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White Mischief
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by Embassy/Nelson Ent. - O.B.
Sales Rank: 156
Price: $14.99
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Besides the book and VHS, WHITE MISCHIEF, I have another book, written by: either the daughter of Diana's fourth husband, Lord THOMAS Delamere, or written by a friend of the daughter of Lord Thomas. She speaks of 'father' introducing Diana - but, her name does not reflect a direct kinship. <br /> <br />Leda Farrant, author of, "Diana, Lady Edlamere, and the LORD ERROLL MURDER," tells a story much different from the movie. Her conclusions are not footnoted and she clearly admits that in Kenya, animated conversation and a diversity of opinions will follow any mention of the murder of Joss Erroll. I brought up this topic whilst staying at Giraffe Manor outside Nairobi. We were fortunate to have the owner of the Manor present at dinner that night, and she was quite forward and positive about her response: "Diana did it." <br /> <br />In her book, Farrant quotes many of the residents of Kenya of that time, but she does not provide a source for any of her quotes. Nonetheless, it often appears that her research was actually more detailed than that of James Fox, author of WHITE MISCHIEF. Farrant first met Diana in 1954. She and her friends and siblings found Diana to be great fun for children. James Fox actually merely 'finished' the writing of Cyril Connolly, a distinguished man of letters in Great Britain. Connolly started his project in the 1960's, and engaged the help of staff writer, Fox, for a brief account of the event for the Sunday Times Magazine in 1969. Connolly died in 1974, leaving many scraps of information for Fox, but no outline, no conclusion - no manuscript. There is no indication that Fox did much work beyond the findings of Cyril Connolly. <br /> <br />Farrant's account was the first time I had read of any other possible conclusion other than Lord Broughton as portrayed in the movie. I soon learned that British Society - especially in Kenya, never, for a moment, believed anyone did it other than Diana. <br /> <br />Mrs. Farrant notes that Diana was never without her wonderful jewels, of which she possessed many, nor attired in clothing that was not both stylish and expensive. She was to have said on many occasion, when the topic was introduced, "Well, of course, darling! Everyone knows I shot the bugger!" This is far from the story or the ending penned by Fox. <br /> <br />Regardless of truth - or outcome - WHITE MISCHIEF - is a fabulous dive into sheer decedance. The clothes, the languid lifestyle, the drugs and booze - all connect to allow the viewer to be more of an on-site voyeur to the happenings in Happy Valley. The music is absolutely perfect: the sound of an old 'Victrola' playing well-worn tunes of the era. The thought to add this background is pure genius. You even begin to feel the heat of the warm African days and the chill of the savanna nights. <br /> <br />If you are not familiar with this film, book or the story, it will take only one exposure to get you hooked. I think I have all the accounts available, but I am always on the hunt for more!
Viewer Reviews
Interesting and easy read - Fox has done his research well. My late husband's parents were Kenya settlers and his father had NO respect for the Happy Valley crowd AT ALL. Fox has certainly filled in many of the gaps left in the story my husband, Len Gill told me and has introduced me to a new side of some of the characters Len knew. I only wish I had read this book before my husband died of cancer. So many questions - so little time for answers.
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White Mischief
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