Lily, Duchess of Marlborough
(1854-1909) A Portrait with Husbands
Sally E. Svenson

Dog Ear Publishing
November 30, 2011 / ISBN: 1457507765
Non-fiction / biography / royalty
Amazon

Reviewed by Nicole Merritt

What can I say about the Duchess of Marlborough that hasn't been said by Sally Svenson in this well documented and thoroughly entertaining book? I can say how much I enjoyed reading about the life of Lily, an American woman from New York who certainly made her mark in Europe as one of the sweetest and moving Duchesses of her time.

If you enjoy the Victorian period and English literature, you will really like this book. The author has left no detail out. It is quite an intensive read in the beginning when you are learning about the lineage of the characters that comprise the story, but once you have that all figured out, it moves along easily.

The story is a non-fictional piece about the life of wealthy Lily Price Hamersley, society's Belle of New York. Her story begins at thirty-three.

Lily was a much present character in the Winston Churchill family's history, but you would not know that because she left behind scant records of her life. At the time she lived, it was not unusual to hide one's life, as it was quite proper to do so. But, fortunately, because she was a journalist's intrigue, there are many reports of her life through the press. And, thankfully, this is one of those legacies that should be told. Her story is quite a compelling one to read and you will love the journey. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of tea with Lily!