Audrey: Her Real Story [Paperback]

Alexander Walker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 15, 1997

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.

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.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (December 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312180462
• ISBN-13: 978-0312180461
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #412,799 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( H ) > Hepburn, Audrey

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book has gorgeous pictures!, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Audrey: Her Real Story (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.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a coffee table - pretty picture book - still a MUST read, July 29, 2000

By 

turtley "film fanatic • bibliophile" (Planet Claire) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Audrey: Her Real Story (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.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Audrey: THE TRUTH, April 9, 2000

By 

Frank (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Audrey: Her Real Story (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.