The Duchess of Devonshire Book Review

Amanda Foreman is the autor of this spectacular novel The Duchess, published in 1999 the story of Georgiana, the duchess of devonshire has now been made into a major motion picture.

With many great reviews, this book is definitly worth reading.

"Gripping... well written, extensively researched and highly readable" Mail on Sunday

"Real life glamour, peppered with a ménage á trois and a dose of depression... Curl up and devour it" Elle

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Definitely not for light reading this book is an intricate biography of  18^th century aristocrat, Georgiana Cavendish, better known as the Duchess of Devonshire.

The book takes us on a detailed journey through the ups and downs of the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire; their marriage, adultery and betrayal. But unlike the film the book is more than just this, for it gives us detailed insights into Georgiana's drug addiction, her uncontrollable gambling and debts, and her intolerable depression. None of this is portrayed in the film, she is simply shown as a doting mother, and wife to a man that does not love her.

The book also details the lives of others, like Charles Grey, and Georgiana's mother and father Lord and Lady Spencer.

It also leads you through the political ups and downs of when the crown was at its most vulnerable. Through the story of the Whig party, and many political in differences that occurred during the time that Georgiana was alive.

It also gives insight into Georgiana's upbringing and life before she met the Duke, knowledge of which helps you understand better her nature and why she acts the way she does.

The wording of the book is of a high literacy standard and not for someone who is merely looking for a light read. Its a biography of a prominent historical figure whose story still resonates today.

Extract; page 65, line 27

'Georgiana's pleasure at her success was short-lived: one day she discovered that the Duke and Lady Jersey had been taking advantage of her parades through the camp to visit each others tents. Possibly jealous of the attention Georgiana was receiving and feeling neglected, the Duke made no effort to keep the affair a secret. Lady Jersey went further and flaunted her conquest in front of Georgiana, who was too frightened and inexperienced to assert herself.'

 In my opinion this book is a brilliant dissection of a slice of the Georgian period and an insight into the life of this wonderful and fascinating woman who lived a life far from luxury and comfort. Married at 17, betrayed, abused and raped by her husband and deserted by her best friend, torn from her children and banned from loving the one man she loved, through all this, she still remained the Duchess of Devonshire until the day she died.