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A Life Worth Living
The victim of a rare cosmetic condition, Lady Colin Campbell was wrongly registered and brought up as a boy in an aristocratic family in Jamaica. She enjoyed privileges, but her teenage years were blighted, leaving her unable to receive essential medical treatment until she was 21. She became a model and a designer, and in the 1970s embarked on a short and violent marriage to Lord Colin Campbell.In this autobiography she writes of a life-long struggle to be accepted as the woman she is. She tells of her formative years in Jamaica and New York, her many love affairs, her connection with members of the Royal Family, her activities as a socialite and international charity organizer, and her current life as the fulfilled mother of two adopted Russian children.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1997
301 people are currently reading
333 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 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 7, 2019
I don't normally enjoy reading autobiographies, but Lady Colin Campbell's is a fascinating read.
I had previously heard, or read, about Lady Colin Campbell's start in life and had accepted the information presented as solid fact. I suppose a lot of people have done the same. But to read 'A Life Worth Living' is to realise that facts are not always as solid as those presenting them would have the reader believe.
To an outsider like me, Lady Colin Campbell's family life seems harsh. Her gender chosen as male, when she was a female, must have been beyond endurance at times, especially as she felt there was not a lot of outward support from those close to her. This situation was remedied as soon as it could be. Then a disastrous marriage to Lord Colin Campbell, who, to all intents and purposes, was not the man he purported to be, ended in an acrimonious divorce.
Life continued to throw bad times at Lady Colin Campbell, but she has come through each one a stronger person than before. She has the healed scars of many battles over the years, but has written about her life as honestly (or so it seems to me) as she could. How anyone could remain as stoic defeats me, but she has obviously inherited her strength of character from her upbringing.
This is a fascinating book and thoroughly enjoyable. I'm sorry it came to an end. May Lady Colin Campbell's example inspire people to try and rise above the adversities in their lives with some of her stoicism.
I had previously heard, or read, about Lady Colin Campbell's start in life and had accepted the information presented as solid fact. I suppose a lot of people have done the same. But to read 'A Life Worth Living' is to realise that facts are not always as solid as those presenting them would have the reader believe.
To an outsider like me, Lady Colin Campbell's family life seems harsh. Her gender chosen as male, when she was a female, must have been beyond endurance at times, especially as she felt there was not a lot of outward support from those close to her. This situation was remedied as soon as it could be. Then a disastrous marriage to Lord Colin Campbell, who, to all intents and purposes, was not the man he purported to be, ended in an acrimonious divorce.
Life continued to throw bad times at Lady Colin Campbell, but she has come through each one a stronger person than before. She has the healed scars of many battles over the years, but has written about her life as honestly (or so it seems to me) as she could. How anyone could remain as stoic defeats me, but she has obviously inherited her strength of character from her upbringing.
This is a fascinating book and thoroughly enjoyable. I'm sorry it came to an end. May Lady Colin Campbell's example inspire people to try and rise above the adversities in their lives with some of her stoicism.
April 24, 2008
Autobiography--raised as a boy due to rare genital deformity that was not corrected until she was 21 and advancement was made in medical knowledge. Very gifted writer--easy, captivating reading. Her norms are glamour, money, & power which lead to some lop-sided generalizations.
This seems to be a lady who wants to get her side of every story out for public view. She is consistently the misunderstood victim who is treated unfairly. Her decision-making skills are decidedly suspect. Everything is someone else's fault. Very much a pity-party by someone who has an oddly tilted self-concept. I kept looking but failed to see her great beauty. Within her social circle, she is definitely lower tier but strives to set herself to a much higher level by attempting to impress herself and others. The plus side: she's a very good writer.
This seems to be a lady who wants to get her side of every story out for public view. She is consistently the misunderstood victim who is treated unfairly. Her decision-making skills are decidedly suspect. Everything is someone else's fault. Very much a pity-party by someone who has an oddly tilted self-concept. I kept looking but failed to see her great beauty. Within her social circle, she is definitely lower tier but strives to set herself to a much higher level by attempting to impress herself and others. The plus side: she's a very good writer.
July 21, 2020
A pageturner
I read this in three sittings. I could not put it down. She is a wonderful writer. I recommend this to anyone who likes biographies.
I read this in three sittings. I could not put it down. She is a wonderful writer. I recommend this to anyone who likes biographies.
November 15, 2018
Brilliant
I knew very little about the author when I bought this autobiography so read it with an open mind. It is a really well written and candid account of an extraordinary life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I knew very little about the author when I bought this autobiography so read it with an open mind. It is a really well written and candid account of an extraordinary life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
July 3, 2020
I have been fascinated by Lady Colin Campbell since I read her book on Diana, Princess of Wales. That was a real royal eye opener and was the first glimpse into the real marriage problems of the Prince and Princess of Wales
Reading her autobiography solves many mysteries about who she is and what she is like. Let me tell you, she is one strong woman.
I have nothing but respect for Lady Colin Campbell and wish I could take tea with her someday!
Reading her autobiography solves many mysteries about who she is and what she is like. Let me tell you, she is one strong woman.
I have nothing but respect for Lady Colin Campbell and wish I could take tea with her someday!
June 23, 2016
Very interesting
Well written and extremely interesting. I feel for her, she has been through so much! I would recommend this book.
Well written and extremely interesting. I feel for her, she has been through so much! I would recommend this book.
May 27, 2022
It was lovely to read such an honest & inspiring autobiography, with a rare insight into how ‘the other half’ live. Facing some complex & debilitating issues throughout her life, Georgie has come through it all with dignity & respect. I confess to being a little taken aback at how staff were referred to as just that, rather by name, but I guess that is a part of society. An intriguing life & definitely a book worth reading.
September 4, 2018
This was a really interesting book.
All full of topics I knew nothing about.
All full of topics I knew nothing about.
April 25, 2019
This was quite fascinating but I’m still in the dark as to why she continued to use Campbell’s name...
April 19, 2021
Interesting
An interesting book on how important a positive attitude to life is, whatever your circumstances are.
Interesting as a life story and for the social insights.
An interesting book on how important a positive attitude to life is, whatever your circumstances are.
Interesting as a life story and for the social insights.
April 8, 2021
She is an amazing writer. This book shows how things were handled way back then. Looks like a doctor was never consulted and the parents made a decision for her without any knowledge of her problem. I think she became a very insecure person and it shows when she married this idiot of Colin Campbell. It is a miracle she was not killed by him. I am glad that she has overcome all her problems and has lived a happier life. So the question still waiting for an answer. Why are you still using his name?
January 12, 2016
Astounding biography
I couldn't put this book down. Amazing biography I've ever read. Lady Colin is a true survivor to many strong women who have gone threw torture of some kind throughout their lives. Keep strong. Lady Samantha Cole of Glencoe.
I couldn't put this book down. Amazing biography I've ever read. Lady Colin is a true survivor to many strong women who have gone threw torture of some kind throughout their lives. Keep strong. Lady Samantha Cole of Glencoe.
June 16, 2020
Tragic
If you like reading tales of woe, this book will not disappoint. I read most of the book, very interesting in parts.
If you like reading tales of woe, this book will not disappoint. I read most of the book, very interesting in parts.
October 9, 2020
I don’t know why I kept reading.
June 28, 2021
The book left me asking an obvious question; why, after so much pain and physical damage, did Lady C, choose to keep the name Colin Campbell? He almost destroyed her, and a weaker person would have certainly been destroyed. Alas it is a question to which I will never know the answer.
The book itself is wonderfully written and describes a life of torment, pleasure and at the end, happiness and satisfaction.
I have always been fascinated by the author and her descriptions of various members of Royalty, and so it was natural to want to read this fascinating biography which certainly does shock and lifts the lid on how the press and even close friends can behave where money is involved.
I have no hesitation in giving the book five stars.
The book itself is wonderfully written and describes a life of torment, pleasure and at the end, happiness and satisfaction.
I have always been fascinated by the author and her descriptions of various members of Royalty, and so it was natural to want to read this fascinating biography which certainly does shock and lifts the lid on how the press and even close friends can behave where money is involved.
I have no hesitation in giving the book five stars.
January 23, 2021
An autobiography of the storied life of Georgia Ziadie, popularly known as Lady Colin Campbell. Lady C provides a huge sweep of her history—how her Lebanese family settled in Jamaica; her genital deformity which meant that she was assumed to be a boy; abusive relationships; attempts to find romance; and her experience in trying to adopt two boys in Russia.
Despite her privilege, this is a story of survival, hope, and finding confidence in oneself.
Her writing is riveting and she knows how to plan the narrative arc of her life really well. She is witty and has a wicked turn of phrase. She is a keen observer with an excellent attention to detail.
The only thing I am circumspect about is that she reproduces copious amounts of verbatim conversation between her ex-husband and her. Given that this is several decades ago and if it were such a traumatic event as the book has show, I doubt one could remember that amount of conversation word for word.
Despite her privilege, this is a story of survival, hope, and finding confidence in oneself.
Her writing is riveting and she knows how to plan the narrative arc of her life really well. She is witty and has a wicked turn of phrase. She is a keen observer with an excellent attention to detail.
The only thing I am circumspect about is that she reproduces copious amounts of verbatim conversation between her ex-husband and her. Given that this is several decades ago and if it were such a traumatic event as the book has show, I doubt one could remember that amount of conversation word for word.
December 2, 2021
A fascinating autobiography of an extraordinary woman. Blessed with a happy disposition Lady C tackles anything life throws at her with wit & courage, ready to fight like a lioness when lies are told about her. So bright yet can have an appalling blind-side when it comes to dreadful men & one or two ‘friends’.
Even though this was full of Society names I’d never heard, it raced along without a dull moment & ended far too early. And she’d a a lot of light on the shenanigans of the tabloid press. I hope she considers adding a few more chapters that incorporate her becoming a You Tube star ( the woman can certainly give an amusing chatty talk) in her glamorous seventies.
Even though this was full of Society names I’d never heard, it raced along without a dull moment & ended far too early. And she’d a a lot of light on the shenanigans of the tabloid press. I hope she considers adding a few more chapters that incorporate her becoming a You Tube star ( the woman can certainly give an amusing chatty talk) in her glamorous seventies.
May 17, 2022
Outlook Determines a Successful Life
Lady C has written a fascinating account of her life, from her upbringing in Jamaica to college in NYC, then after her corrective surgery a modelling career, meeting the who’s who in both NYC & London, then a hasty but disappointing marriage to Lord Colin Campbell which ultimately ended in divorce. Lady C was plagued for the next twenty years by stories fabricated by her ex and disreputable journalists who wished to sensationalize her childhood…and this is only so far! She had many lovers, and jobs. There is travel, loss of close family, children, pets, more books and life to come. I can hardly wait for the book about the second half of her life.
Lady C has written a fascinating account of her life, from her upbringing in Jamaica to college in NYC, then after her corrective surgery a modelling career, meeting the who’s who in both NYC & London, then a hasty but disappointing marriage to Lord Colin Campbell which ultimately ended in divorce. Lady C was plagued for the next twenty years by stories fabricated by her ex and disreputable journalists who wished to sensationalize her childhood…and this is only so far! She had many lovers, and jobs. There is travel, loss of close family, children, pets, more books and life to come. I can hardly wait for the book about the second half of her life.
July 8, 2022
I highly recommend this . I plan on reading more of her books
A well written True Story by Lady Colin Campbell (better known as Lady C. )
A well meaning but wrong decision by the doctor who delivered her.
Even with the frustration she must have felt never gave up.
She didn’t allow abuse or betrayal keep her down .
She truly is an Amazing Courageous Lady and a very talented writer .
A well written True Story by Lady Colin Campbell (better known as Lady C. )
A well meaning but wrong decision by the doctor who delivered her.
Even with the frustration she must have felt never gave up.
She didn’t allow abuse or betrayal keep her down .
She truly is an Amazing Courageous Lady and a very talented writer .
October 15, 2023
I grew curious about Lady Colin Campbell after seeing her numerous commentaries during coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Published in 2015, this autobiography covers her life-long struggle to be her strong, self-determined person despite everyone--including her family, her lovers, & her ex-husband—wanting her to be someone else. I found her blunt, intense writing refreshing & clear although including numerous, insignificant details became tedious at times.
October 22, 2020
Interesting
An interesting book about a lady of whom could be mistakenly misjudged as trying to live above her station in life .till you read some of the facts. I would say never judge a book by the cover as they say as still waters can run deep and in her case a bad marriage made it a lot harder to believe.
An interesting book about a lady of whom could be mistakenly misjudged as trying to live above her station in life .till you read some of the facts. I would say never judge a book by the cover as they say as still waters can run deep and in her case a bad marriage made it a lot harder to believe.
June 8, 2021
Excellent Read.
I too am an Argyll Campbell, of the lowly order thankfully... After reading this book I am ashamed of my Clan Chiefs, I lost all pride in being a Campbell.
I can't understand why Lady Collin still associates herself with that name.
Why constantly remind yourself of him?
I too am an Argyll Campbell, of the lowly order thankfully... After reading this book I am ashamed of my Clan Chiefs, I lost all pride in being a Campbell.
I can't understand why Lady Collin still associates herself with that name.
Why constantly remind yourself of him?
August 3, 2022
A Book Worth Reading
This bok is in my opinion one of the best autobiographies I have read. Lady C is so very informative in all aspects of her life. It touches on a number of aspects that then shine a light into closely guarded secrets of family, friends and autocracy. This is in no way derisive or unfair.
This bok is in my opinion one of the best autobiographies I have read. Lady C is so very informative in all aspects of her life. It touches on a number of aspects that then shine a light into closely guarded secrets of family, friends and autocracy. This is in no way derisive or unfair.
November 14, 2023
Fascinating!
Wow what a life this Lady has led and this isn't the entire story, only up until around the 90s.
The things Lady C has endured and survived is unbelievable, I now see why she has such a strong personality and doesn't suffer fools gladly.
I definitely have a new found respect and admiration for her.
Great read, I'd definitely recommend!!
Wow what a life this Lady has led and this isn't the entire story, only up until around the 90s.
The things Lady C has endured and survived is unbelievable, I now see why she has such a strong personality and doesn't suffer fools gladly.
I definitely have a new found respect and admiration for her.
Great read, I'd definitely recommend!!
July 15, 2024
phew! compulsive reading.
I came across this author by ordering and reading her book about the Sussexes. And wanted to find out who Lady Colin Cambell really was.
I had never heard of her before. But now I feel I know her and about who she and what makes her tick.
This is compulsive reading.
I came across this author by ordering and reading her book about the Sussexes. And wanted to find out who Lady Colin Cambell really was.
I had never heard of her before. But now I feel I know her and about who she and what makes her tick.
This is compulsive reading.
October 17, 2024
THANK YOU, LADY C
Lady C has become a literary favorite. Her keen intellect coupled with her sensitive and caring nature have made her an exemplary person. Her wonderfully articulate writing make every word a pleasure to read. I wish I were one one-hundredth of the person this woman is!
Lady C has become a literary favorite. Her keen intellect coupled with her sensitive and caring nature have made her an exemplary person. Her wonderfully articulate writing make every word a pleasure to read. I wish I were one one-hundredth of the person this woman is!
January 1, 2025
Interesting
Lady C has led a very interesting life. She leads the reader through the many phases of her childhood to middle age. She was born into a wealthy family in Jamaica. It was a little slow at times wading through uninteresting sections but she has lived a very interesting life.
Lady C has led a very interesting life. She leads the reader through the many phases of her childhood to middle age. She was born into a wealthy family in Jamaica. It was a little slow at times wading through uninteresting sections but she has lived a very interesting life.
July 17, 2025
Best Autobiography I've Ever Read
Lady Colin Campbell is extraordinarily honest and this makes her story more fascinating with the authenticity of her writing. Not only beautiful but very intelligent she is a woman of remarkable strength and spirituality. Her faith as a Christian shines through.
Lady Colin Campbell is extraordinarily honest and this makes her story more fascinating with the authenticity of her writing. Not only beautiful but very intelligent she is a woman of remarkable strength and spirituality. Her faith as a Christian shines through.
August 22, 2020
It should be re-named - how to make a mess out my life. I still don't understand why she married and stayed with a drunk loser for so long. Just to be called Lady C?
Lady Colin writing is excellent though.
Lady Colin writing is excellent though.
October 3, 2020
Recommended
I found lady Campbell's autobiography very interesting, she had a bad start in life mistakenly being brought up as a boy due to a birth defect. The prejudices that that mistake brought followed her through life but she fought back. I felt that I liked her very much and hope and wish her every happiness.
I found lady Campbell's autobiography very interesting, she had a bad start in life mistakenly being brought up as a boy due to a birth defect. The prejudices that that mistake brought followed her through life but she fought back. I felt that I liked her very much and hope and wish her every happiness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews