You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.42 AVERAGE
3.42 AVERAGE
This memoir is all glitter and gold, with no substance. I gained no insights into Vanderbilt's inner life, but plenty exposure to her public charities and weathly parties. I was underwhelmed.
I've seen this book and its author take some rather harsh, and I believe unwarranted, criticism. Granted, I have a particular interest in the history of the Vanderbilts and this is the fourth or fifth book I've read involving their legacy, so I was already familiar with some of what Mrs. Balsan relates here. However, referring to her as "snobbish" simply because of her use of formal English and rather common French idioms says more about the would-be "critic" rather than any hubris of the writer's.
I very much enjoyed Consuelo's writing style, managing to impart her struggles and passions without buying into the "poor little rich girl" narrative with which the world sought to burden her. She never seeks to invoke pity. I also found that she manages to talk about tireless work and great accomplishments in philanthropy without a hint of self-aggrandizement. In her world of such extreme comfort, she found true meaning in helping others.
Another frequent complaint about The Glitter and the Gold is that too much of it reads like a list of famous people the former Duchess met and entertained. Where I do find some of these passages to be a little tedious, "knowing your Vanderbilt history" comes in handy. I also think it would've been interesting to hear more about her feelings during some of the well-known and public events in her life. However, this is someone for whom publishing the more painful and salacious details would have been untoward. I think the Downton Abbey craze helps sales of books like these but then also condemns them to undue criticism when the "story" doesn't move along like a romance novel. The Countess of Carnarvon's books on Highlclere Castle are great examples of this: much of the real (and very interesting) history of Highclere can be found in the plot of the tv show, but people find the books "boring" because they're not "juicy" enough.
My suggestion, for anyone truly interested in the history and culture of this period or this family, is to read "Alva and Consuelo Vanderbilt" first. I think that book gives a far more complete picture and that this book makes a nice supplement to it. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
I very much enjoyed Consuelo's writing style, managing to impart her struggles and passions without buying into the "poor little rich girl" narrative with which the world sought to burden her. She never seeks to invoke pity. I also found that she manages to talk about tireless work and great accomplishments in philanthropy without a hint of self-aggrandizement. In her world of such extreme comfort, she found true meaning in helping others.
Another frequent complaint about The Glitter and the Gold is that too much of it reads like a list of famous people the former Duchess met and entertained. Where I do find some of these passages to be a little tedious, "knowing your Vanderbilt history" comes in handy. I also think it would've been interesting to hear more about her feelings during some of the well-known and public events in her life. However, this is someone for whom publishing the more painful and salacious details would have been untoward. I think the Downton Abbey craze helps sales of books like these but then also condemns them to undue criticism when the "story" doesn't move along like a romance novel. The Countess of Carnarvon's books on Highlclere Castle are great examples of this: much of the real (and very interesting) history of Highclere can be found in the plot of the tv show, but people find the books "boring" because they're not "juicy" enough.
My suggestion, for anyone truly interested in the history and culture of this period or this family, is to read "Alva and Consuelo Vanderbilt" first. I think that book gives a far more complete picture and that this book makes a nice supplement to it. Overall, a very enjoyable read.
informative
This year I embarked on a "Golden Age" exploration and it was only fitting that after reading all the history and fiction (Edith Wharton) I finish with this memoire from one of the central figures itself. Very interesting to hear of things from her point of view. There were definitely a few points where it lagged getting more into things that matter to her that were less of interest for me, but it's probably more remarkable that the majority of the memoir of a woman who lived in a different universe 100+ years ago was relatable and interesting. The end of the book came full circle for me when she spoke of her brother donating his yacht to the miltary cause even though it meant the end of his collecting for his maritime museum. And it was a visit to this brother's mansion on Long Island at the end of last year that kicked off this entire 'Gilded Age' exploration. Couldn't have planned that better.
slow-paced
The name dropping in this book is incredible! She discussed Winston Churchill, Hitler, the King and Queen (at the time), and other famous people she interacted with. It's a glimpse into her life and her opinions on current events of the time. She's a remarkable woman.
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This is an intensely fascinating story of a woman who was essentially sold into slavery. A beautiful young woman, forced by her overbearing mother to wed an impoverished member of the English nobility...such a thing can hardly be grasped today. No fairy tale marriage this, it ended very badly.
informative
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
funny
informative
An ode to Consuelo Vanderbilt told by herself with charming false modesty. Though she touches upon some personal events (notably her girlhood and flight from France), it is mostly retellings of her accomplishments, lengthy descriptions of her houses and not so objective anecdotes about the European elite of the time. Interesting, but I'll take it with a grain of salt. Whatever her first husband's faults might have been, she tries really hard to pass him off as equally shallow and incompetent.