Like some great Renaissance artist, Susannah Constantine’s life may be divided into three distinct eras. Early Constantine was high Sloane; she dated David Linley, the son of Princess Margaret, and went to Balmoral, where she witnessed Mrs Thatcher battling with the Queen for control of a Brown Betty teapot. Middle period Constantine is mostly all about her television career, when she and her friend Trinny Woodall made a living out of telling women what not to wear (in this capacity, she once explained to me that I had “saddlebags” and should immediately burn the coat I was wearing). Finally, there is the current epoch: late Constantine. At 60, her focus is on her family, on her “exceptional” home in the West Sussex countryside, and on her writing. This memoir is her third book; she has also written two novels. “A modern-day Nancy Mitford,” says Elton John encouragingly.

Ready For Absolutely Nothing by Susannah Constantine Ready For Absolutely Nothing by Susannah Constantine

stars. An absorbing memoir of a really fascinating life, yes one of great privilege, (which gives great anecdotes), but also one with many challenges. Susannah comes across as a resilient, funny and reflective woman who isn’t afraid to lay out her faults and also laugh at herself.Wonderfully written, very funny, but more than anything completely genuine' LADY ANNE GLENCONNER, author of Lady in Waiting Wonderfully written, very funny, but more than anything completely genuine."— Lady Anne Glenconner, author of Lady in Waiting Princess Margaret told off by Queen Elizabeth for leaving childhood friend ‘terrified’ by royal rumour Susannah Constantine is a novelist, journalist broadcaster and podcaster with over 25 years experience in the media and 50 years of f**k ups under her belt.

Ready For Absolutely Nothing: ‘If you like Lady in Waiting by Ready For Absolutely Nothing: ‘If you like Lady in Waiting by

The second half of the book I found less absorbing, mainly because the timeline was chopped up so much, and interspersed with anecdotes that whilst funny or salacious didn’t really add to the picture of the woman for me. Whilst honest about her problems with alcohol they aren’t put in context. It was more a series of recollections. Hers is a life filled to the brim with 70s glitz, 80s glamour and above all else an enlightening 50 years of f**k-ups, crisis and chaos. The title says it all really. Girls in the upper echelons of British society were not particularly well educated since their sole aim in life would be to find a wealthy husband and bow to his every whim while looking stylish and immaculate at all times. We are not talking Victorian times here. This book relates to the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Princess Diana was a prime example of this.If you're coming to Coles by car, why not take advantage of the 2 hours free parking at Sainsbury's Pioneer Square - just follow the signs for Pioneer Square as you drive into Bicester and park in the multi-storey car park above the supermarket. Come down the travelators, exit Sainsbury's, turn right and follow the pedestrianised walkway to Crown Walk and turn right - and Coles will be right in front of you. You don't need to shop in Sainsbury's to get the free parking! Where to Find Us From 1st July 2021, VAT will be applicable to those EU countries where VAT is applied to books - this additional charge will be collected by Fed Ex (or the Royal Mail) at the time of delivery. Shipments to the USA & Canada:

Ready For Absolutely Nothing: The most hotly anticipated Ready For Absolutely Nothing: The most hotly anticipated

Princess Margaret’s son’s first word is something that’s incredibly unusual and his mother reportedly once revealed it herself… The title Kate Middleton took from Princess Margaret because of her and William's go-to place for romantic getaways Obviously the Princess of Wales dressed fashionably, she had an amazing figure, and she could have carried anything,” she says. “But I don’t think, God, I wish I’d worn that.”Shrewd, funny, ideally candid and written with great confidence, brio and aplomb. A feisty, thought-provoking delight' WILLIAM BOYD

Ready for Absolutely Nothing by Susannah Constantine review

An interesting account of Susannahs life, from childhood to nearly present day. Split into 3 parts we see how as a child she was groomed mainly to get a rich husband and to not work and from there we see her association with the Royals as well as her battle with alcoholism. Rather than being chronological, it seemed to jump all over the place and the strangest thing is that a big chunk of her life – when she made her name in What Not To Wear – seems to be missing. She goes from her early career as a fashion designer’s gofer/ house model, straight to her ‘celebrity’ appearances on Strictly etc. This is particularly weird when you consider that her book is titled ‘Ready for Absolutely Nothing’ because her education and upbringing were merely preparation for her becoming a society wife. King Charles makes surprise appearance on first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death alongside Princess Margaret’s grandsons When asked if she believes she would have been able to handle the pressure of marrying the Queen’s nephew, Susannah’s of two minds.Constantine writes like a dream. She has had, it could be argued, the perfect life for a memoir. Raised with wealth and connections, having a relationship with Princess Margaret's son for some years and then finding herself first in the world of fashion and then in the world of television, there is a lot of meat on the bones of this book.