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Untitled: The Real Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor
Wallis Simpson was one of the most vilified women of twentieth century. In a stunning biography, Anna Pasternak asks who the American Duchess really was – a social climber, a master manipulator, or simply the true love of King Edward’s life?
Life has always been made difficult for those marrying into England’s royal family. In 1936, just months into his reign, King Edward VIII proposed to Wallis Simpson, a divorced American woman. Gossip ran wild, and that cacophony of speculation and distrust both hid the real Wallis, and forced Edward into abdicating so that he might marry the woman he adored.
In this intimate biography Anna Pasternak seeks to understand Wallis – and her relationship with Edward and The Crown. Using testimony from her closest friends, she shows the warm, loyal, intelligent woman who was written off and undermined by the powerful, often manipulative men of the Establishment. This is Wallis Simpson’s story as it has never been told before.
Life has always been made difficult for those marrying into England’s royal family. In 1936, just months into his reign, King Edward VIII proposed to Wallis Simpson, a divorced American woman. Gossip ran wild, and that cacophony of speculation and distrust both hid the real Wallis, and forced Edward into abdicating so that he might marry the woman he adored.
In this intimate biography Anna Pasternak seeks to understand Wallis – and her relationship with Edward and The Crown. Using testimony from her closest friends, she shows the warm, loyal, intelligent woman who was written off and undermined by the powerful, often manipulative men of the Establishment. This is Wallis Simpson’s story as it has never been told before.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 5, 2019
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About the author
Anna Pasternak
12 books58 followersAnna Pasternak is an author, columnist, and journalist. She writes regularly for Sunday Times Style, Condé Nast Traveler, Harper’s Bazaar, and others. She lives in Oxfordshire, England, with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
March 1, 2019
The story of Wallis Simpson's infamous affair with the Prince of Wales in the 1930s that led to Edward VIII abdicating the throne after only 326 days as King of England has been told again and again. Simpson has been portrayed as everything from a gold digger to a whore to even a Nazi spy. Wallis Simpson was not a saint...she was a twice divorced American and an independent woman with a strong personality in a time where that was not fashionable. In The Real Wallis Simpson, Anna Pasternak strives to dig past gossip and media spin to get to the real woman. What was Wallis Simpson really like? Why did she get involved with Edward? Was their relationship really the romantic story it has been portrayed to be?
According to Pasternak, Wallis Simpson did not really want to marry the Prince of Wales. The situation got out of control and she was forced into a divorce and marriage she didn't really want. Pasternak, and other historians, now believe that the affair was pushed into marriage by the royal family and others because Edward's immature behavior, reckless spending, and lack of attention to responsibility made him a poor king. Getting him to abdicate and marry Wallis Simpson passed the crown on to his brother, who was a more stable choice. But, it left Wallis Simpson stuck.....she missed the husband she was forced to divorce and was forced into exile with an often moody, immature Edward.
Kinda changes the story a bit doesn't it?
I will admit I believed the decades of gossip. I always believed Simpson was a twice-divorced sex pot who set her eyes on the Prince and wheedled her way into his head til she got what she wanted. But after reading this book, I have to change my mind. I believe Simpson was flattered by the attention and liked the dinners, gifts, parties, and social position it gave her to be recognized as a friend/companion of the Prince of Wales. She expected the attention to continue until Edward got tired of her....then he would move on to another interest and she could return to her life and her marriage. But that didn't happen. Edward became obsessed with her....spending more and more money on her, demanding more and more of her time, calling multiple times a day, demanding her attention...... The situation rapidly got out of control, became a public scandal, and then there was no way for Wallis to get out of it. She played a game with very powerful people and she lost. It doesn't change the fact that she was willing to play the game....she was married,but carried on a very public relationship with Edward anyway. She loved the money and the social standing. So, she was no saint. But she wasn't a complete devil woman either. She was portrayed that way because at the time women were not supposed to be strong, intelligent, or independent.
I enjoyed this book. Pasternak definitely did a lot of in-depth research. She quotes news reports, personal letters, interviews with friends of Wallis, Edward and others, letters from government officials, royal letters and documents, etc. At one point she quotes a member of the royal family as saying that it wasn't Simpson they despised, but Edward.
So interesting! I'm going to read it a second time, and then re-watch some documentaries I've seen on the affair and the aftermath, and come out with a much more informed, fair opinion on Edward's abdication. I feel guilty for believing that Simpson was a horrid person who jumped above her class and nearly toppled the monarchy....that was unfair and uninformed. I'm not sure I'm willing to believe that Edward was a complete weak-willed, narcissistic ninny though until I read more and weigh out the facts. I do realize now that Simpson might have been a pawn in a much bigger game and didn't realize it until it was too late....then she had to follow through.
I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
According to Pasternak, Wallis Simpson did not really want to marry the Prince of Wales. The situation got out of control and she was forced into a divorce and marriage she didn't really want. Pasternak, and other historians, now believe that the affair was pushed into marriage by the royal family and others because Edward's immature behavior, reckless spending, and lack of attention to responsibility made him a poor king. Getting him to abdicate and marry Wallis Simpson passed the crown on to his brother, who was a more stable choice. But, it left Wallis Simpson stuck.....she missed the husband she was forced to divorce and was forced into exile with an often moody, immature Edward.
Kinda changes the story a bit doesn't it?
I will admit I believed the decades of gossip. I always believed Simpson was a twice-divorced sex pot who set her eyes on the Prince and wheedled her way into his head til she got what she wanted. But after reading this book, I have to change my mind. I believe Simpson was flattered by the attention and liked the dinners, gifts, parties, and social position it gave her to be recognized as a friend/companion of the Prince of Wales. She expected the attention to continue until Edward got tired of her....then he would move on to another interest and she could return to her life and her marriage. But that didn't happen. Edward became obsessed with her....spending more and more money on her, demanding more and more of her time, calling multiple times a day, demanding her attention...... The situation rapidly got out of control, became a public scandal, and then there was no way for Wallis to get out of it. She played a game with very powerful people and she lost. It doesn't change the fact that she was willing to play the game....she was married,but carried on a very public relationship with Edward anyway. She loved the money and the social standing. So, she was no saint. But she wasn't a complete devil woman either. She was portrayed that way because at the time women were not supposed to be strong, intelligent, or independent.
I enjoyed this book. Pasternak definitely did a lot of in-depth research. She quotes news reports, personal letters, interviews with friends of Wallis, Edward and others, letters from government officials, royal letters and documents, etc. At one point she quotes a member of the royal family as saying that it wasn't Simpson they despised, but Edward.
So interesting! I'm going to read it a second time, and then re-watch some documentaries I've seen on the affair and the aftermath, and come out with a much more informed, fair opinion on Edward's abdication. I feel guilty for believing that Simpson was a horrid person who jumped above her class and nearly toppled the monarchy....that was unfair and uninformed. I'm not sure I'm willing to believe that Edward was a complete weak-willed, narcissistic ninny though until I read more and weigh out the facts. I do realize now that Simpson might have been a pawn in a much bigger game and didn't realize it until it was too late....then she had to follow through.
I'm definitely going to read more by this author. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Atria Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
August 23, 2020
This biography of Wallis Simpson, by Anna Pasternak, states openly that the aim of the book is to present Simpson’s side of the story, her view of her life with King Edward VIII, the English monarch who abdicated to marry her. She has been slandered by history, labeled as that wicked, brazen, self-serving two-time American divorcee, the gold-digger who forced Edward in 1936 to abdicate and leave England just for her. Did she force him to do this or was it his choice?
In that we are given her version of the events, I obviously, went into the book alert to the possibility that it might whitewash her and Edward’s faults and mistakes. In my view, their weaknesses and errors are presented.
Quotes and statements from the many involved are given--both the laudatory and the negative. Leading figures as well as acquaintances and those of the house staff voice their opinions on how they viewed the couple. The Marburg Files and accusations of Wallis possibly holding Nazi sympathies are discussed. Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Mosley, born Mitford, are frequently quoted. No mention is made of Lady Mosley’s affiliations with the fascist party and Hitler. Wallis’ four year extramarital liaison with James Paul “Jimmy” Donohue Jr. is not shoved under the mat but criticized and put in plain view. Edward’s cloying and rather obsessive infatuation, devotion and reliance upon Wallis, his inability to critically analyze what would be the consequences of his actions and his lack of diplomacy in dealing with Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin are brought up too. In my view, there is adequate information presented to enable readers to draw their own conclusions concerning the respective individuals' errors, weaknesses and strengths.
Wallis’ youth, her relationship with her mother and her first two marriages are recounted, giving the reader an understanding of the early circumstances that shaped her. The book’s central focus is however her years with Edward and how and why their marriage caused a constitutional crisis leading to Edward’s abdication. Their respective personalities become crystal clear, both their strengths and their weaknesses and how their expulsion from England shaped who they later became. The book follows their lives together through to each one’s death, Edward’s in 1972 at the age of seventy-seven and Wallis’ in 1986 at the ripe old age of eighty-nine.
The royal family, the Anglican Church and the government, all were against the marriage. As alternative solutions were extinguished one by one, abdication became inevitable. The events, how one action led to the next, are succinctly told. What is presented is logical, clear and easy to follow.
The book covers not only the historical, political and religious aspects of the abdication. It describes clothes, flowers, hairdos, foods consumed and not consumed at public and unofficial gatherings. The interior and exterior design of places of residence and the sites of the various events are detailed. People and events are described adequately, succinctly, not with wordy excess.
In the British royal family, the titles, names and sobriquets for one individual can be many. This can lead to confusion. Switching between the various names and titles for the same person is done in a clear fashion. This often gives me trouble when reading a book about British royalty, but I rarely had trouble here.
Laura Kirman narrates the audiobook. I did not like her narration at all. The narration I have given one star. The exaggerated intonations used for the different personages make what is said sound like gossip. I had to continually separate what I was hearing and attempt to analyze the content of the author’s written lines. I wish the text had not been manipulated by the narrator’s own interpretations, both of the individuals and the author's lines. I could hear every word, but my husband couldn’t. The volume varies; sometimes what is expressed is in a whisper and at other times too loud and strong. If you prefer, as I do, to interpret the author’s words yourself, read the paper book. Only listen if you enjoy books turned into theatrical performances.
Wallis and Edward are not individuals that I am instinctively drawn to. Her interest in couture and his inability to reason through the consequences of his decisions, I find annoying. I nevertheless came to empathize with both. I understand better now who they were personality wise. The events that led up to King Edward’s abdication are clearly described in this book.
*******************
*That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor by Anne Sebba
In that we are given her version of the events, I obviously, went into the book alert to the possibility that it might whitewash her and Edward’s faults and mistakes. In my view, their weaknesses and errors are presented.
Quotes and statements from the many involved are given--both the laudatory and the negative. Leading figures as well as acquaintances and those of the house staff voice their opinions on how they viewed the couple. The Marburg Files and accusations of Wallis possibly holding Nazi sympathies are discussed. Winston Churchill and Lady Diana Mosley, born Mitford, are frequently quoted. No mention is made of Lady Mosley’s affiliations with the fascist party and Hitler. Wallis’ four year extramarital liaison with James Paul “Jimmy” Donohue Jr. is not shoved under the mat but criticized and put in plain view. Edward’s cloying and rather obsessive infatuation, devotion and reliance upon Wallis, his inability to critically analyze what would be the consequences of his actions and his lack of diplomacy in dealing with Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin are brought up too. In my view, there is adequate information presented to enable readers to draw their own conclusions concerning the respective individuals' errors, weaknesses and strengths.
Wallis’ youth, her relationship with her mother and her first two marriages are recounted, giving the reader an understanding of the early circumstances that shaped her. The book’s central focus is however her years with Edward and how and why their marriage caused a constitutional crisis leading to Edward’s abdication. Their respective personalities become crystal clear, both their strengths and their weaknesses and how their expulsion from England shaped who they later became. The book follows their lives together through to each one’s death, Edward’s in 1972 at the age of seventy-seven and Wallis’ in 1986 at the ripe old age of eighty-nine.
The royal family, the Anglican Church and the government, all were against the marriage. As alternative solutions were extinguished one by one, abdication became inevitable. The events, how one action led to the next, are succinctly told. What is presented is logical, clear and easy to follow.
The book covers not only the historical, political and religious aspects of the abdication. It describes clothes, flowers, hairdos, foods consumed and not consumed at public and unofficial gatherings. The interior and exterior design of places of residence and the sites of the various events are detailed. People and events are described adequately, succinctly, not with wordy excess.
In the British royal family, the titles, names and sobriquets for one individual can be many. This can lead to confusion. Switching between the various names and titles for the same person is done in a clear fashion. This often gives me trouble when reading a book about British royalty, but I rarely had trouble here.
Laura Kirman narrates the audiobook. I did not like her narration at all. The narration I have given one star. The exaggerated intonations used for the different personages make what is said sound like gossip. I had to continually separate what I was hearing and attempt to analyze the content of the author’s written lines. I wish the text had not been manipulated by the narrator’s own interpretations, both of the individuals and the author's lines. I could hear every word, but my husband couldn’t. The volume varies; sometimes what is expressed is in a whisper and at other times too loud and strong. If you prefer, as I do, to interpret the author’s words yourself, read the paper book. Only listen if you enjoy books turned into theatrical performances.
Wallis and Edward are not individuals that I am instinctively drawn to. Her interest in couture and his inability to reason through the consequences of his decisions, I find annoying. I nevertheless came to empathize with both. I understand better now who they were personality wise. The events that led up to King Edward’s abdication are clearly described in this book.
*******************
*That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor by Anne Sebba
February 28, 2019
A couple of months ago I listened to a great History Chicks podcast about Wallis Simpson that really piqued my interest, although I’ve always been on Team George VI, myself. One of the History Chicks’ great strengths is that — although always very thorough — they are never catty about their subjects, always sympathetic and empathetic. So, when NetGalley offered me an opportunity to read an ARC copy and review this bio, I was very eager to do so. The first thing to know about this book is that it is in no way, shape, or form an unbiased account. Pasternak is unabashedly Team Wallis & David from the very first page. This put me in the unusual position of mentally ‘answering back’ when Pasternak threw softballs at the duo. Wallis or David would do something rotten, then Pasternak would spend a couple sentences explaining exactly why they did it — because Wallis was under such a terrible strain, or because David just loved Wallis so darned much. I’m obviously not as empathetic or sympathetic as the History Chicks — I found Wallis & David to be a rather unlikeable pair. Pasternak conveys enough of their personalities to convince me why people who knew them really liked them. And she certainly managed to put to bed most of the really scurrilous rumors (which I never really believed anyway). But they just weren’t estimable people, no matter how she tried to spin them. Charm is not the same as goodness. Wallis & David were charming, not good. They were self centered and greedy and, when given the chance to be useful, they almost always chose not to be. All that said, it was a heck of a fun, dishy read and I really enjoyed it. I’d certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this sort of thing.
July 23, 2021
I'm surprised that this book has good reviews. I found it to be incredibly biased in Wallis' and Edward's favor. So much so that the author skims over the fact that they were Nazi sympathizers and actually made a personal visit to Hitler. The worst she can say is that it was a stupid thing to do. You think??? In fact, Edward actually encouraged the Germans to engage in relentless bombing attacks on Britain, according to the Marburg Files. Pasternak does her best to gloss over this.
Pastnernak provides numerous quotes from Diana, Lady Mosley, who was a great friend of the Windsors'. What she doesn't mention is that Diana, Lady Mosley, was born Diana Mitford, a well-known Nazi sympathizer and great admirer of Hitler (along with her crazy sister Unity).
I just can't get beyond the fact that these awful racists are held up in this book to be kind, intelligent people. Edward and Wallis were spoiled, bigoted and do not deserve any type of accolades whatsoever. They did nothing to make the world better - nothing at all.
Pastnernak provides numerous quotes from Diana, Lady Mosley, who was a great friend of the Windsors'. What she doesn't mention is that Diana, Lady Mosley, was born Diana Mitford, a well-known Nazi sympathizer and great admirer of Hitler (along with her crazy sister Unity).
I just can't get beyond the fact that these awful racists are held up in this book to be kind, intelligent people. Edward and Wallis were spoiled, bigoted and do not deserve any type of accolades whatsoever. They did nothing to make the world better - nothing at all.
March 6, 2019
Farce or Tragedy?
Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson. Either a Shakespearean farce or a tragedy from beginning to end.
I have always held some skepticism and admittedly a few prejudices towards Wallis and Edward and their so called fairytale romance. The man who gave up his kingship for the woman he loved.
Pasternak paints a different picture from what I was used to and I must admit to being touched, particularly at Wallis' last days and the pettiness of the court in not letting her be referred to as HRH in those latter years.
Embattled on all sides, determined to marry Wallis, Edward steamed ahead and to some extent his bluff was called. I did shed some tears at the end struck by the misery that Wallis, a perectionist was forced to endure. And I did admire that Edward refused a morganatic marriage. He wanted to be honest with his subjects and true to his idea of marriage. Pasternak won me a tad more to Edward's side with that revelation.
The abdication seems to entail a complexity of situations, missed opportunities, and misjudgement on all sides. As it's told, Baldwin didn't want Edward to be king and the intelligence community also had their doubts about him. Winston Churchill wanted him to hang in there. The royal courtiers are blamed as are the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth for the continued angst and pettiness towards the couple. I understand why the Royal Elizabeth's were cross enough to cut Edward off the Christmas list, and why Wallis was obviously 'that woman.'
So Pasternak had me examining my feelings towards Wallis and Edward, and even the idea of them being Nazi sympathizers was questioned, although being self absorbed was not! From Pasternak 's point of view they were just being used. And yet they were close friends of Diana Mosley and the Mitford sisters, met with Hitler and some of his henchman. In fact Edward delighted in the way he and Wallis were treated royally on their visit to Germany. And it seems Edward really only wanted to speak German. He admired them and apparently even after the generosity of the French Government towards the couple, Edward still mostly spoke in German. Edward just doesn't come across as being empathetic to the times and occasions. Self absorption is a way of life.
However the normal man in the street loved him. They felt understood by him. The reports of his meetings with the workers paint an admirable picture.
I still maintain that if Wallis was as canny as indicated, she would have known what was going on, or did Wallis and Edward live too much in their own little cocooned world with its secretive language and endless letters. And oh my, the money Edward spent on jewelry for Wallis!
Wallis however still remains an enigma. Did she really just go along for the ride until she found herself in so deep she couldn't get out?
I must say though I was enthralled by the fashion discussions. Anything cut on the bias always says sleek and stylish to me, and Wallis was definitely a fashion diva.
There's some great reported throwaway lines by the couple.
In this day and age their actions wouldn't have turned a hair. But back in the 1930's they scandalized the rest of the world, and the English nation, when the press finally stopped being gentlemanly.
So where am I? I still don't like them, but I had moments of being sorry for them and the choices they made. Choices that dug them into a hole a little deeper each time.
Am I glad Edward didn't remain as king. Yes, despite Pasternak's well researched presentation. Do I have more sympathy with, and understanding of Wallis Simpson despite still not really liking her, Yes!
An Atria Books ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Prince Edward and Wallis Simpson. Either a Shakespearean farce or a tragedy from beginning to end.
I have always held some skepticism and admittedly a few prejudices towards Wallis and Edward and their so called fairytale romance. The man who gave up his kingship for the woman he loved.
Pasternak paints a different picture from what I was used to and I must admit to being touched, particularly at Wallis' last days and the pettiness of the court in not letting her be referred to as HRH in those latter years.
Embattled on all sides, determined to marry Wallis, Edward steamed ahead and to some extent his bluff was called. I did shed some tears at the end struck by the misery that Wallis, a perectionist was forced to endure. And I did admire that Edward refused a morganatic marriage. He wanted to be honest with his subjects and true to his idea of marriage. Pasternak won me a tad more to Edward's side with that revelation.
The abdication seems to entail a complexity of situations, missed opportunities, and misjudgement on all sides. As it's told, Baldwin didn't want Edward to be king and the intelligence community also had their doubts about him. Winston Churchill wanted him to hang in there. The royal courtiers are blamed as are the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth for the continued angst and pettiness towards the couple. I understand why the Royal Elizabeth's were cross enough to cut Edward off the Christmas list, and why Wallis was obviously 'that woman.'
So Pasternak had me examining my feelings towards Wallis and Edward, and even the idea of them being Nazi sympathizers was questioned, although being self absorbed was not! From Pasternak 's point of view they were just being used. And yet they were close friends of Diana Mosley and the Mitford sisters, met with Hitler and some of his henchman. In fact Edward delighted in the way he and Wallis were treated royally on their visit to Germany. And it seems Edward really only wanted to speak German. He admired them and apparently even after the generosity of the French Government towards the couple, Edward still mostly spoke in German. Edward just doesn't come across as being empathetic to the times and occasions. Self absorption is a way of life.
However the normal man in the street loved him. They felt understood by him. The reports of his meetings with the workers paint an admirable picture.
I still maintain that if Wallis was as canny as indicated, she would have known what was going on, or did Wallis and Edward live too much in their own little cocooned world with its secretive language and endless letters. And oh my, the money Edward spent on jewelry for Wallis!
Wallis however still remains an enigma. Did she really just go along for the ride until she found herself in so deep she couldn't get out?
I must say though I was enthralled by the fashion discussions. Anything cut on the bias always says sleek and stylish to me, and Wallis was definitely a fashion diva.
There's some great reported throwaway lines by the couple.
In this day and age their actions wouldn't have turned a hair. But back in the 1930's they scandalized the rest of the world, and the English nation, when the press finally stopped being gentlemanly.
So where am I? I still don't like them, but I had moments of being sorry for them and the choices they made. Choices that dug them into a hole a little deeper each time.
Am I glad Edward didn't remain as king. Yes, despite Pasternak's well researched presentation. Do I have more sympathy with, and understanding of Wallis Simpson despite still not really liking her, Yes!
An Atria Books ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2019
Pasternak is willing to strip a gear in her desire to show the Duchess of Windsor in the best possible light. It is certainly true that Mrs. Simpson did not imagine the outcome of her affair with the Prince of Wales, and that on one level she suffered because of it. On another? Well, she was happily married at the time the Prince moved on her. Or she moved on him. And that's the rub. Wallis isn't a naif at almost any point in her pre-David life, and a careful reading of her correspondence can't help but leave the impression she knew exactly how to play the Prince/King. She discerned rather quickly that her lover responded well to the withholding of affection/approval, and used it so powerfully that he was shortly under her spell. Spell is an operative word, by the way. One courtier, baffled by the influence of a breezy American with two living husbands, chalked it up to witchcraft. Even Wallis occasionally wrote to her Aunt in simple wonder about what made her such a prize catch. But it is obvious she learned quickly.
What makes the affair hard to take is the sheer banality of the two principal actors. All they ever wanted to do was spend time together, and the government just couldn't let them. Wallis liked parties, dancing, wisecracks and material possessions. She liked being the center of attention in the way that meant most. People wanted to meet her, people listened to her and people recognized that she was a social player of the first magnitude. She was too old-fashioned to want to be a mere celebrity. But it is undeniable that within her increasingly rarefied social set, Wallis Simpson wanted a dominant role. It's a limited purpose for a human life. Basically all the Duchess of Windsor wanted to do was keep house, albeit on an epic scale.
Pasternak paints an attractive enough picture with reservations (mine, not necessarily hers). Wallis sounds like someone it would have been fun to know. She was quick-witted, if not intelligent, and insofar as she was your friend, and she didn't have to mow you down in her efforts to get to the Prince, she was a good friend. Fast with a thank you note or a dinner invitation. But the essential problem with Pasternak's Wallis is the essential problem with the real lady. Charm is evanescent, and neither Wallis' or David's has really survived. You are left with two mediocre personalities who found each other. Which is nice, but not really all that interesting.
What makes the affair hard to take is the sheer banality of the two principal actors. All they ever wanted to do was spend time together, and the government just couldn't let them. Wallis liked parties, dancing, wisecracks and material possessions. She liked being the center of attention in the way that meant most. People wanted to meet her, people listened to her and people recognized that she was a social player of the first magnitude. She was too old-fashioned to want to be a mere celebrity. But it is undeniable that within her increasingly rarefied social set, Wallis Simpson wanted a dominant role. It's a limited purpose for a human life. Basically all the Duchess of Windsor wanted to do was keep house, albeit on an epic scale.
Pasternak paints an attractive enough picture with reservations (mine, not necessarily hers). Wallis sounds like someone it would have been fun to know. She was quick-witted, if not intelligent, and insofar as she was your friend, and she didn't have to mow you down in her efforts to get to the Prince, she was a good friend. Fast with a thank you note or a dinner invitation. But the essential problem with Pasternak's Wallis is the essential problem with the real lady. Charm is evanescent, and neither Wallis' or David's has really survived. You are left with two mediocre personalities who found each other. Which is nice, but not really all that interesting.
April 19, 2019
A very intense effort to whitewash and "redeem" the reputations of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor - the author displays a amazing ability to disregard contemporaneous writings, diaries, letters and other historical materials as she tries to portray Wallis as a victim and the Duke as a misunderstood royal - doesn't work. There is a wealth of extant material about how they were strong Nazi sympathizers; how the Duke wanted Hitler to bomb Britain into submission because he believed the country was wrong to stand against Hitler (not to mention his own personal vendetta against the royal family); how British compatriots who visited the Windsors actually left their dining table because of their racist statements and support for Hitler. Pasternak skimmed over the mess they created in the Bahamas with the Harry Oakes murder, she doesn't seem to find anything really wrong with the Duke lying to King George to obtain more funding for his lavish lifestyle, and she completely ignores that they chose to live a useless empty life, never creating roles for themselves with charitable work, taking on neutral causes or in any way using their celebrity for anything beyond their own shallow lifestyle. She relies on any unsubstantiated gossip she can find to portray the Queen Mother in a bad light, to show Queen Mary as cold and uncaring, to whine about how the royal family didn't maintain the Duke's property in case he returned to England, to complain about how the Duke really wanted to return to England to "assist" his brother (yeah, that would have worked - nothing like having 2 kings in the country, with the ex-king working against British policy) and how Wallis never wanted to be Queen (again contrary to historical documents).
If one must read it, then also read some of the really accurate biographies that are more analytical and give a better portrayal.
If one must read it, then also read some of the really accurate biographies that are more analytical and give a better portrayal.
June 22, 2019
This book is a light, fast read. Mostly because it provides no new information and completely ignores information that would challenge Pasternak's positive bias towards the Windsors.
There is also a strong sexist current throughout the book. Portraying Wallis as a "victim" who was "entrapped" into marriage is sexist. She was a victim of her own choices, nothing else. She happily had an affair with the boring little Prince when he was rich and powerful but cried "pity poor me" when she had run off her husband, alienated most of her friends and was stuck with being incredibly wealthy for the rest of her life. The Horror! Also imagine if a female monarch had left the throne for a male. Then a few years later that male starts a high profile affair with a notorious, promiscuous, heiress. That's what Wallis did with Jimmy Donaghue and it only rates 3 paragraphs in Pasternak's book. Pasternak skims over the public humiliations and insults of the affair and rationalizes Wallis' actions. She would not have done that if the male was the betrayer.
Very little is written about the life of the Windsor's after WW2. A period of 35 years. That is where their characters are truly revealed. Pasternak laments that their lives had no "purpose" post 1936 but fails to acknowledge whose choice that was. She points to their time in the Bahamas as revelatory of Wallis' nobles oblige but then fails to even mention that she returned to France in 1946 and did NOTHING to assist with rebuilding, assisting millions of war orphans and refugees, other than attending charity parties. She chose to spend the rest of her life on an endless round of hair and couture appointments and parties.
Pasternak blithely mentions that the Windsor's resourcefulness of using the commissary at the British Army Depot to get free food for their dinner parties in 1946. In a time of strict rationing, when the British are bringing food into Europe to feed their personnel, some of whom haven't been home in 6 years, there is food rationing across the continent and near starvation, Pastarenak thinks it's clever of the super wealthy Windsor's to take free food from the mouths of soldiers. (Here I must admit my bias. There is documentary evidence to prove that the Duke of Windsor conspired with the Nazis to turn German troops against British and Dominion troops ( that included 3 of my grandparents). 6 years later he wasn't above stealing their food).
In conclusion, Pasternak wrote a fluff piece relying on the self assessment of Wallis' memoirs and commentary from her few friends, mainly the notorious racist Diana Mosley (Mitford) - wife of the leader of the British Union of Fascists.
May 10, 2019
Well researched and written but from a totally biased viewpoint. The evidence included here portrays a certain image of the couple and the author has completely neglected a plethora of evidence which we know exists supporting a completely different view of what these two were really like.
I enjoyed reading it but at the same time I didn’t buy in to it.
There was so much more to this story.
I enjoyed reading it but at the same time I didn’t buy in to it.
There was so much more to this story.
June 30, 2020
This book was touted as different, based on new research, etc., etc. Boy was that misleading.
I've read many a book on Mrs. Simpson, and thought this may bring new insight into this polarizing woman. Nope. Most of what is in here has been told before, and the few new positive tidbits I learned about her were negated by her actions soon afterwards.
Simply put, the author has the gall to suggest this woman was a victim. Give me a break. She knew what she was doing from the get-go. She chose, as a married woman, to start an affair with the heir to the throne. She knew the kind of man he was (the book never stopped telling us how insightful she was about social things). She was greedy for the lifestyle it afforded and chose to let it get as far as it did. Well, she made her (ahem) bed, and had to literally lie in it.
It was amazing to read descriptions of her doings or situations and then read "poor Wallis" after them, as though she was this put-upon innocent. And the Royal Family were all petty and had no right to feel anger towards this RIDICULOUS COUPLE who did much harm. I rolled my eyes continually as I read this.
I suppose one should feel sad for her, as one could see her life as pretty pathetic really, shallow and wasted. Edward's later life as well. She felt that the best revenge was a life lived well. Not sure she succeeded in that, but if it let her sleep at night...
I've read many a book on Mrs. Simpson, and thought this may bring new insight into this polarizing woman. Nope. Most of what is in here has been told before, and the few new positive tidbits I learned about her were negated by her actions soon afterwards.
Simply put, the author has the gall to suggest this woman was a victim. Give me a break. She knew what she was doing from the get-go. She chose, as a married woman, to start an affair with the heir to the throne. She knew the kind of man he was (the book never stopped telling us how insightful she was about social things). She was greedy for the lifestyle it afforded and chose to let it get as far as it did. Well, she made her (ahem) bed, and had to literally lie in it.
It was amazing to read descriptions of her doings or situations and then read "poor Wallis" after them, as though she was this put-upon innocent. And the Royal Family were all petty and had no right to feel anger towards this RIDICULOUS COUPLE who did much harm. I rolled my eyes continually as I read this.
I suppose one should feel sad for her, as one could see her life as pretty pathetic really, shallow and wasted. Edward's later life as well. She felt that the best revenge was a life lived well. Not sure she succeeded in that, but if it let her sleep at night...
April 28, 2021
Almost absurdly fawning. An attempted redemption narrative for Wallis, except the author skims over her formative years so quickly we have no notion of any profundities of her character, and are only told repeatedly that she was well-mannered and charming. Sure, no one really questions that - she wasn't a sneering villain. (And Diana Mosley popping up frequently in commentary as some sort of impartial observer! Which reminds me, for the sake of Mitford completionism I need to read her memoir and bio, but I'm not looking forward to it.)
The author tells us that she ended up "warming" to the Duke of Windsor, but shows him as the most shallow, selfish child imaginable. Your people-reader is broken.
The author tells us that she ended up "warming" to the Duke of Windsor, but shows him as the most shallow, selfish child imaginable. Your people-reader is broken.
September 17, 2019
this is a book that will hit the wall very soon and drop into the giveaway box. I cannot believe that all the people interviewed in the other books about the bitch Wallis, were lying and only those that once wanted to eat at her table are now interviewed. No mention of the Nazi connection, no mention of the horde of medical specialists she saw in the US of A, no mention of her berating and telling Edward to shut up---just a person who was in a situation out of her depth. Not a recommendation in this lifetime
January 18, 2020
Too simpering. Portrays Wallis as a victimized angel who never did anything wrong and was just dragged around by others.
October 20, 2024
The story of Prince Edward and his marriage to the American woman Wallis Simpson. Because he refused to cut ties with her he ended up abdicating the throne and was banished by his family from England. They were exiles for the rest of their lives.
Wallis was always blamed for seducing and ruining his life, but this biography presents an unbiased look at her and how things actually took place. Actually, considering that most books or articles about Wallis present her in a completely negative light that this one goes over the top in the other direction.
Very interesting telling of their lives. I find especially fascinating the early life of Prince Edward. That he was ultimately a playboy and hated his royal duties.
The mid part of the book does get quite tedious but after you get through that the last third of the book becomes engaging once again. Reading about the ending of their lives is quite sad no matter if you are for them or against them. When Maitre Blum took over control of Wallis and all of her affairs is really appalling.
Wallis was always blamed for seducing and ruining his life, but this biography presents an unbiased look at her and how things actually took place. Actually, considering that most books or articles about Wallis present her in a completely negative light that this one goes over the top in the other direction.
Very interesting telling of their lives. I find especially fascinating the early life of Prince Edward. That he was ultimately a playboy and hated his royal duties.
The mid part of the book does get quite tedious but after you get through that the last third of the book becomes engaging once again. Reading about the ending of their lives is quite sad no matter if you are for them or against them. When Maitre Blum took over control of Wallis and all of her affairs is really appalling.
September 15, 2019
This book unintentionally makes an amazing argument for the abolition of hereditary monarchies. David, Prince of Wales, was a charming and handsome young man with no substance and no ability to think things through. As King Edward VIII, he was even worse - but as the abdicated Duke of Windsor, with no royal political advisors and no support other than from his wife, it all went to hell. I know this book is about Wallis and I enjoyed reading about her, but I kept mentally going back to the fact that he lost his crown and practically ruined her life by being an idiot.
I think this book whitewashes her/their legacy a bit much, too. For example, it's well known how mean and catty they were in their correspondence. I'm also not convinced that he/they weren't Nazi sympathizers, especially because of how his family treated them. However, it was interesting to see that when interviewed, everyone who worked for her loved her. That says a lot about a person, in my opinion.
The last real observation I made because of this book is how genuinely nice, within protocol, Queen Elizabeth II seems to be any time I read about her interactions with others. She was kind to Wallis when her mother still hated "that woman" and I'm sure she had to approve when Prince Charles visited the Duke and Duchess prior to his death.
I think this book whitewashes her/their legacy a bit much, too. For example, it's well known how mean and catty they were in their correspondence. I'm also not convinced that he/they weren't Nazi sympathizers, especially because of how his family treated them. However, it was interesting to see that when interviewed, everyone who worked for her loved her. That says a lot about a person, in my opinion.
The last real observation I made because of this book is how genuinely nice, within protocol, Queen Elizabeth II seems to be any time I read about her interactions with others. She was kind to Wallis when her mother still hated "that woman" and I'm sure she had to approve when Prince Charles visited the Duke and Duchess prior to his death.
November 22, 2019
After reading many books that shed a terribly dark portrait of Wallis Simpson, it was refreshing to read something that painted a realistic portrait.
Over the years, it seemed necessary to portray Wallis as a money grabbing, selfish, ugly (manish looking) woman.
The rumors abound about her sexuality. Some state she was unable to have a sexual relationship. Other books state she was a dominatrix who loved to whip and demean Edward.
I enjoyed this book because, finally, there is a realistic depiction of the woman for whom Edward, heir to the British throne, abdicated, leaving his brother as King of England. And, then, when he died, his daughter, the current Queen Elizabeth, took the mantle and crown. It should be noted that Edward (David) was a very doting Uncle to Elizabeth and her sister.
He was also the heart throb of many, if not most British women who had a fantasy of dancing, then falling in love with Edward. Thus, when Wallis Simpson became the one he loved, the nasty, ugliness was thrown at her, simply because he chose her, not them.
I've found it cruel that many authors feel it necessary to step on Walis like a bug that should be fried under the magnifying glass in the bright sun.
This author takes each nasty myth and one by one shows the inaccuracy of each inaccurate assumption.
The truth is Edward did not want to be King, nor did Wallis care to be Queen. She did not want to leave her husband who was originally quite happy that the man next in line for Kingship was obsessed with his wife. She found Edward to be overly obsessive and needy.
Interestingly, she is the one portrayed in a terribly negative fashion, while he is glorified.
This was a very interesting book, long overdue in telling the truth of the historic love that changed the succession of the British dynasty.
Four Stars.
Over the years, it seemed necessary to portray Wallis as a money grabbing, selfish, ugly (manish looking) woman.
The rumors abound about her sexuality. Some state she was unable to have a sexual relationship. Other books state she was a dominatrix who loved to whip and demean Edward.
I enjoyed this book because, finally, there is a realistic depiction of the woman for whom Edward, heir to the British throne, abdicated, leaving his brother as King of England. And, then, when he died, his daughter, the current Queen Elizabeth, took the mantle and crown. It should be noted that Edward (David) was a very doting Uncle to Elizabeth and her sister.
He was also the heart throb of many, if not most British women who had a fantasy of dancing, then falling in love with Edward. Thus, when Wallis Simpson became the one he loved, the nasty, ugliness was thrown at her, simply because he chose her, not them.
I've found it cruel that many authors feel it necessary to step on Walis like a bug that should be fried under the magnifying glass in the bright sun.
This author takes each nasty myth and one by one shows the inaccuracy of each inaccurate assumption.
The truth is Edward did not want to be King, nor did Wallis care to be Queen. She did not want to leave her husband who was originally quite happy that the man next in line for Kingship was obsessed with his wife. She found Edward to be overly obsessive and needy.
Interestingly, she is the one portrayed in a terribly negative fashion, while he is glorified.
This was a very interesting book, long overdue in telling the truth of the historic love that changed the succession of the British dynasty.
Four Stars.
May 28, 2019
Royals. Love them. I seriously believe it's my 82% Brit roots, according to Ancestory DNA. I continue to love the comings and goings of all of them, and respect their ability to help bring good to things that may not have gotten attention.
That said, I am obsessed with Wallis Simpson. I have read everything I can on the woman who was hated by Americans and Brits alike. She has been described as a "wanton woman", a "hussy", and a gold digger. This book continues to dig into the real Wallis Simpson and reveals a different gal altogether.
The Real Wallis SImpson: A New History of the American Divorcee Who Became the Duchess of Windsor is a compelling book that outlines Wallis and her early history from a troubled family from Baltimore. Being a B'More girl myself, I have actually found the block where she lived, I am so interested in this fascinating story that changed the world. She grew up in a family who was at one time wealthy and recognized the need to "marry well", by debutante balls and only cavorting with the wealthiest of Baltimore's families.
So many conjectures about her sexuality, from being asexual, to being involved with women and multiple partners. We probably won't know that part ever, but it leans towards being quite the prude.
Abused physically and emotionally during her first marriage, Wallis married Ernest Simpson and outwardly appeared to have a lovely marriage built on true friendship. Ernest was wealthy and got invited to events where eventually he and his wife were introduced to the then future King of England.
It's said that the Prince was immature and emotionally stunted. He began to obsess on Wallis and invited she and Ernest to his parties and weekend adventures. This book chronicles letters of Wallis and others to state that the King chased her. She wasn't interested in him, but over years, the relationship became obsessive, and Wallis couldn't find a way out.
I loved this book, as it showed a different side of Wallis, although other books have also given us this interpretation of the whole affair. What is new here, is the way that history was changed, for the better, as Edward was likely a Nazi sympathizer, likely because of being outcasted from the royal family.
According to this author's research and writing, Wallis made her life to serve the Duke of Windsor and to make him happy. Even an outcast, they had a happy life together, because of her.
I give this book five stars for the amazing amount of research and it's ability to lead the story throughout her life. Wallis may have saved England from disaster from siding with Germany, by simply marrying Edward. Maybe we should all start to praise Wallis, rather than think of her as a gold digger that ruined the royal lineage.
Go buy it! So worth it.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #TheRealWallisSimpson #NetGalley
That said, I am obsessed with Wallis Simpson. I have read everything I can on the woman who was hated by Americans and Brits alike. She has been described as a "wanton woman", a "hussy", and a gold digger. This book continues to dig into the real Wallis Simpson and reveals a different gal altogether.
The Real Wallis SImpson: A New History of the American Divorcee Who Became the Duchess of Windsor is a compelling book that outlines Wallis and her early history from a troubled family from Baltimore. Being a B'More girl myself, I have actually found the block where she lived, I am so interested in this fascinating story that changed the world. She grew up in a family who was at one time wealthy and recognized the need to "marry well", by debutante balls and only cavorting with the wealthiest of Baltimore's families.
So many conjectures about her sexuality, from being asexual, to being involved with women and multiple partners. We probably won't know that part ever, but it leans towards being quite the prude.
Abused physically and emotionally during her first marriage, Wallis married Ernest Simpson and outwardly appeared to have a lovely marriage built on true friendship. Ernest was wealthy and got invited to events where eventually he and his wife were introduced to the then future King of England.
It's said that the Prince was immature and emotionally stunted. He began to obsess on Wallis and invited she and Ernest to his parties and weekend adventures. This book chronicles letters of Wallis and others to state that the King chased her. She wasn't interested in him, but over years, the relationship became obsessive, and Wallis couldn't find a way out.
I loved this book, as it showed a different side of Wallis, although other books have also given us this interpretation of the whole affair. What is new here, is the way that history was changed, for the better, as Edward was likely a Nazi sympathizer, likely because of being outcasted from the royal family.
According to this author's research and writing, Wallis made her life to serve the Duke of Windsor and to make him happy. Even an outcast, they had a happy life together, because of her.
I give this book five stars for the amazing amount of research and it's ability to lead the story throughout her life. Wallis may have saved England from disaster from siding with Germany, by simply marrying Edward. Maybe we should all start to praise Wallis, rather than think of her as a gold digger that ruined the royal lineage.
Go buy it! So worth it.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. #TheRealWallisSimpson #NetGalley
August 13, 2019
Anna Pasternak nails her colours pretty unashamedly to the mast when she talks about the book being fuelled by a desire to rehabilitate Wallis in history. Untitled paints the Duchess of Windsor in a positive light, putting forward her side of the story and attempting to quash some, if not all, of the accusations that have been levelled at her. The list of sources and references at the back of the book demonstrate the detailed research undertaken by the author.
I was surprised to learn of the extremes to which the government went in their opposition to the relationship between Edward and Wallis Simpson, including listening in to their private telephone conversations.
However, I was left with a picture of two people so wrapped up in each other that the impact of their actions on others ceased to matter or just simply did not occur to them. At times, the behaviour of Wallis and Edward was either naive or bordered on the crass and their lavish lifestyle was far removed from the experience of the majority of Edward’s subjects. However, no-one with any feelings would surely wish for them the sadness of their final years – declining health, exile and manipulation by others.
Untitled is also the story of a family torn apart by a decision regarded variously as an act of selfishness, betrayal and a failure of duty. The author depicts how the refusal by his mother, Queen Mary, to receive Wallis or even acknowledge her and the decision not to grant the Duchess HRH status became totemic issues for Edward, creating a rift in the Royal Family that was never repaired in his lifetime.
In the Afterword, the author observes that she found herself warming to Edward during the process of researching and writing the book. I’m afraid this reader had the opposite experience. If anything, Edward comes out diminished to my mind. His blind devotion to Wallis is touching but tainted by his seemingly single-minded belief that he should have whatever he wanted in life, regardless of the consequences. As the author observes, ‘His love for Wallis was as selfish and as crucial to his survival as a child’s; it would have been the more loving act to have relinquished her‘.
As for Wallis? I think the author sums it up when she comments, ‘She [Wallis] was powerful – in her effect on Edward – but powerless, in her inability to prevent events from spiralling out of control’.
I was surprised to learn of the extremes to which the government went in their opposition to the relationship between Edward and Wallis Simpson, including listening in to their private telephone conversations.
However, I was left with a picture of two people so wrapped up in each other that the impact of their actions on others ceased to matter or just simply did not occur to them. At times, the behaviour of Wallis and Edward was either naive or bordered on the crass and their lavish lifestyle was far removed from the experience of the majority of Edward’s subjects. However, no-one with any feelings would surely wish for them the sadness of their final years – declining health, exile and manipulation by others.
Untitled is also the story of a family torn apart by a decision regarded variously as an act of selfishness, betrayal and a failure of duty. The author depicts how the refusal by his mother, Queen Mary, to receive Wallis or even acknowledge her and the decision not to grant the Duchess HRH status became totemic issues for Edward, creating a rift in the Royal Family that was never repaired in his lifetime.
In the Afterword, the author observes that she found herself warming to Edward during the process of researching and writing the book. I’m afraid this reader had the opposite experience. If anything, Edward comes out diminished to my mind. His blind devotion to Wallis is touching but tainted by his seemingly single-minded belief that he should have whatever he wanted in life, regardless of the consequences. As the author observes, ‘His love for Wallis was as selfish and as crucial to his survival as a child’s; it would have been the more loving act to have relinquished her‘.
As for Wallis? I think the author sums it up when she comments, ‘She [Wallis] was powerful – in her effect on Edward – but powerless, in her inability to prevent events from spiralling out of control’.
September 9, 2019
The story of Wallis Simpson and the Duke of Windsor has been told many many times and protrayed in a lot of different ways. This variation clearly supports the thought that Wallis Simpson simply got herself into a situation that snowballed beyond her expectations... she wasn't expecting Edward to marry her or give up the crown and all the stories about their Nazi Ties were untrue for example. I believe there are three sides to everystory and this is clearly an interesting version.... my take on the situation is that unfortunately Prince Edward was not a particularly strong individual , a bit self centered and very possessive -- not the profile you would expect of a monarch who puts country first. I found the story very sad , in particular the relationship between Edward and his family... My bottom line the book was fine but I would not prioritize adding it to your reading list unless this is a topic you are REALLY interested in...
April 23, 2019
Well written reappraisal of the life of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor. Things I've learned: 1) Wallis never wanted the King to abdicate, 2) Elizabeth the Queen Mother and the rest of the royals were absolutely horrible to Wallis, 3) David as King was disliked by the PM Stanley Baldwin, who basically used Wallis as an excuse to get rid of David, and 4) Wallis was most likely a much nicer person than she was ever given credit for. Was she a saint? No. Was she a Nazi? Also no. It's hard to believe now (since nearly all the royals have been divorced) that an American divorcee could have caused such a crisis.
April 28, 2021
Not my kind of people to read about. Each person had too many relationships with people they weren’t married to & then wonder why their lives never turned out. It’s no wonder Wallis and her defunct King were not welcome back to England.
August 18, 2021
Doesn't quite ring true. Omission of well-documented evidence does not equal rehabilitation.
July 24, 2019
I will also do a video review her at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
"The Real Wallis Simpson" is a work of nonfiction by Anna Pasternak who seeks to tell the real story of Wallis Simpson who has often been vilified and blamed for the abdication of King Edward VIII.
I've had an interest in Wallis Simpson for a number of years, but I never knew much about her, other than the fact that many tend to dislike her. She has been vilified by history as a schemer who purposely forced the abdication of King Edward VIII. She has been called many horrible names, but no one has ever sought to actually learn about her. I've seen her depicted in movies like "The King's Speech" and Netflix's "The Crown" and I've always wanted to know more about her and what is fact and what is fiction. I really enjoyed Anna Pasternak's narrative and her desire to show all of Wallis Simpson: the good and the bad. What seems to be the most commonly stated about her in this book is that she was often misunderstood, that she was actually kind and funny, and that she never wanted the abdication...if anything she wanted to prevent it, that she was practically pressured into marrying Edward. I also enjoyed learning about Wallis as a young girl and learning about her first two marriages. I liked getting to know her as a person. She was a complex woman. She could be paranoid and nervous one moment but the life of the party the next moment. She cared for those around her and she did everything in her power to make her life with Edward worth it. Their love story was insane and full of drama, but it was a genuine love story.
I've read a few other reviews for this book and some people either love it or hate it. Those who like the book like it for redeeming the image of Wallis Simpson and giving her a voice. Those who dislike the book feel as if Anna Pasternak is writing from a biased point of view since she does like Wallis Simpson. They feel like Anna Pasternak focuses highly on the slander against Wallis but that she doesn't focus on the more controversial stories like Wallis and Edward visiting Hitler for instance, but she will vilify the royal family. I'm no historian, so I really don't understand the nuances of writing a book like this. Writing a book like this, I would image that you do have to keep your biases in check and present a balanced approach. For me personally, I am part of the group that like the approach that Pasternak takes of redeeming Wallis, giving her a voice, and attempting to tell the true story. There were many things said in this book that I didn't know about and that I found quite shocking. I do think I would have liked a bit more focus on some of the more controversial topics, to make it a bit more balanced, but overall, I really appreciated Pasternak's research and time spent doing this book. She clearly has a passion for Wallis Simpson and you can see it on every page.
"The Real Wallis Simpson" is a work of nonfiction by Anna Pasternak who seeks to tell the real story of Wallis Simpson who has often been vilified and blamed for the abdication of King Edward VIII.
I've had an interest in Wallis Simpson for a number of years, but I never knew much about her, other than the fact that many tend to dislike her. She has been vilified by history as a schemer who purposely forced the abdication of King Edward VIII. She has been called many horrible names, but no one has ever sought to actually learn about her. I've seen her depicted in movies like "The King's Speech" and Netflix's "The Crown" and I've always wanted to know more about her and what is fact and what is fiction. I really enjoyed Anna Pasternak's narrative and her desire to show all of Wallis Simpson: the good and the bad. What seems to be the most commonly stated about her in this book is that she was often misunderstood, that she was actually kind and funny, and that she never wanted the abdication...if anything she wanted to prevent it, that she was practically pressured into marrying Edward. I also enjoyed learning about Wallis as a young girl and learning about her first two marriages. I liked getting to know her as a person. She was a complex woman. She could be paranoid and nervous one moment but the life of the party the next moment. She cared for those around her and she did everything in her power to make her life with Edward worth it. Their love story was insane and full of drama, but it was a genuine love story.
I've read a few other reviews for this book and some people either love it or hate it. Those who like the book like it for redeeming the image of Wallis Simpson and giving her a voice. Those who dislike the book feel as if Anna Pasternak is writing from a biased point of view since she does like Wallis Simpson. They feel like Anna Pasternak focuses highly on the slander against Wallis but that she doesn't focus on the more controversial stories like Wallis and Edward visiting Hitler for instance, but she will vilify the royal family. I'm no historian, so I really don't understand the nuances of writing a book like this. Writing a book like this, I would image that you do have to keep your biases in check and present a balanced approach. For me personally, I am part of the group that like the approach that Pasternak takes of redeeming Wallis, giving her a voice, and attempting to tell the true story. There were many things said in this book that I didn't know about and that I found quite shocking. I do think I would have liked a bit more focus on some of the more controversial topics, to make it a bit more balanced, but overall, I really appreciated Pasternak's research and time spent doing this book. She clearly has a passion for Wallis Simpson and you can see it on every page.
June 7, 2024
This blew me away and felt more relevant today than ever. Provides such context for everything Harry and Meghan experienced as well as the inner workings of the British Royal Family and what a glimpse of the woman behind one of the greatest scandals of the 20th century. My heart breaks for Wallis. And for Edward, for that matter too. Two flawed people, but two worthy of the humanity of kindness and acceptance. I think you would need to BE a woman to understand Wallis' flirtation outside her marriage but also, be open minded as far as your acceptance of how prestigious and special association with royalty was, such that Ernest Simpson, (Wallis' second husband), would accept and in fact, encourage his wife's relationship with Edward. Highly recommend the audiobook version also. Was spot-on.
May 1, 2019
When one of my book clubs chose to read "any book about Wallis Simpson" I recalled I had read "That Woman" by Anne Sebba several years ago and thought that would be sufficient. But then I noticed on the library's new book shelves Anna Pasternak's biography, just published last month. I was drawn in to read it because it promised to take a different, more sympathetic approach to Wallis and the abdication crisis: Pasternak views her as the victim of the abdication, not the villain.
We can certainly question Wallis' decision to become involved in an extramarital affair with the prince, but she fully expected that he would dump her at some point, as he had so many other girlfriends, whereupon she would return to her husband with the benefits from the social connections made during the affair and the wealth from the prince's gifts. She never expected him to refuse to give her up, nor that his stubbornness on this point would cause a crisis in the British government and ultimately great personal suffering to them both, as well as to Wallis' husband.
The abdication, shunning by the royal family, and subsequent lifelong exile is a riveting story no matter how you slice it. As part of her research, Pasternak went to see Sebba, and asked, "Did you like Wallis?" Sebba replied, "What's to like?" Pasternak says her response to that question would be, "What's not to like?" That's the crux of why this biography is different, and worth reading.
We can certainly question Wallis' decision to become involved in an extramarital affair with the prince, but she fully expected that he would dump her at some point, as he had so many other girlfriends, whereupon she would return to her husband with the benefits from the social connections made during the affair and the wealth from the prince's gifts. She never expected him to refuse to give her up, nor that his stubbornness on this point would cause a crisis in the British government and ultimately great personal suffering to them both, as well as to Wallis' husband.
The abdication, shunning by the royal family, and subsequent lifelong exile is a riveting story no matter how you slice it. As part of her research, Pasternak went to see Sebba, and asked, "Did you like Wallis?" Sebba replied, "What's to like?" Pasternak says her response to that question would be, "What's not to like?" That's the crux of why this biography is different, and worth reading.
March 21, 2019
Reading a book about a woman who has been vilified all her life is quite hard going but Anna Pasternak manages to tell Wallis's story in an amazing moving way. Told through letters and information from people who knew both the Duke of Windsor and Wallis it makes for fascinating but extremely sad reading. Their love was obviously very strong in order to withstand the unkind behaviour from a lot of the other royal family. For anyone who is interested in the royal family over the last 80years .
December 9, 2019
I truly had high hopes for this version of Wallis Simpson, so i jumped right in, to a sloshing mudhole! Kept slugging along tho. Until i decided to just get thru a chapter a day, and switch out books. THAT should have been warning enough, but the flares did not go off till i found myself dreading the sight of this book in my nightstand rotation pile.
Granted i too held the manufactured, world-wide held opinion about the divorced whore who wanted the crown. So in that way the book did a good job of elightenment.
To each his own, some folks loved it! Not my cuppa tea.
Granted i too held the manufactured, world-wide held opinion about the divorced whore who wanted the crown. So in that way the book did a good job of elightenment.
To each his own, some folks loved it! Not my cuppa tea.
April 28, 2019
The author failed to sway me towards the "Duchess". It is a sad, sad story. Two pathetic people that expected too much, wanted too many baubles, and continued to whine whine about how unfair it all was. I don't agree with the author that Wallis never wanted to marry. She was the instigator of "ways" to get married and keep him King. Did I like either of them..... NO. They remind me today of so many spoiled rich Hollywood personalities. Excess in abundance.
October 21, 2019
The book was written to lay rest to all the negative stories about this couple. In is a love story in the same genre of the book written by her Great Uncle.
October 26, 2020
Interesting and well researched but overly persuaded of Wallis' majesty and innocence of all charges.
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