Bertie: A Life of Edward VII

By: Jane Ridley

Narrated by: 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.

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.

Well Don’t be

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well detailed examination of cultural history of a distinct period in time. It provides a great feel for the people who made history and the behind the scene circumstances that created them. It’s a book you don’t want to end.