Title: An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew
Author: Annejet van der Zijl
First published November 17, 2015
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.72
Overview
Experience the incredible life of Allene Tew, a young girl who rose from the humble beginnings of wilderness settlements in Upstate New York to become one of the most privileged figures of the Gilded Age. When Allene impulsively married Tod Hostetter, little did she know that he was heir to one of the wealthiest families in America.
After his untimely death, Allene packed her bags and never looked back, embarking on a journey that would see her become a princess and witness some of the most significant events of the 20th century. Through four more marriages, Allene weathered personal tragedies and financial reversals, cementing her place as both a pursuer and survivor of the American Dream.
Immerse yourself in the captivating story of An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew by Annejet van der Zijl.
About the Author
Annejet van der Zijl, a Dutch writer, was born in 1962 and pursued her education in mass communication at UVA in Amsterdam. She later earned a MA in International Journalism at City University in London.
For years, she worked in magazine journalism while simultaneously publishing her first book Jagtlust, which chronicles the story of a dilapidated villa that had become a gathering place for artists and poets in the sixties. Today, Annejet van der Zijl resides in Amsterdam with her husband, who is also a journalist.
Editoral Review
An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew by Annejet van der Zijl is a captivating non-fiction account of a remarkable woman who lived during the turn of the 20th century. This biography is beautifully written and readers are instantly drawn into the life of Allene Tew and the many adventures she embarked on throughout her life.
Annejet van der Zijl, a Dutch historian and author, has expertly pieced together the fascinating story of Allene Tew, a woman who lived a life that few others during her time had the resources or courage to live. Zijls writing style is engaging and informative, allowing for an easy and enjoyable read while still providing the reader with valuable insights into the historical and social context of the time.
The book follows Allene Tews life as she transforms from a small-town girl to a glamorous socialite who becomes known as “the richest woman in America.” Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of well-developed characters, including several of Tews husbands and lovers, as well as famous historical figures such as Winston Churchill and Wallis Simpson. The book’s setting spans multiple continents and historical eras, allowing readers to glimpse the truly extraordinary life of this American princess.
What is particularly admirable about Zijls work is her ability to recreate the essence of these various settings, whether it be during the Gilded Age in America, World War I in Europe, or the upheaval of the Russian Revolution. The historical significance of Allene Tews life and the events she experienced make this book not only an entertaining read but also an insightful commentary on the world during this era.
While there are minor criticisms to be made about the pacing of the book and the amount of information presented at times, it is clear that Zijl has done her research and her dedication to the subject matter cannot be denied. An American Princess is an informative and entertaining read, and we recommend it to anyone who is interested in the lives of remarkable women or the history of the early 20th century.
In conclusion, we give An American Princess: The Many Lives of Allene Tew a 4 out of 5 stars. The book is a masterful biography that vividly brings to life the story of an extraordinary woman, and does so with skillful storytelling and historical insight.
Whether youre a fan of biographies, history or simply a well-written book, we recommend giving An American Princess a try. You wont be disappointed.
