Wednesday, August 11, 2010

"The Bolter" a book by Frances Osborne




The Bolter by Frances Osborne, "The story of Idina Sackville, who ran away to become the chief seductress of Kenya's scandalous "Happy Valley set".


As usual, I heard of this book when the author, great-granddaughter of Idina Sackville, was being interviewed by Bob Edwards, one Saturday morning on NPR. Her recounting of Idina's life was absolutely fascinating, so much so, that after her interview was completed, I immediately picked up the phone and called my local bookstore to order a copy.


"Bolters", in 1920's through the 1930's in England's upper society, were married women who "bolted" from, and broke their marriage vows, not caring how conventional society viewed their lack of morals. Idina Sackville was considered to be the most "celebrated of them all."


Idina was married five times, and had countless lovers, more than one can possibly imagine - Hollywood personalities and their affairs are bland in comparison to Idina's!
Most writers of "hot romance" novels would have a hard time coming up with some of the scenarios of her wild sex parties, particularly those at her various homes in Kenya.
As with most of England's upper crust society, Idina "fell" in love with Kenya, she would return to England many times throughout her life, but Kenya always called to her. Her last home was "Clouds" overlooking the great Rift Valley.
This book read like a novel, just couldn't put it down. In addition, I learned quite a bit of history that had been left out of all the history courses I had taken throughout my schooling.
Hope you will consider this book.

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