The Secret Life of the Savoy cover art

The Secret Life of the Savoy

And the D'Oyly Carte Family

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The Secret Life of the Savoy

By: Olivia Williams
Narrated by: Sophie Roberts
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About this listen

In 1889, Victorian impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte opened the Savoy, Britain's first luxury hotel. Allowing the rich to live like royalty, it attracted glamour, scandal and a cast of eccentric characters, with the D'Oyly Carte family elevated to a unique vantage point on high society.

The Secret Life of the Savoy will tell their story through three generations: Richard (the founder, who died in the same year as Queen Victoria), Rupert (a moderniser who saw the hotel through two world wars and the roaring '20s) and Bridget (a queen-like figure who was one of mid-20th century Britain's wealthiest women).

The audiobook will explore their roller-coaster achievements, lifestyles and private lives, through the prism of this iconic hotel and its many distinguished guests - from Oscar Wilde to the Beatles.

©2020 Olivia Williams (P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd Europe Great Britain Political Science Politics & Government Royalty

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Not just a hotel but a family life a fascinating insight to an entrepreneur and his rise to fortune and fame. Heartache and fortune it would make a great film but who would believe it?

Fascinating insight to an interesting family

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Sophie Roberts is brilliant as the narrator, I could have listened to her all day especially during pronunciations in French. I literally couldn’t wait to listen to this every day on my daily dog walk. Great historical information making me want to visit and explore much of the areas around London and beyond that we’re mentioned. Great book!!

Thoroughly enjoyable!

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This is a great book, going through all the history and people running and staying at the Savoy Hotel. Also festinating history of the family who owned it.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in historic London.

Fantastic historical book

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I found the book interesting in that it gives a detailed history of the D’Orly Carte family and the establishment of the G&S Opera company and the setting up and running of the Savoy Theatre, hotel and other hotels within the group. However the vocal performance lacked energy and felt a bit flat throughout.

Interesting if you’re a G&S fan

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