There's One in Every Family

You know. That one person in the family that everyone talks about, because well, that person is always doing something to warrant family chatter and gossip. And no, it ain't me. Well, at least not most of the time.

There's always at least one relation, however distant, who leads a fascinating life, full of travel and riches and hobnobbing and jet-setting. That one person for our family is my mother's cousin, Georgie Ziadie, aka Lady Colin Campbell, socialite, writer and sometimes pundit for the comings and goings of the Royal Family.

I only met her once, years ago while vacationing in Jamaica, and she was a force to behold even back then. Long, lean, sexy and sensual, relaxing by her mother's pool, her deep sultry Jamaican accent enveloping me in her (so I thought at the time) charmed life.

Through the years we would get news of Georgie's many comings an goings: she's moved to England!; she's written a book on etiquette for ladies!; she's written a book on Lady Di! she's written a book on the Royal Family! she's on TV! she's written her autobiography! she's written another book on Lady Di! she's in People Magazine!

I must confess that I love hearing news of her life. It's always fascinating. And now the latest dish. She's now written a new book, a work of fiction, entitled Empress Bianca. You may notice that on Amazon.com it says that 's already out of print. How can that be if it was just published this year? Well, apparently this novel has many similarities to the life of Mrs. Safra (one of the richest widows in the world) and the strange death of her husband.

Well, apparently Mrs. Safra has not taken kindly to Georgie's novel. So much so, that she has threatened to sue, and since she's one hell of a rich lady, Georgie's publishers have pulped her novel. You can read a very thorough write up on the situation on the blog Grumpy Old Bookman.

So a few days ago I get a call from my mother who tells me, "Guess who's been mentioned in Dominick Dunne's column in September's Vanity Fair?" Oh that Georgie. Seems she's not taking this recent state of affairs lying down; in the words of Dominick Dunne on my mother's cousin: she may be suing Mrs. Safra, on the grounds that she is being deprived of her income and foreign sales from the book, which she considers a work of fiction.

Hot damn, nothing like suing the richest widow in the world to get some notoriety! I wonder though (and I don't know enough of matters of law such as this) if Lady Colin does actually have a good case. I think she might. Haven't other authors written works of fiction based on real people's lives? If it's a work of fiction doesn't that automatically protect you somewhat? If I recall correctly even Mr. Dominck Dunne has written works of fiction based on true events, and I don't think he's ever been sued for his works. He's been sued for other writings, but not, I think, his novels.

So once again, cousin Georgie has not failed to entertain. And actually, part of me kind of hopes she does sue Mrs. Safra and wins. Can you imagine how well her book would sell then? That's the kind of publicity I think that authors dream of. As long as it's in their favour, that is.

Comments

[Maureen]

What a small world. I can't believe she's your mother's cousin!I read about her in one of the weekend papers and was intrigued enough that I was going to order her autobiography. You've reminded me so I just ordered it.

[R J Keefe]

This will be fun to follow! Especially if Mr Dunne decides to do so.

[patricia]

Yes, RJ, I am looking forward to follow-up stories. Do you read Vanity Fair? I still do, though the quality overall has sadly declined over the years, due no doubt to Graydon Carter's sycophantic obsession with hollywood.

Also RJ, based on your knowledge of law, do you think Lady Colin could win her case if she sued?

[Scully]

I'm living vicariosuly through your familial connections.

Very cool.

And I hope Mr. Dunne follows this. I adore him and buy Vanity Fair for his column.

[Karie]

Yeah, I have an aunt like that. One time we hadn't heard from her in years, then a postcard came: "Hello everybody, i am in a nunnery in Tuscany.." and next we heard from her she was arrested for trying to steal a fur coat.

[patricia]

Oh Karie, that family story is priceless.

[bookfraud]

that's some great stuff you got there. you can pick your friends, but who gets an awesome family?

i've always dreamed of writing a novel and having someone sue me -- i'd sell millions.

like the site, by the way...

[R J Keefe]

English law is differs from what I'm familiar with in this area, but because the whole thing seems to be a matter of publishers caving in the prospect of a suit, Lady Campbell's case will almost certainly be hostile to them as well as to Mrs Safra - an awkward situation.

[eliane]

Are you an heir to her fortune?

[Becky in Alberta]

Just finished the VF article -- a small world getting smaller by the day lol. Nicer to think of her as Georgie, though, than Lady Colin Campbell : )

[patricia]

Eliane, I highly doubt I am in her will. She adopted two little Russian boys many years ago, so more than likely they are the heirs.