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lisyda's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
For someone who hasn't read a ton of different biographies about the royal family, this was a very interesting read. I was recommended this book after I finished The Crown (loved that final scene!) and I'm really glad I picked it up.
Although it's a non-fiction book, it's written in a storytelling style, which makes it quite easy to read. Facts have been stringed together into depictions of moments in the sisters' lives. Since visual mediums – e.g. shows like The Crown in this case – have an easier time of implanting their stories in our minds, the lines between fact and fiction get blurred and muddied, so I appreciated getting a more factual overview of some of the stories that had already taken root in my brain from the TV show.
While the book tells the story of both Elizabeth and Margaret, it felt like there was more of an emphasis on Margaret's narrative, especially in the later half of the book. Based on a couple of other reviews, I'm not alone in feeling that way, but it seems to make sense as there have been more works published on the life of Elizabeth already. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting read and I always find it fascinating to glimpse these times gone by.
The part I found most intriguing was the truth about Margaret and Peter Townsend's relationship and the marriage that didn't happen. It was also interesting to note that their correspondence will be made public in 2030, so I'm predicting Margaret & Peter books being published in the future.
If you're like me and haven't read every royal biography out there but are still interested in learning more about the history, I'd recommend picking this one up.
Although it's a non-fiction book, it's written in a storytelling style, which makes it quite easy to read. Facts have been stringed together into depictions of moments in the sisters' lives. Since visual mediums – e.g. shows like The Crown in this case – have an easier time of implanting their stories in our minds, the lines between fact and fiction get blurred and muddied, so I appreciated getting a more factual overview of some of the stories that had already taken root in my brain from the TV show.
While the book tells the story of both Elizabeth and Margaret, it felt like there was more of an emphasis on Margaret's narrative, especially in the later half of the book. Based on a couple of other reviews, I'm not alone in feeling that way, but it seems to make sense as there have been more works published on the life of Elizabeth already. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting read and I always find it fascinating to glimpse these times gone by.
The part I found most intriguing was the truth about Margaret and Peter Townsend's relationship and the marriage that didn't happen. It was also interesting to note that their correspondence will be made public in 2030, so I'm predicting Margaret & Peter books being published in the future.
If you're like me and haven't read every royal biography out there but are still interested in learning more about the history, I'd recommend picking this one up.
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
If you are a fan of The Crown and feel as though you have read all the things about the royals, I would still suggest you read this one.
With a title of Elizabeth & Margaret, this book covers both sisters and how ascending to a thrown can really change the sister relationship. While reading this book there weren't too many surprises when it came to Elizabeth's life as there are many books and tv shows that have covered her life and reign, but what surprised me most were the details of Margaret's life that are left out of those experiences.
I have read very little that focuses on Margaret's life apart from her sister and I appreciated this author putting a spotlight on Margaret but also giving the context of what is going on in Elizabeth's life and how their lives intertwined.
If you are a fan of The Crown and feel as though you have read all the things about the royals, I would still suggest you read this one.
With a title of Elizabeth & Margaret, this book covers both sisters and how ascending to a thrown can really change the sister relationship. While reading this book there weren't too many surprises when it came to Elizabeth's life as there are many books and tv shows that have covered her life and reign, but what surprised me most were the details of Margaret's life that are left out of those experiences.
I have read very little that focuses on Margaret's life apart from her sister and I appreciated this author putting a spotlight on Margaret but also giving the context of what is going on in Elizabeth's life and how their lives intertwined.
thereadingpotato's review against another edition
4.0
This is a well-researched and well-written biography following the lives of Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret, two sisters defined by the British monarchy since childhood.
A culmination of research, including several interview and article quotes, help piece together the story behind their lives and weave assumptions to fill in the gaps from their growing up all the way to adulthood- facing war, scrutiny, gossip and hardship along the way.
Naturally, the push and pull between family and duty is a common theme throughout this book. Although the sisters have differing personalities with Elizabeth being more pragmatic and Margaret being more sociable, the respect and sense of responsibility is shared by both.
This is essentially the nonfiction version of the Netflix series, The Crown- with some notable differences and clarifications.
As someone who is interested in the British Royal Family but knows little of their history, this was the perfect read for me. I would highly recommend to anyone in a similar position.
A culmination of research, including several interview and article quotes, help piece together the story behind their lives and weave assumptions to fill in the gaps from their growing up all the way to adulthood- facing war, scrutiny, gossip and hardship along the way.
Naturally, the push and pull between family and duty is a common theme throughout this book. Although the sisters have differing personalities with Elizabeth being more pragmatic and Margaret being more sociable, the respect and sense of responsibility is shared by both.
This is essentially the nonfiction version of the Netflix series, The Crown- with some notable differences and clarifications.
As someone who is interested in the British Royal Family but knows little of their history, this was the perfect read for me. I would highly recommend to anyone in a similar position.
_basicbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
As Royal Family follower, I knew I needed to read this book as soon as I saw it.I have to admit, I didn't know much about Margaret outside of The Crown, so I loved getting to learn more about her. This biography is a unique perspective as it focuses on the relationship of the two sisters, their differences, and their individual impacts on the royal family. I loved that it focused on them as people more than it focused on historical events There were so many myths and inaccuracies from The Crown that were dispelled.
This is a book any Royal Family fan will enjoy!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy of this book.
This is a book any Royal Family fan will enjoy!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy of this book.
anniemackillican's review against another edition
4.0
Listening to this audiobook was like if The Crown was a podcast and how could I ever say no to that