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466 reviews for:
Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History Without the Fairy-Tale Endings
Linda Rodríguez McRobbie
3.6 AVERAGE
466 reviews for:
Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History Without the Fairy-Tale Endings
Linda Rodríguez McRobbie
3.6 AVERAGE
A good, entertaining compilation of little snapshots into the lives of princesses and queens. There are quite a few historical anecdotes in the stories to make each story informative, along with a bit of humor to keep things lively.
adventurous
funny
informative
medium-paced
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
A disjointed account on how the lives of princesses (real, hereditary, by-marriage or fake) are not as shiny as Disney movies. Some parts are quite enjoyable and informative. However, the author should have just focused on some and not put everyone with the title in it. The result is very short forgettable tidbits about some random princesses doing stuff. And who cares about the fake ones, really.
Also, where's Princess Diana? She put Margaret in it (those who watch The Crown must know her story) so why not Di too?
Also, where's Princess Diana? She put Margaret in it (those who watch The Crown must know her story) so why not Di too?
I really wanted to love this book. I definitely loved the premise of it.
funny
informative
fast-paced
I gave this book 3 out of 5 stars, because it was lacking. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it- but I feel like I would much rather read longer biographies on most of these women, especially ones like Alfhild, Wu Zetian, Lakshmibai, and Roxolana. I also feel like the title isn't very accurate- most of these women weren't 'bad', but either sexually liberated, mad, or self centered. Yes, some of them were maybe not the best, most pristine women, but most weren't evil. They were complex, opinionated women, usually oppressed by the patriarchy of the times. I think a better title would have been "Princesses of Note", or "Princesses with Either a Mind of their Own, or not Given a Mind of their Own". Some of these stories were quite tragic, actually- especially those about women with mental illnesses or being locked up. I think the biggest takeaway from this book I'll have is getting to learn more about some of these women- in more than just snippets that felt a bit judgmental at times.
I really enjoyed this book, which gives a brief, but well written account of many interesting historical women.
It was generally pretty interesting. The writing style and book organization could use some work, though.