The Bolter, By Frances Osborne
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Young, sparkling, beautiful (her “shot-away” chin was never a deterrent), wealthy and witty, Lady Idina Sackville could have had anyone. She almost did. She married five times, and wanted to marry again. Unflagging both in her duties and in her pleasures, she was the heart of Kenya’s notorious “Happy |Valley set”. By the time of her death |from cancer she had amassed as much grief as gaiety.
Born at the close of the 19th century, Idina grew up in a world where an upper- class woman was allowed to do almost anything – except divorce. This striking and sympathetic biography of the author’s great-grandmother can be read as an investigation into Idina’s decision to leave her kind and fabulously rich husband, Euan Wallace, and its long, fun-filled, grief-stricken aftermath. Hardly had she re-established bonds with her long-estranged sons when the Second World War took them from her.
Despite the laborious erotic “games” Idina contrived for her guests, she emerges as warm, kindly and rather sad; cursed with more energy and daring than she seemed able to expend with safety.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments