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There are currently 45 member reviews
for The Woman Before Wallis
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Karen L. (Wilton, IA)
Disappointed with Ending
The book was good historical fiction but I was disappointed with the ending. I was torn between giving it a 3 or a 4. I wish 3 1/2 was a option. The book made me realize that money does not buy happiness. I don't think any of the characters were truly happy. It made me sad to see how neglected the children all were. I think the servants were mainly raising the children. I think book clubs would enjoy discussing this book. I think royalty fans and historical fiction fans would enjoy this book.
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Regiene P. (Crestview, FL)
Intriguing!
Scandalous and intriguing, this book tells the story of Thelma and her life with romance, family, friendship, and high society. The story was woven smoothly with exciting details, the book was hard to put down. Every scene was characterized in such detail that one can imagine it comes to life. I don't follow royal issues and news and I started this book with a sad heart, knowing that Thelma and Prince Edward won't be together, but this book gave me a different perspective. This book gave a perspective in the life of people in high society, the social pressures and problems within. Highly recommended to readers who like anything royal and to those who like scandals and intrigues.
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Cindy B. (Waukee, IA)
The Woman Before Wallis
The reader is given a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the privileged and wealthy. We meet Gloria Vanderbilt's twin sister Thelma who becomes the mistress to Edward Prince of Wales as well as their social climbing mother who is always pushing her daughters to marry well. We see women far more engaged in their social lives then prepared for the role of mother. The book provides insight into Edward's personality as well as the type of king he would have become had he not married Wallis Simpson and abdicated his title. After reading this story I felt the right Windsor man ascended to the throne. As Fitzgerald once said "Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me."
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Virginia B. (Foster, RI)
Life Among the Rich and Famous
"The Woman Before Wallis" is Thelma Morgan, Lady Furness who was the mistress to Edward Prince of Wales for four years. In the recount of her life, I was entertained by the lush descriptions of clothes, furniture, travels and houses of the British Royalty, aristocrats, and Vanderbilts. However, the huge cast of characters was daunting and the reader would need some prior knowledge to keep them straight. In addition, the frequent change of scene and time frame was often confusing. In spite of these drawbacks, I found it enjoyable since I had the seen BBC specials and the "Crown."
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Gina V. (Mesa, AZ)
Entertaining Read
Admittedly, historical fiction is not my favorite genre - I usually prefer books with a little more action/intrigue. That being said, this book did hold my attention throughout. I had heard of Wallis Simpson, but had no idea there was a "woman before Wallis" and really didn't know about the scandal involving the Vanderbilts. Although it was interesting to learn about the scandal, I wasn't entirely sure why it was included in this book. It seemed a bit incongruous, but that could be due to how it was randomly inserted into the chapters about Thelma. I found it a little distracting. None of the characters were particularly likable. They all seemed spoiled, shallow, and self-centered. I did find myself rooting for Thelma, but even she was self-absorbed. All in all, it was an engaging read and a nice diversion in the crazy times we find ourselves in.
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Mary Jane D. (Arlington Heights, IL)
Story of Little Known Woman
Woman Before Wallis is a good account of the relationship between David, future King Edward, and Thelma Morgan, twin sister of Gloria Vanderbilt. We get a glimpse of the lives of the rich and famous and see many of their short comings.
The writing style is easy to read and includes many historical details. Most of the characters are well developed and I learned some background about David and his brother Bertie who becomes king. Fun to imagine the early days of the parents of Queen Elizabeth.
The book was interesting to me because I knew about many of the characters but never heard of Thelma. The story evolves documenting how Thelma and David become involved and eventually are distanced. A short coming was not enough detail about their breakup and Wallis' influence. I would have preferred that over the very detailed account of the Vanderbilt custody trial.
Turnbull's first historical fiction novel is a winner and I look forward to more stories of little known historical women from her.
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Roberta R. (West Bloomfield, MI)
Women Before Wallis
I did enjoy reading the book, but I have some historical background regarding Gloria Vanderbilt (Little Gloria) so much of the storyline was familiar. The book was an "easy" read, and while it might be good for some fiction book clubs, it would probably not be very discussable for a more serious literature book club.
The book would be suitable for anyone who would just like a recreational type read. The storyline is very interesting (as was the actual historical event). The book is probably not suitable for anyone under age of 18, because of reference to drug use, infidelity and the like.
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