Unedited

by Jane Raphaely

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Colleen Mulrooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Raphaely dips into the history of women's magazine in SA, telling the rather fleeting tales of her time spent building Fair Lady, Cosmo, Femina and O Magazine into the formidable titles they are today. She beat the odds and the Publications Control Board by printing and exposing issues around child abuse, sexual equality and her ongoing rant at the SADF's lack of transparency.
Her personal story of emigrating from the UK and raising four kids is intertwined with funny and the bizarre tales from the publishing world (students running around the office, naked, during the UCT Rag Week to get her attention; getting goosebumps while Charlize Theron shot the "Real Men Don't Rape" TV campaign; and attending and 'educational trip' to Katima to see 'our boys' in action during the Border war).
4 stars only because it was so short - would have loved a more indepth look into how she ran her titles and made them the success they were. An enjoyable and interesting read with cameo appearances by Oprah herself, F W de Klerk and Charlize Theron – set against the backdrop of the madness that permeated minds and printed pages during the Apartheid era.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was much I learned, at both ends of Jane Raphaely's autobiography: the challenging circumstances of her childhood, and then the fact that at least two of her children have continued in SA magazine publishing.

She writes in the journalistic style I came to recognise after many years as an avid follower of 'Fair Lady' - slightly racy, but always with an entertaining turn of phrase. I always admired her great courage in taking up causes in the bad old days of SA's 70s and 80s and her unflinching self-belief.

A fun, fearless feminist with chutzpah and charm to boot!

[Bernelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in under 24 hours (lost some sleep and called in sick). It's an easy read, not my usual heavy fodder, but it struck a chord with me, the style was well constructed and a great balance between good old girly curl-up with a novel and hard-hitting business lessons. It may just be because it resonated with things I have to deal with in my own life right now, but I really enjoyed it.

[Andrea Mandal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened upon this book due to a series of small fortunate events. Loved it ... I should have read more memoirs and autobiographies when I was younger! Jane Raphaely's story is one of a life in balance and a testament to what you can do by making the most out of every opportunity and believing in yourself.

[Zanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, inspiring read.

[Muneerah Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super, super piece of art by the doyenne who brought Cosmo to SA. A must read for any fun, fearless female!

[Lianne Lipschitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book ...

[Diane V-R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A feisty and compelling read.

[Michal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Amazing life and story. Very glamorous and powerful woman.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable, like catching up with an old friend