The great-granddaughter of Idina Sackville delves into the loves, disappointments, and dalliances of her scandalous ancestor in this vibrant biography.  The result is a detailed, captivating portrait of an unconventional, sometimes shameless, often sad woman who adventured through England and Kenya-- and five marriages and countless lovers-- from World War I through World War II.

Osborne shows affection and empathy for the black sheep of her family, searching for the motivations and meaning behind Idina's behavior.  After the assumed "safe" infidelities of an open Edwardian marriage led her first husband's affections permanently astray, Idina left her unfaithful husband and her toddler sons for another man and an agrarian dream life in Kenya.  It didn't quite work out as she planned; even though she inspired society page headlines, racy novels, and elegant portraits, Idina's didn't find happiness through "freedom."

The glamour and recklessness of Idina and her fast-living Happy Valley Set is like something from a soap opera.  Tallulah Bankhead, Isak Denisen, and Michael Arlen are among the crowd who take part in Idina's whiskey- and gin-fueled pajama parties, bathing in champagne, sharing lovers, stalking lions, and dancing until dawn.  The author's extensive research and evocative sensory details make the swirling social scene come vividly to life. The dresses, the cocktails, the records on the gramophone are all chronicled, giving a cinematic and dramatic feel to a story that seems too wild to be true. ~Tegan