An absolutely enthralling read about the plight of women who inherited money and became the prey of men and society. I’m glad this book didn’t just focus on the American women, the ‘Million-dollar Heiresses’ but introduced the audience to other women who inherited fortunes. It was a real learning experience!

I look forward to recommending this book to readers who enjoy sophisticated stories that feature complex characters who are navigating the everyday challenges of family life, romance, money, careers, and aging. Realistic situations, fascinating characters, and a well-paced plot make this such a pleasure to read..

“Heiresses” by Laura Thompson is a non-fiction book that covers both the famous and not so famous. These women were heiresses - either born into money or inheritors of said money and property. Some of these stories sound like they were torn from the pages of fictional books (such as Ms. Ellen Turner, the abducted 15 year old), but her story was a very true one. Some of the stories are heart breaking - such as the women who kept signing money over to her greedy husband, even though there were trusts put into place to prevent that from happening. Some were interesting (I've read a little about Daisy Fellowes before, but this book provided a bit more background). This book gives a lot of 18th century history that I found interesting (such as the 1700s rule stating that if a woman entered a carriage first, that she went willingly - something I’m sure heiress kidnappers used to their advantage!). But some modernish heiresses are also covered - such as Barbara Hutton (I do wish there’d been more about her marriage to Cary Grant) and Patricia Hearst. If you want to read a historical take regarding inheritance laws and rights (or lack there of) regarding women, this might be the book for you. While I liked this book, I didn't always love it - while it has great historical information, I felt at times it skimmed over information (possibly because there wasn't much available), and other times delved in too deeply - but I'm probably in the minority about that (or maybe was in the mood for a more evenly paced book). Do read this is non-fiction about women is up your alley.

Heiresses by Laura Thompson is a great nonfiction that delves into the famous (and not as famous) lives of women that inherited multi-million dollar legacies and whether they ended up being success stories or became downward spirals.

This book gave a wonderful collection of women that were placed in extraordinary circumstances when they inherited a vast fortune. The examples were gathered mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries before equality really began to take shape.

It is fascinating to read about examples of success and also of despair, sadness, and failure. It is interesting to see such a vast array of situations and responses to being handed this unique situation. Some were able to rise to the occasion…some were fighters…others fell. Despite the fortunes presented, it is truly humbling (and frustrating to say the least) to see that just because they were women…massive obstacles and attempts at submission were a constant no matter if they were rich, poor, average, or exceptional.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.