Princesses Behaving Badly | Linda Rodriguez McRobbie | Audiobook Review

You think you know her story. You’ve read the Brothers Grimm, you’ve watched the Disney cartoons, and you cheered as these virtuous women lived happily ever after. But real princesses didn't always get happy endings. Sure, plenty were graceful and benevolent leaders, but just as many were ruthless in their quest for power—and all of them had skeletons rattling in their royal closets. Princess Stephanie von Hohenlohe was a Nazi spy. Empress Elisabeth of the Austro-Hungarian empire slept wearing a mask of raw veal. Princess Olga of Kiev slaughtered her way to sainthood while Princess Lakshmibai waged war on the battlefield, charging into combat with her toddler son strapped to her back. Princesses Behaving Badly offers true tales of all these princesses and dozens more in a fascinating read that's pefect for history buffs, feminists, and anyone seeking a different kind of bedtime story.

Why Did I Listen To Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History Without the Fairy-Tale Endings?

Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories From History Without The Fairy-Tale Endings by Linda Rodriguez McRobbie is a book that I was supposed to get in the mail for review. However, it never showed up, which whatever. It is what it is. I was still really intrigued in the subject matter though. So, I decided I might as well give this book some support and purchase the audiobook. Plus audio books about history are one of my weaknesses.

What’s This Audiobook All About?

Well, like many non-fiction books you do not need to think all that hard to figure out what you might get from the book because the title tells you EVERYTHING. Of course, this book is about princesses from history and the ones who were rarely well behaved. I mean, these are real princesses not Disney ones or ones from the Brothers Grimm. We learn about women who were spies and murderers and those with weird habits. There are very short sections on each princess detailed in this book.

Was Anything Particularly Memorable About The Audiobook?

This question is probably the most relevant question of all the questions in this book review given that I listened to Princesses Behaving Badly in January 2015 and it is now March 2017 as I type this. So, lol, honestly, I remember the warrior princesses being pretty dope and I think there was a section on Boudica, and she’s the deal. I could be making up that she appears in the audiobook, but I just remember her really sticking out to me. Alas, no, this is not the most memorable book you will ever listen to. However, it’s not horrible. If you like pop history, you’ll dig this book.

Who Should Listen To This Audiobook?

I would absolutely recommend Princesses Behaving Badly to people who really enjoyed Sex With Kings and Sex With The Queen by Eleanor Herman. However, this is not nearly as well researched. It still has a level of fascinating about it though – that feeling of gossip. So, of course, I was into this book.

How’s The Narration Of Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History Without the Fairy-Tale Endings?

Well, the audiobook is narrated by Cassandra Campbell. I’ll say as a person who has listened to quite a few of her audiobook narrations that she has a very princess sounding voice. I mean, she has this beautiful, melodic voice that does regal very well. I totally think she’s a great choice of narrator and would recommend the audiobook if you’re looking for something light and easy to listen to in bite sized chunks.

Other Reviews Of Princesses Behaving Badly: Real Stories from History Without the Fairy-Tale Endings:

• That’s What She Read – “Meant to entertain as well as educate“
• Luxury Reading – “a fascinating read all the same“
• Great Imaginations – “the book felt a little too informal“

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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