Princess Michael of Kent

This was a fantastic read. Princess Michael of Kent's memoir of raising a cheetah cub in Africa is a little like reading Out Of Africa by Karen Blixen. You can sense the magic of Africa as you read. Princess Michael tells of how she raised the cub with the full intention of returning it to the wild when it was ready. The cub, Tess, became a full-fledged member of the family and looked on the princess as its mother. Princess Michael also tells us the history of the cheetah, which is fascinating to read. She also tells of her encounters with Tess after her release into the wild. Recommended for anyone who loves wildlife, conservation, and Africa.… (more)

This was a decent look at the lives of eight women who were destined to rule in a country they were not born in. For the most part, these women all lived in the same century. It's a light and enjoyable read. If you're looking for a book about politics, keep searching. This is about the personal lives of the profiled women. I particularly enjoyed reading about Empress Leopoldina of Brazil, who is not someone English readers get much material on. The joint chapter on British Queen Alexandra and her sister Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia was very good reading.

Profiled in this book are Catherine the Great, Marie Antoinette of France, Maria Carolina of Naples, Leopoldina of Brazil, Eugenie of France, Vicky of Prussia, Alexandra of Britain, and Marie Feodorovna of Russia. Recommended reading for those who want a more personal overview of their lives.… (more)

I really enjoyed this book. Yes, it borders on hagiography. But still, it's a great story, and very wonderfully written.

HRH Princess Michael of Kent tells us of her ancestor, Diane de Poitiers, and her relationship with King Henri II of France. Her relationship with Henri's wife, Catherine de Medici, is also explored. The writing makes it hard to put down. Princess Michael definitely has a way with words and her style draws you in completely. It's rich in detail, and it paints a vivid picture.

The thing I didn't like about the book was the way it sort of glossed over Diane's faults. It's almost as though she didn't have any. I really enjoyed reading about life in the French court, particularly the sections that had to do with King Francois I and his wife, Queen Claude.

Great reading.… (more)