The American Heiress

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Anyone suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal will find relief in Daisy Goodwin’s debut novel. Set in the 1890s, it follows Cora Cash, a beautiful American heiress who travels abroad with her mother to find a titled husband. Cora, whose family mansion in Newport surpasses even the Vanderbilts', unexpectedly becomes the Duchess of Wareham after marrying Ivo, England’s most eligible bachelor. However, her fairy tale quickly reveals itself to be more complex: Ivo is secretive and emotionally distant, and the English social scene is rife with dangers and betrayals. Cora learns that wealth cannot solve all her problems, leading her to question what truly matters in her life and marriage. This witty and engaging tale captures the essence of a new storyteller reminiscent of Edith Wharton and Henry James. For the daughters of 19th-century American billionaires, marrying a cash-strapped British aristocrat offered the allure of a title and social standing, yet happiness remained elusive. The novel, originally titled My Last Duchess in the UK, offers a fresh perspective on this historical dynamic, making it a captivating read.