Author: Claudia Joseph
Publisher: Mainstream Publishing
Published Date: April 2, 2009
Source: Library
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're looking for a book on Catherine Middleton's family
What's the Story?:
From Goodreads.com: "With her glossy dark hair, classic looks, natural appearance and cut-glass accent, Kate Middleton displays all the poise and breeding expected from the wife of the heir to the throne. Sophisticated beyond her years, as well as academically gifted, Kate has charmed William's louche circle of friends as well as the House of Windsor. Yet behind her polished veneer lies the extraordinary tale of an impoverished working-class family that overcame deprivation and adversity to rise to the upper echelons of society. Claudia Joseph has spoken to members of Kate's family and friends, who have provided an intriguing insight into the extraordinary journey her family has made from the mining villages of Durham to an apartment in the royal residence of Clarence House. Drawing on exclusive interviews and containing previously unpublished photographs, this is an authoritative account of Kate Middleton's life so far."
My Two Cents:
I've been really fascinated with Kate Middleton (now called Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) so when I saw this book on the shelves at my library, I had to pick it up. Ms. Joseph sets this book up very interestingly. Approximately the first 100 or so pages cover Catherine's family in juxtaposition with what was happening with Prince William's royal family at the same time. The juxtaposition is interesting at first. Catherine's ancestors were coal miners while William's ancestor at the same time period was Queen Victoria. However, the juxtaposition becomes a bit stale. It becomes a lot of names sort of doing things that are not particularly interesting.
The second part of the book picks up a little bit. Drawing heavily on interviews with people who know Catherine, the book sheds a little more insight on her and William's relationship particularly during their university years at St. Andrews.
Bottom line: There are a lot better books out there on this subject. This one didn't really blow me away.
My Review:
2 out of 5 stars
You know, this is actually the very first Kate biography I've seen! Sorry it didn't have the wow factor -- I'm sure many more will be in the works soon.
ReplyDelete@Meg I already have a few books about William and Kate (I actually collect royal memorabilia) that I have higher hopes for.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was very informative about Kate and Williams relationship and I am glad I bought it.
ReplyDelete