Courage of Nikolai: A Story of Russia, The

Inspirational Hero
From Linda J Middlekauff of Roseburg, Oregon on 12/4/2022.

I'm in the middle of reading Courage of Nikolai which was written in Russia in the late 1880's. Although a challenge to read this book to my 8 y/o grandson, I can modify the language if needed, & he is fully engaged!

It will be interesting to read this to his almost 11 y/o brother!

Other than superheroes today, heroes like Nikolai are few and far between. One looks to leaders for such character, but we are often disappointed. Many children today don't even have a father in the home to model such heroism.

Thank you for re-printing this wonderful story1

Another Great One
From Jack Snavely of Castle Rock, Colorado on 9/30/2019.

An action-filled book and a Russia language lesson combined. The book gives phonetic spelling and definitions of a lot of Russian terms in footnotes. This was helpful. The book was 170 pages but was 4.5" x 7" so it can be easily read in a day. I really liked the book. It was a rather abrupt ending and I was hoping to find out more about the English maid... but it is a short book. It would be a great audio book. I'd recommend Charles Ogilvie for someone who wants a book with more character development. Another great Lamplighter book!

Highly Recommended
From Hannah G of Sahuarita, Arizona on 6/13/2016.

Wonderful read! The courage and bravery that Nikolai had and his confidence in the face of danger really encouraged me to be less afraid of confrontation. The absolute belief in God without wavering was truly amazing. Great read, especially when having doubts.

Peculiar, But Not In A Bad Way
From Mole of Tolland, Connecticut on 4/13/2016.

There were parts of this book that I had a hard time believing--such as a person of the Prince's status and position lacking security in his home and his willingness to confide confidential information to his messenger boy. The suspenseful moments in the book promised heightened tension but melted away far too quickly (the placard bit could have been so much more). Even the ending felt rushed. With that being said, what I did enjoy, at the expense of believability, was the relationship between the Prince and Nikolai. It portrayed the selfless love and devotion that we also see exhibited in Jonathan and David in the Bible. Indeed, if I take anything away from this book as a recommendation for others to read it would be that--a tutorial, so to speak, of one standing for one's convictions in the face of worldly authority and how that is both honoring to God and man; to each their due.

Amazing Book That Would Make An Amazing Audio Drama
From Hannah of Deer Park, Illinois on 9/9/2015.

As a kid there were several Lamplighter books I read over and over, Joel, House of Love, and the Courage of Nickolai. When you started making audio dramas, the one book I've always wanted to see as an audio drama is the Courage of Nickolai. At 152 pages and with its rather...uncompelling title, it often gets overlooked. But words are hard to find to say how much I love this story. Set in politically turmoiled Russia, it has plenty of action, sleigh chases, wolf attacks, and a mysterious stranger left to freeze to death. The plot is balanced with so much heart and warmth. Trust, friendship, faithfulness, and God's overshadowing love and care are all showcased in this small book. All that sandwiched between assassination plots and political intrigue! Nickolai is an insignificant person, like we often are, yet he, because of his steadfastness, loyalty and willingness to stand for what he believes, becomes usable to God and to the prince of Russia. In turn, the prince's heart--which he'd long believed cold--begins to warm and trust.
The book has so much heart and as a radio drama it would be far different that any Lamplighter has done yet. It's based on a true story, so all the characters feel real and relatable, especially Nickolai and the prince. This small book--often hidden behind bestsellers like That Printer of Udell's, The Hidden Hand and the Lamplighter--would make a unique, beautiful audio drama. Give it a chance?