The title is spot-on with this read. Wild Wallis, realizing that her marriage was failing and she had no support at home, decided to take it on the road, and went off to China to regroup. Here, the author opines, is where she truly found herself along with enough inspiration to carry her through a long, long not particularly happy life (not that she would admit it wasn't). Should things turn uncomfortable, it seems Wallis powered through wrapped up in a one-of-a-kind gown, stepped into her mystique, pulled up her secret skills and pushed the button to her elevated connections (which as we know were top drawer), twirling off to the next social event.

There are many books out there about Wallis Simpson - this one is more opinion-y about her than some - a robust gathering of rumors, opinions and hearsay, but it is thorough in its well-grounded facts about China during Simpson's time there, the eras from which she pulled her inspirations, comrades and handy lovers. Filled with copious notes, references pointing to the Whos, Whys and Wheres, there's also an index if a particular nugget for readers is wanted. Also, my favorite in a book like this - lots of pictures / photographs.

*A sincere thank you to Paul French, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

This book speaks directly to “The China Dossier,” an account of Wallis Simpson’s scandalous year in China. However, the author argues that Simpson’s year was hardly scandalous but a year of partying with some romantic affairs but nothing out of the ordinary for the privileged colonials. The author is defensive of Simpson and offers a lot of political color on China, which is totally fascinating. The audiobook narrator is great, with a comforting voice, and presents the information well.

Paul French’s *Her Lotus Year* offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor's life—her transformative year in China. French expertly balances historical research with compelling storytelling, painting a portrait of Wallis as a complex, ambitious woman shaped by her experiences in a turbulent, war-torn region. The book challenges long-standing rumors and speculations, particularly about the so-called “China Dossier,” and instead presents Wallis as courageous and resourceful, potentially even a clandestine courier for the U.S. government. While some sections veer into dense historical detail, the narrative is ultimately an engaging exploration of how this pivotal year influenced Wallis's style, connections, and resilience. A must-read for history enthusiasts and fans of revisionist biographies—4 stars.