toomanytomes's review against another edition
3.0
Coco Chanel is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating women of the 20th century or, indeed, of the modern era. Her life captivated the public during her lifetime and continues to do so today. Hardly any fashionista or fashion historian worth their salt hasn’t read about her childhood trapped in poverty, or her rise and subsequent fall in the eyes of the Parisian public.
I, personally, have read enough biographies, watched enough documentaries and dramatisations of Chanel’s life that Simon’s book didn’t tell me anything new. But, it wasn’t really attempting to.
Simon’s chronicles Chanel’s life from childhood almost up until her death in 1971, using quotes from Chanel herself and her acquaintances throughout.
‘Critical Lives: Coco Chanel’ is an introduction to the myth of Coco; to the woman behind the facade she put up both in public and with her most intimate of friends. As always when I read about Chanel, I’m saddened by how lonely and afraid she seemed. She felt unable to truly let her guard down with anyone, even those who were closest to her, if anyone could truly be close to such a guarded person.
She so desperately wanted to be loved and yet seemed utterly incapable of letting anyone close.
In a way, breaking apart the myths of Chanel’s life only serves to heighten our fascination with this remarkable woman.
As an introduction to the life and troubles of Coco Chanel, I couldn’t recommend Simon’s book more. She presents the facts of Chanel’s life, her lovers, her tragedies and her stories with clarity and compassion.
While, for me, Simon’s book did not present anything new nor any particularly deep analysis of Chanel’s life, I did enjoy reading it and will continue to recommend it to anyone looking for an introduction to this remarkable woman.
I, personally, have read enough biographies, watched enough documentaries and dramatisations of Chanel’s life that Simon’s book didn’t tell me anything new. But, it wasn’t really attempting to.
Simon’s chronicles Chanel’s life from childhood almost up until her death in 1971, using quotes from Chanel herself and her acquaintances throughout.
‘Critical Lives: Coco Chanel’ is an introduction to the myth of Coco; to the woman behind the facade she put up both in public and with her most intimate of friends. As always when I read about Chanel, I’m saddened by how lonely and afraid she seemed. She felt unable to truly let her guard down with anyone, even those who were closest to her, if anyone could truly be close to such a guarded person.
She so desperately wanted to be loved and yet seemed utterly incapable of letting anyone close.
In a way, breaking apart the myths of Chanel’s life only serves to heighten our fascination with this remarkable woman.
As an introduction to the life and troubles of Coco Chanel, I couldn’t recommend Simon’s book more. She presents the facts of Chanel’s life, her lovers, her tragedies and her stories with clarity and compassion.
While, for me, Simon’s book did not present anything new nor any particularly deep analysis of Chanel’s life, I did enjoy reading it and will continue to recommend it to anyone looking for an introduction to this remarkable woman.
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