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ejorn's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was well written and engaging. I liked the focus on their relationship as sisters. The insights revealed about their individual characters and lives felt balanced, in the sense that Morton didn’t portray them as saints, nor did he vilify them. I also appreciated learning about their early lives and how they coped with the war at Windsor Castle. Towards the end, the story seemed to be more focused on Margaret and her life. I would have preferred more coverage of the Queen. Overall, I enjoyed learning about their different personalities and the events that shaped their relationship.
botanicalcat's review against another edition
4.0
very detailed and seemed nuanced (I don’t have a command of the facts to call anyone out lol). people are certainly contradictory.. princess Margaret seemed a mostly sympathetic, but also hypocritical figure
abthebooknerd's review against another edition
5.0
A highly emotionally intelligent biography on the two most famous sisters in world history.
I've always liked Andrew Morton from what I've seen from his bits in documentaries. From his work with Diana to his respect for all members of the Royal Family, but also his regard for the truth. I've always valued his commentary. While I felt that some aspects of this novel were obviously open to interpretation to maintain some string of narrative in order to keep the readers captivated, this truly was a great read.
So many myths were dispelled that The Crown had to put in my head. The Queen denying Margaret's marriage to Peter Townsend, for example. It was totally Margaret's decision, by the way.
This was the first official history book that I actually read from cover to cover and didn't just flip through, or give up on, and I have to say - I'm proud of myself! This in-depth look at how their Uncle David's decision to abdicate his throne, and how it affected not only the course of their lives but their sisterly bond, was utterly enthralling.
As far as society was concerned, as well as their family, Margaret would forever walk two steps behind her beloved sister - something young, attention-seeking Margaret didn't take kindly to at first. It was this sudden inferiority of standing that affected the younger daughter of the King of England more than anyone knew, even Margaret herself.
For all their flaws, their mistakes, I learned this: people are not monoliths. If you want perfection, get a crown, not a queen. If you want excellence, get a tiara, not a princess.
These two vital figures - these two sisters - above all else, deeply cared for one another. Elizabeth was constant in her love, and Margaret's loyalty never wavered.
If you're obsessed with the history of the royals, specifically these Windsor royals, give this one a read. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for gifting me with an ARC copy of this book!
I've always liked Andrew Morton from what I've seen from his bits in documentaries. From his work with Diana to his respect for all members of the Royal Family, but also his regard for the truth. I've always valued his commentary. While I felt that some aspects of this novel were obviously open to interpretation to maintain some string of narrative in order to keep the readers captivated, this truly was a great read.
So many myths were dispelled that The Crown had to put in my head. The Queen denying Margaret's marriage to Peter Townsend, for example. It was totally Margaret's decision, by the way.
This was the first official history book that I actually read from cover to cover and didn't just flip through, or give up on, and I have to say - I'm proud of myself! This in-depth look at how their Uncle David's decision to abdicate his throne, and how it affected not only the course of their lives but their sisterly bond, was utterly enthralling.
As far as society was concerned, as well as their family, Margaret would forever walk two steps behind her beloved sister - something young, attention-seeking Margaret didn't take kindly to at first. It was this sudden inferiority of standing that affected the younger daughter of the King of England more than anyone knew, even Margaret herself.
For all their flaws, their mistakes, I learned this: people are not monoliths. If you want perfection, get a crown, not a queen. If you want excellence, get a tiara, not a princess.
These two vital figures - these two sisters - above all else, deeply cared for one another. Elizabeth was constant in her love, and Margaret's loyalty never wavered.
If you're obsessed with the history of the royals, specifically these Windsor royals, give this one a read. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for gifting me with an ARC copy of this book!
jbl7701's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting If you are interested in the royal family. Nothing you wouldn’t already know if you watched The Crown.
bethg331's review against another edition
5.0
I read Anne Glenconner's Lady In Waiting, about Princess Margaret, and so when I saw this book come out I was very interested. It definitely shows the craziness of "The Firm." I really do not have much sympathy for those born into royalty and whining about it. I get that it can be boring and lonely, but you're a freaking princess! Get over it. However, reading this and seeing how personal matters do not matter I maybe have a teensy bit of sympathy. Everything is about how things look for the Crown. The Queen was raised to never show emotion. When she had two little kids and had been gone for 6 months, she came back and shook hands with Charles and Anne. Shook their hands! What a cold upbringing for them. Margaret would also leave her children constantly. Margaret was the first to marry a commoner which I thought was interesting and she started a trend. Also, 3 of Queen Elizabeth's 4 children have divorced, which I also thought was interesting. If the Royals would just let people marry for love, much of the aggravation would be avoided. That's my takeaway.
casslel's review against another edition
3.0
Easy to read. Interesting viewpoints of key historic points in the royal timeline. Good overview of the sisters history together.
estherscholes's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting biography focusing on the relationship between the Queen and her sister Princess Margaret, from a writer of many royal biographies. I found it better than his book on Diana as it had less personal opinion and repetition, following a chronological unfolding of events and how they impacted the sisters’ relationship. I heard many details I hadn’t heard before (although some were explored in The Crown, it was good to learn which parts were based on fact and which on speculation).
Unfortunately the narration on the Audible audiobook was absolutely dire and made it an effort to push through! I hope it gets re-released at some point.
Unfortunately the narration on the Audible audiobook was absolutely dire and made it an effort to push through! I hope it gets re-released at some point.
brownflopsy's review against another edition
3.0
Elizabeth and Margaret offers an intriguing glimpse inside the private world of one of the most famous families in the world, by way of exploring the relationship between the two Windsor sisters who suddenly found themselves centre stage with the abdication of their uncle Edward VIII.
Andrew Morton starts by introducing us to the close family relationship between the two sisters, their parents, and the wider family, taking us through the dramatic scenes that changed the course of their lives. Elizabeth as the older sister was always more sedate and dutiful, contrasting markedly with the more lively and rebellious Margaret, who was indulged by those around her, and the differences between their personalities became even greater once Elizabeth was destined to take the throne and Margaret to forever be in her shadow.
Morton walks exactly the right line in this book, pitching his narration of events somewhere between a factual narration and exposé, drawing on sources that give the reader an intimate picture of not only the relationship between the sisters, but also that with their wider family, confidantes and romantic partners - with just enough emotional content without resorting to sentimentality. He brings in some interesting revelations, particularly around the matter of the constitutional nightmare created when Margaret was contemplating marriage to a much older divorcee, Group Captain Peter Townsend, and draws some insightful parallels between the younger Royals of the time and those of the current era.
I did feel there was perhaps a tendency to mention Princess Diana rather more than was necessary in a book which primarily covers a period of time before she was part of 'The Firm', which I think stems from Morton's wish to reference his own best sellers about her, but on the whole, he sticks to the narrative and covers the changing times and attitudes both within the Royal family and without rather well - and the close bond between the sisters comes across with a touching poignancy that withstood the test of time, despite all that the weight of their disparate roles could throw at them.
This is an easy to read, engaging account of a period in time that has captured the imagination of the nation with programmes such as The Crown, and this is a book that will certainly appeal to lovers of the series - with the added benefit that it will definitely clarify matters which have been given more than a little poetic licence in pursuit of viewing figures. Recommend reading if you are intrigued by the history of a very secretive family.
Andrew Morton starts by introducing us to the close family relationship between the two sisters, their parents, and the wider family, taking us through the dramatic scenes that changed the course of their lives. Elizabeth as the older sister was always more sedate and dutiful, contrasting markedly with the more lively and rebellious Margaret, who was indulged by those around her, and the differences between their personalities became even greater once Elizabeth was destined to take the throne and Margaret to forever be in her shadow.
Morton walks exactly the right line in this book, pitching his narration of events somewhere between a factual narration and exposé, drawing on sources that give the reader an intimate picture of not only the relationship between the sisters, but also that with their wider family, confidantes and romantic partners - with just enough emotional content without resorting to sentimentality. He brings in some interesting revelations, particularly around the matter of the constitutional nightmare created when Margaret was contemplating marriage to a much older divorcee, Group Captain Peter Townsend, and draws some insightful parallels between the younger Royals of the time and those of the current era.
I did feel there was perhaps a tendency to mention Princess Diana rather more than was necessary in a book which primarily covers a period of time before she was part of 'The Firm', which I think stems from Morton's wish to reference his own best sellers about her, but on the whole, he sticks to the narrative and covers the changing times and attitudes both within the Royal family and without rather well - and the close bond between the sisters comes across with a touching poignancy that withstood the test of time, despite all that the weight of their disparate roles could throw at them.
This is an easy to read, engaging account of a period in time that has captured the imagination of the nation with programmes such as The Crown, and this is a book that will certainly appeal to lovers of the series - with the added benefit that it will definitely clarify matters which have been given more than a little poetic licence in pursuit of viewing figures. Recommend reading if you are intrigued by the history of a very secretive family.