Nancy’s Reads & Reels: A Movie, Cookbook and Biography About Wallis Simpson, The Duchess of Windsor

W.E. (which stands for Wallis and Edward) got some really bad reviews as well as some okay reviews. Perhaps if Madonna’s name hadn’t been attached it wouldn’t have received such scorn.

I went to see W.E. and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I could have done without the modern take on the story but the part about the Duke and Duchess was captivating because of the costumes, scenery and Andrea Riseborough as Wallis. Most people know how Edward, Prince of Wales, gave up his throne for the woman he loved (remember The King’s Speech?).

The Duke of Windsor, as he became after giving up the throne, and his Duchess were partiers. They seemed to be always drinking, smoking or eating. Their life seemed to be something of a bore once all the excitement died down. Wallis knew how to mix a mean martini.

On my way home from the movie I remembered that I had a book, Some Favorite Southern Recipes of The Duchess of Windsor. When I got home, I began to search for it in fear that I had donated it to the library. But no, I’m looking at it this very minute. Published in 1942, all proceeds were to go to the British War Relief Society. Did the Duchess actually prepare these recipes? I have my doubts.There is an introduction by Eleanor Roosevelt and I suppose the Duchess actually wrote the foreword. Among the recipes are: Lima Beans Piquant, Pilau of Rabbit and Glace aux Mangoes.

I haven’t read all of Anne Sebba’s biography of Wallis Simpson, That Woman, but have it on my Kindle. The Duchess (1896-1986) led an interesting life in interesting times. All sorts of rumors have surrounded her so trying to figure out who she really was is quite fascinating. I wonder if marrying the Duke was what Wallis wanted. She did have financial security, which was important to her, but I’ll have to continue reading to see how it all played out.