American Duchess

Anna Pasternak is a writer and member of the famous Pasternak family: her great-grandfather was Leonid, the impressionist painter, her great-uncle was Boris the Nobel prize winning novelist, her grandmother was Josephine the philosopher and her father is revered Oxford biochemist Professor Charles Pasternak. Anna was educated at Christ Church College, Oxford and is the author of a number of books, most recently Lara.

‘Pasternak interviews fresh people … These people bring fresh observations … What makes the book unputdownable is Pasternak’s lively and detailed retelling of this ever-fascinating, ridiculously poignant love story.’ The Times‘A sympathetic biography … Pasternak’s empathetic study of Wallis attempts to redress the balance and emphasises her intelligence, independence and unwillingness to ruin the life of the man she loved … With such aggressive press coverage of Meghan Markle, it is useful to be reminded that perceived royal interlopers have always been treated harshly.’ Observer‘Puts Wallis Simpson in a new light and draws startling parallels with Meghan … Both were 34 when they met their princes, both are adored children of strong, single mothers, both have a pared-down style and an electric presence and both are evidently worshipped by their Royal partners.’ S Magazine‘Rather like a romantic novel … Occasional bursts of Mills & Boon style … One reads the letters from her to her besotted King – as he then still was – begging him not to give up his throne; she certainly was no social mountaineer.’ Daily Telegraph‘Explains why colourful, excitable characters have struggled to fit into the Royal family’ Daily Telegraph‘The best book about the Windsors for decades – because it's true.’ Petronella Wyatt‘An enchanting love story, wonderfully told’ Sir Ronald Harwood‘Anna Pasternak does not spare an ounce of drama nor detail …. a profoundly moving meditation on love, loyalty, and, ultimately, forgiveness’ Amanda Foreman