One of Britain's most distinguished biographers turns a more
sympathetic focus on one of last century's most maligned women -
Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor.
So much has already been written on the subject of the American
divorcee who nearly brought down the British Empire, that another
biography could seem redundant.
But thanks to Anne Sebba's scrupulous research, coupled with her
access to new archives and exclusive material, she weaves an
absorbing account of a woman whose role in history has been
distorted.
"That woman", as she was referred to by the Queen Mother, became a
hate figure for ensnaring a British King. Neither beautiful not
brilliant, and no longer young, Wallis Simpson nevertheless became
one of the most talked about women of her generation.
Sebba analyses why she inspired such deep love and adoration in
Edward VIII despite Wallis' own admission that she wasn't really in
love with the King.
Seduced by the opulence and prestige of being confidante and later
consort to Britain's most powerful man, Wallis' burning desire to
rise above her humble Baltimore background was programmed to
backfire.
A woman whose unequivocal aim was to win in the game of life, by
1936 she found herself in a terrifying situation spiralling out of
her own control.
She had a docile but solid husband (Ernest Simpson) with whom she
had an 'understanding' regarding her friendships and dalliances.
But having met her, Edward refused to give Wallis up and the
spoiled, capricious Prince decided he wanted Wallis as his bride,
no matter the consequences.
The book also evaluates the role of politicians in the 1930s, the
pettiness of the Royal Family and highlights the machinations
behind the scenes to keep Wallis and her exiled ex-King at bay in
the far flung colonies of the Empire.
It's really fascinating stuff and if you enjoy a good meaty
biography, this comes highly recommended. My only quibble is that
more photographs would have brought Wallis' ripper of a story to
life even more.
That Woman: The life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor
by Anne Sebba
Publisher:
Hachette
RRP: $39.99
Available: Now
That Woman: Book review
Published: 5:06PM Thursday September 22, 2011
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