221x142mm, 192 pages, Hardback
ISBN: 978-1-914325-08-3 Price: £27.50 OCTOBER 2025
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PHOENIX RISING
A Woman’s Story of Love, Loss & the Will To Change the World Albina du Boisrouvray The compelling memoir of Albina du Boisrouvray, recounting a life of extraordinary dynamism and unwavering resolve, spanning motherhood, tragedy and devotion to philanthropy.
From her mixed-race heritage and privileged yet unconventional upbringing amidst historical events, to her early rebellions and forays into the glamorous world of filmmaking, du Boisrouvray's early life reveals a fiercely independent spirit navigating complex family dynamics and societal norms.
The narrative takes a poignant turn with personal tragedy, which ignites a profound commitment to humanitarian action. Driven by a mother's love and a desire to honour her son's memory, du Boisrouvray founded the FXB Foundation, pioneering innovative approaches to combatting AIDS, putting AIDS orphans on the map and exposing extreme poverty globally. Her journey is a testament to resilience, demonstrating a forceful courage to live and a dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. This memoir offers a unique perspective on personal struggles, societal shifts, and the power of individual action to effect meaningful change. “...a beautiful book, written with great sincerity, and showing how wealth can come accompanied by bad situations like those you yourself have experienced. I'm glad you've overcome all ...and faced adversity with such great courage.” "Du Boisrouvray recounts the excruciating pain of losing her son in a truly inspiring story.." “...a weighty and magnificent celebration of a remarkable life lived to the full...” |
About the Author
Albina du Boisrouvray is a French-Swiss philanthropist, journalist, and former film producer. Born into wealth, she is the granddaughter of Bolivian tin magnate Simón Patiño and the daughter of Count Guy de Boisrouvray, a French aviator and war resistance fighter who joined General de Gaulle and the RAF in early July 1940. She initially built a successful career in journalism and film production before a personal tragedy reshaped her life. In 1986, her only son, François-Xavier Bagnoud, a helicopter pilot and humanitarian, died in an accident at age 24. Devastated, Albina abandoned her career to honour his memory, founding the François-Xavier Bagnoud Foundation (FXB) in 1989, selling three-quarters of her wealth in 1989. The organisation focuses on poverty alleviation, child welfare, and sustainable development, particularly aiding AIDS orphans and putting them on the map. Her humanitarian work has impacted millions worldwide, pioneering social programs in health, education, and economic empowerment. Recognized by UNICEF and the UN, she has transformed personal loss into a lifelong mission of compassion. From aristocracy to activism, Albina’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. She has used her privilege to create lasting change, proving that even in the face of great loss, a life of purpose can be built. |
[Excerpted from Phoenix Rising]
“We were a family of opulent nomads. When Christmas came, we sought new pastures in Saint-Moritz. At the Palace Hotel, we ran into many “café society” friends of my mother’s (today we would say “jet set”). The women didn’t work. Their goals in life were to look pretty, wear the latest fashions, and have long, red fingernails. As for the men, they lived off their investments or Wall Street. Everyone went skiing in the late morning and played cards far into the night.
“This bunch, mostly from Mittel Europa, which had turned communist, saw their world disappearing. Colonialism was dissolving as peoples gained their independence. The United Nations had been created, and the Declaration of Human Rights had been written. Anti-Semitic insinuations had been silenced by the Holocaust. New wealth was making a name for itself, including people from colorful ethnic backgrounds such as my mother’s family. The time of carefree aristocratic parties and big hunting trips in central Europe was now a distant memory...”
“This bunch, mostly from Mittel Europa, which had turned communist, saw their world disappearing. Colonialism was dissolving as peoples gained their independence. The United Nations had been created, and the Declaration of Human Rights had been written. Anti-Semitic insinuations had been silenced by the Holocaust. New wealth was making a name for itself, including people from colorful ethnic backgrounds such as my mother’s family. The time of carefree aristocratic parties and big hunting trips in central Europe was now a distant memory...”
