That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor

Anne Sebba's biography examines the life of Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee who captured the heart of King Edward VIII of England. The book traces Simpson's path from her Baltimore origins through her marriages and eventual relationship with the British monarch. Drawing on letters, diaries, and previously unavailable archives, Sebba reconstructs the private world of one of the 20th century's most controversial figures. The narrative covers Simpson's time in China, her social climbing in London society, and the constitutional crisis that erupted when King Edward chose to abdicate the throne. The author presents a complex portrait of Simpson that moves beyond the familiar caricatures of social climber or royal homewrecker. Through careful analysis of historical evidence, Sebba explores themes of power, gender roles, and the clash between duty and personal freedom in the context of the British monarchy.

Readers found this biography offered new perspectives on Wallis Simpson through previously unpublished letters and interviews. Many noted the book's exploration of Simpson's possible intersex condition and early life experiences. Positive reviews highlighted: - Deep research into Simpson's Baltimore background - Balanced portrayal showing both strengths and flaws - Coverage of her pre-Edward relationships - Analysis of the political climate leading to abdication Common criticisms: - Too much focus on medical speculation - Repetitive passages - Lack of new information about post-abdication years - Writing style described as "dry" by multiple reviewers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (460+ ratings) "Sebba succeeds in humanizing a woman history has often caricatured," wrote one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads user noted "the medical conjecture felt unnecessary and detracted from the biographical elements."

American Duchess by Leslie Carroll The story chronicles how Consuelo Vanderbilt, an American heiress, married into British aristocracy and navigated high society as the Duchess of Marlborough.

The Six by Laura Thompson This biography follows the lives of the Mitford sisters, who moved through the same aristocratic circles as Wallis Simpson and became entangled in the political upheavals of 1930s Europe.

17 Carnations by Andrew Morton The book explores the relationship between Wallis Simpson, Edward VIII, and Nazi Germany through declassified intelligence files and correspondence.

The Windsor Diaries by Alathea Fitzalan Howard These personal journals provide an insider's view of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor through the observations of a teenage girl who spent time with the royal family during World War II.

The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull This narrative reveals the story of Thelma Morgan Furness, the woman who introduced Wallis Simpson to Edward VIII and lost him to her friend.

🔹 Despite the common belief that King Edward VIII gave up his throne purely for love, author Anne Sebba suggests Wallis Simpson actually tried to back out of the relationship, but Edward's obsessive nature made it impossible. 🔹 Sebba's research uncovered medical records suggesting Wallis Simpson may have suffered from a disorder called DSD (Disorder of Sexual Development), which could explain why she never had children and her reportedly masculine features. 🔹 Before meeting Edward, Wallis Simpson had already been married twice and was still married to her second husband, Ernest Simpson, when she began her relationship with the future king. 🔹 The book draws from previously unpublished letters and documents, including correspondence between Wallis and her second husband Ernest Simpson, which remained sealed until 2003. 🔹 While living in China during her first marriage, Wallis reportedly spent time in a brothel learning ancient Chinese techniques of intimacy, though this claim remains controversial and unverified.