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portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
As she did with The Secret Wife, Gill Paul has taken a well known historical event and woven it into a story which imagines what may have happened. She is adept at intertwining fact with fiction to create a compelling novel. The historical aspect of this story looks at the long-lasting friendship between Wallis Simpson and Mary Kirk who met at summer camp in America in 1911. Their friendship lasted many years through various relationships, scandals and heartbreak before finally breaking down over a betrayal. The more modern part of the story is not quite history yet but is set at the time of Princess Diana's death in a car crash almost 20 years ago in Paris. Newly engaged Rachel and Alex are in a car not far behind hers and are witnesses to the scene. Following her death, Alex becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened and begins investigating for a documentary. Rachel discovers a possible link between Princess Diana and Wallis Simpson and becomes very intrigued with this possible connection.
Until I read the notes at the end of the book, I had no idea that Mary Kirk was actually a real person! I'm quite glad I didn't as I would no doubt have succumbed to Google and found out more about her life. As it was, I was able to read this book with no idea what happened to her and just enjoy reading about her life. I liked the way she developed throughout the course of the novel from quite a naive young woman who really should have been less tolerant of Wallis's actions to a much stronger woman who stood up for herself. She knew a lot of sadness in her life and I really felt for her as she yearned for a happy family life.
Other than the fact that she was the American divorcee for whom King Edward VIII gave up the crown, I didn't know an awful lot about Wallis Simpson either. Although the abdication was of course a huge upset and scandal at the time, I had always thought it was very romantic that he gave up so much 'for the woman he loved'. Reading the book I see Wallis in rather a different light now. She seemed a rather selfish woman who only cared about getting what she wanted and showed little loyalty to those who loved and cared for her. I can understand a bit more now about why she was so disliked.
In the 1990s, Rachel is an altogether more likeable character. She owns a vintage clothes shop although is struggling at the beginning of the story due to a break-in. I'm not really into fashion myself, but even I enjoyed reading about the glamorous clothes and jewellery she bought and sold in her business. The clothes of course, are just one link between the stories of Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana as they were both renowned for their stylish clothes. It is through her business that Rachel comes into contact with another character who has a link to both Diana and Mary adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
I am going to admit that The Secret Wife is still my favourite book but I did thoroughly enjoy this book too. Gill Paul has obviously impeccably researched her real life characters, the historical events, the social attitudes to women at the time and brought all this research together into a fascinating and enjoyable read.
Until I read the notes at the end of the book, I had no idea that Mary Kirk was actually a real person! I'm quite glad I didn't as I would no doubt have succumbed to Google and found out more about her life. As it was, I was able to read this book with no idea what happened to her and just enjoy reading about her life. I liked the way she developed throughout the course of the novel from quite a naive young woman who really should have been less tolerant of Wallis's actions to a much stronger woman who stood up for herself. She knew a lot of sadness in her life and I really felt for her as she yearned for a happy family life.
Other than the fact that she was the American divorcee for whom King Edward VIII gave up the crown, I didn't know an awful lot about Wallis Simpson either. Although the abdication was of course a huge upset and scandal at the time, I had always thought it was very romantic that he gave up so much 'for the woman he loved'. Reading the book I see Wallis in rather a different light now. She seemed a rather selfish woman who only cared about getting what she wanted and showed little loyalty to those who loved and cared for her. I can understand a bit more now about why she was so disliked.
In the 1990s, Rachel is an altogether more likeable character. She owns a vintage clothes shop although is struggling at the beginning of the story due to a break-in. I'm not really into fashion myself, but even I enjoyed reading about the glamorous clothes and jewellery she bought and sold in her business. The clothes of course, are just one link between the stories of Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana as they were both renowned for their stylish clothes. It is through her business that Rachel comes into contact with another character who has a link to both Diana and Mary adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
I am going to admit that The Secret Wife is still my favourite book but I did thoroughly enjoy this book too. Gill Paul has obviously impeccably researched her real life characters, the historical events, the social attitudes to women at the time and brought all this research together into a fascinating and enjoyable read.
mkendrab's review against another edition
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jcarsrud's review against another edition
4.0
This book compelled me to finish it, but I wish it wrapped up 100 pages sooner. I really liked the back and forth of the periods to connect the two stories and I enjoyed the characters. I had to go to Google images when Rachel talked about the outfits. :)
cebaute's review against another edition
3.0
I thought this story was very interesting; however, I feel like it was truthful to the blurb. This is not a story about Diana...like at all. The biggest problem I had was that I thought all the characters were horrible people. I find it hard to get behind a book with no one to root for.
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
When Rachel and Alex witness one of the most famous accidents in Paris, their life will change forever making them obsessed with conspiracy and secrets... will they find the truth and themselves inside all the tales? We'll see...
History books are not my style, but this one kept me intrigued since the first page, what could link two little friends from 1920 with the mysterious Lady Di accident?
I have to admit that I've never been fan of the monarchy, but I remember the accident and all the conspiracy stories within, that we can still hear now... it was interesting refreshing the memory about all the success and a curious theory to know why she was in Paris the fateful night!
Mary and Wallis are a big part of this story, with their friendship, love affairs and secrets like a good monarchy has to be. Their story will keep you awake, wanting to know more about them and what could have connected them with the tragic accident, let me say that it will keep you guessing till the last page.
This book was like a history lesson but more interestingly full of drama, I am sure not everything is true, but I enjoyed every page!
Ready for a travel to history?
History books are not my style, but this one kept me intrigued since the first page, what could link two little friends from 1920 with the mysterious Lady Di accident?
I have to admit that I've never been fan of the monarchy, but I remember the accident and all the conspiracy stories within, that we can still hear now... it was interesting refreshing the memory about all the success and a curious theory to know why she was in Paris the fateful night!
Mary and Wallis are a big part of this story, with their friendship, love affairs and secrets like a good monarchy has to be. Their story will keep you awake, wanting to know more about them and what could have connected them with the tragic accident, let me say that it will keep you guessing till the last page.
This book was like a history lesson but more interestingly full of drama, I am sure not everything is true, but I enjoyed every page!
Ready for a travel to history?
pnelson384's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a good story that captured my interest and makes me curious about the characters involved. My only reference point with Wallis Simpson is her portrayal on the series "The Crown", but this book seemed to agree. I was a bit disappointed that the jacket seemed to promise a parallel Diana story with the Wallis story, when in fact the Diana portion of the 1990 story line was minimal. I don't think it was necessary to do that as the 1990 story line was compelling by itself, as was the 1930's story line. The main characters were fleshed out and complex, some likeable, some not. I was pleased to have a stretch of time today to sit down and enjoy the story to it's conclusion. Definitely worth reading, and a great book club selection.
lommelun's review against another edition
informative
relaxing
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
3.0
jmatkinson1's review against another edition
4.0
Sarah Kirk meets Bessie Warfield at school in the early part of the century. Sarah is conservative Baltimore society whereas Bessie is a little more forward, a little more insecure. Over the next twenty-five years Sarah and Wallis (as Bessie prefers to be known) live and love across several continents until their orbits collide in London in the 1930s and scandal erupts. Meanwhile in 1997 Rachel has just become engaged in Paris, on the way to celebrate their cab is halted by a car accident and Rachel becomes involved in the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
This story links the two greatest royal scandals of the 20th century, the abdication crisis and the death of Diana. However it is a very well put together piece of romantic fiction at heart. Sarah and Rachel are the key protagonists, both involved and yet not central to events, one real, one fictional. There are lots of themes explored here - love, loyalty and honour particularly. The links between Wallis and Rachel are a little forced, I found the motif of the painting a little too false, but overall it is a lush and enjoyable read.
This story links the two greatest royal scandals of the 20th century, the abdication crisis and the death of Diana. However it is a very well put together piece of romantic fiction at heart. Sarah and Rachel are the key protagonists, both involved and yet not central to events, one real, one fictional. There are lots of themes explored here - love, loyalty and honour particularly. The links between Wallis and Rachel are a little forced, I found the motif of the painting a little too false, but overall it is a lush and enjoyable read.
cher_n_books's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars - It was good.
Dual timeline narrative with the modern-ish day having the death of Princess Diana in the background. This timeline was ok though the heroine’s stupidity is exasperating to the point it can pull you out of the story.
The older timeline is focused on Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. This one was more interesting and had me googling various historical topics for supplementation.
The whole novel held my interest and I wouldn’t hesitate to read something else by the author, but I also did not feel compelled to highlight any snippets of prose. Good choice for an easy read that is engaging and brushes on historical events.
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First Sentence: Rachel rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and slide a hand onto his thigh.
Dual timeline narrative with the modern-ish day having the death of Princess Diana in the background. This timeline was ok though the heroine’s stupidity is exasperating to the point it can pull you out of the story.
Spoiler
She’s financially strained and paying rent with credit cards, suspects her fiance of cheating on her with valid reasons for her suspicions. When calculating it has been almost a month since they had sex she realizes she is a week late with her period. Hopes and prays she is pregnant and effing CRIES (sad tears, not happy relief tears) when her period starts. A rational person in this situation would have been crying when they thought they were pregnant by a cheating fiance while broke and indebted.The older timeline is focused on Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales. This one was more interesting and had me googling various historical topics for supplementation.
The whole novel held my interest and I wouldn’t hesitate to read something else by the author, but I also did not feel compelled to highlight any snippets of prose. Good choice for an easy read that is engaging and brushes on historical events.
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First Sentence: Rachel rested her head on Alex’s shoulder and slide a hand onto his thigh.
smcates's review against another edition
3.0
Fascinating historical fiction about Wallis Simpson and Princess Diana. As someone who was fascinated with both women, it was a really interesting read. I wasn’t a fan of one subplot created and resolved entirely too easily among the fictional characters, but it did compel the story at times.