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Daughter of Narcissus
Daughter of Narcissus is a stunning analysis by the author of the serious personality disorder of narcissism through her own dysfunctional family, positioned at the heart of international society from the middle of the 20th century to present day. Dr Anna Brocklebank considers it one of the most significant and inspiring books ever written on the subject of narcissism and believes it should become a medical reference book as well as a popular best seller. Departing from her former studies of the Royal Family and the Super Rich, Georgie Campbell turns her intelligence, insight and energy on to her own family's past to reveal the reality beneath serious personality disorders, and the emotional terrorism they engender.The book straddles two conflicting worlds: the white elitism of the British Colonial way of life and the empowerment of the black race post-Independence. It provides an insightful record of why the colonial age had to end, while also giving the reader an insider's view of the political and sociological difficulties that nationhood brought to the inhabitants of the colonies. In doing so, Georgie Campbell paints a vivid picture of the way of life that allowed the narcissistic personality disorder of her mother to flourish. Daughter of Narcissus not only places the disorder of narcissism in its proper sociological context, but it also exposes the shocking behaviour of the disordered personality. It is disarmingly honest and revelatory, a compulsive read - in the words of Dr. Brocklebank, it is "gripping" - a fascinating history of a family who learnt to survive unbelievable misconduct in order to lead purposeful and affirming lives.
848 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2009
218 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Lady Colin Campbell
15 books158 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Lady Colin Campbell, (née Georgia Arianna Ziadie, known as Georgie), is a British writer, biographer, autobiographer, novelist, and television and radio personality, known for her biography of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Real Diana, as well as for other books on the Royal Family and wealthy people.
Campbell was born in Jamaica, the child of Michael and Gloria Ziadie. The Ziadie family is prominent in Jamaica, the descendants of six Maronite Catholic brothers who emigrated from Lebanon in the early 20th century; she says they have gone from being "revered to reviled to treasured as exotica." Her father was of royal Russian bloodline. His family were Greek Orthodox Catholic who had settled in Lebanon. Her mother came from English, Irish, Portuguese and Spanish ancestry. Her maternal great-grandmother, family name De Pass, was Sephardic Jew.
In 1974, she married Lord Colin Ivar Campbell, the son of Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll; she divorced him in 1975.
She is the mother of two adopted Russian-born sons, Dima and Misha. She lives in Kennington, UK.
Lady Colin Campbell, (née Georgia Arianna Ziadie, known as Georgie), is a British writer, biographer, autobiographer, novelist, and television and radio personality, known for her biography of Diana, Princess of Wales, The Real Diana, as well as for other books on the Royal Family and wealthy people.
Campbell was born in Jamaica, the child of Michael and Gloria Ziadie. The Ziadie family is prominent in Jamaica, the descendants of six Maronite Catholic brothers who emigrated from Lebanon in the early 20th century; she says they have gone from being "revered to reviled to treasured as exotica." Her father was of royal Russian bloodline. His family were Greek Orthodox Catholic who had settled in Lebanon. Her mother came from English, Irish, Portuguese and Spanish ancestry. Her maternal great-grandmother, family name De Pass, was Sephardic Jew.
In 1974, she married Lord Colin Ivar Campbell, the son of Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll; she divorced him in 1975.
She is the mother of two adopted Russian-born sons, Dima and Misha. She lives in Kennington, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 5, 2025
Lady Colin Campbell, more noted for her books on Princess Diana and assorted other royals, takes a detour into memoir with this account of her early life as the daughter of a narcissistically abusive mother.
Raised in a privileged household in Jamaica, our author details the years of childhood spent beholden to a capriciously controlling woman who would vacillate between manipulating everyone around her to get her immediate needs met and destroying the goals, livelihoods, assets, and dreams of others simply to prove that she could. The recollections of this daughter vacillate in a similar manner - careening between the desire to expose the ruthlessness of the parent who raised her and, conversely, to locate the internal means to leave her behind. It is quite the struggle. Over six hundred pages of a wrangling that sinks at times into a cringe-inducing pretentiousness and the sort of self-aggrandizing posture certain to set one's teeth on edge. As such, I cannot recommend this work to readers with a casual interest in narcissism. There's just too much to plow through. If, on the other hand, your interest is vested? It might be worth a look.
What Daughter of Narcissus illustrates in such an unattractive fashion is the gruesome bind left behind for the child of a narcissistic parent. Lady Colin Campbell had a limited number of role models - her mother made sure of that - and so the menu of character traits, temperaments, and manners-of-being open for the young girl to emulate were going to be few; most of which would end up coming from that parent. What you see here quite clearly is the constellation of the mother's proclivities that the daughter is habitually falling into; chains of a narcissistic pattern she is determinedly attempting to break.
Much as they say the sins of the father are delivered onto the son, so are the psychic conflicts of mothers frequently left to their daughters to resolve. If Lady Colin Campbell never quite managed to get there, it certainly wasn't for lack of trying.
Raised in a privileged household in Jamaica, our author details the years of childhood spent beholden to a capriciously controlling woman who would vacillate between manipulating everyone around her to get her immediate needs met and destroying the goals, livelihoods, assets, and dreams of others simply to prove that she could. The recollections of this daughter vacillate in a similar manner - careening between the desire to expose the ruthlessness of the parent who raised her and, conversely, to locate the internal means to leave her behind. It is quite the struggle. Over six hundred pages of a wrangling that sinks at times into a cringe-inducing pretentiousness and the sort of self-aggrandizing posture certain to set one's teeth on edge. As such, I cannot recommend this work to readers with a casual interest in narcissism. There's just too much to plow through. If, on the other hand, your interest is vested? It might be worth a look.
What Daughter of Narcissus illustrates in such an unattractive fashion is the gruesome bind left behind for the child of a narcissistic parent. Lady Colin Campbell had a limited number of role models - her mother made sure of that - and so the menu of character traits, temperaments, and manners-of-being open for the young girl to emulate were going to be few; most of which would end up coming from that parent. What you see here quite clearly is the constellation of the mother's proclivities that the daughter is habitually falling into; chains of a narcissistic pattern she is determinedly attempting to break.
Much as they say the sins of the father are delivered onto the son, so are the psychic conflicts of mothers frequently left to their daughters to resolve. If Lady Colin Campbell never quite managed to get there, it certainly wasn't for lack of trying.
February 20, 2012
I have very mixed feelings about this book. It was well written and I fully appreciate the author's point of view, having been raised by a mother with NPD. And therein lies the ambivalence. It almost seemed like the author and I lived in the same house at times. It's helpful to know that someone else went through this and that I wasn't the crazy one, but dredging up some ugly memories was uncomfortable. One can get past discomfort, though. Ultimately, it was positive. Lady Colin would be a fascinating person to know, I think, and I would love to sit down over a cuppa and compare battle scars from toxic mothers. The good part is that one can survive in reasonably decent condition, that all is not a maelstrom of insane behavior, that one can come out fairly well in the end. Even if you don't have a narcissistic parent, I think this would still be a book worth your time.
February 26, 2021
This is the first book that I have read by the author Lady Colin Campbell and it is a memoir of her family relationships with the relationship with her mother explored very deeply. Lady C's every move in the book is shaped by her mother who emerges as having a character that was empty of empathy for others. In almost every other way, her mother, Gloria Ziadie was a glittering and highly regarded high society figure.
Lady C experiences are about the family life of the wealthy white merchant class in Kingston of the 1940s to 1970s. She lets us into their sumptuous homes which were gradually - and are now rapidly - being torn down as the purpose for land changes.
Writing with a methodical and detailed approach with her upbringing in every line, she sets out the particularly urban Jamaican class and colour distinctions and how they play out.
I have read books by other wealthy, socially privileged Jamaicans and it seems to show that middle eastern immigrants helped to reestablish the idea that an individual has a place and a role in intergenerational, extended family life and the overall success of a family. This is in opposition to the Afro Jamaican approach which relates to the extended family which does not bear the burden of responsibly holding memories or of managing inheritance.
As so often happens in Jamaican books, this one fortunately shows a way out of perdition, the story does not end with heartbreak or anger or regret, it actually shows that we all have the choice to take the dross you may have in your life now, and, over time, and with effort, transform it into real gold.
Lady C experiences are about the family life of the wealthy white merchant class in Kingston of the 1940s to 1970s. She lets us into their sumptuous homes which were gradually - and are now rapidly - being torn down as the purpose for land changes.
Writing with a methodical and detailed approach with her upbringing in every line, she sets out the particularly urban Jamaican class and colour distinctions and how they play out.
I have read books by other wealthy, socially privileged Jamaicans and it seems to show that middle eastern immigrants helped to reestablish the idea that an individual has a place and a role in intergenerational, extended family life and the overall success of a family. This is in opposition to the Afro Jamaican approach which relates to the extended family which does not bear the burden of responsibly holding memories or of managing inheritance.
As so often happens in Jamaican books, this one fortunately shows a way out of perdition, the story does not end with heartbreak or anger or regret, it actually shows that we all have the choice to take the dross you may have in your life now, and, over time, and with effort, transform it into real gold.
July 29, 2013
This book is an example of how Wikipedia, which allows anyone to edit an article, can be manipulated. I read a perceptive Wikipedia article on narcissistic parenting and decided to expand my knowledge by ordering and reading some of the books listed in the footnotes. Included among them was this book. Much to my disappointment, it turned out to be a poorly written, abysmally edited diatribe by an untalented celebrity "journalist." Based on what is said in the book, the author appears to have multiple personality disorders herself (or perhaps I should say "himself," and yes, that is a spoiler), and I would be willing to bet a large sum of money that the author slipped the book into the Wikipedia footnotes for purposes of self-promotion and/or ego gratification. The publisher is identified as Dynasty Press, which I never have heard of and probably is a vanity press. Hack work of the lowest sort - save your time and don't read it.
October 20, 2020
Another thoroughly enjoyable and informative book from Lady Colin Campbell. This is the fifth I’ve read from this author and I learn so much interesting background information as well as about the primary subject. A fascinating insight into narcissistic and sociopathic personality disorders. Thankfully we’re told if we can see certain of these traits in ourselves then we needn’t worry as those with these disorders never recognise them in themselves. Very well worth reading thank you. Bring on the next book please.
July 18, 2025
This is an incredibly powerful read.
July 11, 2020
Gripping
It’s hard to believe a person like this can exist unless you’ve been in a relationship with one. It’s also hard to believe Lady C doesn’t have a PhD in psychology. But then again she lived it. So eloquently written, a joy to read.
It’s hard to believe a person like this can exist unless you’ve been in a relationship with one. It’s also hard to believe Lady C doesn’t have a PhD in psychology. But then again she lived it. So eloquently written, a joy to read.
October 3, 2019
Read far too much like an attempt to retaliate against her mother. I
February 28, 2021
This is a very well written book and at times it is very engaging, but the hatred that runs through it is very uncomfortable.
You get a peek into the lives of the rich colonial elite of the 20th Century, as well as insight into narcissism and dysfunctional family dynamics.
You feel sympathy for the author, who clearly had a very difficult childhood, even with all the privilege, and her parents sound as if they would try the patience of a saint. However I did start to feel uncomfortable, especially towards the end, where some of the author's behaviour leaves a lot to be desired, and sadly seems to mimic her mother at times. The author sounds as if she really hates her mother. Perhaps the book is a long, long, counselling session and a way for her to vent and express deeply buried feelings, which will then be resolved and healed. I hope so, and I hope she finds growth and healing and can find real freedom from hatred, narcissism and greed, which seems to have plagued her life.
You get a peek into the lives of the rich colonial elite of the 20th Century, as well as insight into narcissism and dysfunctional family dynamics.
You feel sympathy for the author, who clearly had a very difficult childhood, even with all the privilege, and her parents sound as if they would try the patience of a saint. However I did start to feel uncomfortable, especially towards the end, where some of the author's behaviour leaves a lot to be desired, and sadly seems to mimic her mother at times. The author sounds as if she really hates her mother. Perhaps the book is a long, long, counselling session and a way for her to vent and express deeply buried feelings, which will then be resolved and healed. I hope so, and I hope she finds growth and healing and can find real freedom from hatred, narcissism and greed, which seems to have plagued her life.
November 1, 2022
To grow up with a parent who has narcissistic personality disorder or even psychopathic personality disorder is a nightmare.
This is very well described. However the story could have been shortened a bit for my liking.
I really liked how the author gives very good definitions of the personality disorders (according to scientific research) her mother expressed. This is extremely educating and ever more important nowadays that npd seems to be rampant in our society.
Everybody should know about red flags and how to be safe with manipulating people who have no empathy and use their victims.
A good read and very hard to digest.
This is very well described. However the story could have been shortened a bit for my liking.
I really liked how the author gives very good definitions of the personality disorders (according to scientific research) her mother expressed. This is extremely educating and ever more important nowadays that npd seems to be rampant in our society.
Everybody should know about red flags and how to be safe with manipulating people who have no empathy and use their victims.
A good read and very hard to digest.
January 6, 2024
the narcissist exposed
Anyone, including me, who had a narcissistic mother will have many ‘light bulb’ moments as they read this. I only wish I had access to this book many years ago before Narcissism became a common word. Back then I asked a psychiatrist why there were no books I could read, written by other victims. His words were chilling. He said “that’s because few people survive alive when they have a parent like your mother.”
Anyone, including me, who had a narcissistic mother will have many ‘light bulb’ moments as they read this. I only wish I had access to this book many years ago before Narcissism became a common word. Back then I asked a psychiatrist why there were no books I could read, written by other victims. His words were chilling. He said “that’s because few people survive alive when they have a parent like your mother.”
May 4, 2025
Although very, very long, it retained my interest. I found her dreadful experiences with her mother similar in many cases to ones I had with a few narcissists who were unfortunately in my life (and I thank God every day that they no longer are!). Can one suffer from second-hand PTSD through a book? It sure feels like it!
May 5, 2025
🖋️I suppose these types of books are a catharsis for the author. I couldn't get deep in, for I felt I was being a nosy neighbor in an area I have no business in regard to Lady C.
જ⁀🔵Read on ⅈꪀ𝕥ꫀ𝕣ꪀꫀ𝕥 ꪖ𝕣ᥴꫝⅈꪜꫀ.
༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻
જ⁀🔵Read on ⅈꪀ𝕥ꫀ𝕣ꪀꫀ𝕥 ꪖ𝕣ᥴꫝⅈꪜꫀ.
༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻༺༻༺༻✬༺༻༺༻
May 31, 2020
A book more relevant now than ever...
This book should be essential reading for everyone seeking to understand the mind of a narcissist and the incredibly corrosive impact they can have - in life if less so in death. Truly a story of 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
This book should be essential reading for everyone seeking to understand the mind of a narcissist and the incredibly corrosive impact they can have - in life if less so in death. Truly a story of 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger".
April 15, 2024
This was way too long. The first half was very interesting and was shocking at how abusive the mother was. But the second half was really just complaining about inheritances, which I could have done without.
September 27, 2020
Excellent read
Accurate description of life with a narcissist and how Lady C survived. Some material was included in another book, but this book goes into greater depth.
Accurate description of life with a narcissist and how Lady C survived. Some material was included in another book, but this book goes into greater depth.
December 2, 2021
Excellent Read
Gives you an incite to other peoples lives while instructing you on the craziness that was ones own life. Very well written couldn't put down.
Gives you an incite to other peoples lives while instructing you on the craziness that was ones own life. Very well written couldn't put down.
December 30, 2022
Quite an eye opener on this personality disorder.
March 28, 2023
An inspired read about an amazing woman overcoming a life-altering childhood.
June 26, 2023
Self diagnosis? One can only hope.
July 8, 2009
Fascinating read! I got an advance copy and really loved it.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews