The Hiltons: A Family Dynasty
opens with Zsa Zsa Gabor's deposition. Her daughter Francesca is
contesting Conrad Hilton's will. The issue of whether Francesca is
Conrad's daughter is a theme that runs through the book and keeps us
wondering until the end how it will be resolved.
The Hiltons in addition to being
enormously successful in the hotel business, primarily due to
Conrad's vision and energy, were well known personalities who led
personal lives that rivaled those of the movie stars to whom several
of them were married. In addition to Zsa Zsa, who was briefly married
to Conrad, an extensive list of Hollywood personalities like Natalie
Wood, Joan Collins and Eddie Fisher make appearances.
The three Hilton sons and their wives
are featured. Nicky Hilton's disastrous marriage to Elizabeth Taylor
is discussed in detail as is his father's marriage to Zsa Zsa. The
fallout from these marriages followed the men for years: Zsa Zsa in a
constant battle with Conrad; Nicky feeling guilt for his abusive
treatment of Elizabeth.
The lives of these amazing characters
keep you turning the pages. The marriage problems of the male members
of the family read like a novel, or a soap opera. However, even more
interesting is the chronicling of Conrad's experience building a
hotel empire. Even the business sections are filled with interesting
characters and suspense. If you like stories of big business, you'll
enjoy this part of the book.
I recommend this book if you find the
Hiltons fascinating, or if your interest is in how a major
corporation was born.
I reviewed this book for Net Galley.
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