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A review by brownflopsy
Elizabeth Margaret: The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters by Andrew Morton
3.0
Elizabeth and Margaret offers an intriguing glimpse inside the private world of one of the most famous families in the world, by way of exploring the relationship between the two Windsor sisters who suddenly found themselves centre stage with the abdication of their uncle Edward VIII.
Andrew Morton starts by introducing us to the close family relationship between the two sisters, their parents, and the wider family, taking us through the dramatic scenes that changed the course of their lives. Elizabeth as the older sister was always more sedate and dutiful, contrasting markedly with the more lively and rebellious Margaret, who was indulged by those around her, and the differences between their personalities became even greater once Elizabeth was destined to take the throne and Margaret to forever be in her shadow.
Morton walks exactly the right line in this book, pitching his narration of events somewhere between a factual narration and exposé, drawing on sources that give the reader an intimate picture of not only the relationship between the sisters, but also that with their wider family, confidantes and romantic partners - with just enough emotional content without resorting to sentimentality. He brings in some interesting revelations, particularly around the matter of the constitutional nightmare created when Margaret was contemplating marriage to a much older divorcee, Group Captain Peter Townsend, and draws some insightful parallels between the younger Royals of the time and those of the current era.
I did feel there was perhaps a tendency to mention Princess Diana rather more than was necessary in a book which primarily covers a period of time before she was part of 'The Firm', which I think stems from Morton's wish to reference his own best sellers about her, but on the whole, he sticks to the narrative and covers the changing times and attitudes both within the Royal family and without rather well - and the close bond between the sisters comes across with a touching poignancy that withstood the test of time, despite all that the weight of their disparate roles could throw at them.
This is an easy to read, engaging account of a period in time that has captured the imagination of the nation with programmes such as The Crown, and this is a book that will certainly appeal to lovers of the series - with the added benefit that it will definitely clarify matters which have been given more than a little poetic licence in pursuit of viewing figures. Recommend reading if you are intrigued by the history of a very secretive family.
Andrew Morton starts by introducing us to the close family relationship between the two sisters, their parents, and the wider family, taking us through the dramatic scenes that changed the course of their lives. Elizabeth as the older sister was always more sedate and dutiful, contrasting markedly with the more lively and rebellious Margaret, who was indulged by those around her, and the differences between their personalities became even greater once Elizabeth was destined to take the throne and Margaret to forever be in her shadow.
Morton walks exactly the right line in this book, pitching his narration of events somewhere between a factual narration and exposé, drawing on sources that give the reader an intimate picture of not only the relationship between the sisters, but also that with their wider family, confidantes and romantic partners - with just enough emotional content without resorting to sentimentality. He brings in some interesting revelations, particularly around the matter of the constitutional nightmare created when Margaret was contemplating marriage to a much older divorcee, Group Captain Peter Townsend, and draws some insightful parallels between the younger Royals of the time and those of the current era.
I did feel there was perhaps a tendency to mention Princess Diana rather more than was necessary in a book which primarily covers a period of time before she was part of 'The Firm', which I think stems from Morton's wish to reference his own best sellers about her, but on the whole, he sticks to the narrative and covers the changing times and attitudes both within the Royal family and without rather well - and the close bond between the sisters comes across with a touching poignancy that withstood the test of time, despite all that the weight of their disparate roles could throw at them.
This is an easy to read, engaging account of a period in time that has captured the imagination of the nation with programmes such as The Crown, and this is a book that will certainly appeal to lovers of the series - with the added benefit that it will definitely clarify matters which have been given more than a little poetic licence in pursuit of viewing figures. Recommend reading if you are intrigued by the history of a very secretive family.