Exceptional

Looking at the life of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor in a new light, this book shows her in a completely different role. Far from being a temptress who lured a king from his throne and caused the greatest royal crisis of the modern age, Wallis is seen as a victim of obsessive love who suffered lifelong humiliation from both the royal family and the British public. Blamed for everything from the abdication to the premature death of George VI she withstood everything with dignity and supported her husband until his death. Drawing on recollections of people who knew her well, mainly from the British aristocracy she comes across as a kind and generous woman who has long been portrayed as villainous and manipulative.

Beautifully written and performed, a must read for anyone interested in the history of the British Royal Family or 20th century.

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well written - worthwhile read

I did enjoy this book, and it does present a different side of Wallace as someone trapped by circumstances and not the evil witch she is often portrayed as. She was certainly unwise, but she was no more wicked than many many other people. I felt Anna tried to give a balanced view although I could feel, almost from the start, that she was sympathetic to Wallace. I guess that's ok - Wallace has been much maligned and it was good to see someone giving her the benefit of the doubt.

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Review

I have always been fascinated with the story of Wallis Simpson; and like many people really could not understand what made a king give up his throne. This book gives depth to the characters and the complex background that surrounds this. I was left liking Wallis and felt such sadness for how history has demonised her. This book is so well written and also beautifully read that it both captivates and informs.

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2 people found this helpful

Wallis

Excellent book and well worth listening to. A new way of looking at this woman who has been cast as a she devil when in fact she was caught up with a very weak man who became infatuated with her. She really had no way to turn. Would recommend it

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1 person found this helpful

Excellent

I really enjoyed listening to this well researched and well delivered book. Much of the story I knew, but new light was shed on the appalling and callous behaviour of the Royal family et al towards the couple. A sad tale indeed, which left a tear in my eye during the final chapter and epilogue.

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such bad pronunciation and internation appalling

The narrator is shocking, pronunciation of so many words is a huge frustration and inconsistent additionally, her internation is a disgrace you hear full stops when it's really the middle of a sentence! Otherwise a comprehensive if a little over-sympathetic account of the life of the subject.

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Fascinating

I am grateful to Anna for such a vivid deep honest yet respectful display of the true story. Amazed. In love

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A riveting story

Anna Pasternak has succeeded in bringing to life one of the most extraordinary stories of the 20th century, with a tenderness befitting the protagonists. They are brought to life well by the reader, who uses accents to distinguish the aristocratic personages in a lively manner.
It is true that the emphases on words and phrases is sometimes clumsy but this does not really detract from the listener’s enjoyment.
The book has been expertly and forensically researched by the author and written in the well paced manner of a romantic thriller.
Thank you Anna.

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Wow, what an insight!

I thought I knew all there was to know about this story, completely wrong about our supposed Royal history! What an insight, this wronged woman who has been cast as a monster was nothing of the sort & tried to keep 'David', on the throne. All luminaries that contributed to the book, none had a bad word to say against her. I'd love to have been invited to one of 'The Windsor's' legendry parties. Excellent book, well worth the listen & highly recommend

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New Perspective

The book put a whole different perspective not so much on the abdication but the decades that followed. Difficult to feel sorry for people who were so privileged but I did feel for them and the sense of underlying sadness that underscored their lives. A lot of unhappiness caused by the insecurity of the royal family and Tommy Lascelles.

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