Bertie: A Life of Edward VII

De: Jane Ridley

Narrado por: Carole Boyd

Entertaining and different, this is an enjoyable study of a flawed yet characterful Prince of Wales seen through the eyes of the women in his life. Edward Vll, who gave his name to the Edwardian Age and died in 1911, was King of England for the final 10 years of his life. He was 59 when at last he came to the throne. Known as Bertie, the eldest son of Victoria and Albert, he was bullied by both his parents. Although Bertie was heir to the throne, Victoria refused to give him any proper responsibilities, as a result of which he spent his time eating, betting, and womanising.

Bertie's numerous mistresses included the society hostess Daisy Brook ('Babbling Brook'), Lillie Langtry and Alice Keppel. When Bertie finally became king, he did a good job, especially in foreign policy. This colourful book gives Bertie due credit, while painting a vivid portrait of the age in all its excess and eccentricity, hypocrisy and heartbreak.

©2012 Jane Ridley (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Impressive!

Great book! It really leaves no unanswered questions about his life; it was so EXTREMELY thorough and well researched! Very impressive work.

I would love to read a biography of George V written by the same author, it would feel like a natural continuation.

A perfect storm of subject, author, and narrator

The biography is meticulously documented, but far from dry ... the author brought together material from various sources, and cleverly juxtaposed them to create a wider point of view.

The narrator was perfection. The tones, inflections, nuances, she brought to the material ... in combination with the voices she tapped into to create the characters, was - in my mind - absolutely flawless.

The author and writer melded together into an experience that - in the 100+ books I have listened to - is unsurpassed.

Didn't realize Ed VII was an interesting fellow.

What made the experience of listening to Bertie: A Life of Edward VII the most enjoyable?

Enjoyable historical account of British monarch. The characters around the king have depth and personal details. The time period is presented with fascinating and appropriate historical characteristics.

Excellent

Incredible life, incredible story, excellent narration that truly brought the story to life. I thoroughly enjoyed the many hours of listening a d learning about this amazing historical figure and person.

Very long but great!

It’s long, but that’s sorta what I love about it! Something to listen to on the way to work or the store. Good listen while cleaning or doing something else. Very detailed and well written. Well preformed! 10/10.

Endearing, Educational, Entertain; Edward

Like his life, this book improves, and becomes more interesting, as it progresses. It shines when it spends time on his political and foreign policy work. It leaves you satisfied, yet still open for more information on this complex man.

Superb!

Would you consider the audio edition of Bertie: A Life of Edward VII to be better than the print version?

Haven't read the print version.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a completely new take on Edward VII. The book got wonderful reviews in Britain. I can see why.

Fabulous

Would you listen to Bertie: A Life of Edward VII again? Why?

I love this genre of literature; I really enjoyed the narration, I felt I was living in Edwardian England. I knew very little about " Bertie" except that he was Victoria's son in whom she had little faith that he would be a suitable monarch after her death.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bertie: A Life of Edward VII?

I enjoyed how he tactfully did as he wished without overtly disrespecting Victoria.

Which character – as performed by Carole Boyd – was your favorite?

All of the characters were thoroughly enjoyed. Her French was flawless. She did not condescend and translate for she assumed the listener was educated and well versed in the Romance languages to understand.
I enjoyed her depiction of Alexandra of Denmark. I like the essence she created for the Princess and later Queen.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I enjoyed it so much I hated that it had to end.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this book.

Amazing Listen- great story!

This is a great depiction of a King I felt was lost between Queen Victoria and the war kings. Truly an interesting person with much contribution to the modern monarch today.

The narrator is extremely lively, highly recommend!

Fascinating History

Easy to listen to this well written historical novel. Fantastic narration. Hours of interesting facts.