Circus Performer Matryona Rasputina, Daughter of Grigory Rasputin

After the publication of Yusupov's memoirs about the murder of Rasputin, Maria brought a suit against Felix Yusupov and Grand Duke Dmitry Romanov, demanding monetary compensation for the moral damage caused, but the claim was dismissed, since under French law the court did not consider it possible to hear events that had taken place in another state.

Matryona then wrote and published a book of her own, "Rasputin: Why?", which was followed by two further printed editions in the form of memoirs.

Later Rasputina published a cookery book containing recipes of Russian cuisine, including Grigory Rasputin's favourite dishes.

Before her literary career, Maria Rasputina, born Matryona Grigoryevna Rasputina, who left after the Revolution for Romania and then for France, worked as a cabaret dancer and a maid, and then became a trainer of big predators in the Ringling Brothers circus, and later in the Gardner Brothers circus.

A tamer of lions and tigers, daughter of the famous mad monk whose exploits in Russia astonished the world

Rasputina toured many countries with the circus, until one day, during a performance in the USA, she was attacked by a polar bear. After this she abandoned her career as a trainer, but continued to tour with the circus. Having ended her circus career, Maria took a job at a defence factory and worked in that field until her retirement. In 1945 she received American citizenship.