mbondlamberty's review
4.0
Enjoyable listen - and stuff to learn.
One - Sarah Bernhardt was French - who knew?
Two - the drama wasn't only on the stage
Three - She also had other skills - art
Four - the various French wars with Germany were not always Germany's faults.
Five - men always seem to have problems with women's success
So I enjoyed the listen and was committed to finishing the book.
There were parts when her character got on one's nerves as did the folks who were her "enemies", but still interesting to hear how the stage developed in France.
One - Sarah Bernhardt was French - who knew?
Two - the drama wasn't only on the stage
Three - She also had other skills - art
Four - the various French wars with Germany were not always Germany's faults.
Five - men always seem to have problems with women's success
So I enjoyed the listen and was committed to finishing the book.
There were parts when her character got on one's nerves as did the folks who were her "enemies", but still interesting to hear how the stage developed in France.
neens_m's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pregnancy and Addiction
anjreading's review
4.0
Gortner does a wonderful job bringing the French actress Sarah Bernhardt vividly to life in this historical novel. I was obsessed with Joel Gross’s novel Sarah, another novel about Bernhardt, when I was in high school, so it was interesting to revisit her life through someone else’s vision. Bernhardt had an incredible, tumultuous, and fascinating life and career. She’s a woman you probably would never want as your BFF, but her strength and single-minded pursuit of her goals are impressive and admirable. Gortner focuses on her childhood and the rise of her career, with most of the book taking place in those first thirty years or so. The afterward brings the reader up to speed on the second half of her life.
halkid2's review
4.0
Full Disclosure: I was given early access to this manuscript in exchange for writing an impartial review. Scheduled publication - May 26, 2020 by Ballantine Books.
I was completely captivated by this novel from the very first page and finished it in 2 days. And honestly, 4.5 stars is probably more accurate than 4.
Often when I read books by male authors creating female protagonists, I find they fall short. But not this one. Much like an earlier Gortner book I read (THE ROMANOV EMPRESS), this author is able to authentically and believably portray strong women characters.
I did not know much about Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) before reading the novel, except that she was a famous French actress, was somewhat eccentric, and was likely one of the many mistresses of British King Edward VII. But through the writing skill of C. W. Gortner, I now feel as though I know her well and even understand her. She feels fully fleshed out to me as a person -- not some goddess to be worshipped, but a fully human early feminist who is completely fascinating.
The book begins with Sarah's childhood as the illegitimate daughter of a courtesan, being fostered on a farm in Brittany. At the age of eight, her mother Julie is forced reluctantly to reclaim Sarah and incorporate her into the busy life of an active and successful Parisian courtesan. Not surprisingly it doesn't go well and Sarah and Julie embark on a contentious relationship that lasts throughout their lives.
I don't want to spoil your pleasure in discovering Sarah's story. Establishing her career involves much struggle, with many men who want to control her, other actresses who are jealous of her, and lovers who wish to rein her in. She flaunts many of society's rules and pays for it. But a brave spirit and fierce desire to live an independent life sustain her through war, hunger, and poverty. Needless to say, it's a story with plenty of drama, romance, and passion. Populated by writers, actors and artists like Oscar Wilde, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Jean Mounet-Sullyand, and Louise Abbema.
A surprise for me was how interesting it was to learn more about some of the famous historical theatres of Paris --the Comédie-Française, Odéon, Théâtre de la Renaissance, and Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt. How they were different, who they catered to, the ways in which they competed, which was considered more prestigious, how performance material was chosen and parts assigned. And of course, the considerable egos of those who choose a life on the stage.
I have only two major criticisms of the novel. And that was an abrupt 10-year skip in time between the last two chapters and the author choosing to end the story with Sarah's triumphant return to the Paris stage in 1896, rather than including the final 25+ years of her life. I think mostly this was a reflection of my disappointment, not wanting to let her go. But as the author explains in the AFTERWORD, Sarah's COMPLETE story would have required an entire second novel.
Highly recommended!
I was completely captivated by this novel from the very first page and finished it in 2 days. And honestly, 4.5 stars is probably more accurate than 4.
Often when I read books by male authors creating female protagonists, I find they fall short. But not this one. Much like an earlier Gortner book I read (THE ROMANOV EMPRESS), this author is able to authentically and believably portray strong women characters.
I did not know much about Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) before reading the novel, except that she was a famous French actress, was somewhat eccentric, and was likely one of the many mistresses of British King Edward VII. But through the writing skill of C. W. Gortner, I now feel as though I know her well and even understand her. She feels fully fleshed out to me as a person -- not some goddess to be worshipped, but a fully human early feminist who is completely fascinating.
The book begins with Sarah's childhood as the illegitimate daughter of a courtesan, being fostered on a farm in Brittany. At the age of eight, her mother Julie is forced reluctantly to reclaim Sarah and incorporate her into the busy life of an active and successful Parisian courtesan. Not surprisingly it doesn't go well and Sarah and Julie embark on a contentious relationship that lasts throughout their lives.
I don't want to spoil your pleasure in discovering Sarah's story. Establishing her career involves much struggle, with many men who want to control her, other actresses who are jealous of her, and lovers who wish to rein her in. She flaunts many of society's rules and pays for it. But a brave spirit and fierce desire to live an independent life sustain her through war, hunger, and poverty. Needless to say, it's a story with plenty of drama, romance, and passion. Populated by writers, actors and artists like Oscar Wilde, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Jean Mounet-Sullyand, and Louise Abbema.
A surprise for me was how interesting it was to learn more about some of the famous historical theatres of Paris --the Comédie-Française, Odéon, Théâtre de la Renaissance, and Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt. How they were different, who they catered to, the ways in which they competed, which was considered more prestigious, how performance material was chosen and parts assigned. And of course, the considerable egos of those who choose a life on the stage.
I have only two major criticisms of the novel. And that was an abrupt 10-year skip in time between the last two chapters and the author choosing to end the story with Sarah's triumphant return to the Paris stage in 1896, rather than including the final 25+ years of her life. I think mostly this was a reflection of my disappointment, not wanting to let her go. But as the author explains in the AFTERWORD, Sarah's COMPLETE story would have required an entire second novel.
Highly recommended!
katejeminhizer's review
5.0
I received an advanced copy of this title via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Everything Gortner touches is gold! He has a remarkable talent in finding unique characters that are complex, deliciously fascinating, and enigmas in their own time. I knew nothing about Sarah Bernhardt prior to reading this book. Her wants, needs, and desires are relatable to most women throughout history. She was a formidable force and Gortner embodies her essence with ease. A superb account of one who has been largely forgotten.
Everything Gortner touches is gold! He has a remarkable talent in finding unique characters that are complex, deliciously fascinating, and enigmas in their own time. I knew nothing about Sarah Bernhardt prior to reading this book. Her wants, needs, and desires are relatable to most women throughout history. She was a formidable force and Gortner embodies her essence with ease. A superb account of one who has been largely forgotten.
meghanstinar's review
4.0
I loved this book about a daring woman in 1800s France! I highly recommend the audiobook as the narrator was fabulous and portraying different characters and accents.
endlessmidnight's review
5.0
Another absolutely riveting book. I have always liked the author and the way that he dealt with his female characters. Not shying away from what made them human.
But this made me love Sarah in a very intimate way. And I loved to follow her story to the end. A story about an actress, who was a pioneer in so many things. A single mother, a single woman and all around complicated.
But this made me love Sarah in a very intimate way. And I loved to follow her story to the end. A story about an actress, who was a pioneer in so many things. A single mother, a single woman and all around complicated.
emilyacres's review
4.0
Slow down? Rest? With all eternity before me?
-Sarah Bernhardt
What to say about the story of a real person's life? Suffice to say Sarah Bernhardt is truly a woman deserving of the recognition, not to mention the author's beautiful work in rendering her on the page.
If you don't know much about Sarah Bernhardt, as I didn't, she was a remarkable woman born in the mid-nineteenth century in France. She was born the illegitimate child of a courtesan and though tied to that life through her mother, Sarah aspires to a life of acting and supporting herself. She was unabashed in advocating for herself, and in hindsight she was one of the first women to push for women's rights before such a movement even existed. If any of this intrigues you, you should just pick up the book, it won't disappoint.
Once again, C.W. Gortner does a brilliant job bringing a historical figure to life through his writing. All of it felt so real (yes, I see the irony,) from Sarah's internal thoughts to the dialogue. It really feels like a window into her life. This time period in France is also fascinating, and one I didn't know terribly much about prior to reading this book. It was such a pleasure to get to see other historical figures, like Alexander Dumas and Oscar Wilde, through this book. It felt like getting to "meet" them in person. I'll read anything C.W. Gortner writes, it feels like an education of world history as well as incredible entertainment.
Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.
crazeedi73's review
5.0
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of this magnificent novel.
I'm not sure the life of Sarah Bernhardt can be completely captured in one simple book, but the author does a fantastic job of creating an indelible portrait of this amazing woman. Bernhardt was a woman ahead of her time, a woman who knew what she wanted and let nothing and no one stop her from achieving her goals.
Her early life as the daughter of a courtesan in Paris may have relegated her to a similar life, but her stubbornness and gifts took her to the pinnacle of fame during the late 1800's. She was touted a the "Divine Sarah " in England, America and her beloved France.
The author brilliantly brings Sarah to life in the pages of this book. Though fiction, much of what is written here is based in historical fact.
I highly recommend this book. I have loved every book I have read by CW Gortner.
I'm not sure the life of Sarah Bernhardt can be completely captured in one simple book, but the author does a fantastic job of creating an indelible portrait of this amazing woman. Bernhardt was a woman ahead of her time, a woman who knew what she wanted and let nothing and no one stop her from achieving her goals.
Her early life as the daughter of a courtesan in Paris may have relegated her to a similar life, but her stubbornness and gifts took her to the pinnacle of fame during the late 1800's. She was touted a the "Divine Sarah " in England, America and her beloved France.
The author brilliantly brings Sarah to life in the pages of this book. Though fiction, much of what is written here is based in historical fact.
I highly recommend this book. I have loved every book I have read by CW Gortner.
brookerhi's review
3.0
Being a big fan of biographical fiction, I picked up C.W. Gortner's new novel The First Actress for that reason. Knowing nothing about pioneering French actress Sarah Bernhardt, I thought it would be interesting to learn about her life through this novel. While I certainly know more about Sarah, her accomplishments, and her intimate and personal relationships after reading this book, I don't feel particularly inspired or intrigued by her life, mainly due to this novel being more plot-driven than character-driven.
Taking readers through Sarah's early days of abandonment by her courtesan mother, through boarding school at a nunnery, and on to her career as an oft-contested stage actress, Gortner's novel examines power, privilege, discrimination, and ambition to much effect. What The First Actress lacks, however, is a compelling plot. This novel is essentially the same story time and time again - Sarah is not taken seriously as an actress, so she uses her shrewd mind and feminine wiles to get her way. After encountering this plot line repeatedly throughout this novel, I became bored and did not feel driven to engage with this book. There is also much theater talk about the stage productions, but most of this felt periphery, not giving readers much opportunity to connect with the characters and story.
My three story rating for The First Actress is given because this novel is thorough and the subject is intriguing, but the delivery and emotion behind the story was lacking.
Taking readers through Sarah's early days of abandonment by her courtesan mother, through boarding school at a nunnery, and on to her career as an oft-contested stage actress, Gortner's novel examines power, privilege, discrimination, and ambition to much effect. What The First Actress lacks, however, is a compelling plot. This novel is essentially the same story time and time again - Sarah is not taken seriously as an actress, so she uses her shrewd mind and feminine wiles to get her way. After encountering this plot line repeatedly throughout this novel, I became bored and did not feel driven to engage with this book. There is also much theater talk about the stage productions, but most of this felt periphery, not giving readers much opportunity to connect with the characters and story.
My three story rating for The First Actress is given because this novel is thorough and the subject is intriguing, but the delivery and emotion behind the story was lacking.