Mrs. Astor Regrets

The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach

By: Meryl Gordon

Narrated by: Lorna Raver

The fate of Brooke Astor, the endearing philanthropist with the storied name, has generated worldwide headlines since her grandson Philip sued his father in 2006, alleging mistreatment of Brooke. And shortly after her death in 2007, Anthony Marshall, Mrs. Astor's only child, was indicted on charges of looting her estate. Rarely has there been a story with such an appealing heroine, conjuring up a world so nearly forgotten: a realm of lavish wealth and secrets of the sort that have engaged Americans from the era of Edith Wharton to the more recent days of Truman Capote and Vanity Fair.

New York journalist Meryl Gordon has interviewed not only the elite of Brooke Astor's social circle but also the large staff who cosseted and cared for Mrs. Astor during her declining years. The result is the behind-the-headlines story of the Astor empire's unraveling, filled with never-before-reported scenes. This powerful, poignant saga takes the listener inside the gilded gates of an American dynasty to tell of three generations' worth of longing and missed opportunities. Even in this territory of privilege, no riches can put things right once they've been torn asunder. Here is an American epic of the bonds of money, morality, and social position.

©2008 Meryl Gordon (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Juicy account of a shocking scandal." ( Kirkus Starred Review)
"Ms. Gordon walks her readers through a schadenfreude-filled wonderland." ( New York Times)

Captivating. Intriguing.

I loved it. Very captivating. I enjoyed the reader as well as the story being told.

Intriguing.

I love biographical stories. I went to my computer several times during the listening to see photos and more info on the people in this telling. Very articulate narrator. Very sad story overall of families torn apart due to greed.

Loved this book!

I thought this was well-written and well-narrated, and the story was fun and intriguing. I have read a few books on the Astor's and this was the best. Anderson Cooper's book was good, but as he referenced this one, I tried it. I was not disappointed. If you want a great story of dysfunctional family dynamics, this is it. My only disappointment is it was published before the end of the criminal trial, I would love the next addition to include the trial and final outcome. Alas, one needs to read the final chaper from newspaper accounts!

Ended too soon

It was an interesting and sad story of a family with little love. Wished the end would have included the trial and how the will was distributed

A lot of characters.

Would you consider the audio edition of Mrs. Astor Regrets to be better than the print version?

Loved the book, well read by the narrator. There were, however, a lot of people in the story to keep track of...but I guess that's what happens when you are Brooke Astor.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mrs. Astor Regrets?

The saddest thing was the lack of familial love between Mother and son, father and sons.

What about Lorna Raver’s performance did you like?

Loved her...her calming voice made following the story easier.

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

NO. Needed a break from the fighting.

New York gossip, places and sad money

A bit repetitive, but very interesting. A bit repetitive, but very interesting. A bit repetitive...

Wanted More!

This is an excellent book! I was just left wanting to know about the trial and how Tony and Charlene faired from Mrs. Astor’s will.

Not the best book in the world but…

…it was free and kept me interested. I had never heard of her (not being from anywhere near New York) but of course was familiar with the Gilded Age Astors. The narrator is good except she pronounces every single consonant which is jarring to a Southerner’s ear. If you get it free, I recommend it.

The sadness of it all

How sad is this book! It goes back and forth and I lost track a few times but it is good

Everything Brooke Astor

A page turner. Can't believe that greed in such a rich family could be this horrible for the matriarch.