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A review by bubblee89
The Duchess by Amanda Foreman
3.0
If you're not interested in reading about politics in 18th century England, than I say, with absolute certainty, that "The Duchess" is not for you.
While the writing was very informative and precise, I did find myself starting to skim the sections that would describe the Duchess's role and influence within the politcal structure of her time. And believe me, there were a lot.
While the movie (under the same title) hints upon her involvement within the Whig Party, it chooses rather to focus on her loveless marriage with the Duke, and her affair with Mister Charles Grey -- who, by the way, was not as benevolent and overcome with love as the screenwriters made him out to be.
While this makes for great drama, it basically cuts out more than half of her life, and will have you reading the book much as I did: "looking for the juicy bits".
Bess's portrayal in Georgiana's life was, perhaps, slightly more accurate in the film, but you definitely did not see her jealous, manipulative side, that both craved adoration from Georgiana, while secretly wishing for her fall from grace.
As anyone will agree, movies taken or adapted from a book are hardly perpendicular to one another, and "The Duchess" is no exception. With only 100 minutes of running time, I can see why the filmmakers chose to go with the romance aspect, rather than the political one.
Overall, expertly written, a great source for women's studies throughout the eighteenth century, and a book worth reading for era enthusiasts, but definitely not for people who find history already boring.
While the writing was very informative and precise, I did find myself starting to skim the sections that would describe the Duchess's role and influence within the politcal structure of her time. And believe me, there were a lot.
While the movie (under the same title) hints upon her involvement within the Whig Party, it chooses rather to focus on her loveless marriage with the Duke, and her affair with Mister Charles Grey -- who, by the way, was not as benevolent and overcome with love as the screenwriters made him out to be.
While this makes for great drama, it basically cuts out more than half of her life, and will have you reading the book much as I did: "looking for the juicy bits".
Bess's portrayal in Georgiana's life was, perhaps, slightly more accurate in the film, but you definitely did not see her jealous, manipulative side, that both craved adoration from Georgiana, while secretly wishing for her fall from grace.
As anyone will agree, movies taken or adapted from a book are hardly perpendicular to one another, and "The Duchess" is no exception. With only 100 minutes of running time, I can see why the filmmakers chose to go with the romance aspect, rather than the political one.
Overall, expertly written, a great source for women's studies throughout the eighteenth century, and a book worth reading for era enthusiasts, but definitely not for people who find history already boring.