Kris L. (miss-info) reviewed on 6/5/2010 + 386 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This second diary was even more fascinating than the first. It begins with the last bit of Charles and Anne's courting, then the first year and more of their marriage when they had no home. They flew every day and spent every night in a different hotel, in a different city, with the media and curious public constantly in their faces. They finally settled into a house for the birth of their son, Charlie. A year later they went to the Orient for about three months, and the letters Anne sends during that time are interesting and funny. Then comes the last third of the book, which is heart-rending, yet incredibly honest and real. Charlie is kidnapped by ransom-seekers, and later found dead. Anne describes her own feelings, and also how she and Charles grieve so differently, and how his pursuit of peace and acceptance is tearing her apart. (It helps to read his biography first to understand his nature and how he thinks.) As they work through their grief they also expect their next little one. On some days the new baby is a hope for healing, on other days it's simply a reminder of what they have lost. Although the diary cuts off by the calendar year, it manages to end on a very good note, not leaving the reader with a lingering taste of grief or sadness. I highly recommend this book. The previous book is not necessary, but might help establish some of the family relationships and understanding of the media frenzy.

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