Andrew Morton’s biography of the sisters Elizabeth and Margaret covers well-trodden ground but raises some interesting points along the way ... he does a diligent and well-researched job, examining the closeness of the sisters and their conflicted relationship in a seamless, readable way.
The clichéd assessment 'compulsively readable' seems the most appropriate response to Andrew Morton’s 385-page book on the Windsor sisters, Elizabeth and Margaret. Much of this material will already be familiar, though perhaps given a different twist ... The biographer appears to have had extraordinary access in terms of intimate stories and winsome quotes ... The story bounces along in a language alternately stilted and slangy, well- suited to its main subject Margaret, known not only for her 'sex twinkle' (Cecil Beaton), but also for her haughtiness faced with any signs of familiarity from the lower orders. Another royal trophy for Mr. Morton!
... an earnest examination of the yin-and-yang, Jackie-and-Marilyn dynamic between Queen Elizabeth and her late younger sister, Princess Margaret. The result is less deliciously inspired ... it’s hard not to lament a lack of scoops, or surprises, in Elizabeth and Margaret. Morton describes their relationship as 'intriguing but neglected,' but lingers on the oft-told saga of whether or not Margaret would relinquish her title to marry the much-older Group Capt. Peter Townsend, who wore the scarlet 'D' of divorce ... Morton provides rich context on the coldness of royal life ... In their current incarnation, the British royals strive for Barbour jacket-clad approachability, but Elizabeth and Margaret is a damning reminder of the monarchy’s imperialist roots.
