Friday, July 26

Book Review: The Duchess by Amanda Foreman


Author: Amanda Foreman
Title: The Duchess
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Format: Paperback
Pages: 456
Published: January 1, 1998
Where I Got It: My shelf (Used Book store)


Summary: 
Lady Georgiana Spencer was the great-great-great-great-aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, and was nearly as famous in her day. In 1774 Georgiana achieved immediate celebrity by marrying William Cavendish, fifth duke of Devonshire, one of England’s richest and most influential aristocrats. She became the queen of fashionable society and founder of the most important political salon of her time. But Georgiana’s public success concealed an unhappy marriage, a gambling addiction, drinking, drug-taking, and rampant love affairs with the leading politicians of the day. With penetrating insight, Amanda Foreman reveals a fascinating woman whose struggle against her own weaknesses, whose great beauty and flamboyance, and whose determination to play a part in the affairs of the world make her a vibrant, astonishingly contemporary figure.


Review:
I picked this up an eon ago. Been meaning to read this but you know how life goes. When I originally picked this up I swore it was more like the movie, but it is a nonfiction. Once I got going I realized that it was an informational instead.

This is a biography book about Georgiana and her life. She was extremely popular and famous in her day. She married one of England's richest and most influential aristocrats. She became the queen of fashion and a staple of the ton. However, money and fame can only buy you so much. She had an unhappy marriage, gambling addiction, and a rampant lover affairs. 

Yess this was very informational and it was nice learning more about this beautiful lady. I loved the movie and I really wanted to read this. Even though it wasn't what I expected, I still enjoyed myself. Lots of details and snip bits from letters and etc that survived. 

But yes. This was a nice read. Refreshing in a way. We got to see some deep detail about a woman who is still remembered today. 

Now...I want to re-watch the movie ;) 

I'll give this 4 stars. 


ONE WORD SUMMARY: Informational




2 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

I think I watched the movie ages ago

Carole Rae said...

Such a good movie.