, leaving the children isolated and alone. However, when they were finally put under one roof, they showed the signs of family bonding. The Romanovs cooked and ate meals together, talking over the dinner table and engaging with each other. They spent time playing with the family pet and trying to find ways to pass the hours. The Tsar and his wife even started caring for the five children more and more, becoming emotionally invested in their young children like they never had before. This entire transition to the Impatiev House represents and acts as a metaphor for family bonding.
Similie for the Devil
The Romanovs were stuck in the House of Special Purposes and were constantly surrounded by Bolshevik soldiers. These soldiers were led by one commander. Around halfway through the novel, the commander was replaced by a different one, a cold-hearted and malicious character who was described to be like the devil. He seemed affable at first and gave off the appearance of warming up to the family. However, it was easy to see his true, dark motives and his sinister plot to slaughter and execute the family of seven. It is easy to see why this commander was compared to the devil.
Metaphor for Innocence
The main character of the book, who the reader uses as a tool to see the story, acts as a metaphor for innocence. This character is Leonid, the kitchen boy. He is an extremely young boy who comes from a poverty-stricken background, and by chance is able to act as a kitchen hand for the trapped Romanov family. He does not understand the full context of what is taking place at the Impatiev House but he bonds with the family and builds an especially close relationship with the younger children. For this reason, he helps transfer the secret notes, without knowing of their meaning or purpose. He isn't even questioned by the guards because of his youth and his innocence. The fact that he had to witness the family's execution and the effect it had on him prove testimony to his innocent character and his representation for the idea of naivety and innocence.
