Guess what? When Princess Madeleine and her hubby Chris O’Neill decided to sell their cozy villa in Pinecrest, Miami, Florida, we all got a sneaky peek inside their stunning home. The virtual tour, whipped up by their realtor, kept their personal flair under wraps and didn’t spill much tea. But, oh boy, did we catch a fleeting look at a bookshelf in the master bedroom on the second floor!
So, what books do Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill read?
From that quick sneak peek of their bedroom bookshelf, here are the titles I managed to spot. Spotted more? Don’t keep it to yourself – drop us a comment below and share the bookish love!
Financial and Personal Development
- Investing in Real Estate by Gary W. Eldred. This book focuses on strategies and insights into real estate investment and equips investors with proven strategies to thrive in the current market, highlighting the unique opportunity presented by low interest rates and property prices for both short- and long-term gains.
- Reminiscences of a Stock Operator – Edwin Lefévre. This book offers a fictionalized journey of Jesse Livermore’s trading career, from his initial successes to dramatic losses and eventual triumph on Wall Street. Based on interviews by Richard D. Wyckoff, it shares timeless insights into stock selection, trading psychology, and beginning in trading.
- The Anxiety Solution – Chloe Brotheridgeinve. This book by therapist Chloe Brotheridge combines scientific research and personal experience to create a program for women to conquer fear and stress. Offering practical tools and exercises, it addresses the modern causes of anxiety, including social media and perfectionism, and guides readers towards a calmer, more confident life.
Historical Fiction and Non-Fiction
- Lilac Girls: A novel by Martha Hall Kelly. Historical fiction based on real-life events during World War II. Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite working at the French consulate, faces a world at war when Hitler invades Poland and France. Polish teenager Kasia Kuzmerick’s life takes a dark turn as she joins the underground resistance, while German doctor Herta Oberheuser lands a job that exposes her to the horrors of Nazi ideology. Their lives intersect when Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, a Nazi concentration camp. From New York to Europe, the novel traces Caroline and Kasia’s fight for justice for those history has overlooked, highlighting the strength and resilience of women during wartime.
- The Queen’s Fortune: A Novel of Desiree, Napoleon and the Dynasty That Outlasted the Empire by Allison Pataki. A historical novel about Desiree Clary whose life intertwines with Napoleon Bonaparte and Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, making a journey filled with love, betrayal and resilience. This book celebrates the remarkable survival and influence of a woman who stood at the heart of an empire’s rise and fall, offering a riveting exploration of personal strength amidst historical tumult.
- Prague Nights by Benjamin Black. In this book, set in 1599, young doctor Christian Stern discovers the body of the emperor’s mistress, catapulting him into a murder investigation at the heart of the emperor’s court. Surrounded by intrigue, coded letters, and political rivalries, Stern navigates a world where turning back is not an option.
- Munich by Robert Harris. Robert Harris’s novel features Hugh Legat, a British diplomat, and Paul von Hartmann, a German Foreign Office staff and secret anti-Hitler resistor. Former Oxford friends, their lives intersect dramatically as they converge on the Munich Conference with Chamberlain and Hitler, setting a collision course amidst historical figures in a tense, gripping narrative.
- Six Minutes in May – Nicholas Shakespeare. In “Six Minutes in May,” Nicholas Shakespeare explores the precarious moments leading to Winston Churchill’s rise during WWII, following a disastrous Allied defeat in Norway, for which Churchill was initially blamed. The book delves into the swift political upheaval that ousted Chamberlain, spotlighting the intricate battlefield dynamics, political strategies, and personal relationships in Westminster. Shakespeare’s new research offers fresh insights into a pivotal historical juncture, highlighting how Britain’s fate hung in the balance.
Cultural and International Perspectives
- Crazy Rich Asians – Kevin Kwan. (Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy). Rachel Chu’s summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, takes an unexpected turn when she discovers his family’s immense wealth and high social status. Suddenly, her envisioned quiet getaway becomes a tumultuous journey through a world of opulence, envious relatives, and social maneuvering, with Rachel navigating the challenges as an unwitting target.
- Flickorna utan namn – Mikaela Bley. (In Swedish). 17-year-old Linn is sent to Täcktaholm boarding school to stabilize her chaotic life but quickly becomes entangled in school conflicts. When a girl disappears, Linn realizes she’s in danger. Meanwhile, reporter Ellen Tamm learns of two unidentified women found dead in the woods, with the police at a loss and no one missing them.
- Paris: A Love Story by Kati Marton is the author’s candid memoir of love, loss, and new beginnings set against the backdrop of Paris. The city serves as a constant through the stages of her life, from exhilarating love with Peter Jennings and Richard Holbrooke to the challenge of moving forward after Holbrooke’s sudden death. Marton’s narrative intertwines personal growth with historical events, offering an inspirational journey through her intimate experiences in the city of love.
- En Halv Gul Sol by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. (In Swedish). Twin sisters Olanna and Kainene lead contrasting lives in Nigeria; Olanna embraces love and family with Odenigbo, while Kainene pursues business, hesitating on family despite Richard’s love. War ravages their lives, testing loyalties and altering their destinies irreversibly.
What do these books tell us about Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill?
The books reflect not only Madeleine and Chris’ personal preferences but potentially aspect of their public roles, responsibilities and perhaps even insights into their personal lives away from public duties. Let’s explore this even deeper.
The Books Reflect a Global Perspective and Cultural Openness
Given their international background – Princess Madeleine being Swedish and having lived in various countries and Chris O’Neill being a British-American financier – their book collection reflects a global perspective and openness to diverse cultures. Books like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Paris: A Love Story,” and “En Halv Gul Sol” underscore an interest in stories from around the world, resonating with their cosmopolitan lifestyle and perhaps a desire to understand and appreciate cultures different from their own.
They Likely Have Interest in History and Politics
The selection of historical novels and non-fiction such as “Munich” by Robert Harris and “Six Minutes in May” by Nicholas Shakespeare suggests a keen interest in historical events, political intrigue, and the complexities of European history. This could be tied to a natural interest in political and historical contexts, given the royal family’s historical and ongoing involvement in such matters, offering deeper insights into the geopolitical dynamics that have shaped Europe.
Personal Development and Mental Health Awareness
“The Anxiety Solution” by Chloe Brotheridge indicates a concern for mental health and well-being, reflecting a modern approach to health that includes mental and emotional well-being. Given Princess Madeleine’s involvement in charitable work, including child protection and mental health, this choice aligns with a personal and professional commitment to these issues.
Financial Literacy and Investment
With titles like “Investing in Real Estate” and “Reminiscences of a Stock Operator,” there’s an evident interest in financial literacy and investment. Chris O’Neill’s background in finance may directly influence these selections, suggesting a practical interest in financial markets and investment strategies, possibly extending to personal interests or charitable foundation management.
Literary Fiction and Storytelling
Their collection also shows a love for literary fiction, with titles by authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, reflecting an appreciation for deep, nuanced storytelling. This interest could serve multiple purposes: personal enjoyment, a deeper understanding of human experiences across different cultures, and perhaps finding stories that resonate with or inspire their philanthropic interests.
Thematic Diversity as a Reflection of Multifaceted Roles
Overall, the diversity of themes in Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill’s book collection might reflect the multifaceted roles they play—balancing public duties with personal interests, charitable engagements with leisure reading, and a family life that spans multiple cultures. Their book choices show a blend of personal development, a commitment to understanding complex social and historical themes, and a genuine appreciation for the cultural richness of our world. This collection speaks to their roles as modern royals and philanthropists who value education, mental health, and the broad spectrum of human experience.
What are your thoughts about the book selection of Princess Madeleine and Chris O’Neill? Have you read any of the above mentioned books? Would you like to add any of them to your book collection? Please tell us in the comments below.
