Walking with Garbo: Conversations and Recollections

by Raymond Daum, Vance Muse (Editor)

After meeting Greta Garbo at a party in the early 1960s, Daum was invited by the great actress to accompany her on her strolls aroung Manhattan. The two became close friends, and Daum began to keep notes of Garbo's comments about everything from life in the city to how to make coffee. Daum's reminiscences are linked by Muse's anecdotal biography to offer an affectionate portrait of the star.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Biography, Biography Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Christopher Fry · Rating 3 out of 5]

She said she wished to live two lives, one as the movie star and one as herself. She failed in the second.

[Mars G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting woman. I have seen her in films, of course. I have admired her beauty, of course, who couldn't? But really, I never bothered to learn more about her.

I would say that there is a habit of authors (especially but not exclusively male authors) to idealize or objectify or idolize their female subjects. I would say that this certainly happens in this book, not only because Ms. Garbo was so mysterious but also because she's deceased and don't we all talk better about the dead?

What an eccentric, lonely, wonderful, wise lady. I'm sorry I couldn't have met her but I'm sure she wouldn't have been interested in my friendship. She was aloof by choice and humble and expectant. I'm glad I read this book. I'm glad I learned about her.

[Doug Cturtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disappointed in this book. There is no “conversation.” Any interaction between Mr Daum and GG is not described. It is a biography with some rambling quotes by GG scattered throughout. More often than not, the quotes have nothing at all to do with the biographical text, because GG never spoke about her career with Daum. She mostly talks about how terrible NYC is, but she continues to live there. Why? There are some interesting stories about GG’s career, but none of then come from her, so there’s little point to this book, and it becomes just another GG biography.

[Cynthia Bemis Abrams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original nature of this book is the author's first hand conversations with Greta Garbo, which he faithfully documented. Garbo biographies are few and far between, usually building upon the work of the most recently published.

The books design and layout make it accessible and distinct. If you're starting or ending your quest to find Garbo, this is essential reading.

[Phdrseuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. lots of nice pictures and so is the story.

I envy the author because Greta Garbo is one of my favorite actresses. At times i wish it was me with her.

Its worth the read. Its not an interview and at times things she said are shared.

[Amy Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book about a rare friend of Garbo's who used to go walking with her after she became a recluse in New York. We learn about her storied past as Hollywood's Queen & empathize with her not wanting to be seen and destroy the illusion of glamor. Very powerful.

[luiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I never said ‘I want to be alone’ I only said, ‘I want to be left alone’. there’s all the difference.”

this was such a good reading for me, i always wanted to read one biography about her and i started with the best. she was a beautiful person, inside and out, i’m really in love with her <3

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photographs and interesting snippets about the beautiful and mysterious Miss G.

[Laura Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read, enjoyed the photos.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but glosses over the details and just gives small snippets of information. Doesn't make me like G.G. Very much.