Scan barcode
jennyfer's review against another edition
4.0
The year is 1981, and Lady Diana Spencer is sequestered away in Buckingham Palace in the lead up to her wedding to Charles, Prince of Wales. Feeling lonely and overwhelmed, she explores the palace, making friends with the staff. During one of these ventures, she stumbles across the portrait of Princess Charlotte. After being given a copy of Charlotte's journals, Diana settles in to read, finding a kinship with the Queen-who-never-was.
The story is in two parts: Diana and the challenges she faces assimilating into the Royal establishment, and Charlotte, 19th Century heir apparent, the rebel Royal just trying to be herself. Despite the cover, this book is not primarily about "our" modern Princess - The bulk of the story focuses on Princess Charlotte's life, with smaller chapters dedicated to Princess Diana.
Despite being based on real people and real events, this is a work of fiction. One must be mindful of this, particularly as some of the key players are alive and have had a marked change in circumstances since the book was published
It is a well crafted story, and introduced me to a historical figure I never knew existed until now. Both Princesses tales are tragic, and there is a remarkable similarity between the two.
This book does include a trigger warning, as there is frequent mention of Diana's eating disorder. Also mentioned: miscarriage, stillbirth and death.
I'm always hesitant to read fictional stories of real, contemporary people, but this one was told well.
I received this as an e-arc from Netgalley, but I also listened to the audiobook on Audible, as read by Julie Teal.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
The story is in two parts: Diana and the challenges she faces assimilating into the Royal establishment, and Charlotte, 19th Century heir apparent, the rebel Royal just trying to be herself. Despite the cover, this book is not primarily about "our" modern Princess - The bulk of the story focuses on Princess Charlotte's life, with smaller chapters dedicated to Princess Diana.
Despite being based on real people and real events, this is a work of fiction. One must be mindful of this, particularly as some of the key players are alive and have had a marked change in circumstances since the book was published
It is a well crafted story, and introduced me to a historical figure I never knew existed until now. Both Princesses tales are tragic, and there is a remarkable similarity between the two.
This book does include a trigger warning, as there is frequent mention of Diana's eating disorder. Also mentioned: miscarriage, stillbirth and death.
I'm always hesitant to read fictional stories of real, contemporary people, but this one was told well.
I received this as an e-arc from Netgalley, but I also listened to the audiobook on Audible, as read by Julie Teal.
~Many thanks to Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~
pam2375's review against another edition
4.0
This book is completely out of my comfort zone. A book about Princess Charlotte from around 1810ish and then fast forward to Princess Dianna in 1980.
A book that combines fact and fiction that kept me entertained throughout.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, One More Chapter for this advanced readers copy. This book is scheduled for release on March 31, 2022.
A book that combines fact and fiction that kept me entertained throughout.
Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, One More Chapter for this advanced readers copy. This book is scheduled for release on March 31, 2022.
carrymey's review against another edition
3.0
This was more a hook of Princess Charlotte than of Diana. Which was fine, even though I expected something different. I knew of Charlotte of course and I know there is a lot that is fiction in this. Somehow the books of Miss Harding are mere fluff with little input actually. Still they are enjoyable, especially if you don't want to know all the nitty gritty details of the Royal family.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this one but it was just okay for me.
A dual timeline story, we get to know Princess Diana in the present from her engagement to her wedding day and interspersed throughout the story are excerpts from a fictional diary Diana found written by Princess Charlotte of Wales in the 1800s. I did think the parallels between Diana and Charlotte were interesting and I commend the author for highlighting the life of a royal that few people likely know much about. Overall though, the story was a little too slow paced for me and I would have liked more of a focus on Diana's life. Recommended for fans of The crown or the 2021 movie Spencer.
A dual timeline story, we get to know Princess Diana in the present from her engagement to her wedding day and interspersed throughout the story are excerpts from a fictional diary Diana found written by Princess Charlotte of Wales in the 1800s. I did think the parallels between Diana and Charlotte were interesting and I commend the author for highlighting the life of a royal that few people likely know much about. Overall though, the story was a little too slow paced for me and I would have liked more of a focus on Diana's life. Recommended for fans of The crown or the 2021 movie Spencer.
chatdunoirreadsalot123's review against another edition
3.0
*arc copy received through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion*
Well, what can I say? I will never be tired of reading about Princess Diana, and this book was throughly enjoyable. I liked Diana’s chapters as well as Princess Charlotte’s. Though I must admit that Diana’s chapters were my favorite. Diana’s “voice” was very spot on, and you felt for her all throughout the book.
Well, what can I say? I will never be tired of reading about Princess Diana, and this book was throughly enjoyable. I liked Diana’s chapters as well as Princess Charlotte’s. Though I must admit that Diana’s chapters were my favorite. Diana’s “voice” was very spot on, and you felt for her all throughout the book.
shesbecomingbookish's review against another edition
3.0
Though she initially thought her fairytale had come true, Lady Diana now finds herself alone and scared waiting for the day she will walk down the aisle to become the next Princess of Wales. She had no idea that becoming a Royal would be like this, nor did she anticipate all the unwanted attention. Isolated and vulnerable, Diana finds solace in the pages of a journal once owned by another Princess of Wales. Will Princess Charlotte find love? Better yet, are there answers in Charlotte's journal that can help Diana hold on to hers?
Well, this was delightful! I thoroughly enjoyed this little escape into the British monarchy and definitely recommend it to any and all lovers of Princess Diana and British history. I could see it being triggering for anyone dealing with or recovering from an eating disorder, so please be aware before diving in. The author's portrayal of Diana felt authentic and well-researched. The fantasy/fiction element didn't feel forced, adding to the drama of Diana and Charles' story. The highlight of the book is most definitely the story of Princess Charlotte and her journey to find love. Every time the book flashed forward to Diana's timeline I felt eager for the next flash back to Charlotte, which is a good sign IMO. Overall, this was a great read for those interested in Diana and the history of the British monarchy.
Well, this was delightful! I thoroughly enjoyed this little escape into the British monarchy and definitely recommend it to any and all lovers of Princess Diana and British history. I could see it being triggering for anyone dealing with or recovering from an eating disorder, so please be aware before diving in. The author's portrayal of Diana felt authentic and well-researched. The fantasy/fiction element didn't feel forced, adding to the drama of Diana and Charles' story. The highlight of the book is most definitely the story of Princess Charlotte and her journey to find love. Every time the book flashed forward to Diana's timeline I felt eager for the next flash back to Charlotte, which is a good sign IMO. Overall, this was a great read for those interested in Diana and the history of the British monarchy.
ebright1121's review against another edition
2.0
#netgalleyarc #nospoilers. I wanted to love this book but it was really slow and took awhile for me to get through it. It was a bit dry but I powered through it. I don’t know what would have made it better but it’s not the worst book I’ve ever read, but definitely not the best.
shirllb's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and how it went between Princess Diana leading up to her wedding to Prince Charles and Princess Charlotte in the 1800’s. The way the story had Camilla on the sidelines back then and taking Charles’ attention from Diana and then Diana reading Charlotte’s diary which she found and then her reflecting on what Charlotte was going through at the time made for an interesting read. Whilst both of them were in very privileged positions neither of the were living the life that the essentially wanted, but the story of Princess Charlotte and how her life ended was unexpected as I didn’t know anything about her.
This book will be available on March 31st, 2022.
I really enjoyed this book and how it went between Princess Diana leading up to her wedding to Prince Charles and Princess Charlotte in the 1800’s. The way the story had Camilla on the sidelines back then and taking Charles’ attention from Diana and then Diana reading Charlotte’s diary which she found and then her reflecting on what Charlotte was going through at the time made for an interesting read. Whilst both of them were in very privileged positions neither of the were living the life that the essentially wanted, but the story of Princess Charlotte and how her life ended was unexpected as I didn’t know anything about her.
This book will be available on March 31st, 2022.
brooke_review's review against another edition
4.0
Flora Harding draws parallels between the stories of two Princesses of Wales - Diana and Charlotte - in her new novel The People's Princess, which combines fact and fiction to shine a light on Diana's lonely days locked away in Buckingham Palace leading up to her wedding to Prince Charles. The public's fascination with the ever popular Diana, Princess of Wales, is still going strong, even 20 years after her untimely death following a paparazzi chase in 1997. Surprisingly enough, biographical fiction accounts of Diana's life are few and far between, so I was eager to pick up Flora Harding's tribute to the "People's Princess" to learn more about Britain's beloved Princess of Wales.
Harding uses creative license in The People's Princess to reimagine Diana's oft-reported on days of loneliness and isolation after her engagement to Charles. In the novel, Diana becomes fascinated with a former Princess of Wales - Charlotte, born 1796 - and is gifted with Charlotte's diary, which Diana devours in the months spent at Buckingham Palace ahead of her highly publicized wedding. Diana quickly learns that she and Charlotte share a lot of the same experiences and feelings, and the desolate Diana finds a kindred spirit in Charlotte. Reading Charlotte's diary gives Diana something to look forward to amidst days spent obsessing about her weight, wedding, and Charles' former lovers, particularly Camilla Parker-Bowles.
The narrative alternates between Diana's life at Buckingham Palace and Charlotte's diary entries, combining the storylines and drawing parallels between these two "People's Princesses." Harding brings to life a historical figure that few have likely heard of in Princess Charlotte, while linking her story to the well-known one of Princess Diana. The result is essentially that readers get two stories in one with The People's Princess, doubling the pleasure by painting a compelling portrait of two prominent women in British royal history.
Obviously, The People's Princess is recommended to readers who are interested in Princess Diana's life, but don't mind her story being intertwined with that of another princess that captured the public's heart - Charlotte.
Harding uses creative license in The People's Princess to reimagine Diana's oft-reported on days of loneliness and isolation after her engagement to Charles. In the novel, Diana becomes fascinated with a former Princess of Wales - Charlotte, born 1796 - and is gifted with Charlotte's diary, which Diana devours in the months spent at Buckingham Palace ahead of her highly publicized wedding. Diana quickly learns that she and Charlotte share a lot of the same experiences and feelings, and the desolate Diana finds a kindred spirit in Charlotte. Reading Charlotte's diary gives Diana something to look forward to amidst days spent obsessing about her weight, wedding, and Charles' former lovers, particularly Camilla Parker-Bowles.
The narrative alternates between Diana's life at Buckingham Palace and Charlotte's diary entries, combining the storylines and drawing parallels between these two "People's Princesses." Harding brings to life a historical figure that few have likely heard of in Princess Charlotte, while linking her story to the well-known one of Princess Diana. The result is essentially that readers get two stories in one with The People's Princess, doubling the pleasure by painting a compelling portrait of two prominent women in British royal history.
Obviously, The People's Princess is recommended to readers who are interested in Princess Diana's life, but don't mind her story being intertwined with that of another princess that captured the public's heart - Charlotte.
catreader18's review
5.0
This is a book for fans of British Royalty. I read it on a plane coming home from London so it was even closer for me having just visited. It’s a story mainly of Princess Charlotte told via her diary in the early 1800’s. Princess Diana sees Charlotte’s portrait and wants to learn more about her. She is engaged to Prince Charles and is preparing for her own wedding. I love royal history so this was a perfect book for me. The author explains at the end of the book what is real vs fiction and most of the book is real.
I loved Princess Charlotte and her strength. It’s a fantastic read for a little history and insight into royal life.
I loved Princess Charlotte and her strength. It’s a fantastic read for a little history and insight into royal life.