Review: A Particular Woman by Ashley Dawson-Damer

Ashley Dawson-Damer has experienced quite an eventful life, as a philanthropist, the trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, a model, the wife of a British aristocrat who tragically died in a car race and a jet setter during the 1960s. In her memoir, A Particular Woman, she gives a loving account to a life lived to the fullest, whilst sharing how she juggled a career with her role as a wife and mother. 

Reading this one felt much like reading one of those in-depth accounts that I occasionally see in the Australian Women's Weekly, of local woman who've made it, who've managed to live a wholesome and successful life and perhaps even paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps. What I particularly enjoyed about this one is that the author gives equal footing to describing her domestic life, her beautiful home in the country and her love for, and time spent with, her husband and their two children. Of course, there were sad times too, a pregnancy that ended suddenly in Africa, and well, further heartbreak in Australia and a first marriage that did not end amicably, despite the huge sacrifices that she had made for her first husband. Still, it is never the role of the author to make readers feel sorry for her--rather it shows that anyone, no matter how seemingly well off and successful has their share of struggles. 

Recommended.

Thank you to Ventura Press for my copy of A Particular Woman.

This book was read as part of the Aussie Author Challenge 2020.

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