Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
29(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I was rather uncertain about this particular author.

My mind was in a state of flux, unable to clearly decide whether I desired to read this work or not.

However, upon further consideration, I realized that it had a certain advantage over most biographies.

The author refrained from injecting an excessive amount of his own personal opinions into the book.

Instead, he made a concerted effort to remain unbiased, presenting the facts and events in a more objective manner.

This was a refreshing change, as many biographers tend to impose their own perspectives, which can sometimes cloud the true essence of the subject.

Nonetheless, I must admit that I have read other books about Audrey Hepburn that I found to be much more engaging and enjoyable.

Those works seemed to capture the spirit and charm of Audrey Hepburn in a more vivid and captivating way, leaving a lasting impression on me.

But perhaps this book has its own unique qualities that I have yet to discover.

Only by delving deeper into its pages will I be able to truly assess its value and determine whether it can stand up to the other books I have read about this iconic figure.

July 15,2025
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Audrey's life was extremely sad and depressing.

She faced numerous hardships and challenges that seemed to weigh her down at every turn. From a young age, she had to endure difficult circumstances that would have broken the spirit of many.

Her relationships were often tumultuous, filled with heartbreak and disappointment. She longed for love and connection but seemed to always find herself alone.

Despite her inner turmoil, Audrey tried to put on a brave face and carry on with her life. She worked hard and pursued her dreams, but success always seemed just out of reach.

As the years passed, Audrey's sadness only deepened. She felt trapped in a cycle of pain and despair, with no way out.

However, through it all, Audrey never lost her kindness and compassion. She still had a heart full of love to give, even if she never received it in return.

Her story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope. And that no matter how sad and depressing life may seem, there is always the possibility of finding happiness and peace.
July 15,2025
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It really hurts to give it just 2 stars. The content is so ambiguous that it's hard to figure out the main point. It seems to be completely off-the-subject, wandering aimlessly without any clear direction. What's more, it comes across as rather unintelligent. There is a lack of depth and thoughtfulness in the writing. It fails to engage the reader and leaves a lot to be desired. It's a disappointment, to say the least. One would expect more from something that is supposed to convey a message or provide some sort of value. But unfortunately, this falls short in many aspects. It's a pity that it couldn't have been better.

July 15,2025
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I picked up this book shortly after finishing Donald Spoto’s biography on Marilyn Monroe.

If I hadn’t known otherwise, I would have thought they were written by different people.

While the one about Marilyn had a detailed account of her life, with an in-depth analysis of her personality, actions, thoughts, feelings, and struggles, this one barely scratches the surface.

It occurred to me that maybe it was because there’s less material available about Audrey, but since she’s one of the most iconic actresses of all time, I sincerely doubt it.

The most interesting parts of this book were Audrey’s years in the German-occupied Netherlands during the Second World War, her involvement with the Resistance, and her humanitarian work later in life with UNICEF.

The chapters about her acting career are more like Wikipedia articles peppered with Spoto’s point of view than an authoritative biography.

Perhaps the worst sin of “Enchantment” is that it lacks passion. This means that Spoto doesn’t seem to be invested in his subject.

He recites mechanically a series of facts and then moves onto the next chapter, making it difficult for the reader to care.

Audrey Hepburn deserved a better book that could truly capture the essence of her remarkable life and career.

July 15,2025
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So, I've made up my mind to binge-read my least favorite genre in order to cross them all off this year's reading list. I was rather foolish to include them in the first place and equally stupid to think that having only autobiographies to read wouldn't take an eternity to get through. Fortunately, I started the week with Enchantment.



Growing up during World War II, Audrey and her family found themselves in the Netherlands when Germany invaded. They were constantly on the move, forced from one home to another as the Nazis bullied the locals and mistreated the Jewish community. Audrey's mother had to change her name when sending her to school due to the war. Her grandfather was killed, and both brothers were either sent to labor camps or had to go into hiding for their work with the army and the resistance. When their city was 'evacuated', the remaining family members hid in a mansion and survived on meager rations, tulip bulbs, and eventually, nothing at all.



Despite nearly starving to death, Audrey's family managed to survive. She was reduced to a mere shadow of a human being. When they first saw American soldiers arriving to rescue them, she quickly crawled outside and begged for chocolate and cigarettes. These two items became loves of her life that would last throughout the years. Later, she received proper medical and nutritional relief from UNICEF, an organization that she would dedicate her life and earnings to promoting.



Interestingly, her unusual accent can be traced back to her childhood during the war. She had to constantly switch between English, French, and Dutch, and as a result, never developed a true mother tongue. This is something I've heard from others who are fluent in multiple languages. By the time she joined UNICEF, Audrey could speak English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and German.



However, while the first part of the book is thrilling and thought-provoking, the middle and last sections have two unfortunate flaws. The middle section focuses mainly on her film career, and the last on her life as a housewife and UNICEF ambassador. The author's excessive admiration for Ms. Hepburn leads to a tendency to villainize those who wronged her while forgiving her own mistakes. He also has a habit of straying from the facts and injecting personal opinions without proper backing. The best we learn from the film career section is her love for children and her view of movies as a temporary job. The last part of the book shows her dedication to UNICEF, but the author's writing style leaves much to be desired.



The verdict? It's a nice look at a young woman's life, but the author can't seem to decide if he's writing a biography or a film review. There must be better biographies out there that cover all aspects of her life more fairly. This one is a pass.

July 15,2025
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I recently decided to diversify my reading list by picking up a few biographies. And I have to say, I was mostly satisfied with this one. I had read some of Donald Spoto's other biographies quite a while ago. The one that really sticks in my mind is the one about Alfred Hitchcock. This particular book contains a wealth of information. However, it doesn't describe the subject's feelings without proper evidence, which is a big plus for me. You see, the last biography I read, "Queen of the Air: A True Story of Love and Tragedy at the Circus" by Dean Jensen, really annoyed me because it did just that.

But this book also has its drawbacks. It lags in the middle and could definitely benefit from a better editor. There are numerous typos and vague pronouns, which can be quite distracting.

Throughout the book, Audrey's warmth and kindness are very evident. But surprisingly, very little of the novel explores her work with UNICEF. Instead, a large portion of it focuses on her various romances and the breakdown of both her marriages. I like to believe that Audrey would have preferred more than just the last and shortest section of the book dedicated to her humanitarian efforts.
July 15,2025
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I have really enjoyed being able to learn more about the life of this very well-known actress. There were so many things that I didn't know.

The author's style is very pleasant. At no point does it become burdensome, and it includes many references.

If I have to pick out any flaw, I would say that I didn't like that the plot and ending of the actress's movies were revealed (I haven't seen many of them but now I already know the endings), and perhaps the actress is treated as almost a perfect person, or that's the impression it has given me.

Even so, I have really enjoyed this experience and I am eager to see the movies of Audrey Hepburn that I still haven't seen.

Overall, it has been a great opportunity to get to know more about this iconic actress and her work.

I look forward to exploring her films further and discovering more about her talent and魅力.

Maybe in the future, I will be able to write my own thoughts and reflections on her movies and share them with others.

Until then, I will continue to be inspired by her beauty, grace, and artistry.

July 15,2025
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I had always been captivated by the unique style and undeniable grace of Audrey Hepburn. Her movies had long been among my absolute favorites. However, after delving into this book, I discovered a wealth of new information about this truly remarkable woman. From her harrowing experiences of nearly starving to death during World War II to her selfless and dedicated work for UNICEF, her story is one that is both inspiring and humbling.


Her work with UNICEF truly left an indelible mark on me. I was aware that she served as a spokesperson for the organization, but I had no inkling of the depth of her commitment and her unwavering willingness to go to any lengths to help those in need. It is this aspect of her character that I will remember most vividly.


I wholeheartedly recommend this work to anyone who has a genuine heart for caring and making a difference in the world. I am not one to轻易 give five stars to biographies, but this particular one touched me on a profound level. It offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the life of a woman who was not only a Hollywood icon but also a true humanitarian at heart.

July 15,2025
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Meh. Audrey Hepburn was/is one of my all-time favorite actresses.

I've always been captivated by her movies, her classic style that exuded elegance and charm, and her humanitarian efforts through her work with UNICEF.

However, after reading this particular piece, it somewhat disappointed me.

For one thing, it was revealed that she had a rather promiscuous side. She seemed to have no qualms about getting involved with married men or having love affairs while she herself was married.

This aspect of her life made it difficult for me to hold as much respect for her as I once did.

Also, to be honest, I'm just not a huge fan of biographies in general, even when they are about an actress I like.

Maybe it's because I prefer to focus on the art and talent that an actress brings to the screen rather than delving into the details of their personal lives.

Nevertheless, I still appreciate Audrey Hepburn for her contributions to the world of cinema and her humanitarian work.

But this newfound knowledge has definitely given me a different perspective on her.
July 15,2025
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A very good biography about one of the great classics of cinema and fashion. It has been a delight to get to know Audrey Hepburn in depth, through her movies and her process of maturation and learning.


Audrey Hepburn is an iconic figure whose charm and elegance have captivated audiences for decades. Her life story is as fascinating as her on-screen performances. From her early years to her rise to stardom, every step of her journey is filled with interesting anecdotes and valuable lessons.


This biography not only provides a detailed account of her career achievements but also delves into her personal life, revealing the woman behind the glamorous image. We learn about her struggles, her loves, and her humanitarian work. Through it all, we see a remarkable individual who remained true to herself and made a lasting impact on the world.


Reading this biography is like taking a journey through time and experiencing the magic of Audrey Hepburn's life firsthand. It is a must-read for anyone who loves cinema, fashion, or simply a good story.

July 15,2025
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Biography is clearly pieced together from snippets of information available in various public media.

It's like a Kitty Kelley without the malicious slant. Therefore, three stars are given for the writing efforts. However, the subject matter is truly extremely enchanting and much more - an iron butterfly. She is the most unique "movie star" I believe we will ever encounter. One is left with her UNICEF years, which are so difficult to read about, let alone experience. If "Goddess" weren't such an overused term, she, among very few, would deserve that appellation.

In addition, there is a little whimsical wish: she has always been the one I most wanted to look like, if I had the choice. It seems that her charm and allure are so captivating that they have left a deep mark on my imagination. Her life story is not only a tale of a successful movie star but also a journey of a person who has made a significant impact through her work with UNICEF. Despite the hardships and challenges she may have faced, she remains an inspiration and a symbol of grace and strength.

July 15,2025
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This book

tells the story of one of the most amazing women of my lifetime.

She is my idol!!!

Her journey is filled with countless challenges and obstacles, but she never gives up.

With unwavering determination and courage, she overcomes every difficulty that comes her way.

Her strength and perseverance are truly inspiring.

She has achieved so much in her life, not only in her career but also in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Her kindness and compassion are as remarkable as her achievements.

Reading about her story makes me believe that anything is possible if we have the courage to pursue our dreams and the perseverance to never give up.

She is a true role model and I am honored to have her as my idol.

I will always look up to her and strive to follow in her footsteps.

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