The Woman Before Wallis: A Novel of Windsors, Vanderbilts, and Royal Scandal
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Thelma Morgan is the identical twin sister of Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt (mother of fashion icon Gloria Vanderbilt). She has just gone through a divorce and her twin sets her up with the wealthy British Lord Furness. Thelma supports her family through public scandals before becoming the mistress of Edward, Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII). Eventually, her friend Wallis Simpson catches his eye.
The novel follows Thelma's life in a nonlinear fashion, jumping from her present to her past and back again. As such, you begin the book knowing that she is the prince's mistress and waiting to see how she rises so high. At first, the reader sees her relationship with her husband Lord Marmaduke "Duke" Furness. You follow Thelma as the relationship sours and she starts seeing David (the Prince of Wales).
The book is not an action-packed novel; it follows Thelma over several years of romantic and family relationships. The slower pace reflects the lifestyle of the women in these times -- living in the country, traveling between homes, and planning parties and home décor are not fast-paced activities.
Readers who love books about high society, British royalty, and scandal in the papers will enjoy this novel. Fans of TV shows like Downton Abbey and The Crown will love this pre-WWII story of riches, fame, and glamour. Those looking for a plot-driven novel would find a more desirable fit with WWII fiction.
Bryn Turnbull has a Master of Letters in Creative Writing from the University of St. Andrews and lives in Toronto.
Publisher: MIRA
Length: 416 pages
Release Date: July 21, 2020
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I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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