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.
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.
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.
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.