Book SummaryWomen of Means, by Marlene Wagman-Geller

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Women of Means

The personal connections of affluent female heirs encompass their spousal ties, acts of defiance, and family interactions.

Heiresses frequently enter into unions for prestige or financial gain instead of affection, which can result in unstable marriages and familial discord.

The story explores the intimate details and spousal dynamics of distinguished individuals, including Almira Herbert, the Countess of Carnarvon, as well as other influential females such as the art patron Peggy Guggenheim, the esteemed Lady Edwina Mountbatten, and the wealthy socialite Barbara Hutton.

During the Victorian era, affluent women often found themselves in marriages orchestrated for strategic purposes rather than for love. The author describes how this custom frequently stemmed from practical necessity: men of noble lineage but lacking in funds would court affluent women to restore their dwindling wealth, whereas women with aspirations for higher social status would leverage their riches to acquire noble titles and elevate their societal position. The exchange of wealth for social standing frequently led to marriages devoid of affection, resulting in stormy relationships and strained family ties.

The marriage of Almina Herbert to the fifth Earl of Carnarvon is a prime example of this specific relationship dynamic. Lord Carnarvon, facing financial pressures to maintain his vast estate, agreed to wed Almina, overlooking her birth outside of marriage and her Jewish ancestry, enticed by the significant financial benefits her ties to the renowned Rothschild wealth presented. The union did guarantee Highclere's status as a familial asset, but it was tainted by a lack of both love and conjugal accord. Almina's unfaithfulness, her partner's obsession with adult content, and the persistent whispers regarding the paternity of their offspring all played a part in creating a toxic home environment. Peggy Guggenheim, originating from a family of significant wealth, constantly sought love and stability, aspirations she believed would be fulfilled in the union of marriage. Her unions with Laurence Vail and John Holms, who were part of creative communities, concluded disastrously as a result of the harmful and manipulative behavior of these individuals. She was motivated by a deep-seated longing for love and maintained a pure belief that acquiring wealth could ensure its attainment. Edwina Mountbatten, who inherited a significant wealth, entered into matrimony with an aristocrat, Lord Mountbatten, giving the impression of a perfect marriage. Despite their affluence and esteemed social status, the couple endured a substantial deficit in emotional intimacy, prompting them to pursue romantic relationships beyond the confines of their union. The portrayal by Wagman-Geller suggests that their marriage, which appeared to be open and honest, was in fact a mere facade intended to maintain their social standing and financial advantages. Barbara Hutton, heir to the Woolworth fortune, lived a life seeking affection and approval, entering into matrimony seven times, frequently with aristocrats who were attracted by her substantial financial resources. Each union ended in disillusionment and divorce, showing, as Wagman-Geller argues, that a multi-million dollar bank account is not an antidote to heartbreak.

Heiresses may rebel against their privileged upbringing and family expectations, leading to strained relationships and personal crises

Nancy Cunard and Nica Rothschild are acknowledged for their defiant nature and strained familial ties.

Numerous heiresses, despite embracing the signs and advantages of their wealth, are depicted by Wagman-Geller as challenging the restrictive confines of their affluent backgrounds, seeking fulfillment outside the confines of their insulated worlds. Their defiance frequently resulted in personal turmoil and deteriorating familial ties, a consequence of the conflict...

Women of Means Summary The mental strain linked to significant wealth and social privileges.

Wealth and privilege can breed isolation, which may result in heiresses turning to substances like alcohol and narcotics, in addition to seeking thrills through risky behaviors for stimulation.

The distressing experiences in the lives of Christina Onassis, Jocelyn Wildenstein, and Eva Rausing illustrate the mental strain that can result from unbridled privilege.

Affluence may offer protection from many hardships, yet Marlene Wagman-Geller suggests that an overabundance of opulence can also lead to internal turmoil, psychological discomfort, and a feeling of lacking purpose. The writer posits that heiresses, insulated from common struggles, might experience a deep sense of void and detachment, which can prompt them to numb their feelings with substances and become involved in harmful partnerships.

Christina Onassis, whose father was the illustrious shipping tycoon known as Aristotle Onassis, embodies a fate filled with sorrow. Christina's life was marked by an abundance of luxury and riches, but it was also marred by the absence of parental affection, her father's infamous romantic escapades, and the tragic deaths of her sister and mother. She grappled with...

Women of Means Summary The detrimental or alienating impact that affluence and influence can exert on people.

Immense wealth can occasionally lead to an inflated sense of self-importance, avarice, and a feeling of being untouchable, which can result in descendants prioritizing their own desires over ethical behavior.

Leona Helmsley's unethical business tactics, along with her well-known extramarital involvement with a prominent business figure, underscore the corruption.

The writer suggests that vast wealth, particularly when paired with unchecked power, can lead to a moral decline, fostering excessive self-assurance, greed, and a sense of invulnerability. The author suggests that heiresses, accustomed to having their desires met without consequence, may lose sight of ethical boundaries and prioritize their needs over the well-being of others.

Leona Helmsley became notorious for her ruthless business tactics and her tendency to belittle and exploit her workers, offering them meager pay, as she amassed a significant fortune through her dealings in the real estate sector of New York. Leona Helmsley's haughtiness and perceived superiority were starkly illustrated by her notorious declaration that only the little people pay taxes, underscoring her disconnect from common...