myfrogmonster's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I chose this audiobook because I like the narrator. Bonus, it was a good story. Jennie led a fascinating life. It was interesting to learn about the mother of one of the most influential leaders in the 20th century.
prncss1204's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
'
halkid2's review
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
During the 19th century, it became acceptable (if not exactly fashionable) for titled but impoverished British aristocrats to marry American heiresses, to help shore up their dwindling fortunes and stately historical homes. (Think Downton Abbey) In exchange, these heiresses received entrée into the privileged upper class world of royals, dukes and duchesses, and “old money.” THE AMERICAN ADVENTURESS is a novel about the first wealthy American woman to make such a marriage, the fascinating Jennie Jerome.
Daughter of American financier Leonard Jerome, Jennie was raised in New York City amid Mrs. Astor’s 400. Later, with her mother and sisters, Jennie traveled in Europe, to provide the finishing touch to an elite education. It was there she met Lord Randolph Churchill, the second son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. Sparks flew and despite family objections and financial hassling — the two eventually married. Ultimately becoming the parents of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his younger brother Jack.
Jennie’s strong-willed, non-conforming American spirit was bound to clash with the restrictive nature of Victorian England. Which is exactly what makes her life and this novel so interesting. She flaunts so many of the “rules” of society, scandalizing friends and relatives. But somehow never losing status. And along the way provides some extraordinarily worthwhile and patriotic services.
The book chronicles Jennie’s life from childhood until her death in 1921. It’s entertaining to read how her spirit and confidence face off against traditional British formality. And it’s just plain run to read a book that takes the reader deep inside the world of English politics, class, boarding schools, military service, even royal infidelity.
Daughter of American financier Leonard Jerome, Jennie was raised in New York City amid Mrs. Astor’s 400. Later, with her mother and sisters, Jennie traveled in Europe, to provide the finishing touch to an elite education. It was there she met Lord Randolph Churchill, the second son of the 7th Duke of Marlborough. Sparks flew and despite family objections and financial hassling — the two eventually married. Ultimately becoming the parents of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his younger brother Jack.
Jennie’s strong-willed, non-conforming American spirit was bound to clash with the restrictive nature of Victorian England. Which is exactly what makes her life and this novel so interesting. She flaunts so many of the “rules” of society, scandalizing friends and relatives. But somehow never losing status. And along the way provides some extraordinarily worthwhile and patriotic services.
The book chronicles Jennie’s life from childhood until her death in 1921. It’s entertaining to read how her spirit and confidence face off against traditional British formality. And it’s just plain run to read a book that takes the reader deep inside the world of English politics, class, boarding schools, military service, even royal infidelity.
mary412's review
3.0
Received this as a Christmas present and started it right away. I already knew a little about Jennie Jerome - starting with the PBS Masterpiece Theatre series, The First Churchills.
shrrawat's review
3.0
I had only vaguely heard of Jennie Jerome prior to reading C. W. Gortner's book, and honestly, after reading both this and her biography, I am not too impressed with her. It appears that she was, in many ways, a product of her time and circumstances. Gortner tries valiantly to make her appear sympathetic, and he does succeed at times, particularly when describing her efforts during the Boer War. This payoff takes a long time though, and we see much of the spoiled and selfish Jennie for about 200 pages beforehand as she parades about in Paris and New York, spending money like water and rebuking her teachers, and then as Lady Randolph, having affairs with multiple men and leaving her children to be raised by nannies.
That being said, it is obvious that Jennie Jerome was a strong character to have attracted and strongly influenced many prominent men of her time. Gortner does an great job of displaying this streak of independence, even if the results are a bit off-putting at times. But, I appreciate his displaying these flaws as well, rather than trying to cleanse her impact and actions in history.
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for allowing me to obtain a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
That being said, it is obvious that Jennie Jerome was a strong character to have attracted and strongly influenced many prominent men of her time. Gortner does an great job of displaying this streak of independence, even if the results are a bit off-putting at times. But, I appreciate his displaying these flaws as well, rather than trying to cleanse her impact and actions in history.
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads for allowing me to obtain a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
evawondergem's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
abronstein's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
laileanah's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Gortner's books are hit or miss for me. This one wasn't a miss but was mostly boring.
Which I found frustrating because Jennie is a very colorful character.
In ways this reminds me of A Well Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler. Another very colorful historical character basically flattened in a fiction book.
In the same way from both novels I wanted more color, more charisma, more bold moves, and more pizzazz.
Both books made these very complicated and complex women boring as fuck.
I was looking more Dynasty energy, unapologetic and demanding bitchiness.
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't really good.
🤷🏾♀️
Which I found frustrating because Jennie is a very colorful character.
In ways this reminds me of A Well Behaved Woman by Therese Anne Fowler. Another very colorful historical character basically flattened in a fiction book.
In the same way from both novels I wanted more color, more charisma, more bold moves, and more pizzazz.
Both books made these very complicated and complex women boring as fuck.
I was looking more Dynasty energy, unapologetic and demanding bitchiness.
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't really good.
🤷🏾♀️
awool18's review
Got tired of listening to all of her extramarital trysts. Very boring and repetitive. Reading about/listening to English royalty is not my jam.
anhistorianabouttown's review
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this audiobook while mostly hating the protagonist, Jennie Jerome. That is a me issue, though, nothing to do with the author!
I found that the passage of time was quite wonky, an hour or several years could pass in a page. It made for odd listening, but still an interesting book
I found that the passage of time was quite wonky, an hour or several years could pass in a page. It made for odd listening, but still an interesting book