A review by halkid2
The American Adventuress by C.W. Gortner
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.