The Mad Boy, Lord Berners, My Grandmother and Me

More about the book

This beguiling tale of a scandalous ménage à trois among England’s upper classes is a high society love story that combines memoir and biography into a fascinating read reminiscent of The Bolter and Portrait of a Marriage. Sofka Zinovieff’s grandparents lived and loved with abandon among the glittering stars of British society. Robert Heber-Percy, a dashing young man more inclined to drink than read, became involved with the beautiful socialite Jennifer Fry, known for her style and charm. However, by the time Robert married Jennifer, he had already been in a relationship with Gerald, Lord Berners, for over a decade. Gerald, stout, eccentric, and significantly older, was a well-known composer and owned the stunning Faringdon House in Oxfordshire. The two formed an unlikely couple, especially as they lived together during a time when homosexuality was illegal. In 1942, a pregnant Jennifer moved into Faringdon, creating a formidable ménage à trois. Illustrated with numerous photographs, this captivating narrative explores the complexities of Sofka Zinovieff's grandparents and the enigmatic Gerald. It raises questions about Gerald's role, Robert and Jennifer's union, and the realities behind their scandalous lives, ultimately allowing old ghosts to rest.