Zeus Adams, Amazon (5 stars), 11/05/2025 LATEST
Paula Bilyieu Velho’s Escape from the Czar is a deeply moving and historically immersive novella that captures not only the turbulence of Imperial Russia but also the enduring strength of the human spirit. Written with emotional depth and intellectual precision, Velho’s storytelling transports the reader into the life of Povilas (Pavel) — a young man torn between survival, ambition, and love during one of history’s most perilous eras.
From the very first page, the reader is drawn into the world of pre-revolutionary Russia, where societal expectations clash with the desires of an individual who dares to dream beyond the fields and barracks. Paula’s writing invites you to walk alongside Povilas — to feel the cold of the St. Petersburg air, the rumble of factory machinery, and the quiet ache of a man searching for purpose amid a crumbling empire.
Povilas’s journey from a humble village lad to a skilled metallurgist at the Putilov factory is not merely a historical narrative — it’s a story of self-determination and intellect triumphing over circumstance. The novel beautifully captures his evolution as he becomes entangled with anti-Czarist thinkers and revolutionary ideals, all while yearning for meaning and belonging.
When he meets the love of his life, Velho skillfully weaves tenderness into the chaos of war and ideology. The relationship grounds the reader emotionally, serving as a reminder that love, in even the darkest times, can be both an anchor and a reason to fight for freedom. Yet, just as peace settles in, the story turns — Pavel’s expertise in metallurgy becomes both his blessing and his curse, sending him across the world to the Russo-Japanese War, where the cost of survival becomes brutally real.
The moment he boards the Trans-Siberian Express, escaping the tightening grip of the Russian state, you can almost feel his heart pounding — not only with fear but with hope for his family’s safety and his own redemption.
Paula, your storytelling in Escape from the Czar is nothing short of captivating. You have achieved something remarkable — transforming a turbulent moment in history into an intimate, emotionally charged human experience. Your prose carries both the rhythm of historical truth and the heartbeat of compassion.
Reading your work feels like stepping through time — we see the soot of the factories, hear the echo of revolution brewing, and feel the quiet hope of a man who refuses to be crushed by the weight of an empire. You’ve given readers not just a window into the past, but a mirror to reflect on what resilience, love, and sacrifice truly mean.
Your gift lies in making history breathe — in reminding us that even amid war and oppression, there are always stories of heart, intellect, and survival worth telling. This novella stands as proof that powerful storytelling doesn’t need excess — just honesty, depth, and courage, all of which you’ve delivered brilliantly.
If I were to summarize Escape from the Czar in one line: “A gripping and elegantly told tale of courage and conscience — Paula Bilyieu Velho illuminates the human spirit against the dark shadow of history with grace and conviction.”
A Lithuanian factory worker tries to protect his family from the violent forces of history in this novella set in the late 19th century.
Povilas Glamzo grows up on a farm in Lithuania, the son of a serf, Kazimerias, who seems destined to follow in his footsteps. But Povilas longs to live a freer, more accomplished life, and wants to avoid the drudgery of serfdom as well as the possibility of military conscription. His dream is to go out on his own and find employment at a Russian factory, a goal brought to fruition by his father’s master, Lord Nicholas Serovich, who pays his way to St. Petersburg. Povilas finds work quickly and is thrilled to join the ranks of the proletariat, but becomes disillusioned by its limited possibilities, finally seeing it as another form of serfdom. In earnest language, the protagonist laments his lot: “Men grumble for a reason. There is so much unrest and discontent here in Russia. I know why. I can see the reasons all around me. I’m coughing so much. I have to leave St. Petersburg. There must be something better out there. My dream of doing something important with my life hasn’t been fulfilled here. It’s been only a stepping-stone. But where do I go from here? God, please answer my prayer.” While he hopes to eventually become an engineer, he moves to Latvia to take a job as a metallurgist making cannonballs, a lucrative position. He also marries Sophie Zagel, the “village beauty,” and starts a family. Yet all of this is threatened when Russia and Japan go to war, and Povilas is recruited by the Imperial Russian Navy to make torpedoes for submarines. He dares not decline the offer for fear what it could mean for his family’s fate.
Velho’s tableau of the political tumult of the times is meticulously authentic—she captures with great verisimilitude the convulsions that roiled the lives of men like Povilas. In addition, this novella—not quite 100 pages—is based on the life of the author’s grandfather, and the loving attention she directs toward the subject is evident on every page. Finally, Povilas’ life is extraordinarily dramatic, the stuff of a grand cinematic saga—there is an abundance of eventful scenes packed into this short work of fiction. Unfortunately, Velho’s writing, which can be a bit awkward, makes full immersion in the story sometimes difficult. Her prose is often clumsy when she expresses Povilas’ own ruminations: “I have no particular loyalty to Russia, except that they control us. What would it mean for my family if Japan defeated Russia? This offer could change our lives—for better or worse. Submarines and torpedoes, OK. Leaving my wife and our children? That will break my heart. What if I don’t take the offer? What will the Russians do to us?”
A realistic, action-packed but uneven war tale.
evraealtana, Online Book Club, 6/9/2022
4 out of 4 stars
As the son of a Lithuanian serf at the close of the 19th century, young Povilas Glemza dreams of breaking away from serfdom and building a new life for himself by working in a Russian factory. His father seeks aid from a local lord, who paves the way for Povilas to study engineering in St. Petersburg, the first step toward self-sufficiency. But Povilas soon finds that factory life is not quite what he thought it would be, and it isn’t long before he starts rethinking his plans. With the world on the cusp of the Russo-Japanese war, he will find himself on the front lines if he isn’t careful.
Escape from the Czar, written by Paula Bilyieu Velho, is a novella that depicts a partly fictional rendition of the author’s grandfather’s life, from his early youth to his mid-thirties. As a girl, the author never met her grandfather and knew very little about his life but always admired a portrait of him, which the family kept and displayed in their living room. Later in life, she discovered a sixty-year-old magazine featuring an interview with Glemza, whose name had at some point been changed to “Glamzo”. Once the author managed to translate the interview from its original Lithuanian, she discovered her grandfather’s life’s story, which then became the foundation for this book.
As a novella, the book is short, reaching only 89 pages. The writing is simple, with short sentences and approachable vocabulary. This style keeps the action flowing, and at no point did it feel like the story had stalled or reached a lull. I loved how the author managed to weave in relevant historical events to create a world that felt full and rooted in fact, despite having so little raw material from which to work. I enjoyed getting to know Povilas and found myself rooting for his success.
I was a little disappointed by the passive and superficial role of women in the book. All of the women were either depicted as pretty, timid brides-to-be or dutiful wives, who were sometimes argumentative but inevitably bent themselves to their husbands’ wishes. This attitude toward women is probably historically accurate, which is why I cannot deduct a star for it, although it is disappointing to read from a modern perspective.
There are a few veiled references to sex and one instance of somewhat graphic violence. Because of this content, I can’t recommend sharing this book with children. There are brief mentions of religion, but I don’t believe that a non-religious reader would object to them. There is absolutely no profane language. Although I did find a few spelling and grammar errors, the book as a whole feels polished and professional.
Escape from the Czar earns a score of 4 out of 4 for its uplifting story of a young man building a better life amid sociopolitical turmoil. It would most appeal to adult and young adult fans of historical fiction looking for a quick read.
Abdullah Oliver, Gift Lit, 8/17/2023
Povilas Glamzo, a Lithuanian factory worker, strives to protect his family from the tumultuous events of the late 19th century. Growing up as the son of a serf, Povilas is determined to break free from the bonds of servitude and find a better life. His father’s master, Lord Nicholas Serovich, helps him to achieve his dream by paying for his passage to St. Petersburg. Although Povilas is initially excited to join the proletariat, he soon realizes that it is just another form of servitude. He moves to Latvia to become a metallurgist, and marries Sophie Zagel, the village beauty. However, his newfound happiness is threatened when Russia and Japan go to war and Povilas is conscripted to make torpedoes for submarines. He is terrified of the consequences of refusing the offer, and so he reluctantly agrees.
Velho’s novella is based on the life of her grandfather, and her attention to detail is evident in her depiction of the political turmoil of the time. The story is full of dramatic events, and could easily be adapted into a cinematic saga. However, the author’s writing can be awkward and clumsy, making it difficult to fully immerse oneself in the story. Despite this, the protagonist’s inner turmoil is still palpable, as he struggles to make the best decision for his family.
Randy Lewis, Dream Books
Rating: 9.1
Major Criteria Passed (See info below)
The three C’s (Character, Challenge and Change) – This is huge! The manuscript tells the audience to know whom they are going to spend the next two hours. Whose mind they are going to enter. It is necessary to set up who the protagonist is, of what Povilas Glamzo (Pavel or Paul) must overcome and in the character. The person who drives the story forward, someone all can root for. People that are easy to relate to, likeable (but not necessarily luscious), with their weakness and most importantly, a goal.
Power – book is complex, nuanced, comprehensive and profound, requiring careful and repeated study in order to yield its deepest secrets and greatest wisdom. One might add that precisely because of these characteristics, a classic that has great staying power across both time and space.
Gripping – “Povilas Glamzo desired a life of significance and freedom to make the most of his time on earth. He was willing to endure a struggle and escape from the past. Povilas joins with other visionaries and risk takers who follow their dreams.” It’s a hook, something that keeps you guessing why this or that happened and what is going to happen next. It’s well paced, constantly surprising, with sudden plot turns along with a satisfying and unpredictable ending. (Reviewed August 1, 2022)
Logan Crawford, The Spotlight Network
What makes this book unique is its historical setting in Imperial Russia, providing readers with a glimpse into the political and social climate of the time. The protagonist’s journey from a small village to the bustling city of St. Petersburg, his encounters with anti-Czar proletariats, and his involvement in the Russo-Japanese War offer a rich backdrop for exploring themes of personal growth, societal change, and the pursuit of freedom. The novella also highlights the resilience and determination of the main character, as he strives to protect his family amidst political turmoil.
Some good points of this book include its historical accuracy and attention to detail, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the time period. The author’s ability to create a compelling protagonist and depict his personal struggles, aspirations, and relationships is also a strength. The novella’s exploration of themes such as identity, societal expectations, and the consequences of political upheaval can provide readers with thought-provoking insights. (Reviewed December 16, 2023)
Paula Velho 