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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
Sadly, this was a DNF for me, I put it down around a third of the way in. This read like a recitation of the author’s research. I was hoping more for the author’s interpretation of his research. Not to mention that it is not enjoyable to read about such unpleasant people. Unfortunately not for me.
challenging
dark
informative
fast-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
As an ignorant American who doesn't know who's who in British royalty, the beginning of this book was pretty confusing--talking about this royal and that lord without much background or explanation of who they were. Overall, I still found the book to be informative and covered the controversies in an objective way.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
Heaps of historiography and sources to support a new thesis of active collaboration by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor with Nazi Germany during WW2. And a look at the gross excesses of their lives post-war.
challenging
informative
tense
medium-paced
I feel like I've been tricked into reading a book about a couple of Trumps. Shallow, self-centred, malevolent people, fixated on money, status and appearances. (Though, perhaps the Windsors had better taste?)
The writing style of this book is almost non-existent. Lots and lots of direct quotes. Which is not a bad thing. It's also at times a bit all over the place. Perhaps it could have been edited more tightly?
Also, the core of the book, Edward VIII's & his wife's Nazi sympathies (& perhaps more) could have perhaps been better off as a very long article instead.
All the descriptions of houses and clothes I definitely could have done without.
Ditto, everything after the war, with the exception of the German Papers.
Funnily enough, I came away from it with a certain contempt for Churchill and his obsequiousness abt the royals. Yes, he didn't socialise with Edward/David after the war, but still...
And in addition, the book has probably turned me into an anti-Royalist. Sure, they keep their stuff close to the vest and all, but my previous suspicion of them cutting off Edward bc of his marriage, rather than his pro-Nazi views (incl. friendships with Nazi officials and spies) was only strengthened.
The author tries to show via various quotes of correspondence and intelligence reports that the rejection of the couple was, if not rooted, then at least strongly coloured by their pro-German sentiments. (And the couple's potential hopes of getting to the throne had Britain "made peace" with Germany.) But I can't say I'm entirely convinced.
The whole Royal fam is quite the collection of fuck-ups and weirdos, and I can't say I very much like either those who toe the line or those who want to break free. They all suck.
Except for Charles. He likes Leonard Cohen. That makes him a fuck-up and a weirdo, but at least one with some taste!
The writing style of this book is almost non-existent. Lots and lots of direct quotes. Which is not a bad thing. It's also at times a bit all over the place. Perhaps it could have been edited more tightly?
Also, the core of the book, Edward VIII's & his wife's Nazi sympathies (& perhaps more) could have perhaps been better off as a very long article instead.
All the descriptions of houses and clothes I definitely could have done without.
Ditto, everything after the war, with the exception of the German Papers.
Funnily enough, I came away from it with a certain contempt for Churchill and his obsequiousness abt the royals. Yes, he didn't socialise with Edward/David after the war, but still...
And in addition, the book has probably turned me into an anti-Royalist. Sure, they keep their stuff close to the vest and all, but my previous suspicion of them cutting off Edward bc of his marriage, rather than his pro-Nazi views (incl. friendships with Nazi officials and spies) was only strengthened.
The author tries to show via various quotes of correspondence and intelligence reports that the rejection of the couple was, if not rooted, then at least strongly coloured by their pro-German sentiments. (And the couple's potential hopes of getting to the throne had Britain "made peace" with Germany.) But I can't say I'm entirely convinced.
The whole Royal fam is quite the collection of fuck-ups and weirdos, and I can't say I very much like either those who toe the line or those who want to break free. They all suck.
Except for Charles. He likes Leonard Cohen. That makes him a fuck-up and a weirdo, but at least one with some taste!
This book is about King Edward VIII's (Duke of Windsor) life after giving up the throne for the "woman he loves," Wallis Simpson. The book describes a sad, depressing, and superficial life. At the end of the book, I do not know if I know the Windsors any better. What I do know is a lot more gossip and many details that have already been covered any other books and documentaries.
informative
slow-paced