The Last American Heiresses
This book explores the deep friendship between two of America’s most celebrated wealthy women. One is Doris Duke, heir to the successful Duke Tobacco and Energy fortune, and the other is Barbara Hutton, heir to the vast Woolworths & Co. fortune. Born just days apart in 1912 to two of the richest families in elite New York, Doris and Barbara lived only blocks away and became childhood friends with a lifelong bond.
Both women inherited vast fortunes, and by their 18th birthdays, they were already dazzling the world with their jewels, ball gowns, parties, and travel. Over the years, they often engaged in a game of supposed one-upmanship for the press, even marrying the same man in separate marriages. The biggest difference seems to be that Doris Duke used much of her wealth to benefit several charities and trusts, while Barbara Hutton spent nearly every penny on her lavish lifestyle. The author brilliantly depicts the jet-set lifestyle of these two famous women through the perspective of Oliver Shaw, an interior decorator and close friend of Doris. As the plot unfolds, Emma Radetsky, a young filmmaker eager to chronicle the jewels of ultra-wealthy women, seeks Oliver’s assistance in uncovering untold narratives about these women and gaining access to their jewelry for her film.
The plot offers a cumulative narrative of their tabloid-rich lifestyles, giving readers glimpses into the lives of two complex women whose unshakeable bond enables them to navigate the upper echelons of high society. It is well-researched with flawless details and makes for an interesting read.
