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July 14,2025
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Amazing Insight into the Descendents of the Astors



The Astor family has long been a prominent and influential name in history. Their descendants carry with them a rich heritage and a unique set of qualities.

These descendants have often found themselves in the public eye, due to their family's wealth and status. However, they have also managed to carve out their own identities and make their own contributions in various fields.

Some of the Astor descendants have pursued careers in business, continuing the family's tradition of entrepreneurship. Others have dedicated themselves to philanthropy, using their resources to make a positive impact on society.

Despite the challenges and pressures that come with being part of such a well-known family, the Astor descendants have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability. They have managed to preserve their family's legacy while also forging their own paths in the modern world.

Studying the descendants of the Astors provides us with a fascinating glimpse into the past and the present. It shows us how family history and values can shape an individual's life and how one can build on the achievements of their ancestors.

July 14,2025
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I was truly disgusted by this "love" story. It involves Archie Chanler, also known as Chaloner, who is an heir of the Astor fortune in Manhattan real estate. And then there's Amelie Rives, a southern female writer of some renown, with a character that seems straight out of a Tennessee Williams play.

She was a sensuous and beautiful woman. Interestingly, although she wrote about female sexual passion during a time when it wasn't even acknowledged, let alone discussed in polite circles, she was apparently sexually repressed. Archie fell helplessly in love with Amelie, but unfortunately, it was a doomed relationship that ultimately ruined his life.

I can't find fault with the scholarship, the notes, or the extensive bibliography. However, I do fault the lives of these two Gilded Age spoiled brats. What a waste of lives and money! Their actions and choices led to a tragic outcome that could have been avoided. It makes one wonder about the consequences of living a life of excess and entitlement.
July 14,2025
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Amelie Rives is my relative on my Great Grandmother Rives side.

Our family history is truly captivating. It is filled with adventures that span across different eras and places. The warmth and wonder within our family are palpable, creating a sense of unity and belonging.

However, it is not all sunshine and roses. At times, our family history also holds elements that are dark and tragic. These moments serve as a reminder of the complexity and reality of life.

Despite the mix of light and shadow, I am glad to be part of the Rives and Adams line of writers, artists, and poets. Their creative spirit and talent have left a lasting legacy that I am proud to inherit.

Being part of this family gives me a sense of purpose and inspiration. It encourages me to explore my own creativity and contribute to the rich tapestry of our family's history.

I look forward to uncovering more of our family's stories and sharing them with future generations.
July 14,2025
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3 1/2. This is a great story indeed. However, it seems to be somewhat buried within an abundance of background material about every single person in the family. There is just so much detailed information about each family member that it can be a bit overwhelming. But thank goodness for the family tree! It serves as a useful guide, helping to make sense of all this complex family history. It allows us to better understand the relationships and connections between everyone. Without it, we might have easily gotten lost in the sea of information. The family tree provides a clear visual representation, making it easier to follow the story and see how each character fits into the overall narrative. It truly is a valuable asset in understanding this great story that is otherwise hidden beneath a mountain of family background details.

July 14,2025
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I loved this book so very much that I couldn't help but go and scour various used book sites in order to be able to read Amelie Rives' book. It was truly a captivating piece of literature that had me completely hooked.

I talked about it incessantly to the point that my boyfriend at that time, in an act of kindness and understanding, bought me Rives' sequel. I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to dive into the next installment.

Several years later, I found myself rereading the original book纯粹 for fun. It was as if I was rediscovering a hidden treasure all over again. The story still held the same charm and magic that it did when I first read it.

Not only did I enjoy it myself, but I also felt compelled to share this wonderful book with many of my friends. I lent it to them, hoping that they too would experience the joy and excitement that I had felt while reading it. It was a pleasure to see their faces light up as they delved into the world of Amelie Rives' creation.
July 14,2025
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It is quite unusual for me to develop an affinity for a story that features characters whom I find rather unsympathetic. However, despite this, the story itself is truly interesting, and I have thoroughly enjoyed delving into the interactions of these exotic, spoiled, eccentric, and even insane individuals.


Nonetheless, I cannot help but wish that the book had been approximately 100 pages shorter. The excessive repetition of many facts and anecdotes became rather tiresome after a while. Moreover, the seemingly endless discussions about business ventures added to the overall tedium of the reading experience.


Despite these drawbacks, there were still aspects of the story that managed to hold my attention. The unique personalities of the characters and their complex relationships provided an engaging backdrop for the narrative. It made me question my own preconceptions about what makes a character likable or worthy of our interest.


In conclusion, while the book had its flaws, it also had its redeeming qualities. It served as a reminder that sometimes, even in the most unexpected of stories, there can be something to discover and enjoy.
July 14,2025
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I am already enjoying it a few chapters in. Thanks so much, Nancy!!

The book has such cinematic qualities. It provides quite a peek into the lives of the old-money rich at the turn of the century.

As I read, I can almost picture the grand mansions, the elegant parties, and the luxurious lifestyles.

The descriptions are so vivid that it's like watching a movie unfold in my mind.

I'm eager to see what else lies ahead in the story and how the characters will develop.

It's truly a captivating read that has me completely immersed.

I can't wait to share my thoughts with others once I've finished the entire book.

Overall, I'm extremely impressed with this work and look forward to reading more from the author.
July 14,2025
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Interesting reading.

While I truly relished the historical aspect that this book presented, unfortunately, the story itself was somewhat lackluster. It seemed to fall a bit short in captivating my full attention.

Aside from the well-known wealth of the Astors, which was a prominent feature, I found myself longing for a few more intricate details of the Gilded Age. The era was so rich and complex, and I felt that the book could have delved deeper into the various aspects that made it so fascinating.

Perhaps a more in-depth exploration of the social hierarchies, the cultural trends, or the political intrigues of that time would have added more depth and excitement to the narrative.

Nevertheless, the historical information provided was still valuable, and it did give me a better understanding of the context in which the story was set.

Overall, despite its shortcomings, I still found the book to be an interesting read, and it left me with a desire to learn more about the Gilded Age and the people who lived during that time.

July 14,2025
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I'm truly at a loss as to why I persevered and finished this book. In all honesty, Chapter 1 should have served as a glaring red flag, hinting at how the rest of the story would unfold. There was an abundance of potential within the characters and the time period that the author chose to explore. The characters seemed to have interesting backstories and personalities that could have been developed further. The time period itself was rich with historical events and cultural nuances that could have added depth and excitement to the narrative. However, despite all of this potential, this book was far from a fun read. It felt flat and unengaging, as if the author had failed to bring the story to life. The pacing was slow, and the plot lacked the necessary twists and turns to keep the reader hooked.

In conclusion, I can't help but feel disappointed with this book. It had so much going for it, but it ultimately fell short of my expectations. I would not recommend this book to others, as I don't think they would find it enjoyable either.
July 14,2025
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I gave up on this one. It was such a dry reading.

The text seemed to lack any real excitement or engaging elements. It was as if the words were just sitting there on the page, lifeless and uninteresting.

I found myself constantly losing focus and having to force myself to keep going. There was no story or narrative to draw me in, no characters to root for or情节 to follow.

It was just a bunch of facts and information presented in a very dull and monotonous way. I tried to give it a chance, but after a while, I realized that it was just not for me.

I decided to move on and look for something else to read that would capture my attention and hold my interest from start to finish.
July 14,2025
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Archie Chanler, the heir to the Astor millions, and Amelie Rives were the golden couple of their era. Their union seemed to be a match made in heaven, with Archie's wealth and Amelie's charm and talent as an author. However, beneath the surface, their relationship was troubled. Both were headstrong and controlling, which led to frequent arguments and power struggles.


Amelie, in particular, was drawn to the trappings of fame that came with being a published author. Her books, which often dealt with scandalous and controversial topics, caused a stir when they were released. This further complicated their relationship, as Archie was more reserved and traditional.


Despite their differences, Archie and Amelie remained together, perhaps out of a sense of obligation or a desire to maintain their public image. But as time went on, their marriage became increasingly strained, and they began to destroy each other's lives. This is an excellent read that explores the complex and often tumultuous relationship between two mismatched people.

July 14,2025
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This marvelous biography

chronicles the tumultuous relationship of two incredible characters of gilded age noble birth.

Amelie, whose godfather was the renowned Robert E. Lee, and Archie, an Astor, found themselves in a complex and passionate connection.

Together, they seemed to spontaneously combust. Amelie struggled with a morphine addiction, which no doubt added to the drama and turmoil of their relationship.

Archie, on the other hand, made some seemingly unwise business maneuvers that had severe consequences. These actions led his family to have him committed.

However, I'm not entirely certain that he was, in fact, crazy. Maybe there were other factors at play that we don't fully understand.

Nonetheless, this biography is a great read. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and loves of these two remarkable individuals during a glamorous and yet often tumultuous era.

It's a story filled with passion, drama, and mystery that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.
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