The Princess and the Package: Exploring the Love-Hate Relationship Between Diana and the Media

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: An excellent book. Complements Claridge's "Blair'sBritain" as a description of The Great Madness that overtook England in September 1997.

Rating:
Summary: Clear-eyed and honest examination of an icon
Review: First of all, this book is NOT a biography of Diana, nor does it pretend to be. The cover states clearly that it is about "the love-hate relationship between Diana and the Media." Therefore anyone demeaning it because the cover isn't "pretty" or because it may be factually inaccurate by moments about incidents surrounding her death and funeral are completely missing the point. This book is not, strictly speaking, about the events of Diana's life but about how they were interpreted. And Mr. Levine shares some very unconventional, intelligent opinions on that subject. Some of it I disagree with (the life and continuing media fascination in Jacqueline Onassis disputes his assertion that the public loves celebrities for their accessibility; Jackie O was the most remote of celebrities and in her case it was her very unknowability that still intrigues us). But on one very important point, I agree with Mr. Levine whole-heartedly. In purely feminist terms, Diana was a heroine, not a victim. She was NOT a victim of the media or, ultimately, the Royal Family. She used the media and survived the Royal Family. And the reason the public adored her is that she went through the same stages every woman does, just on a grander scale and with better clothes. Diana was disappointed by love, longed for direction and meaning in life, loved her children, and was insecure about her looks. And before our eyes, she grew up to be a symbol of grace and generosity. She was transformed by her pain and hardship and she was victorious against the power elite -- and she used the press to win. Diana's memory deserves to be celebrated, not tsk-tsked over as though she had been some poor, helpless little thing. Diana accomplished so much with her own charm, energy and ingenuity. Ultimately, she was the victim of a drunk driver, and that could happen to any of us.

Rating:
Summary: Dynamic book reaches a level rarely touched upon.
Review: Michael Levine's concise study of the relationship between Diana and the media only reflects his (and her) brilliance in choosing a lifestyle in which the media itself becomes a vehicle for success.

Rating:
Summary: this is a magnificent book -- explains media hype very well
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read about the relationship between the media and a celebrity..I believe the critics of the book have missed the point entirely. The book is not about Diana as much as it is about her relationship with the media. You can take Diana's name out of the book and insert another celebrity's name. You would come up with a similiar tome. This is such a good book I have recommended it to my former professors at Wake Forest University in the communications department. Good job, Mr. Levine!