Customer Reviews:
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 Not so charming November 7, 2008
The concept of A CHARMED LIFE is intriguing, if not charming. Written by Liza Campbell, a member of the 26th consecutive generation of the family made famous in Shakespeare's MacBETH--and the final member of the family to be born at the notorious castle--there was no way that this memoir could fail to be interesting.
And the family history is, indeed, interesting. Yet the modern generations seems more demented and perverted than they seem compelling; those of them who don't seem demented and/or perverted seem to be drop-outs from real life and understandably depressed.
The author's father, the 25th Thane, descended into madness, probably exacerbated by the privileged life he lived in drug-drenched 1960s. At his best, he was so cruel as to be sadistic--and possibly incestuous as well.
Writing this memoir presumably was cathartic for Liza Campbell, his daughter. Yet it doesn't make for very good reading for outsiders once one gets past the rather brief explanation of the family's past.
Liza Campbell's girlhood at the castle was anything but charmed. For a similar memoir of growing up in an ancient and noble British family, but a cheerful version at that, read Lady Annabelle Goldsmith's memoir instead.
 A true delight in every way May 5, 2008
I stumbled across this book when searching for something else. I was intrigued by the title because I once traveled to Scotland and wanted to visit Cawdor, but it was closed as it was the off season. I did however travel the general area, and I looked forward to reading about her life at Cawdor. I was richly surprised to uncover a wonderful gem of a memoir filled with references to the Scottish landscape I so enjoyed visiting. Ms. Campbell is an excellent writer. Her use and command of the English language was a pleasure to experience. Her story, and that of her siblings, was something out of a fairy tale in many regards, yet it was also a nightmare, easily recognized by others who grew up with an alcoholic parent. I enjoyed the book immensely and recommend it highly. I have tremendous respect for her, cemented by the fact that in the notes at the end of the book, she thanked her mother for her permission to share with readers intimate, yet privately painful experiences of her marriage. I greatly look forward to another book penned by Ms. Campbell.
 Beautifully written memoir March 21, 2008
This was a beautifully written memoir about what goes on behind closed doors in the so called "upper class" Campbell family. Sad to see what drugs and alcohol can do to someone who had so much already and so much to give (but didn't). I found the historical background to the scottish aristocracy really fascinating and educational without being boring. I would have liked to know more about the other members of the family and how they all felt about the way they were ultimately betrayed by their father and revolting step-mother.
Money can't buy ya love January 14, 2008
I found this book well-written and thoroughly engrossing, although I believe that the original British title ("Title Deeds") is more descriptive of the contents, particularly given the current and continuing legal wranglings. However, the double entendre would be lost, I think, on most Americans. The author aptly calls this a personal memoir, rather than a biography, of her father, but I couldn't shake the feeling that, notwithstanding her attempt at some rudimentary psychoanalysis of and conciliation with her father's memory in the final chapter, she is still highly conflicted about her feelings concerning not only her father, but also her birth mother and stepmother. Charmed life? I don't think so.
 Disappointing January 7, 2008
1 out of 6 found this review helpful
I was very disapppointed in this book and am very surprised it has received so many positive reviews. It was shallow and offered little - if any - insight into the author's family. The stories were superficial and often just depicted the author's narrow view of each set of circumstances.
I am now reading Miranda Seymour's book "In My Father's House," and the difference is remarkable. It is so much more insightful and the writing is outstanding.
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