That Woman

The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor

By: Anne Sebba

Narrated by: Samantha Bond

Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the first full-scale biography of Wallis Simpson to be written by a woman, exploring the mind of one of the most glamorous and reviled figures of the 20th century, a character who figured prominently in the blockbuster film The King’s Speech.

This is the story of the American divorcée notorious for allegedly seducing a British king off his throne. "That woman", so called by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, was born Bessie Wallis Warfield in 1896 in Baltimore. Neither beautiful nor brilliant, she endured an impoverished childhood, which fostered in her a burning desire to rise above her circumstances.

Acclaimed biographer Anne Sebba offers an eye-opening account of one of the most talked about women of her generation. It explores the obsessive nature of Simpson’s relationship with Prince Edward, the suggestion that she may have had a disorder of sexual development, and new evidence showing she may never have wanted to marry Edward at all. Since her death, Simpson has become a symbol of female empowerment as well as a style icon. But her psychology remains an enigma.

Drawing from interviews and newly discovered letters, That Woman shines a light on this captivating and complex figure, an object of fascination who has only grown more compelling with the years.

©2011 Anne Sebba (P)2012 Orion Publishing Group Ltd

Interesting!

When it comes to bios, by the time I am about half way done and I am still interested, it's a good sign!

This book was not a boring collection of dry names and dates.

Her narcissism seems close to sociopathy

A greedy, grasping, superficial and predatory woman who could fool some of the people some of the time, leaving human wreckage behind. Probably a good match for a man who should never have been king. He sounds needy, quite unintelligent, I am at a loss to understand (apart from sex appeal and the ability to make questionable jokes) how as many people put up with her as they did. As a Canadian, I am not anti-royal and I frequently feel badly when I read anti-royal rants but Wallis was, uneducated, un-caring, and vulgar. The Royal Family of England, these days, have put a priority on education and service and and hopefully, there won't be any similar 'episodes' in history.

Well researched and no problem with narration - just an English accent.

That Woman? FANTASTIC

Love! Love! LOVE this book! What a fascinating life from beginning to end. You won't be disappointed with this book!

Fascinating read

What made the experience of listening to That Woman the most enjoyable?

I don't think I would categorize this as enjoyable. I would say more informative and interesting. The story was quite disturbing, really.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I don't think I could have listened in one sitting.

Things I never knew

Well, I'm certainly glad that Edward never became king!

The speculation was interesting and a great deal of it was new to me. But the simple reporting of Wallis' letters gave a clear picture of a woman who was probably every bit as terrible as the Royal Family found her. Wow!

That Woman

Great story. Well-read and captivating. The author offers an in-depth account of The Duchess' life in harmony and turmoil.

Great read.

Primary Source Dullness

The first part of the book covering Simpson's early years does give some sense of Wallis Simpson's early life experience and character. From the moment Simpson hooks up with the then king, the book goes downhill and becomes a collection of letter excerpts from Wallis herself and others witness to her life. All sense of Wallis' character and experience is lost.

Realistic and strips away the garbage

What did you like best about That Woman? What did you like least?

I like the realistic potrayal of this nasty woman. I did not like her and it removes the glamour and romance and shows the truth.

Would you recommend That Woman to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes I would.

Did Samantha Bond do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Yes

Did That Woman inspire you to do anything?

Be grateful I am who I am

Any additional comments?

This book confirmed what I thought of Wallis she was a nasty piece of work and got what she deserved. Good book and shows what really happened.

Narration was excellent.

The book was wonderful and couldn't stop listening even though I know how it ends but Samantha Bond was perfection.

Good History Lesson

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about Wallis Simpson except headline/sound bites. I finished the book feeling sorry for the Duchess and grateful that the Duke abdicated the throne.