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The Last American Heiresses
A dazzling novel that draws readers into the ultra-glamorous lives of legendary heiresses Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, the public rivalry that defined them, and the secret bond that sustained them both, from the author of the acclaimed Such Good Friends.
The press dubs them “the Gold Dust twins.” Born within a week of one another in Manhattan in 1912, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton both inherit unimaginable fortunes. By the time of their lavish
coming-out balls, they are two of the richest women in the world. Barbara, heiress to the Woolworth millions, amasses seven husbands over her lifetime. Doris, meanwhile, has a sophistication and financial savvy that Barbara tries endlessly to emulate.
When filmmaker Emma Radetsky begins researching her new documentary about prominent women and their jewelry collections, she’s familiar with the lore surrounding both Doris and Barbara—the couture gowns, exotic homes, and romantic interludes—including sequential marriages to the same notorious playboy. And of course, the priceless jewels they acquire as easily as candy.
Yet delving into their backgrounds with the help of one of Doris’s closest companions, Oliver Wendell Shaw, Emma encounters a deeper story—of a private game to manipulate the media, and a hidden, life-long kinship between two complex women who understood each other as no one else could.
Interweaving past and present, filled with sumptuous details from an age of excess, Stephen Greco’s novel is also a mesmerizing story about the nature of celebrity and the transformative power of friendship.
The press dubs them “the Gold Dust twins.” Born within a week of one another in Manhattan in 1912, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton both inherit unimaginable fortunes. By the time of their lavish
coming-out balls, they are two of the richest women in the world. Barbara, heiress to the Woolworth millions, amasses seven husbands over her lifetime. Doris, meanwhile, has a sophistication and financial savvy that Barbara tries endlessly to emulate.
When filmmaker Emma Radetsky begins researching her new documentary about prominent women and their jewelry collections, she’s familiar with the lore surrounding both Doris and Barbara—the couture gowns, exotic homes, and romantic interludes—including sequential marriages to the same notorious playboy. And of course, the priceless jewels they acquire as easily as candy.
Yet delving into their backgrounds with the help of one of Doris’s closest companions, Oliver Wendell Shaw, Emma encounters a deeper story—of a private game to manipulate the media, and a hidden, life-long kinship between two complex women who understood each other as no one else could.
Interweaving past and present, filled with sumptuous details from an age of excess, Stephen Greco’s novel is also a mesmerizing story about the nature of celebrity and the transformative power of friendship.
497 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2025
601 people are currently reading
5999 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Greco
19 books136 followersStephen Greco is Editorial Director of InsideRisk and Editor-at-Large of the magazine Upstate Diary. He has contributed to and/or served as editor for Air Mail, Elle Décor, Interview, MTV online, New York, the New York Times, Opera News, Stagebill, Trace, and the Village Voice, among others. Greco is author of the novel Now and Yesterday (Kensington, 2014). His most recent novel, Such Good Friends, based on the friendship of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwill, published by Kensington in May, 2023.
For the stage, Greco has written Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood, an orchestral-theatrical work from Giants Are Small, the partnership of Edouard Getaz and Doug Fitch, that premiered at the Kennedy Center in 2017. With Fitch, Greco has written the multi-media works How Did We…? (2014; University of Buffalo Center for the Arts) and Punkitititi/Breakfast Included (2020; Salzburg Marionette Theater, Salzburg Mozarteum). Greco wrote the libretto for the Victoria Bond opera How Gulliver Returned Home in a Manner that was Very Not Direct, and is working on musical theater projects with composers Scott Wheeler and Douglas Cuomo.
Among the celebrity interviews that Greco has done for various publications are Maya Angelou, Geoffrey Beene, Joan Juliet Buck, Trisha Brown, DJ Cam, Wes Craven, Quentin Crisp. Merce Cunningham, Diane von Furstenberg, Frank Gehry, Allen Ginsberg, Marcelo Gomes, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Cynthia Gregory, Arianna Huffington, Patti LuPone, Gelsey Kirkland, Spike Lee, Marilyn Minter, Errol Morris, Jane Moss, Nana Mouskouri, Mark Morris, Mike Nichols, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Pears, Ned Rorem, Andre Leon Talley, Donald Trump, and Kehinde Wiley.
Greco lives in Brooklyn, New York.
_______________________________________
AUTHOR PHOTO BY DAVID A. PEREZ
For the stage, Greco has written Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood, an orchestral-theatrical work from Giants Are Small, the partnership of Edouard Getaz and Doug Fitch, that premiered at the Kennedy Center in 2017. With Fitch, Greco has written the multi-media works How Did We…? (2014; University of Buffalo Center for the Arts) and Punkitititi/Breakfast Included (2020; Salzburg Marionette Theater, Salzburg Mozarteum). Greco wrote the libretto for the Victoria Bond opera How Gulliver Returned Home in a Manner that was Very Not Direct, and is working on musical theater projects with composers Scott Wheeler and Douglas Cuomo.
Among the celebrity interviews that Greco has done for various publications are Maya Angelou, Geoffrey Beene, Joan Juliet Buck, Trisha Brown, DJ Cam, Wes Craven, Quentin Crisp. Merce Cunningham, Diane von Furstenberg, Frank Gehry, Allen Ginsberg, Marcelo Gomes, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Cynthia Gregory, Arianna Huffington, Patti LuPone, Gelsey Kirkland, Spike Lee, Marilyn Minter, Errol Morris, Jane Moss, Nana Mouskouri, Mark Morris, Mike Nichols, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Pears, Ned Rorem, Andre Leon Talley, Donald Trump, and Kehinde Wiley.
Greco lives in Brooklyn, New York.
_______________________________________
AUTHOR PHOTO BY DAVID A. PEREZ
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 12, 2024
ARC for review. To be published February 25, 2025.
Such an interesting fictional story about Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton throughout their lives. It’s clearly sanitized, from what little I know about Doris Duke (there’s only a scant mention of Bernard the butler who, by most accounts, defrauded her throughout the end of her life (there IS a fabulous line though where he is described as “stranger than Jesus in a sundress”) and next to no mention of the girl she adopted then renounced), so I assume the same is true of Barbara Hutton. Also, the book reads as if the two had a lifelong friendship, and perhaps they did; I’m certain they connected, but I have some caution after reading SCANDALOUS WOMEN all about a friendship between Jackie Collins and, oh, what is her name, author of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, I’ll have to come back an edit it, when the two never even met each other.
The story is centered in the present day by Emma Radetsky, a filmmaker who is researching then making a film about wealthy women and their jewelry collections (which is, sadly, a movie I would like to see, but one maybe people shouldn’t be funding when there are stories to be told about the war in Ukraine? I don’t know. I digress.). She has the great good fortune to meet the absolutely delightful Oliver Wendell Shaw, one of Doris’s great friends in life and also a friend of Barbara’s and he has lots to share with her. The author does a fine job making Shaw a character unto himself, not just a hanger-on to Duke.
The book is a very sympathetic look at both women, especially Duke, which is not that surprising considering the tone the author took in his recent book about the friendship of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwell. I have to admit I’m a sucker for these sorts of books and this author does it well…sign me up in advance for his next one. Listen, you’re going to know if this is your thing or not, and if it is, you’ll enjoy this…for whatever truth may or may not be here.
Such an interesting fictional story about Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton throughout their lives. It’s clearly sanitized, from what little I know about Doris Duke (there’s only a scant mention of Bernard the butler who, by most accounts, defrauded her throughout the end of her life (there IS a fabulous line though where he is described as “stranger than Jesus in a sundress”) and next to no mention of the girl she adopted then renounced), so I assume the same is true of Barbara Hutton. Also, the book reads as if the two had a lifelong friendship, and perhaps they did; I’m certain they connected, but I have some caution after reading SCANDALOUS WOMEN all about a friendship between Jackie Collins and, oh, what is her name, author of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, I’ll have to come back an edit it, when the two never even met each other.
The story is centered in the present day by Emma Radetsky, a filmmaker who is researching then making a film about wealthy women and their jewelry collections (which is, sadly, a movie I would like to see, but one maybe people shouldn’t be funding when there are stories to be told about the war in Ukraine? I don’t know. I digress.). She has the great good fortune to meet the absolutely delightful Oliver Wendell Shaw, one of Doris’s great friends in life and also a friend of Barbara’s and he has lots to share with her. The author does a fine job making Shaw a character unto himself, not just a hanger-on to Duke.
The book is a very sympathetic look at both women, especially Duke, which is not that surprising considering the tone the author took in his recent book about the friendship of Truman Capote and Lee Radziwell. I have to admit I’m a sucker for these sorts of books and this author does it well…sign me up in advance for his next one. Listen, you’re going to know if this is your thing or not, and if it is, you’ll enjoy this…for whatever truth may or may not be here.
March 1, 2025
1912, Manhattan, New York. Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton were born a week apart and they both attended the same elite school as teenagers and got up to mischief together.
As adults they liked to play along with the press who thought they were rivals and not friends, and they both had lavish coming-out balls, and while most American's were struggling during the Great Depression. Doris was smart, she invested her money wisely and went on to be a philanthropist. Barbara was married and divorced seven times, had one son and she was exploited by several of her titled husbands.
The dual timeline story combines the past and the present, and Doris especially struggled with health issues, due to her year’s abuse of alcohol, drugs and her eccentric ways.
Emma Radetsky is a film maker and she's busy doing research for her new documentary about rich women and their jewellery collections, of course she has heard of Doris and Barbara and they would be the perfect subjects. She meets Doris’s friend and confidant Oliver Wendell Shaw, he shares with her his memories of both Doris and Barbara and he's in eighties.
I received a copy of The Last American Heiresses by Stephen Greco from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an unbiased review. I enjoyed discovering how two wealthy women lived, like so many rich and famous people they had sad and tragic lives.
I have read author's previous book Such Good Friends, and I felt the same way about his latest novel and I really hoped I wouldn’t. The narrative moves at a snail's pace, it was far too long and I think this would turn a lot of readers off.
However, the message I got from story was wearing jewellery is a way of expressing yourself and a language of it’s own, I did like Doris and the good deeds secretly carried out with her money and three stars from me.
As adults they liked to play along with the press who thought they were rivals and not friends, and they both had lavish coming-out balls, and while most American's were struggling during the Great Depression. Doris was smart, she invested her money wisely and went on to be a philanthropist. Barbara was married and divorced seven times, had one son and she was exploited by several of her titled husbands.
The dual timeline story combines the past and the present, and Doris especially struggled with health issues, due to her year’s abuse of alcohol, drugs and her eccentric ways.
Emma Radetsky is a film maker and she's busy doing research for her new documentary about rich women and their jewellery collections, of course she has heard of Doris and Barbara and they would be the perfect subjects. She meets Doris’s friend and confidant Oliver Wendell Shaw, he shares with her his memories of both Doris and Barbara and he's in eighties.
I received a copy of The Last American Heiresses by Stephen Greco from Kensington Publishing and Edelweiss plus in exchange for an unbiased review. I enjoyed discovering how two wealthy women lived, like so many rich and famous people they had sad and tragic lives.
I have read author's previous book Such Good Friends, and I felt the same way about his latest novel and I really hoped I wouldn’t. The narrative moves at a snail's pace, it was far too long and I think this would turn a lot of readers off.
However, the message I got from story was wearing jewellery is a way of expressing yourself and a language of it’s own, I did like Doris and the good deeds secretly carried out with her money and three stars from me.
February 8, 2025
I would never have picked this book had I realized that this is the same author that wrote Such Good Friends: A Novel of Truman Capote & Lee Radziwill. This is a perfect book club choice. You will love this book if you love lush, never-ending descriptions of clothing, decor, architecture, art, dated gossip, and a supposed friendship between the two wealthiest women in America (at the time).
Frankly, I just don't have what it takes to enjoy books of this caliber. I need something that takes me away from this world. I need something that will make me think, laugh, cry, and use my imagination, something that will pique my curiosity. This book did none of those things for me. It felt as if the longer I read it, the longer the book became until I felt that it would never end.
I wanted to read more about Emma and Ollie and the film she was making. That would have been interesting. Instead, we got a book about the two most selfish women in the world.
I understand that the rich are different from the likes of me, but this was just a mishmash of spoiled, entitled behavior---yes, yes, I know it was a different era. I think what really did it for me was the apparent padding of this book with all of the never-ending descriptions---of EVERYTHING.
The era that is the basis for this book will make it a little awkward for those of us who were born in the late 50's and only know of some of these people when they were already past their prime. But, on the other hand, if you are much younger than me, then you might find this an exciting slice of mid to late-20th-century history. But, of course, it is history about the wealthy jet-setters, and it only touches briefly on anything significant that was going on in America at the time.
Although this wasn't my cup of tea, I think that many out in Bookland will enjoy this look into the rich and famous.
*ARC supplied by the publisher A John Scognamiglio Book, the author, and NetGalley.
Frankly, I just don't have what it takes to enjoy books of this caliber. I need something that takes me away from this world. I need something that will make me think, laugh, cry, and use my imagination, something that will pique my curiosity. This book did none of those things for me. It felt as if the longer I read it, the longer the book became until I felt that it would never end.
I wanted to read more about Emma and Ollie and the film she was making. That would have been interesting. Instead, we got a book about the two most selfish women in the world.
I understand that the rich are different from the likes of me, but this was just a mishmash of spoiled, entitled behavior---yes, yes, I know it was a different era. I think what really did it for me was the apparent padding of this book with all of the never-ending descriptions---of EVERYTHING.
The era that is the basis for this book will make it a little awkward for those of us who were born in the late 50's and only know of some of these people when they were already past their prime. But, on the other hand, if you are much younger than me, then you might find this an exciting slice of mid to late-20th-century history. But, of course, it is history about the wealthy jet-setters, and it only touches briefly on anything significant that was going on in America at the time.
Although this wasn't my cup of tea, I think that many out in Bookland will enjoy this look into the rich and famous.
*ARC supplied by the publisher A John Scognamiglio Book, the author, and NetGalley.
January 25, 2025
I received this physical ARC from the publisher. This is historical fiction about Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton. Of course I know the Duke name but I did not know anything about Doris or Barbara. They are the heiresses of great fortunes and were born within days of each other in 1912. They were in all of the same social circles. Barbara Hutton was called the poor little rich girl and a movie was made about her with that title. Barbara Hutton's aunt was Majorie Post, who built Mar-a-lago. This book is like so many other historical fiction books where there are two timelines. Ollie is telling the story about Doris and Barbara to Emma because she is making a film about rich women and their jewelry. I would have preferred just a book in Barabara and Doris' timeline. I did not really care about the present day but I did see at the end how it all tied together. I enjoyed reading this and I kept googling images of them and their houses. Doris Duke's Hawaiin home is now a museum which is what she wanted when she died. I was right near it when I visited Hawaii and I now wished I would have seen it. They had a lot of wealth and privilege but they also gave a lot of their money away to other people and different projects. I am now going to read The Magnificent Lives of Majorie Post because I think it will tie in nicely.
did-not-finish
July 10, 2025DNF - page 32 (6%)
(July 10, 2025)
I received this book for free via Goodreads giveaway. This has in no way impacted my final review.
I knew fairly quickly that this book and I would not get along. I found the organization to be slightly strange - the prologue didn't give much information and then the first chapter is a 1930s chapter, not a modern-day one to set the scene? The descriptions were also not to my taste.
On page 22, the present-day main character was thinking about her father being queer and mentioned his "gay side" and I couldn't get that phrase out of my head for the next ten pages. While I respect that as terminology that was once fairly common, to have a character say it in 2025 was just... not the vibe.
Will be handing off this copy to someone who will appreciate it more than I would.
(July 10, 2025)
I received this book for free via Goodreads giveaway. This has in no way impacted my final review.
I knew fairly quickly that this book and I would not get along. I found the organization to be slightly strange - the prologue didn't give much information and then the first chapter is a 1930s chapter, not a modern-day one to set the scene? The descriptions were also not to my taste.
On page 22, the present-day main character was thinking about her father being queer and mentioned his "gay side" and I couldn't get that phrase out of my head for the next ten pages. While I respect that as terminology that was once fairly common, to have a character say it in 2025 was just... not the vibe.
Will be handing off this copy to someone who will appreciate it more than I would.
November 6, 2025
The modern part of the story was so unnecessary! Can historical fiction please stop using that for every single book? It clearly says on the cover that it's a novel of Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton and it felt like they were not the main focus of the story. It jumped around far too much and I felt like I never actually got to know the women the story was about, it just skimmed over them. Written more like a non fiction so I may as well have read a biography about them.
March 1, 2025
I was disappointed. This book was not what I had anticipated.
I like to read historical fiction. I like to read about the gilded age era, the million dollar princesses, and how the next generations navigated society and used (or abused all that wealth). So, picking up this book seemed a no brainer.
The dual storyline did nothing more than confuse the storyline. There is a lack of focus on what is propelling the narrative -- is it the jewelry, the friendship, the scandals of the woman's life. Throw in the timeline jumps and an equally unfocused narrative for the character of the film maker, and you're just left in a jumbled mess.
If someone could recommend a good book on Barbara Hutton and/or Doris Duke, I'd appreciate it.
I like to read historical fiction. I like to read about the gilded age era, the million dollar princesses, and how the next generations navigated society and used (or abused all that wealth). So, picking up this book seemed a no brainer.
The dual storyline did nothing more than confuse the storyline. There is a lack of focus on what is propelling the narrative -- is it the jewelry, the friendship, the scandals of the woman's life. Throw in the timeline jumps and an equally unfocused narrative for the character of the film maker, and you're just left in a jumbled mess.
If someone could recommend a good book on Barbara Hutton and/or Doris Duke, I'd appreciate it.
December 29, 2024
Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton are born in 1912, a week or so apart, both heirs to an incredible fortune. Their upbringing is with an eye to their gender, and their fortune and no one really understands how restricting both can be, and… warping. Partners in crime and best friends for life in a changing world: women are getting jobs, education, philanthropy is changing, the (role of the) press is changing too.
This book tries to tell their story, relating their friendship, painting a picture of the life of the über-rich in a certain era, and does so by ways of a film maker wanting to document jewellery, and her contacting Doris’ (and at some point Barbara’s) close friend, a closeted gay, now old and not rich, and losing relevance in this changed world.
Two storylines, as is common, if not the norm, for this kind of historical fiction. Usually these lines come together by a surprise/ hidden/ neglected child, that’s not the case here.
In fact, I found the past and present at odds, random even and -unfortunately- the overall storylines without arc, and so I ended up not caring for either present or past.
1,5 stars rounded up
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
This book tries to tell their story, relating their friendship, painting a picture of the life of the über-rich in a certain era, and does so by ways of a film maker wanting to document jewellery, and her contacting Doris’ (and at some point Barbara’s) close friend, a closeted gay, now old and not rich, and losing relevance in this changed world.
Two storylines, as is common, if not the norm, for this kind of historical fiction. Usually these lines come together by a surprise/ hidden/ neglected child, that’s not the case here.
In fact, I found the past and present at odds, random even and -unfortunately- the overall storylines without arc, and so I ended up not caring for either present or past.
1,5 stars rounded up
I received an eARC from NetGalley in return for my honest opinion.
September 12, 2025
Well, Greco is very good at researching, and he lets you know it by putting in every little detail. The descriptions of jewels and parties, sure, fun! But describing what was on the light breakfast buffet and many pages on how auras were read, well not so much fun. I just assumed that some of the 500 pages were footnotes or bibliography, but nope, they're all prose. Now realize that these women shared a husband (not at the same time of course) and really, no mention is made of that?
The two women are Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke, both I've never heard of before. Woolworth's, sure, but not Hutton. They were born about the time of the sinking of the Titanic and lived almost into the 1980s and while money perhaps didn't buy happiness, it sure made for a fun ride with all the travel, houses, parties, husbands, celebrities, clothes and of course jewels. Perhaps Greco had a plan of organization here--the sections are labeled under such topics of topics of parties, palaces, legacies--but most of the book seems to ramble in a loose chronological order. At one point, someone says of a character, "he's rambling, right?"
"Big time" is the answer...and so it is here.
The frame of the novel is that a filmmaker, Emma, is making a movie about jewelry. To be honest, this whole plotline could have been skipped. These heiresses were strong enough for books on their own! Below, a pin that belonged to the Duchess of Windsor, and no connection to the heiresses, that the filmmaker is happy to use.
Take a gander at that 28-carat diamond ring, that supposably was on Miss Hutton when she died!
So lesson learned--Barbara who didn't get too much into charities, enjoyed parties and gave jewelry away like party favors, died with only $3500 to her name; Doris started charities as a teen, kept up with art, music (she played piano at jazz clubs), dancing, medical advancements and when she died, she increased her inheritance to over a billion dollars.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC--all opinions expressed are my own....
The two women are Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke, both I've never heard of before. Woolworth's, sure, but not Hutton. They were born about the time of the sinking of the Titanic and lived almost into the 1980s and while money perhaps didn't buy happiness, it sure made for a fun ride with all the travel, houses, parties, husbands, celebrities, clothes and of course jewels. Perhaps Greco had a plan of organization here--the sections are labeled under such topics of topics of parties, palaces, legacies--but most of the book seems to ramble in a loose chronological order. At one point, someone says of a character, "he's rambling, right?"
"Big time" is the answer...and so it is here.
The frame of the novel is that a filmmaker, Emma, is making a movie about jewelry. To be honest, this whole plotline could have been skipped. These heiresses were strong enough for books on their own! Below, a pin that belonged to the Duchess of Windsor, and no connection to the heiresses, that the filmmaker is happy to use.
Take a gander at that 28-carat diamond ring, that supposably was on Miss Hutton when she died!
So lesson learned--Barbara who didn't get too much into charities, enjoyed parties and gave jewelry away like party favors, died with only $3500 to her name; Doris started charities as a teen, kept up with art, music (she played piano at jazz clubs), dancing, medical advancements and when she died, she increased her inheritance to over a billion dollars.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for the ARC--all opinions expressed are my own....
February 9, 2025
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Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am such a big fan of historical fiction books about real people, and The Last American Heiresses excels at creating narratives for both Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, as well as Emma, a filmmaker working on a documentary about famous jewelry and the women that wore them. I’ll be honest, I knew very little about Duke and Hutton going in, other than that Hutton was married to Cary Grant for a few years.
Doris and Barbara were born about a week apart, and the press dubs them the “Gold Dust Twins” because they are both heirs to large fortunes. They grew up mingling in the same circles of society and had a friendly and not-so-friendly rivalry, too. Duke was an heir to a tobacco fortune, while Hutton was the heir to the Woolworth store’s fortune.
I was able to immerse myself immediately into the women’s world because of the stellar writing of Stephen Greco. I did not realize that I had read one of his other books, Such Good Friends, and I did not like the way it was written. So, for me to pick up another book by this author and like the way it was written is saying something.
Doris is always trying to get Barbara to not be so impulsive with her money or her love life. Barbara wishes she could be more like Doris, who is fun loving yet very serious about her philanthropy and never careless with her money. Barbara ends up marrying something like seven times and fritters away her fortune, while Doris invests her money wisely and is a billionaire by the time of her death in 1993.
I did enjoy the other POV presented, that of Emma, the filmmaker, and Ollie, who was friends with The Gold Dust Twins and relays many stories to Emma.
This was a very interesting historical fiction novel that makes me want to read a few non-fiction books and find out more about Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton. A solid 4-star book!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am such a big fan of historical fiction books about real people, and The Last American Heiresses excels at creating narratives for both Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, as well as Emma, a filmmaker working on a documentary about famous jewelry and the women that wore them. I’ll be honest, I knew very little about Duke and Hutton going in, other than that Hutton was married to Cary Grant for a few years.
Doris and Barbara were born about a week apart, and the press dubs them the “Gold Dust Twins” because they are both heirs to large fortunes. They grew up mingling in the same circles of society and had a friendly and not-so-friendly rivalry, too. Duke was an heir to a tobacco fortune, while Hutton was the heir to the Woolworth store’s fortune.
I was able to immerse myself immediately into the women’s world because of the stellar writing of Stephen Greco. I did not realize that I had read one of his other books, Such Good Friends, and I did not like the way it was written. So, for me to pick up another book by this author and like the way it was written is saying something.
Doris is always trying to get Barbara to not be so impulsive with her money or her love life. Barbara wishes she could be more like Doris, who is fun loving yet very serious about her philanthropy and never careless with her money. Barbara ends up marrying something like seven times and fritters away her fortune, while Doris invests her money wisely and is a billionaire by the time of her death in 1993.
I did enjoy the other POV presented, that of Emma, the filmmaker, and Ollie, who was friends with The Gold Dust Twins and relays many stories to Emma.
This was a very interesting historical fiction novel that makes me want to read a few non-fiction books and find out more about Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton. A solid 4-star book!
October 30, 2024
Various U.S. and World Locations - 1912 to Present Day
Born a week apart in 1912 in Manhattan, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton were known to the public as "The Gold Dust Twins". Both inherited multi-millions of dollars at young ages. Hutton was the heiress to the Woolworth money, and Duke was a tobacco heiress. They were friends, and even ended up marrying the same playboy! While Duke was a savvy businesswoman, Hutton was known for her partying and lavish lifestyle.
Emily Radetsky, a filmmaker, is hoping to produce a documentary about famous women and the jewelry that they accumulated. She is well aware of the stories surrounding Betty Hutton and Doris Duke, and is helped in her research by an old friend of her father's, Oliver Wendell Shaw, who was especially close to Doris Duke. It is through Ollie that Emily learns of the games the women played on the press and the public. And she learns of the jewels the women bought without thinking of the cost. Emily learned of the life-long friendship between the women, and how one would help the other when life got tough.
THE LAST AMERICAN HEIRESSES moves from one era to another as it follows the sometimes chaotic society events that the two friends lived through. Doris Duke, fun loving, but also a serious, thoughtful woman, versus Barbara Hutton, unpredictable, sometimes careless, they nevertheless were loyal to one another. An interesting and detail oriented book, THE LAST AMERICAN HEIRESSES is a must read for anyone curious about the lifestyles of the rich.
Born a week apart in 1912 in Manhattan, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton were known to the public as "The Gold Dust Twins". Both inherited multi-millions of dollars at young ages. Hutton was the heiress to the Woolworth money, and Duke was a tobacco heiress. They were friends, and even ended up marrying the same playboy! While Duke was a savvy businesswoman, Hutton was known for her partying and lavish lifestyle.
Emily Radetsky, a filmmaker, is hoping to produce a documentary about famous women and the jewelry that they accumulated. She is well aware of the stories surrounding Betty Hutton and Doris Duke, and is helped in her research by an old friend of her father's, Oliver Wendell Shaw, who was especially close to Doris Duke. It is through Ollie that Emily learns of the games the women played on the press and the public. And she learns of the jewels the women bought without thinking of the cost. Emily learned of the life-long friendship between the women, and how one would help the other when life got tough.
THE LAST AMERICAN HEIRESSES moves from one era to another as it follows the sometimes chaotic society events that the two friends lived through. Doris Duke, fun loving, but also a serious, thoughtful woman, versus Barbara Hutton, unpredictable, sometimes careless, they nevertheless were loyal to one another. An interesting and detail oriented book, THE LAST AMERICAN HEIRESSES is a must read for anyone curious about the lifestyles of the rich.
February 22, 2025
🍨Review: The Last American Heiresses
💌Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars!
🥞Praise: What an insightful and delightful literary treat! Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke we're always women I seen on documentaries here and there or heard even my teachers talk about back in college! But to finally read a fiction book about the lives of these two amazing women is a grand time!
🍭Naturally Stephen Greco, the author, is the best person to give voices to historical figures such as these ladies! I can only imagine growing up in that time being the heiress to an amazing fortune! And not only that! Having a rival/friend right next to me LOL talk about elegant and juicy gossip wrapped up in one!
💗 This book tells the tale of both these women's lives how they intertwined and how they both lived it in general! The pros and cons! Fabulous beauty and carefully coordinated flaws they both entertained the world and gave way to opinions. So so so so razzle dazzle!
☕ Characters: There were many interesting juicy characters in this book! Besides Barbara and Doris we have Ollie, Emma, and the husbands!! I felt as if I was watching Netflix! Heiresses truly air the most laundry lol
👑Extra/Tropes: I cannot wait to read all other books by Stephen Greco! He gives voice and grace to two ladies of the past who had a great impact on the present day!
🍪 Historical Fiction
🍪Romance
🍪Drama
🍪Must Read!
💌Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars!
🥞Praise: What an insightful and delightful literary treat! Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke we're always women I seen on documentaries here and there or heard even my teachers talk about back in college! But to finally read a fiction book about the lives of these two amazing women is a grand time!
🍭Naturally Stephen Greco, the author, is the best person to give voices to historical figures such as these ladies! I can only imagine growing up in that time being the heiress to an amazing fortune! And not only that! Having a rival/friend right next to me LOL talk about elegant and juicy gossip wrapped up in one!
💗 This book tells the tale of both these women's lives how they intertwined and how they both lived it in general! The pros and cons! Fabulous beauty and carefully coordinated flaws they both entertained the world and gave way to opinions. So so so so razzle dazzle!
☕ Characters: There were many interesting juicy characters in this book! Besides Barbara and Doris we have Ollie, Emma, and the husbands!! I felt as if I was watching Netflix! Heiresses truly air the most laundry lol
👑Extra/Tropes: I cannot wait to read all other books by Stephen Greco! He gives voice and grace to two ladies of the past who had a great impact on the present day!
🍪 Historical Fiction
🍪Romance
🍪Drama
🍪Must Read!
March 16, 2025
Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke were both born in 1912, and both were born to great wealth. Although the two were friends and shared many interests (and even one husband!), their lives differed in significant ways. Perhaps haunted by her mother's early death, Barbara Hutton seemed unable to find true happiness, seeking solace in alcohol and drugs. In contrast, Doris Duke exercised regularly and was an active benefactor.
This fictionalized account is a dual timeline story. Emma is a contemporary filmmaker working on a documentary about the women's jewels. She turns to Ollie Shaw, a friend of both women, for some background information, but finds in him a great and trusted friend. Now in his 80s, Ollie has known Emma most of her life. He was a friend, perhaps lover, of her father's and as Emma faces personal challenges during the production, he is there to provide assistance.
There is a third subplot that adds further depth to the story.
And it's impossible not to comment on the fabulous cover and that dreamy lipstick shade. #TheLastAmericanHeiresses #NetGalley
This fictionalized account is a dual timeline story. Emma is a contemporary filmmaker working on a documentary about the women's jewels. She turns to Ollie Shaw, a friend of both women, for some background information, but finds in him a great and trusted friend. Now in his 80s, Ollie has known Emma most of her life. He was a friend, perhaps lover, of her father's and as Emma faces personal challenges during the production, he is there to provide assistance.
There is a third subplot that adds further depth to the story.
And it's impossible not to comment on the fabulous cover and that dreamy lipstick shade. #TheLastAmericanHeiresses #NetGalley
July 20, 2025
Born within a week of one another in 1912, Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton both inherit unimaginable fortunes. By the time of their lavish coming-out balls, they are two of the richest women in the world. Barbara, heiress to the Woolworth millions, amasses seven husbands over her lifetime. Doris, meanwhile, has a sophistication and financial savvy that Barbara tries endlessly to emulate.
Meanwhile in today’s world, filmmaker Emma Radetsky begins researching her new documentary about prominent women and their jewelry collections, she's familiar with the lore surrounding both Doris and Barbara, yet delving into their backgrounds with the help of one of Doris's closest companions, Oliver Wendell Shaw, reveals a deeper story.
Again, I hate books with dual narratives set in different times, and this one is particularly irritating. Emma is completely unbelievable, especially her “deadly” cancer of the elbow. Ollie Shaw is more sympathetic, but sill just a distraction to the main story of the two “poor little rich girls.” Please authors, quit using this plot device!
Meanwhile in today’s world, filmmaker Emma Radetsky begins researching her new documentary about prominent women and their jewelry collections, she's familiar with the lore surrounding both Doris and Barbara, yet delving into their backgrounds with the help of one of Doris's closest companions, Oliver Wendell Shaw, reveals a deeper story.
Again, I hate books with dual narratives set in different times, and this one is particularly irritating. Emma is completely unbelievable, especially her “deadly” cancer of the elbow. Ollie Shaw is more sympathetic, but sill just a distraction to the main story of the two “poor little rich girls.” Please authors, quit using this plot device!
February 17, 2025
I seem to gravitate toward the glamour of the gilded age so I was really looking forward to yet another book about two famous wealthy women - Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton.
There was plenty of glamour within the story and lots of stories that wound together. As a bonus, Emma is making a film about the jewels in this same era when she calls upon an old family friend, Oliver Wendall Shaw, to help her with some history. As the story goes back and forth (although most of it was directly Doris (Dodo) and Barbara (Babbo). With a couple of twists at the end, this was a fun read.
I did feel, however, that this book was just way too long and at times there was far too much detail in the telling that bogged it down. I would still recommend it (just skim over the parts you might find too detailed).
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
There was plenty of glamour within the story and lots of stories that wound together. As a bonus, Emma is making a film about the jewels in this same era when she calls upon an old family friend, Oliver Wendall Shaw, to help her with some history. As the story goes back and forth (although most of it was directly Doris (Dodo) and Barbara (Babbo). With a couple of twists at the end, this was a fun read.
I did feel, however, that this book was just way too long and at times there was far too much detail in the telling that bogged it down. I would still recommend it (just skim over the parts you might find too detailed).
I was given this book by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2025
The Last American Heiresses, the story of Barbara Hutton (Woolworth heiress) and Doris Duke (tobacco heiress) captivates you from the beginning. It takes you on a very sumptuous and wealthy tour of their rich lives and not so glamorous tragedies.
The story takes you through two different stories that intertwine exquisitely. Oliver Wendall Shaw, a former friend of these fabulous women, is helping Emma with her film about the jewels these eccentric and often misunderstood women wore during their golden era. Oliver has so many stories to share about Doris and Barbara and their long lasting but often tumultuous friendship.
A must read for those who appreciate the socialites and heiresses of the past, the glitz, glamour and tragedy that often follow these larger than life characters and their endless wealth.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this majestically fabulous read!
The story takes you through two different stories that intertwine exquisitely. Oliver Wendall Shaw, a former friend of these fabulous women, is helping Emma with her film about the jewels these eccentric and often misunderstood women wore during their golden era. Oliver has so many stories to share about Doris and Barbara and their long lasting but often tumultuous friendship.
A must read for those who appreciate the socialites and heiresses of the past, the glitz, glamour and tragedy that often follow these larger than life characters and their endless wealth.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for this majestically fabulous read!
February 25, 2025
Although a bit slow at the beginning, this book was interesting, gave some great background about the lives of Barbara Hutton and Doris Duke, and jumped around the world with the story telling. Told in two timelines, present and past, by one man, Ollie, who knew each woman very well and was asked about them by a young woman, Emma, who was hoping to do a movie about their jewelry and where it is now.
Through a many layered meandering story, I was pleasantly surprised that although the heiresses were rich beyond my wildest dreams, they also had a personal side that was sometimes quite needy. For decades, they had each other, then Doris had to go without her closest female friend. She did have Ollie.
Enigmatic Ollie to Emma, who became a man of means for others rather than himself.
A wonderful tale about these two strong women who bucked the tide of fitting in or being 'normal' and went forward living life to the fullest on their own terms.
Through a many layered meandering story, I was pleasantly surprised that although the heiresses were rich beyond my wildest dreams, they also had a personal side that was sometimes quite needy. For decades, they had each other, then Doris had to go without her closest female friend. She did have Ollie.
Enigmatic Ollie to Emma, who became a man of means for others rather than himself.
A wonderful tale about these two strong women who bucked the tide of fitting in or being 'normal' and went forward living life to the fullest on their own terms.
March 4, 2025
The lives and troubles of celebrities has always fascinated those who would never be able to experience the highs and lows of those with money, lots of money. When Emma Radetsky was researching her documentary on women and their jewelry, she meets Oliver Wendell Shaw, a friend and confidant of Doris Duke. The information he shares with her leads to this historical fiction of the lives and times of Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, two of the most famous and infamous heiresses of the 20th century. I've read biographies of both women before this. Stephen Greco does not take license with their stories. He does add the fictional stories around the facts that kept them on the front page of the paper for most of their lives. The book was a good read that I'd recommend to any one who shares the fascination with the lives of celebrities.
April 24, 2025
I wanted to love this one, and I may come back to it later and see if a re-read would make me love. It (sometimes that works for me). Mr. Greco has written some books that I just adored (See Such Good Friends). I liked the Emma and Ollie characters, I did enjoy Barbara and Doris, but I never took them into my inter spirits. I usually do with these kinds of books. I didn’t really like either women, maybe that is how I was supposed to feel? I did like their friendship, and I really liked Ollie. I liked Ollie very much. He is the reason I did not stop reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get a hold of this one. That cover is spectacular!!!
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get a hold of this one. That cover is spectacular!!!
August 4, 2025
Intelligent and gossipy, a great combination
I found this novel to be interesting and well-written. I particularly appreciated the small details the author provided about each place the characters visited, each piece of jewelry or clothing someone wore, each scent they applied. They served to bring their largely unreachable world to life.
The relationships between the characters and their lifestyles, whether extravagant, complex, or simply private, were handled respectfully but still felt honest. Yet there was a fun sense of gossip and pathos running through as well, which always made it a compelling read.
I found this novel to be interesting and well-written. I particularly appreciated the small details the author provided about each place the characters visited, each piece of jewelry or clothing someone wore, each scent they applied. They served to bring their largely unreachable world to life.
The relationships between the characters and their lifestyles, whether extravagant, complex, or simply private, were handled respectfully but still felt honest. Yet there was a fun sense of gossip and pathos running through as well, which always made it a compelling read.
September 21, 2025
Meant to be a novel exploring the dynamics of the friendship between Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton, this book meanders in so many different ways that it challenges the reader. The real-life antics of these two ladies, who had the means to do so much, take a backseat to a narrative about a young woman making a documentary who happens to have cancer, a young man who becomes confident to both women, two young girls who are gifted jewelry by the duo, and a girl who sells Doris a suit. I am unsure why this couldn't be straightforward, but it also includes non-linear flashbacks. Too much and in some respects not enough.
December 27, 2025
Gilded Age Glamour Girls!
These aristocratic women, raised in a wealth and social status of royalty, live the sort of lives that are epic, bigger than imagination. Although they were contemporaries running in same social circles, in many ways, they were more frenemy than friend.
The story begins at an event and sale flashing back from Christie sort of auction to the rise of girls as they become the paparazzi-subjects. Living lives that were photographed, captured in magazines and on film, these women captured American, and along the way through marriages and divorces, left a legacy, the such that cannot be erased or ignored.
These aristocratic women, raised in a wealth and social status of royalty, live the sort of lives that are epic, bigger than imagination. Although they were contemporaries running in same social circles, in many ways, they were more frenemy than friend.
The story begins at an event and sale flashing back from Christie sort of auction to the rise of girls as they become the paparazzi-subjects. Living lives that were photographed, captured in magazines and on film, these women captured American, and along the way through marriages and divorces, left a legacy, the such that cannot be erased or ignored.
December 12, 2024
Such a great book which is written of two women whom are also friends and both born into money. Heiresses are a kind of their own and these two were no different. Loved reading about their social society, mystery and also fun loving playfulness which at times got them into mischief. Loved this book and will read many more like them.
Thank you Goodreads and #Kensington books for this ARC book! Was a wonderful read!!
Thank you Goodreads and #Kensington books for this ARC book! Was a wonderful read!!
May 26, 2025
Told from past and present points of view this story is heavy on details. Doris and Barbara are labeled the gold dust twins of their era because they were born within a week of each other and in a family with oodles of money. Their lives are anything but dull in the beginning but at the end they sharply divide. I got lost in the excess and wish a little more was trimmed away to delve deeper into what made these women extraordinary.
May 9, 2025
Interesting book. Rather than one story, I felt like there were 3 or 4 stories going on at the same time. The jumping around in time made the read a little jarring to me. I do like Stephen Greco's writing style and sense of humor, which is still evident. Oddly enough, my favorite person in the book was Ollie. He was a good friend.
July 28, 2025
I found this book interesting, but not compelling. It still left me wondering now much was truth and how much was fiction. There was a list of books that the author used to research his subjects but I don't know how he knew so much about their rivalry or whether it was true. I guess if I wanted to know more about them I must read some of his source material.
August 9, 2025
DNF. This book jumped all over the place decade-wise. One chapter would be set in the 1920s, then the next in the 40s, then back to the 30s, then up to the 70s and then finally present-day with characters I just really didn't care about. The attempt to make a film dragged on forever and the story lines of the film maker and the old friend of Doris just didn't hold my interest. So I gave up.
November 3, 2025
I kept hoping it would improve, but this was a disappointment. The story jumped around to different times, which felt disjointed. It almost kind felt like a bunch of separate scenes, that were fully blended into a story. So much was left undeveloped. The story wasn’t fully flushed out at times, casually mentioning characters and not clearly defining them all.
March 11, 2025
A very interesting book about two remarkable women. Although fiction, it was very interesting from a historical perspective. As I am in my 90’s I do remember Doris Duke and Barbara Hutton from the gossip columns of the day. Their wealth was amazing as were their lives. Do read this if you can.
March 31, 2025
Delightful story. I always admire stories about Doris Duke. Pretty Barbara was the one who always wanted to be something whereas daring Doris always wanted to do something and make the world a better place
“History swallows little things like a lifetime”
“History swallows little things like a lifetime”
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