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There are currently 45 member reviews
for The Woman Before Wallis
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Shawna L. (Pearland, TX)
Historical Fiction at its best
Having read a lot of historical fiction over the years, I was excited about The Woman Before Wallis as it is a less written about time in history. It did not disappoint! If you have watched The Crown or are familiar with English royalty or the Vanderbilts of Newport, RI, you will enjoy Thelma Morgan's experiences between 1925 and 1934. If you aren't familiar with anyone of those, start reading and enjoy the book.
Book groups will find much to discuss between the extraordinary lavish lifestyles, parenting styles of the wealthy, and differences in English and American expectations. Bryn Turnball's first novel is a great read. I look forward to her next one!
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Joan B. (Ellicott City, MD)
Woman before Wallis
Wallis and Prince Edward were married on my actual birth day. I remember that my mom was always impressed with a love story that prevented the prince from remaining on the throne. As a little girl, I knew the name Wallis Simpsom was connected to a romantic love story. Also, I knew very little British history. I just thought ex-kings would lead a charmed life of riches and pleasure. Those dreams called me to this book and I loved it!
Surprisingly, it was the before Wallis story that was fascinating. The Gloria Vanderbilt name was embroidered on my first jeans. Little did I know that Gloria had a beautiful twin sister who was the woman before Wallis. Their lives were the juice of society columns as well as the meat of this book. Prince Edward was quite a dashing play boy. His adventures made quite a story that was suppressed by the British press. Thelma is the glamour girl who keeps you reading.
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Shirley T. (Comfort, TX)
The Woman Before Wallis
The "Woman before Wallis" is an immensely enjoyable novel, revealing the intriguing but decadent lives of the aristocracy and the wealthy on both sides of the Atlantic during the years following World War I.
While the United States and the United Kingdom struggled with the economic depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s the rich were involved in multiple love affairs and other dubious relationships. The novel is well researched regarding historical facts and the author has succeeded in portraying the characters of Thelma and Gloria with such clarity that the novel is a "page turner"!
This is a great portrayal of the other side of the Wallis Simpson story in the ebbing days of high society leading up to World War 2.
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Carrie M. (Rahway, NJ)
Woman Before Wallis Bryn Turnbull
For readers of The Paris Wife or A Well Behaved Woman, a debut novel with historical accuracy and detail which enhances the enjoyment and ease of reading. Travel to early twentieth century Paris, the English countryside, and by necessity to New York and beyond to immerse yourself in the world of Lady Thelma Furness and her family and acquaintances. Discover how the daughter of an American diplomat marries the aristocratic Viscount Duke Furness and through him, meets Prince Edward (known to his inner circle as David); however, can she trust her friend Wallis to care for him while she journeys to New York to support her twin sister Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt in her notorious child custody battle? There are many intriguing and accurate subplots.
An intriguing and thought provoking read into the societal demands of the British noble and royal families and their circle in the early twentieth century. The relationships between Thelma and Gloria, and with the younger generation, adds depth, interest, and understanding of the period. The details of the homes, estates, and more add color to the book. The only hindrance for some readers will be the interweaving of the two plots and time periods on the opposite sides of the Atlantic but these drive the plots and the family dynamics. These twin plots are needed to understand. If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book. The plot is well executed and the characters draw into their lives.
Discussion are included in the book or your contemplation or for group discussion.
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Debra C. (Vienna, GA)
The Woman Before Wallis
On the heels of reading The Queens Secret and The Splendid Vile, The Woman Before Wallis, was the perfect ending to my all things English trifecta! If you enjoy discovering new and interesting details about the royals, you will thoroughly take pleasure reading this well written piece of historical fiction. Thelma's story is intriguing and provides a straight forward easy read...never knew that she once held Prince Edwards' heart and their history and love story left me wanting to know even more. Byrn Turnbull, great work presenting such an insightful piece of history!
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Joan V. (Miller Place, NY)
The Rich ARE Different
I very much enjoyed The Woman before Wallis; I would have given it more than five stars if that rating were possible. I highly recommend this book.
I thought I knew a lot about the Duke of Windsor's abdication, but this book filled in a lot of details that were new to me. Through Thelma Morgan ( Lady Furness) there was a connection to the British Royal family and the famous custody suit for Gloria Vanderbilt, between her mother and her Vanderbilt grandmother. Lady Furness was the Duke's mistress and the twin sister of Gloria Vanderbilt's mother. Learning about all the behind the scenes was fascinating.
This look at the lives of American and British wealthy upper classes was very revealing. It's hard to imagine anyone keeping up that standard of living today, probably very few do. It's always fun to peel behind the curtains at the private lives these people led, but it does create a feeling of distaste at the values they had. Although the author does not go into the future life of the Duke, he did not make much of a contribution to the betterment of anyone other than himself. Behind all the glitter none of these people seem to be very content or happy with their lives.
I think it would make for a good discussion in a book club. I also think viewers of the Netflix series The Crown would enjoy it.
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Cindy Cardinal
Interesting piece of history
This book made me want to read more about the people that it contained. We all know the story about Edward and Wallis Simpson. And I knew a little bit about the fight for the Vanderbilt heiress. But I had never heard of Thelma Morgan before, so it was interesting to learn her story. And to think about the choices she made, particularly when she choose to support her sister over the man she thought she loved. I also found it interesting that she is the one that brought Wallis Simpson into Prince Edward's circle of friends. This book is definitely worth your time to read it.
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