Innocent, elegant, ethereal in her beauty, Audrey Hepburn stood alone among the actresses of her time. From her first moment of fame in Roman Holiday, through the triumphs of Breakfast at Tiffany's and My Fair Lady, her screen presence was unique. Gregory Peck called her "a magical combination of high chic and high spirits." But Hepburn's story is also one of lifelong struggle--to escape the burden of family history, and to conquer the demons of her own life. In this newly expanded edition of his definitive biography, Alexander Walker reveals new details about her parents' Fascist sympathies, about Audrey's own wartime experiences, and about the tragic story of her attempts to make peace with her father before the end of his life. And he offers a moving portrait of a woman whose search for happiness was compromised all her life by insecurity, eating disorders, and an inability to find lasting love. From her troubled childhood through her heartfelt battle against world hunger on behalf of UNICEF, Alexander Walker has painted a candid and affectionate portrait of one of the world's most beloved actresses: This is Audrey's real story.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
British film critic and film-star biographer Walker (Fatal Charm: The Life of Rex Harrison) here offers a comprehensive, if somewhat superficial, life of Audrey Hepburn (1929-1993), the actress who "redefined a feminine ideal" with her gamine looks and winsome charm. Walker's prose is lifeless as he recounts his subject's childhood in war-torn Europe and her early stage and film career. But Hepburn's fans will find it worthwhile to stick with him: both the narrative and the writing itself become more lively as he discusses the heyday of her career, her sometimes turbulent love life and her work with Third World children for UNICEF. While Hepburn, who was always reluctant to reveal herself to the press, remains a curiously elusive figure, Walker's critical skills and extensive knowledge of the film industry serve him well as he charts the development of her acting career and assesses her place in cinematic history. An affectionate tribute to a screen legend, this biography nevertheless reveals more about Hepburn the star than it does about Hepburn the woman. Photos.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"Informed, candid...what the lady deserved." --New York Daily News
"Walker has all the facts...A meticulous account." --Entertainment Weekly
"Walker is a much better write than most Audrey biographers, and he distills the subtle image/reality of the Audrey Hepburn complex." --Cups
"No book on her life better expresses the nature of her grace and attraction than this one." --Kirkus Reviews
"A loving biography of a legend...splendid and wonderful to read." --Sullivan County Democrat
"Walker has all the facts...A meticulous account." --Entertainment Weekly
"Walker is a much better write than most Audrey biographers, and he distills the subtle image/reality of the Audrey Hepburn complex." --Cups
"No book on her life better expresses the nature of her grace and attraction than this one." --Kirkus Reviews
"A loving biography of a legend...splendid and wonderful to read." --Sullivan County Democrat
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I saw this book at my aunt's house, and spent the rest of my visit pouring over the beautiful pictures of Audrey Hepburn. She gave me the book and I then read about Ms. Hepburn, and learned about this wonderful woman, who not only starred in over 20 films, but also was a representative for UNICEF in her later years. This book is a MUST for anyone the least bit interested in Audrey Hepburn, and it's definetely one to add to your collection.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Another well written biography by Alexander Walker. Not only handles the mechanics of her films, but also gets into her personal life the ups and downs (mostly downs). This is not a coffee table - pretty picture book (Although there are gorgeous pictures of her, as any and all pictures of Audrey are). This book is a serious read. If you are a new found fan of Audrey Hepburn, this may not be the best book for you to start with, she was a very wonderful - but lonely lady. It is a sad story, a complete chronicle of her very private life including her work with UNICEF. A life very much meant to be cherished and remembered. This is my 3rd biography by Alexander Walker - I also recommend Vivien Leigh and Bette Davis. Vivien Leigh was the first A.W. biography I read and I have been hooked ever since.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Frank
Format:Paperback
If you want to find a book about the happy life of Audrey Hepburn and wanna see pictures of all the styles she wore then don't buy this book. This book by Alexendar Walker is the real truth, the author goes from Califronia to New York to Europe to research books, articles, and people who knew Audrey Hepburn and her parents and husbands. This book tells about her miscarrgies, divorces, lonely and hard times for her. This book gave me a better understanding of how she felt, and now I have a deeper love and respect for her.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
'Audrey Her Real Story' is 'divine'.
`Audrey: Her Real Story' was an unexpected Christmas gift in 2006. I had wanted a biography on Audrey Hepburn, but I hadn't expected this one. Read more
Published on January 2, 2008 by John Dagley
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nicely done...
The author seems to have done scrupulous research, particularly with regard to Hepburn's early years. Read more
Published on March 29, 2005 by Lostinbooks
5.0 out of 5 stars
She will always be remembered as a great actress
This book,(like so many other books on Audrey) explains the compassion,love, and charm that this lovely lady had. No wonder she is regarded as one of the most beloved actresses. Read more
Published on February 27, 2004 by Carl P. Rychlik
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful book on a very lovely and talented actress!
I am a big fan of Audrey Hepburn's. This is a truly wonderful biography on her. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it.
I'd give it ten stars if I could! Read more
I'd give it ten stars if I could! Read more
Published on August 31, 2001 by Rosella Ann Myles
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is my idol.When I grow up I'd love to be like her.When i saw this book,I didn't know wheter to buy it until I read some of the reviews. Read more
Published on July 19, 2001 by Danielle mc Hugh
4.0 out of 5 stars
As always, stars disillusion us:
From Audrey's facinating childhood and tragic war experience and her sad rejection in dance, to her fabulous movie career and multiple marriages, we find that stars always confuse... Read more
Published on November 25, 2000 by Nancy L. Mowers
3.0 out of 5 stars
eh
This book is tedious. I wanted a book that told about Audrey Hepburn's personal life; instead I got a very mechanical description of the productions she was involved in. Read more
Published on June 8, 2000 by Laura OBrien
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book has gorgeous pictures!
I saw this book at my aunt's house, and spent the rest of my visit pouring over the beautiful pictures of Audrey Hepburn. She gave me the book and I then read about Ms. Read more
Published on May 6, 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best biography of her
A well-written, thorough portrait of a woman who was as beautiful inside as out. Includes some great photographs of her lovely outside!
Published on July 2, 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
It was very accurate and never boring.
This was a wonderful book. I have always been a great fan of her but had no idea that behind that sunny smile and realistic portrait of Holly Golightly, Eliza Doolittle, and many... Read more
Published on May 24, 1998
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