Palace: My Life in the Royal Family of Monaco FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
The late Princess Grace is among the few members of Monaco's sovereign family who escape De Massy's harsh criticism. With Higham's help, the baron relates accounts of the attempted constrictions placed on his life by a cold, demanding mother, Princess Antoinette, Prince Rainier's sister. The story abounds with machinations as seen from De Massy's perspective: Grace's wedding, and the bride's harassment by palace intrigue and slights to her American family; Antoinette's attempts to usurp her brother's throne. Of more interest are details on daily life in the principality, Grace's contributions to its flourishing amenities and the political climate. But such data are merely background for the baron's main topic: rejection by his mother and uncle. Apparently, the royal nephew doesn't link his sorry status to the rakehell career he recalls with more relish than rue. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to New Woman and the Star. (November)
Library Journal
De Massy is the only nephew of Prince Ranier of Monaco. The focus of an unsucessful coup d'etat planned by his mother when he was only six, De Massy is an erstwhile race car driver, twice divorced, and currently ostracized by his family and country. It is hard to know how much to believe of this self-justifying autobiography, but it is a fascinating expose of family scandals, petty jealousies, and political intrigue. The only person who emerges relatively unscathed is Princess Grace. The portrayal of Monaco's political ties with France and economic rivalry with Aristotle Onassis will be new information for most readers. Given the perennial interest in royalty and movie stars, this is a safe but inessential purchase for public libraries. Jeanne Gelinas, Hennepin Cty. Lib., Mound, Minn.
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