Customer Reviews

Broken Harts: The Life and Death of Owen Hart

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I've read nearly every wrestling book out there. From the WWE produced biographies (Mick Foley's two books, Chyna, Kurt Angle, Freddie Blassie), the WWE produced coffee table books (WrestleMania, Unscripted) to independant looks at wrestling (Pro Wrestling for Dummies, Sex, Lies and Headlocks, WrestleCrap), they all offer varying views on the hobby I am most passionate about. This book, however, sets itself apart for many different reasons.
Martha Hart, as part of a promise she made to herself shortly after Owen died, wrote this book under a very heavy heart. I was prepared for that when I started to read it. I also tried to be prepared for a personal attack on the world of wrestling. She definately has a reason for that. However, I was not expecting the level of bitterness she showed to most of Owen's life.
There are two different areas to where she spews her hatred: The (at the time) WWF, and the Hart family. In reguards to the Hart family, with the exception of Bret, she paints a dismal picture, most of which senitments she writes Owen shared. She is constantly judgmental of the family that raised Owen.
In reguards to the WWF, nothing is sacred. Not one word of good was at all written about wrestling. As a matter of fact, you can see disdain (which seems engrained in her from her childhood) in every paragraph. She regularly refers to wrestlers as "uneducated mucleheads as a whole," and the reader gets the picture that she thinks about the same of the fans. Think, Martha, who is going to buy this book?
As for the positives, the behind-the-investigation report of Owen's death is amazingly in depth. However, due to marred facts that run through the book (Owen was never at fault for breaking Steve Austin's neck in 1997, as contrary to video evidence, Al Snow carried a severed woman's head instead of a mannequin head.) I really have questions to the accuracy of it all. The book also allows the reader glimpses of how the family dealt with the death, and the aftermath. Although dripping with bitterness during these parts as well, it is interesting.
Overall, it was tough for me to continue reading through some of the backhanded insults that I felt were directed towards myself as a wrestling fan, but I'm glad that I picked the book up. I understand that pro-wrestling is a very different business, but it isn't as disgustingly horrible as Hart paints it out to be.
I miss Owen Hart's entertaining in ring work. It saddens me that he leaves behind a family with two little children. I wish Martha nothing but good luck and happy times for the rest of her life, but this book really does nothing but trash wrestling. I reccomend this to Owen Hart fans, or people who hate Vince. Other than that, don't pick it up.

When Owen Hart died in 1999, I wasn't a wrestling fan. But the incident did shock me, as I always considered wrestling to be fake. All I thought of the incident was 'Man, that's terrible for his family.' But after reading this book, it feels like my heart was ripped out of my chest from the shock and tears I shed over it.

This book by his widow, Martha Hart, opened my eyes to a whole different spectrum. Her story is so terribly sad, and it's very clear that she loved Owen very much and still does. I've read from many people just how nice of a guy Owen was and how much he loved his family. In a business where family values means almost nothing, he seemed to be the best of them morally.

I was completely shocked by the details of his fall. I knew that he had fallen from such a high height, but I never imagined what was revealed here. The utter negligence of what is considered a multi-million dollar company is absolutely appaling and disgusting. But what also shocked me was the grueling details of Owen's injuries when he landed. I could barely get through that chapter without crying, but I can understand why Martha did that. Not only did it let everyone know that Owen was still alive when he landed (though considered clinically dead) but he was also in a lot of pain. I was also pleased to see that she had gone into detail about how the wrestler's took to it, considering how critical she is of the business.

What I find odd is some of the complaints by other reviewers that she is too critical of the WWE and the Hart family. Do me a favor; go take a glance at Diana's book, filled with the ugliest things about her family (most of them not true) and you can see why Martha is so critical of Owen's family, especially Diana and Ellie. I mean, when your husband dies and you expect some measure of support and several of his siblings kiss his employer's, the man who was partially responsible for his death butt, then you would get a little upset too, right? I was pleased that some of the siblings, most predominantly Bret, assisted her when she needed help.

As for the WWE...let's be serious. Owen died doing a stunt he was forced into doing by Vince, who was too cheap to hire a proper stunt coordinator and proper equipment. Not only that but while Vince notified Martha that something bad happened to Owen, he was too cowardly to call her back; he had Linda do it and then avoided it. Not to mention he didn't hesitate to say that it was all Owen's fault; he _must've_ released on his own. And what is most offensive is the fact that, against Martha's wishes, he showed footage of Owen's funeral on Raw. And when Martha sued him for wrongful death and negligence he had the nerve to countersue, saying she was violating Owen's contract!!

I have the utmost respect for Martha. I think her feelings are justified and she handled herself very well during such a horrible time. I've never liked Vince, but now I'm completely disgusted with him. I use to watch his shows, mainly during Mick Foley's commisioner days, but now I'll never watch anything of his again. His complete disregard for his employees and his unprofessionalism during that time is inexcusable. And Ellie and Diana should be ashamed of themselves for selling their dead brother out just to secure jobs for their husbands and children. This is one of the best books I've ever read and I recommend it to anyone. I just warn you of its content and to have a box of tissues nearby.

God bless you Martha, Oje, and Athena and God bless Owen.

this is a very sad book. if you have read mick foley's first book(Have A Nice Day) then you know how much of a family man Owen was. Well this book only shared more of this great man life. He had values that would not be compromised in any way. You couldnt buy Owen. He was probably the most moral man in the sport at that time, and truley loved his wife and family. This tragic book chronicles his life, growing up in the Hart family home and business(which was wrestling), meeting the love of his life(which he couldnt have found a better woman), establishing himself in the wrestling busines(that he honestly despised, but it paid the bills), and the sad way Mr. Hart had to leave us all. It also chronicals the lawsuit following his death, and the literal hell his beloved wife went through following his death. This is a must read if you were a Owen Hart fan. A truely heart touching and wrenching novel. Thank you Martha Hart for sharing with us things that you didnt have to, but you chose to. So thanks again.

While I'm sure wrestling fans will be enthralled to learn about the life and tragic death of this of incredible man, the beauty of Broken Harts is that it's not a wrestling book.
It's an incredibly emotional tale of two high school sweethearts who had had all their dreams shattered thanks to an incredibly negligent WWF stunt that made for the most famous incident in the history of wrestling.
Martha Hart, Owen's widow, reveals what happened the night he fell 78 feet thanks to a stunt designed by a hack who used a flimsy nautical clip to suspend Owen above the ring.
The legal battle and family fight that followed is fascinating to read about as is the raw emotion of the night Martha learned of his death and the days that followed.
I finished the book - as did several of my friends - in two sittings and cried several times. Yet, at the end of the book you're not depressed as hers is a story of triumph over tragedy in many ways.
It's a great read. I'd recommend it to anyone and, remember, I hate wrestling.

"Broken Harts: The Life and Death of Owen Hart," paints a beautiful picture of an amazing person. This is a must read for fans of Owen Hart, but wrestling fans in general should be prepared for some shocking revelations about the world of professional wrestling. I have worked backstage for wrestling events in the past and have interacted with wrestlers in hotels, airports, and shopping malls. Martha hits the nail right on the head with her view of wrestlers in general.

I enjoyed learning about Owen's playful personality and some of the pranks he played on his family, friends, and colleagues. I never met him, but I sure wish I could have. I respect the man for his morals and willingness to help others any way that he could. Through the Owen Hart Foundation, started by Martha, his legacy continues to help others.

I was impressed with the detailed description surrounding the lawsuit and the investigation. It cleared up many questions that I had. It is unfortunate that Vince McMahon lied to Owen when he ensured him that top stunt riggers from Hollywood were setting up the stunt to make sure it was safe. Owen trusted Vince with his life and now he is no longer around for those who matter most - Martha, Oje, and Athena. My heart goes out to them and I applaud them for their strength and ability to move on.

Martha, thank you for sharing the story of Owen's life and the events surrounding his tragic death. I admire your strength and courage. God Bless you, your kids, and your family.

Overall I found this book to be a good read. However it is not your typical wrestling book. As a wrestling fan I will never forget the night of May 23,1999. I was saddened to hear that Owen Hart had died due to the fall at the P.P.V. I had always wondered what exactly had happened. This book takes you through every detail leading up to Owens untimely death. I was suprised at how the Hart family is portrayed.... how Owen so desperatly wanted to get away from wrestling...how Owen was unsafely "rigged up" ...and I was most suprised and upset that the show went on that night.

I read this book on the Life and Death of Owen Hart and it is an truly inspirational book.In this book you can explore about the man who grew up as the youngest of 12 children,started wrestling in the WWE,his marriage,his life,and the accident that caused him to lose his life at an WWF/WWE ppv event entitled;Over the Edge after falling 80 something feet to the ring below.Also you can read about Martha(Owens wife)who fought to gain Owen justice by suing the WWF/WWE in like an war you never seen.Owen is truly an motivating man,that could really touch someone's live so R.I.P Owen.And thanks for the many lives you touched.


Owen James Hart;
May 7,1965-May 23,1999.

Hello there,

I've always been a big fan of both Owen & Bret. I remember watching "The Blue Blazer" toward the end of the 80s.

This books chronicles the life of one of the best high-flying wrestler ever and a great human being!

It's difficult not to shed a tear when you read "The Fall" chapter. Extra-ordinary amount of details and strength of will by Martha to be able to write this tragic portion of her life; she's a super-woman!

There's interesting information on how the WWF/WWE do things; rather sad actually, but I believe every-word of it!

Also, a lot of information on the Hart family is releaved.

Overall, a great and simple read. Thanks again Martha for your strength in writing this book and informing me why one of the best in the business passed away...

I will remember you Owen Hart, now and always.
Charles D.

Not really up to a lot of other wrestling books. This is my first and only book that is written by a wrestler's wife. The best parts involved Owen Hart, his personal life, his wrestling life and wrestling in general.

Unfortunately, Martha put me off a little by being anti-wrestling. I mean I completely understand and agree with her anti-WWE/Vince in light of what happened to Owen and the resulting loss of her husband and her kids' father. What I don't agree with is her looking down on wrestlers as "freaks" as she called them several times and uneducated. If she had done her research more she would have found that there are lots of educated wrestlers who wrestle because that's what they love to do. Also there are some glaring mistakes. One mistake was her statement that Andre The Giant died in the 1980's. He died of a heart attack in 1993.

Also, I disagree that wrestling was just a job to Owen and that he didn't like it. I agree he might have felt differently about wrestling as it changed into Jerry Springer-like tv, but actual wrestling and in-ring work it was obvious Owen was passionate about it. He might not have loved wrestling as much as his wife or kids, which is normal. The wrestlers that love wrestling more than their wives or families are abnormal to me. Wrestling was in Owen's blood, but I think Martha & her mother both looked down on wrestling & wrestlers. I get the feeling Martha was ashamed of her husband's profession from the moment she met him.

I do feel really sorry for her and Owen's kids. I can't imagine the shock of the tragic loss she must have felt when she was told Owen died. If I had a choice I would have borrowed this book (if anyone I knew had it) or gotten it at a library, but the only way I could read it was to buy it. Still I am glad if the money goes to her and Owen's kids, or the Owen Hart foundation.

I'm not anti-Marth Hart by any means. I just have different opinions than she does. I totally agree that Vince, WWE and others were negligent, stupid, and responsible for the horrible accident which cause Owen Hart his life. It is yet another case of wrestling going too far. I'm a big wrestling fan, but wrestling sometimes goes too far.

I also liked the interaction between Bret Hart and Martha. Unlike some who criticize Bret, I am glad Martha appreciated his help. You could tell that Bret really loved his brother and was true to his word that he would look after Martha and Owen's kids if something ever happened to Owen.

Despite my different opinions on wrestling and wrestlers, I feel good I purchased this book. If the money goes to Owen's family I feel good at the end of the day. I was absorbed by the book and don't regret buying it. At least now I know Martha's view on things and got to know Owen Hart a lot better than I did before I read this book.

I recommend this book for the more die-hard wrestling fan, but warning that it might anger some with the anti-wrestling and putting down of wrestlers through-out the book. Other than the snobbish-ness I think Martha is a decent human being and feel sorry for her loss.

I read Martha Hart's book about her husband, the late Owen Hart. There were parts in it that made me nearly cry and made me angered at the Hart family and at the actions of the WWE in regards to Owen's death, but overall this was a fantastic book. Some reviewers say that it was "depressing" to read. The reviewers of this books who say that should keep in mind that this was a woman who lost her husband on a wrestling pay-per-view, doing a dangerous stunt that should've never happened in the first place. When I read her book I felt her pain, because to lose someone you loved, shared a life with, and had children with is indeed painful. Also, those who say that she is too bitter towards the wrestling industry and that she had no right to be, obviously have no idea of what they are talking about and are heartless people to say such a thing in the first place. Considering the circumstances in which her husband lost his life, she has every right to feel some resentment. All in all, I think this book was excellent and as a wrestling fan for 22 years I recommend it to anyone.