Customer Reviews

Diana: Memory of a Rose

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The story of Diana Princess of Wales has been told many times - indeed, some would say too many times. Susan Maxwell Skinner's 'Diana: Memory of a Rose' therefore comes as a welcome surprise. The story she presents is both compelling and unusual for several reasons.

Firstly, it focuses on the celebrity factor in Diana's life and her success. Maxwell Skinner astutely notes that the Diana the public got to know and fall in love with was in fact the product of a celebrity culture; that is, a society that likes its heroes and heroines pre-packaged by the media, and Diana knew how to capitalise on that.

Secondly, it is told from the perspective of a person able to combine objective reporting with a highly imaginative and lively style of writing. Maxwell-Skinner was a feature writer long before joining the press gang who followed Diana's every movement during the period of her engagement and marriage to Charles, and as such she really knows how to interest and entertain a reader while communicating essential information.

This brings me to my third point-the story is detailed related so economically that I did not feel I was being overwhelmed by unnecessary or irrelevant information. The combination of word and image is particularly effective in this regard. The book is packed with a wealth of photographic images of Diana many of which have not been seen before (the photographs are by Anwar Hussein but selected by Maxwell-Skinner). Stunning though these images are in their own right they are given added life by the stories and captions which accompany them. The effect is that we forget neither the images or the text in a hurry.

For me the highlight of the book was the chapter on the Diana paintings. This helps underscore one of the main strengths of the book- its willingness to deal in variety. Not only do we see a variety of painters' styles, but the book offers a variety of topics (Diana's school years, the wedding, her role as mother and champion of humanitarian projects and causes, her clothes, the paintings and her funeral, her burial place, etc, etc). Variety is there in the photographs too for not all portray Diana at her most glamourous or beautiful.

Finally, the treatment accorded to the personality of Diana herself is fresh and original. Maxwell-Skinner does not make the common mistake of claiming to know or fully understand Diana as a person. Rather, the focus is on the difference that Diana made to the author's and other people's lives, and why and how she has attained her legendary status. The result is a book that is at once a delight to read and a great pleasure to look at. Highly recommended for seasoned Dianaphiles and also for those who are wanting an accessible and concise introduction to the Diana phenomenon.

An enthusiastic reader from Melbourne, Australia.

Diana never ceases to fascinate and this book, with its sparkling text and many stunning photographs, will provide hours of curiosity satisfaction to all but the most jaded celebrity watcher. Ms. Skinner was for many years a member of the press corps accompanying Diana, Charles, William and Harry on tours of Britain, the Commonwealth and the world. Photographer Anwar Hussein was there too, and her memories and his photographs make a very appealing package.

The subtitle "A Personal Reminiscence" describes the scope of the book. Filled with stories and quotes, a great many from Diana herself, the text reveals a vivid picture of the glamour, excitement, failures and dissillusionments of a pivotal decade in the life of the royal family. We, of course, know how the story turns out but the appeal of this book is in providing glimpses into some of the telling daily history that remind us that, for all the wealth and power, these are real people with real struggles. Ms Skinner does not omit the less appealing details, nor does she dwell there, and the picture of Diana that emerges is ultimately courageous and inspiring.

If you loved Diana, you will love" Diana, Memory of a Rose." I did.
The book recalls a young bride -- destined for world adulation --
through the eyes of a young reporter, who stood on the sidelines and
witnessed the transformation. The book is a personal reminiscence of a
magical time, when Diana and the world believed in happily ever after.

"Memory of a Rose" is a beautiful, sincere book, with many stunning
pictures and -- what lacks in so many Diana books -- heartfelt

affection for the Princess. Susan does not pretend this modern heroine
was a saint, but recognises that it was Diana's extraordinary courage,
humor and belief in love that triumphed over frailties and heartbreaks.

The book honors Diana as a mother, a humanitarian and someone who always
tried desperately hard. Throughout this compassionate account of the
Diana years, we are reminded that a rose who bloomed to inspire us --
with such beauty and courage as Diana -- was worth any and all thorns.

The book is a remarkable collection of pictures by Anwar Hussein, and a glorious narration by Susan Maxwell Skinner. What I liked most about this book is that the author added a new dimension to every snapshot: Namely, letting us vividly experience what the writer experienced being right there with the princess. Ever wondered what Lady Di might have informally uttered in one of your favorite photographs of her? Wonder no more. Susan sets the scene for the reader, Anwar's camera captures the princess and then Susan brings the picture to life as only she can. With her authentic anecdotes, memoirs and a rich collection of Diana's quips and extempore remarks, I was able to reconcile and reaffirm, once again, my image of a sincere, true People's Princess. First you get tears in your eyes when you reminisce Diana in the wonderful pictures. Then you wipe those tears and smile again as you are captivated by Susan's story telling. And the stories are as authentic as the pictures themselves.

I was very impressed with Susan Maxwell-Skinner's latest publication. The book is filled to overflowing with interesting stories and observations that could only have been written by someone who knew the princess personally.

The selection of photographs include many that I have never seen before.Obviously Ms. Maxwell-Skinner has many contacts that other authors writing about Diana do not.The comments written to go along with the photos give the reader an insight to what it was like to watch the princess as she married, had children and tried to make her place in the Royal Family.

Diana, Memory Of A Rose was at the same time a heartwarming and tragic story to read. My husband laughed at me as I would be laughing one minute and crying the next. An all around great read.

I was very delighted to find Susan Maxwell Skinner 's Diana: Memory of a Rose
under my tree this year. Firstly the photos will knock any Diana fan flat.
So many were new to me and so stunning ...this alone makes it a must have for those
who love Diana.

But there's so much more! I loved the quotes from Diana and learning what went on at events.
We have see Diana pictures, but so often we are given little background about where
and what was happening! It's an unexpected treat to learn what was going on!

Ms Skinner was there, and after you read the book. you feel you were there too!
The magic that was Diana is conveyed wonderfully .

Ms Skinner is a professorial royal reporter and one can see her at work in her earlier Diana book.
But this book is personal and all she couldn't say while Diana was part of her job is here in the
heart felt text . A joy to read!

This is a beautiful, elegant coffee table type of book dedicated to the late Diana, Princess of Wales that any fan of hers will enjoy for years to come. I enjoyed seeing the variety of pictures (some I had not seen before) and I, too, found the chapter with the paintings to be a highlight of the book.

Although we all know that Diana's story ended in tragedy, this lovely tome does not dwell on her death, but rather celebrates her life through the author's memories of her and the memories of those whose lives she briefly touched.

As a caveat, anyone looking for 'dirt' on the Princess of Wales need not look here; this book is filled with positivity (but is in no way maudlin or worshipful) that brings a fair and balanced perspective to the epic 'Diana phenomonon'. Thank you, Mrs. Maxwell-Skinner, for your well-written contribution to the story of Diana, Princess of Wales!

Very touching and very lovely. You'll learn more about Diana and her biography. This is a definite recommendation for your free time. I haven't seen any loyal princes or princesses that are this determined to change the world for the poor and the unfortunate children.

Very lovely written.