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The Governess

The unknown childhood of the most famous woman who ever lived
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( 5,866 ratings, 679 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Governess tells the compelling story of Marion Crawford, affectionately known as Crawfie, the devoted governess to Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret from 1933 for seventeen years. Against the backdrop of the Abdication crisis, the Coronation glamour, and World War II, Marion endeavours to give the royal children a normal, fun upbringingβ€”taking them on buses, to public baths, and Christmas shopping at Woolworths. This sweeping historical novel brings to life her long-buried story, illuminating the British royal family through the eyes of the woman who stood loyally by their side until a perceived betrayal changed everything.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This novel is ideal for readers who enjoy historical fiction, royal biographies, and stories of personal loyalty amid historic events. It will particularly appeal to fans of British history, The Crown viewers, and those interested in intimate perspectives on the lives behind the monarchy.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

As the royal governess, Marion Crawford played a major role in shaping the childhood and subsequent world-view of Queen Elizabeth II, but her story is largely unknown and has never been explored in much depth. The Governess brings 'Crawfie' to life.

As the royal governess, Marion Crawford played a major role in shaping the childhood and subsequent world-view of Queen Elizabeth II, but her story is largely unknown and has never been explored in much depth. The Governess brings 'Crawfie' to life.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Before there was Elizabeth, there was Lilibet...

'A hugely entertaining, emotionally satisfying story of love and loyalty' DAILY MAIL

'A poignant, fictional reimagining of a woman condemned by history, with plenty of modern-day echoes' MAIL ON SUNDAY


She Came From Nothing . . . and Raised a Queen

The drama of the Abdication, the glamour of the Coronation, the trauma of World War IIβ€”Marion Crawford, affectionately known as Crawfie, stood by the side of the royal family through it all.

In 1933, a progressive young teacher became governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret. Determined to give her pupils a fun and normal childhood, she took them on buses, swimming at public baths and Christmas shopping at Woolworths.

For seventeen years she served at the heart of the royal family. But her devotion and loyalty counted for nothing when a perceived betrayal brought everything crashing down.

This sweeping, sumptuous novel brings her long-buried story to life and shines a completely new and captivating light into the world's most famous family.


'Brilliantly researched . . . I was completely absorbed and transported' ADELE PARKS, author of Just My Luck

'Compelling characters and a wonderful blend of historical accuracy and real narrative drive . . . a heart-breaking study of loyalty and love' SALLY MORRIS, Daily Mail

'[A] beautifully researched and captivating novel . . . Wendy Holden's tender and intimate portrait of Lilibet, the future Queen Elizabeth II, is masterly' RACHEL HORE

'I adored this wonderful book. What a great story Wendy Holden has told' JILLY COOPER

'A great book for escaping into . . . I loved this!' KATIE FFORDE

'Sensitive, funny and fascinatingβ€”this masterful novel gives the reader fly-on-the-wall privileges into the early life of the Queen' FREYA NORTH

'A brilliantly imagined and poignant novel . . . of sacrifice, deep affection, strained loyalties and divided English society in the post-Downton Abbey era' ELIZABETH BUCHAN

'An intimate view of the royal family at a time of great uncertainty and change . . . Marion Crawford's dedication to her charges, as well as her passion for education and reform, shines through the pages' CHANEL CLEETON

'Wendy Holden absolutely delivers in this perfect blend of story and history . . . Lovers of The Crown series on Netflix will adore this!' SUSAN MEISSNER

'I loved, loved, LOVED this book and if it isn't adapted for the screen, I’ll eat my crown!' ERICA JAMES

'A beautifully woven and exquisitely detailed story' HEATHER MORRIS, author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Critics praise the novel's masterful blend of historical accuracy and emotional narrative. Sally Morris of the Daily Mail describes it as a heart-breaking study of loyalty and love, while Rachel Hore calls it beautifully researched with a tender portrait of the young Elizabeth II. Katie Fforde found it a wonderful escapist read, and Freya North highlights its sensitive and fascinating 'fly-on-the-wall' glimpse into the Queen’s early life. Elizabeth Buchan appreciates the poignant depiction of divided English society, and Chanel Cleeton notes the intimate view of a family facing uncertainty. Fans of historical drama and The Crown series will especially enjoy this captivating novel.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781787396609

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 June 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Mountain Leopard Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 204.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 400

About the Author

Sunday Times number one bestseller Wendy Holden was a journalist before becoming an author. She has written ten consecutive top-ten bestselling novels and sold more than 3 million books.

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