This book speaks directly to “The China Dossier,” an account of Wallis Simpson’s scandalous year in China. However, the author argues that Simpson’s year was hardly scandalous but a year of partying with some romantic affairs but nothing out of the ordinary for the privileged colonials. The author is defensive of Simpson and offers a lot of political color on China, which is totally fascinating. The audiobook narrator is great, with a comforting voice, and presents the information well.

Paul French’s *Her Lotus Year* offers a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Wallis, Duchess of Windsor's life—her transformative year in China. French expertly balances historical research with compelling storytelling, painting a portrait of Wallis as a complex, ambitious woman shaped by her experiences in a turbulent, war-torn region. The book challenges long-standing rumors and speculations, particularly about the so-called “China Dossier,” and instead presents Wallis as courageous and resourceful, potentially even a clandestine courier for the U.S. government. While some sections veer into dense historical detail, the narrative is ultimately an engaging exploration of how this pivotal year influenced Wallis's style, connections, and resilience. A must-read for history enthusiasts and fans of revisionist biographies—4 stars.