Diana in Search of Herself:
Portrait of a Troubled Princess
By Sally Bedell Smith
Times Books, $24
ISBN 0812930304

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At the time of Princess Diana's death, she was probably the world's most famous celebrity. Her work for various charities and her crusade against land mines had taken her to numerous countries. She gave comfort by ministering to the needy, the sick, and the dying. But as Diana in Search of Herself: Portrait of a Troubled Princess relates, the private Diana differed significantly from her public persona.

This authoritative biography by Sally Bedell Smith considers previous books and articles about Diana. It also includes Diana's own words as well as quotes from acquaintances and friends. When versions of an incident differ, the author appropriately presents as many sides as possible and withholds final judgment.

What emerges is a portrait of an extremely complex, basically insecure woman, whose marriage to Prince Charles thrusts her into a situation she is unable to handle. Her depression, bulimia, and occasional attempts at self-mutilation appear to be symptoms of a deep psychological conflict that she was never able to resolve, despite visits to different therapists and the use of alternative therapies. Neither the royals nor her own family understood the extent of her illness, and Diana was never able to find the safe, nurturing environment she sought.

The book recounts how Diana searched for approval to bolster her shaky self-image throughout her entire life. Wanting to control relationships and needing frequent reassurance to help her cope with mood swings, Diana went so far as to attempt to control her public image through her management of media contacts.

Tracing in detail Diana's search for what she lacked -- a secure sense of self -- this comprehensive biography demonstrates very effectively how difficult her search for self was, and how it was made even more difficult by the bright spotlight in which she found herself. That she accomplished what she did, in her short life and in her fragile psychological condition, is indeed remarkable. Smith's work will reward not only readers interested in Diana's life, but also those who are intrigued by the struggles of any public figure to find balance between public and private life.

Connie Sanderson is a poet and freelance writer in Decorah, Iowa.