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Daughter of Empire
- My Life as a Mountbatten
- Narrated by: Corrie James
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
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Daughter of Empire
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Summary
Few families can boast of not one but two saints among their ancestors, a great-aunt who was the last tsarina of Russia, a father who was Grace Kelly's pinup, and a grandmother who was not only a princess but could also argue the finer points of naval law. Pamela Mountbatten entered a remarkable family when she was born at the very end of the Roaring Twenties.
As the younger daughter of the glamorous heiress Edwina Ashley and Lord Louis Mountbatten, Pamela spent much of her early life with her sister, nannies, and servants-and a menagerie that included, at different times, a bear, two wallabies, a mongoose, and a lion. Her parents each had lovers who lived openly with the family. The house was always full of guests like Sir Winston Churchill, Noël Coward, Douglas Fairbanks, and the Duchess of Windsor (who brought a cold cooked chicken as a hostess gift).
When World War II broke out, Lord Mountbatten was in command of HMS Kelly before being appointed chief of Combined Operations, and Pamela and her sister were sent to live on Fifth Avenue in New York City with Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt. In 1947, her parents were appointed to be the last viceroy and vicereine of India and oversee the transfer of power to an independent Indian government.
Amid the turmoil of political change, Pamela worked with student leaders, developed warm friendships with Gandhi and Nehru, and witnessed both the joy of Independence Day and its terrible aftermath. Soon afterwards, she was a bridesmaid in Princess Elizabeth's wedding to Prince Philip, and was a lady-in-waiting at the young princess's side when she learned her father had died and she was queen.Vivid and engaging, well-paced and superbly detailed, this witty, intimate memoir is an enchanting lens through which to view the early part of the twentieth century.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kirsty
- 30-01-24
Very interesting
Really informative and interesting and read beautifully. Learnt lots of new information and enjoyed listening to the life of lady Pamela
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Roy Whitehead
- 03-05-19
Interesting view into a household named aristocratic family.
An interesting peek into one of the UK’s quirkiest, but one of the most influential and well connected genuine aristocratic families.
The links to the Royal family are interesting insightful and pleasant.
The partition of India is somewhat rose tinted though.
Overall definitely worth a listen.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- issy
- 09-05-23
Fascinating
Really topical considering the events she describes happened so long ago. The partition of India, coronations, wonderful
descriptions, lots of humour, I listened to it twice and found it as engrossing the second time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Joy
- 13-08-20
A fabulous account, honest, amazing and regal.
I was thrilled to hear such an account, given so loyally and with love for the family to which she belonged. A beautiful historical account spanning so many huge events. A wonderful young lady. She must have been a treasure.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Linda T
- 22-07-23
Pamela
How the other half live eh. Travelled around the world since a young child. Good listen
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Franklymydarling
- 09-01-18
BRILLIANT!!!
I'm an audible addict who has listened to her fair share of biographies. But I can honestly say this is one of the most interesting recordings I've listened to to date. If you love travel and abit of royal and social intrigue then this book won't disappoint. I only wish it was longer or had a sequel:)
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Marion W.
- 12-06-23
Memorable 😀
A wonderful coming of age story before the backdrop of important historical events. I was mildly interested in the Mountbattens, but found Pammy’s account of meeting Gandhi and Nehru, and of accompanying a young Queen Elizabeth on the coronation tour an unexpected delight. Five stars ⭐️
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- niceonema
- 06-09-23
An interesting and enjoyable read.
A great book and beautifully narrated. Highly recommend reading. Wonderful to catch a glimpse into such a well known family.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Daniel W Roberts
- 19-06-17
Neither long nor boring! Fascinating
Where does Daughter of Empire rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
It has got to be in my top three- and I have listened to a least 50 audio books
What did you like best about this story?
Wonderful snapshot of history from the perspective a very humble, yet privileged bystander. She spoke about the compliments/honors she was given as though she didn't deserve. She also included various scoldings which some authors may have left our of their biographies.
What about Corrie James’s performance did you like?
She read clearly and confidently throughout with a plain RP accent.
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I neither laughed nor cried, however I felt glad that she had made her feeling about race very clear.
Any additional comments?
I have no idea why this book has just low ratings. its truly wonderful. I listened to the hold book in a few days.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sotoreviewer
- 03-03-23
Excellent book
I thought it was very well read. It was particularly interesting hearing about Lady Pamela’s first hand knowledge of Partition and the life of her extraordinarily hard working mother
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