Souguir Ahmed Ahmed itibaren Pranadeipur, Odisha, Hindistan itibaren Pranadeipur, Odisha, Hindistan

Well, I loved this book, but then I'm a bit of an anglophile and I did visit Chatsworth 14 years ago (and stayed at the wonderful Devonshire Arms)and found it breathtaking. I'm also fascinated by the Mitford sisters and have read a number of works about them. This autobiography combines all those interests in a sort of perfect storm. Add into that elements of the Kennedy's, the Bright Young People of the 20's/30's, a ton of great discussion of architecture, gardening and a wide smattering of various historical personages of the last century and you have, what for me at any rate, is a great read. Additionally, the Duchess is a charming, funny and gracious narrator of her life--particulary for a Brit aristocrat. She has borne an amazing array of triumphs and sorrows--including the loss of three babies and her husband's alcoholism, not to mention the shames and triumphs of her siblings. I would love to sit and chat with her for any time at all.

I was planning to review this for ninetyandnine.net, but I couldn't get into it again. I loved it as a teenager, but I guess it didn't age well for me.