A Novel with Thoughts and Ponderings

THE SHADOW QUEEN

Author: Rebecca Dean ISBN: 9780767930574 8/2012 HISTORICAL FICTION Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE
Time Period: Early 20th Century

The Shadow Queen by Rebecca Dean
A king would abdicate his throne for her in one of the world’s great love stories – but who was Wallis Simpson?

Born into a poor southern family but taken in by rich relatives, Wallis Simpson was raised as a socialite. Between family conflicts and debutante balls, she and her friends dream of their future husbands, and like millions of girls worldwide, dream of Prince Edward, the heir to the British throne who would someday be king. Beloved author Rebecca Dean imagines the early life of Wallis Simpson, her triumphs and heartbreaks, and the making of the twice divorced, nearly destitute woman who captured a king’s heart and changed the course of history. Set against a background of high society, royal circles, and diplomatic intrigue, The Shadow Queen features one of the most fascinating and controversial women of the 20th century.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I was intrigued by the prospect of reading THE SHADOW QUEEN. The idea that one woman could so move the man who would be king of England...well, that's a story I wanted to read!

Honestly, I am a bit let down. The writing is excellent, the biographical facts laid out systematically and clearly. I got a real grasp on Wallis Simpson's early years, her motivations and thoughts. But the true meat of the story, the love affair between Wallis and Edward, isn't there. It begins near the close of the book, and I guess I may be picky, but I wanted to see that much earlier. I finished this book wanting more, which is a good thing, but I truly wish I had gotten more.

As I said, the writing and historical points are stellar. I just wanted some romance with the facts.

Historical fans will eat this up. Anyone curious about this time period or these characters will enjoy this, too. THE SHADOW QUEEN has much to offer. 

Kay James

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