Scan barcode
cynthiabemisabrams's review against another edition
5.0
Comprehensive chronological read of an enigmatic legend. Written more than 25 years ago, Paris describes the sexism and marginal movies roles of the early 1930s that we know to be prevalent even today. Garbo's resistance and Scandinavian sensibilities are as fascinating as the innovations her presence had on movie making.
mrjonathan's review against another edition
4.0
Mr. Paris's biography of Garbo can best be described as uneven. The first half, which is devoted to Greta's time in Hollywood, is dreadfully uninspired. Paris ridicules her films, costars, and directors. At times he even harshly appraises her talent. I seriously considered setting this book aside, unfinished. Yet, I am nothing if not a completionist, so I persevered.
I am delighted to say that my efforts were well-repaid. The second half of Paris's 'Garbo' was quite lovely, the leading lady at last starting to become flesh and blood instead of mere words on a page. What is arguably the least fascinating period of Garbo's life is described with such loving detail that I became interested in her as a person more than as an actress. While I slogged through the first 300 pages of this book, I devoured what was left, eager to know whether Garbo would find comfortable shoes, or whether she ate jam or jelly with her morning toast. By the end, I felt that I knew her, though the first half of her life was still cloaked in mystery.
I am delighted to say that my efforts were well-repaid. The second half of Paris's 'Garbo' was quite lovely, the leading lady at last starting to become flesh and blood instead of mere words on a page. What is arguably the least fascinating period of Garbo's life is described with such loving detail that I became interested in her as a person more than as an actress. While I slogged through the first 300 pages of this book, I devoured what was left, eager to know whether Garbo would find comfortable shoes, or whether she ate jam or jelly with her morning toast. By the end, I felt that I knew her, though the first half of her life was still cloaked in mystery.
More...