Wallis Simpson: The Lotus Year in China

"Wallis Simpson: The Lotus Year in China" by Helen Roque offers a fresh and fascinating perspective on one of history's most controversial women-Wallis Simpson, the American divorc e who became the Duchess of Windsor. This compelling biography uncovers a pivotal year in Wallis's life, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s China, a time that would shape her into the woman who would forever alter the British monarchy.

Before she was a royal, Wallis was Bessie Wallis Warfield, a young woman seeking purpose and adventure. Her year in China-her "Lotus Year"-was not only a journey of cultural immersion but a transformative experience that redefined her outlook on life. Amidst the political unrest and glamour of Shanghai and Beijing, Wallis discovered the beauty of Chinese art, forged lasting friendships, and developed the poise and elegance that would later define her as the wife of King Edward VIII.

However, this year would later become the focal point of a scandalous narrative, as Wallis's past was scrutinized and manipulated by the British Establishment in an attempt to block her marriage to Edward. The so-called "China Dossier" portrayed her as immoral and unfit for royalty, painting a damning picture of her time in the Far East. But Roque's meticulous research reveals a different story-one of a courageous, independent woman who navigated the complexities of a foreign land and its politics with intelligence and grace.

"Wallis Simpson: The Lotus Year in China" sheds light on a crucial moment in Wallis's life that has long been shrouded in mystery and misrepresentation. This book uncovers not just the scandal but the strength of a woman who would forever challenge royal conventions and live life on her own terms.