Susan's Review of Andrew Morton's Elizabeth and Margaret-the Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters

This biography from a New York Times bestselling author follows Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Margaret as they navigate life in the royal spotlight. They were the closest of sisters and the best of friends.

But when, in a quixotic twist of fate, their uncle Edward Vlll abdicated the throne, the dynamic between Elizabeth and Margaret was dramatically altered. Forever more Margaret would have to curtsey to the sister she called 'Lillibet.' And bow to her wishes. Margaret's struggle to find a place and position inside the royal system—and her fraught relationship with its expectations—was often a source of tension.. This book explores their relationship over the years.

Andrew Morton’s Elizabeth and Margaret is a well-researched, charming, insightful read. I enjoyed how Andrew Morton focused on the close relationship between the two sisters rather than historical events. I have not read a biography in ages and Morton’s choice to focus on the sister’s relationship captured my interest and kept me reading.

Elizabeth and Margaret had an idyllic childhood; they dressed alike, shared the same nanny and slept the same bedroom. King Edward VIII’s abdication forever altered their relationship. Morton shared Margaret’s feelings throughout the book as she realized that the limelight no longer shined on her; it shifted to her quiet, horse loving sister.

Morton carefully presents information about Margaret’s complicated love affair with Captain Peter Townsend. I enjoyed that he presented facts and allowed the reader to determine what lead Margaret to break off her relationship with Townsend. At first, I wondered if Margaret was attracted to Townsend because he was a connection to her father whom she adored. Morton makes it clear that Elizabeth made every effort to make her sister happy and it was Margaret’s choice to step way.

Andrew Morton brings history to life in the book. The book encompasses WWII, Elizabeth’s marriage, Margaret’s marriage and her unorthodox lifestyle. I loved the author’s voice—his descriptive writing style showed that the sisters-although very different-deeply cared for each other. The Margaret-Peter Townsend chapters were very thorough and well researched. Loved learning bits and pieces of the sister’s lives—the details make this book stand out!

If you are a fan of the Crown series and enjoy books about the royals—this is the perfect book for you!

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

ARC provided by Grand Central Publishing