\\"Enchantment: The Life of Audrey\\" is a captivating biography that delves into the remarkable life of the iconic Audrey Hepburn. It not only chronicles her journey from a difficult childhood during the Holocaust to becoming a renowned actress and fashion icon but also highlights her significant humanitarian efforts in her later years.
The author, Donald Spoto, who is famous for his biographies on Marilyn Monroe and Alfred Hitchcock, presents Audrey's life in a chronological manner, making it highly accessible and easy to follow. Each chapter is filled with detailed and well-written information, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of Audrey's experiences and character.
I rated this book 4/5 because it is truly a remarkable piece of work. However, my only minor complaint is that the abundance of detail in every chapter can sometimes make the reading process a bit tedious. But if you have a genuine interest in learning about Audrey's unique and eventful life, this biography is an excellent choice.
I have been an Audrey fan for as long as I can remember. There is just something about her elegance, grace, and compassion for others that has always deeply appealed to me. This book, in particular, made me fall in love with her even more. The details of her life, which were painstakingly researched by the author, emphasize over and over again that she was so much more than just a pretty face in a little black dress. She was a complex individual, shy and anxious at times, yet also driven and needy. She was humble and kind, qualities that shone through in everything she did.
The author is truly a wonderful biographer. He presented both the good and the bad aspects of Audrey's life in a way that was both honest and respectful. It was refreshing to read a biography that didn't shy away from the less-than-perfect moments. Thanks to this book, I now have a newfound appreciation for Audrey Hepburn and a desire to read some of the author's other works. I can't wait to see what else he has in store for us.
More like 2.5 stars. I really liked the beginning and the end of the piece. They were quite interesting and managed to capture my attention. However, the middle part was not as engaging. It seemed to drag on and didn't hold my interest as well as the other two sections.
One thing that really bothered me was that Spoto kept inserting his own critical opinions about her movies. Instead of focusing on giving facts about her as a person, he seemed more interested in sharing his thoughts on her work. While I understand that movie reviews often include personal opinions, in this case, it felt like he was overdoing it and it detracted from the overall narrative.
I think if the author had focused more on providing a balanced view of her life and career, including both the good and the bad, it would have made for a more engaging and informative read. As it stands, it felt a bit one-sided and didn't really give me a full understanding of who she is as a person.
For my taste, this biography lacks a great deal about Audrey's life. It focuses more on her artistic career, which made it a bit burdensome for me.
I would have liked to know more about her as a person.
It seems that the author was more interested in highlighting her achievements in the entertainment industry rather than delving into her personal experiences, her relationships, her joys and sorrows.
Audrey Hepburn was not just a talented actress; she was also a complex and fascinating individual with a rich inner life.
I believe that a more comprehensive biography would have given us a deeper understanding of who she really was, beyond the public persona.
Perhaps in the future, someone will write a more detailed and intimate account of Audrey's life, one that does justice to her remarkable character and spirit.
Until then, we will have to make do with what we have and continue to admire her from afar.