★★★★★ 5
Raw and Honest
Format: Hardcover
I admit I purchased this book because of all the hype, but also because I have been, since childhood, intrigued by her various family legacies (Burden, Vanderbilt, Cushing, Fairbanks), and their alliances (Whitney, Astor, Roosevelt, etc). I was not sure what to expect, but I am grateful I read this book. Being a queer man I probably am not the core audience for this book, I can attest it is still a great read.
Ms. Burden is amazingly candid and honest in a way I don't think most people in her situation would be. I can already tell that there will probably be countless reviews about how privileged her life was even during and after her divorce, and how unrelatable this book is for many people, but then you are missing something. If you want to judge Ms. Burden for things she had no control over then you should examine your own life.
My hat off to the author for being so open about such private matters in her life, and also for doing a great job shielding her children in life and in the book.
I hope it is true that there is a movie/series being made that will star Gwyneth Paltrow. I love Gwyneth, and if the author won't play herself I think Gwyneth is an amazing choice for her poise, acting ability, and class. Can't recommend this enough!
OH, I am curious to know if anyone who read this book read Wendy Burden's memoir Dead End Gene Pool. I LOVE that book, but it is so very very different, and I am curious to know if Wendy and Amanda get along irl.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2026
