A Fatal Passion: The Story of Victoria Melita

[Guinastasia]

Perhaps because Ducky comes off as being rather cold and stuck up.  Missy, on the other hand, may have been conceited as all get out, yet she was always very outgoing, and theatrical, and she really did care about others, and she was extremely generous.

As for Ducky being a beauty-no.  Bach, I'm with you that the book was pretty much a white-wash.  Missy was the beauty in the family, not Ducky.

[Eric_Lowe]

I think Ducky looked better in real life than in photos. (remember how Vicky (Kaiserin Friedrich) praised her looks as oppose to the more photogenic Alix and Ella). I think she was quite tragic by nature (like the Bontes). As a sensative woman, she was pushed into a marriage she did not desire (like Missy). unfortunately Ducky refused to accept and lower her expectattions and instread chose to fight ("the fighting grand duchess"). If that kind of attitude made her being disliked, so be it. As a person, she was not bad at all. I guess Ducky was always artistic and felt misunderstood and under appreciated. The only ones who made provisions for her were Marie Coburg and Missy. 

[Laura_]

I think Ducky looked better in real life than in photos. (remember how Vicky (Kaiserin Friedrich) praised her looks as oppose to the more photogenic Alix and Ella). I think she was quite tragic by nature (like the Bontes). As a sensative woman, she was pushed into a marriage she did not desire (like Missy). unfortunately Ducky refused to accept and lower her expectattions and instread chose to fight ("the fighting grand duchess"). If that kind of attitude made her being disliked, so be it. As a person, she was not bad at all. I guess Ducky was always artistic and felt misunderstood and under appreciated. The only ones who made provisions for her were Marie Coburg and Missy. 

finally!!! a post i can totally agree with ...this is exactly what i feel

[Eric_Lowe]

Glad you agree...

[TampaBay]

I think the key to understanding Ducky (which I do not) is understanding her mother.  A good indepth Pakula/Massie type bio needs to be written on GD Marie.  Her letters need to be published.  I think then much insight into Duckt will be gained.

TampaBay

I will say it one more time:

I think the key to understanding Ducky (which I do not) is understanding her mother.  A good indepth Pakula/Massie type bio needs to be written on GD Marie.  Her letters need to be published.  I think then much insight into Ducky mayl be gained.

IMO Ducky was her mother's daughter!!!!

TampaBay

[Eric_Lowe]

Indeed ! If any publisher wants to published them they shall be done. Those of us who were luvky enough to know what is in the letters would definitely agree. 

[Ilana]

I have been privileged to hear readings of Marie Coburg's letters to Missy ... and they give a completely different impression of Marie than most of us have gotten.  She is a woman with a sense of humor, the ridiculous and lots more compassion than you might think....

I really enjoyed them and the context the reader, a lovely gentleman named John Wimbles, put them in.... and hope that someday they will be published.

[grandduchessella]

It was said once on the Forum that Mr Wimbles was working on a bio of GD Marie but I guess that's not happening now? What a shame. Some of the letters quoted in different articles, such as those on Baby Bee, really do show a different side of Marie. Also, I have an article on Jenny Churchill which quotes some from Marie and her tone is warm and friendly, when we picture her being so brusque. I think her letters much just be a treasure. One can only hope that someone, if not Mr Wimbles, might take it on. Perhaps our own Ilana now that her VMH book is just about done? 

[Eric_Lowe]

I think it will take quite a while for that to happen. Mr. Wimbles has taken over 10 years of his life to work those letters in Romania and researched it (both photos and info). it would not be easy for Ilana to just go and do it. Missy was Mr. Wimbles's favourite as VMH was to Ilana. I think she should have a much derserved rest after such hard work and personal issues. I shall be looking forward to her book...with anticipated pleasure ! 

[Ilana]

Thanks, Courtney, but as Eric rightly says, this is John's baby and it would be wonderful to see them!

[grandduchessella]

I didn't mean to take anything away from Mr Wimbles--I thought it had been posted once that he had abandoned the book.  I have read some of his articles and really enjoy them so I would eagerly await any possible book he would do.

[Eric_Lowe]

Well...He is still looking for a publisher and far from abandoning ship at this point (in fact he still goes periodically to Romania for info...).

[Ena]

I agree TB! a biography on Marie Coburg would be fascinating, love to learn more about her final years. And I love Vickys comment on how she "loved being No.1"!!!

I so agree with you - and with you TB!  I've said this before, but I am totally fascinated with Marie Coburg.  I read what Wimbles wrote in The Grand Duchesses, but it left me wanting so much more. 

A lot of people don't like her, and I can see why, but I have a lot of understanding and empathy for her situation; warts and all.

[Eric_Lowe]

Indeed ! The more you read about Marie Coburg, the more you want to know more...

[TampaBay]

It is time to take up a collection of $$$ so GD Ella can research and write a book.  I will donate my services for free!

TampaBay