After Diana: William, Harry, Charles, and the Royal House of Windsor by Christopher Andersen Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.44 You Save: $22.51 (87%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of After Diana: William, Harry, Charles, and the Royal House of Windsor
Book Review: Another book for Diana fans
Summary: 5 Stars
As a Diana-phile, I had hours of pleasure reading this book. The photos alone were worth the price of the book: the boys with their Windsor women in waiting -- Chelsea Davy & Kate Middleton -- of Charles with his other women, of Camilla at her best and worst. Nearly 10 years ago, I read Andersen's first book on the subject, "The Day Diana Died" and enjoyed the revelations. He hasn't disappointed with this new one. Book Review: What is, is
Summary: 5 Stars
I don't pay much attention to the frequent news bites of the princes etc., but was thrilled to read this reliable, fully fleshed out and carefully detailed up-date of the royal family by Christopher Andersen.
One can't help but imagine what would have happened if Diana had lived: would her boys have been so dedicated to her principles of kindness and sharing? Would Charles have been able to move on to marry Camilla? Diana undoubtedly would have remained an influence on English culture, but would she have remained the gold-standard of British style and beauty?
Ten years after her death, and Diana still commands our rapt attention. So many reasons for why that is are found in Mr. Andersen's excellent reporting of the characters and events in his newest book, as well as in The Day Diana Died and Diana's Boys. The Day Diana Died Diana's Boys: William and Harry and the Mother They Loved (What a great new gadget, Amazon!)
All three books give an amazing, contemporary, narrative and will serve future biographers well. I highly recommend owning, and reading, and holding onto all three.
Book Review: Her Legend Lives On
Summary: 4 Stars
Diana would be so proud of the way her two boys have turned out. Sure they had their "terrible teens" that most kids go through, but they have turned into exceptional young men. The book has a lot of information about Charles and Camilla and their relationships with both the boys and the Queen. I never thought I would say this, but I am almost beginning to think that the real fairy tale came true after all. Charles married the woman of his dreams after so many years and so much turmoil. I'm just so sorry that Diana and the boys were hurt so much by all of it. The boys are handling all of this like mature adults and I suppose we could all learn from them. But that will never deminish Diana from our memories. She was a warm and loving person and I wonder so much what her life would have turned out like should she have lived. I think it is a wonderful tribute to her that her sons are having on her birthday on July 1st. I would love so much to be able to be there, but I will be there in spirit, just like I know Diana will be.
This is really a good book. I think if you are a Diana fan, or even a fan of the Royals then it won't let you down.
Book Review: Another Winner From Chris Andersen
Summary: 5 Stars
"After Diana," an engrossing retrospective portrait of Princess Di and an up-to-the moment portrait of her sons ("The Heir and The Spare"); The House of Windsor; Prince Charles and Di's successor, Camilla Parker Bowles, is another great read from Chris Andersen. I say this as an unabashed Andersen fan who also was enthralled by "The Day Diana Died" and "Diana's Boy's" and many of his other 27 books.
Andersen knows his subject inside out, a fact acknowledged by Scotland Yard, who consulted him during Operation Paget, their investigation of Di's death. In the ten years since the horrific crash in the Alma Tunnel in Paris, Andersen recounts the spellbinding evolution of the Royals--and the interconnects, and many disconnects--between them, their subjects, and the world at large.
The big issues are covered comprehensively: The Palace power struggles over the role of Camilla Parker Bowles; Prince Charles's peccadilloes and indiscretions; the randy life style of William and Harry; Williams's love of speed and Harry's risk-taking, and their gradual maturation; the role of the Men in Gray (the Palace apparatchik); along with fascinating speculation about MI5 and MI6, Britain's secret Service agencies that know every move the Royals make.
As counterpoint, Andersen provides intimate detail of this intriguing universe: The Palace hiring a P.R. firm to repair the tattered Royal image after their clumsy reaction to Diana's death; the Queen singing "The Star Spangled Banner" during a 9/11 Memorial at St. Paul's with tears welling up in her eyes when the choir sang "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"; Prince Charles--who always travels with a childhood Teddy Bear--telling his Mum that he refused to be the only Prince of Wales who didn't have a mistress; and much more.
Great stuff, great read with over 50 engaging pictures, virtually all of which were new to me.
Book Review: I loved this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I guess I'm a royal-watcher because I've read a lot over the years about Princess Diana and was thrilled to receive Christopher Andersen's book as a gift. I couldn't put it down. I learned so much I hadn't known before. Andersen manages to take you beyond the headlines into the royal residences for an upclose view of Diana, the princes, Prince Charles and the queen. A scrumptious read.