奧黛麗•赫本：一個優雅的靈魂

by Sean Hepburn Ferrer, 西恩．赫本．法拉

第一本根據第一手資料撰寫的奧黛麗•赫本傳記，發現你從未見過的奧黛麗！

★奧黛麗之子親撰傳記，對母親最深情的回憶
★近300幀精采劇照和珍貴生活照，奧黛麗映像第一手紀錄
★奧黛麗親繪畫作手稿，品味奧黛麗的藝術心靈
★第一次近距離欣賞奧黛麗的絕代風華，思憶永遠的奧黛麗

「我闔上雙眼，在喧囂之中，憶起她的氣味：芬芳、高雅、安全、堅強，毫無保留的愛的氣息……若你的母親是奧黛麗‧赫本……」

這是個小女孩的故事，母親灌輸她勤奮和誠實的價值，父親在她六歲時離家出走。
這是個兒童的故事，她在二次大戰期間成長，貧窮匱乏的滋味讓她永生難忘。
這是個少女的故事，她辛勤工作，命運之神眷顧，終於出人頭地。
這是個演員的故事，她總是比其他人更努力，彌補自己的不足。
這是個明星的故事，她看不到自己的光芒，總是有禮、尊重待人。
這是個長大成人的女兒回報父親的故事，她陪伴成長過程中缺席的父親至終。
這是個傷心妻子的故事，她兩度對婚姻失望，心碎神傷。
這是個全心盼望家人永遠聚在一起的女人的故事，她愛她的狗、花園和一盤簡單的茄汁義大利麵。
這是個平鋪直敘的故事，她認為她的一生太平淡、太簡單。

上帝吻了她的頰，她就現身在我們眼前。――她是奧黛麗•赫本

在好萊塢熠熠星光中，再沒有比奧黛麗•赫本更耀眼燦爛了。她的非凡魅力、高貴優雅、仁慈愛心和甜美臉龐，征服了全球影迷。在銀幕或舞台上，她扮演的是《金粉世界》裡的姬姬、《窈窕淑女》的賣花女伊萊莎，或是《第凡內早餐》嚮往上流生活的鄉下女孩荷莉；在現實生活中，她的兒子西恩看到的是「媽咪」。

這是第一本根據第一手資料撰寫的奧黛麗•赫本傳記。奧黛麗之子為我們勾勒出這位好萊塢最知名女星，銀幕下最真實的一面。在這本真情流露、直言不諱的傳記中，西恩描寫了奧黛麗精采豐富、跌宕起伏的真實人生──從幼時在烽火連天的荷蘭淪陷區，到事業如日中天的好萊塢時期，以及遠離鎂光燈與狗仔追逐，致力人道事業的暮年生活。最難能可貴的是，這本奧黛麗的傳記，不僅透過攝影鏡頭記錄她的非凡風采，更以最貼身觀察欣賞她、最崇拜她的人子角度，描繪她的人生選擇和內心世界。

收錄近三百幀照片、豐富的紀錄資料，以及奧黛麗親手繪製的彩色畫作，許多是首次披露的珍貴資料。在這本前所未有的精采傳記中，西恩親身證實了奧黛麗在銀幕下扮演的母親角色，一如她的銀幕形象一般成功；對奧黛麗風采懷念不已的廣大影迷，也能在佳人遠颺之後，再次細細回味這位影史上無出其右的傑出女性一生的點點滴滴。

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Fashion, Film, Memoir, History

264 pages

First published October 28, 2003

About the author

Son of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer, born in 1960.

Reviews

[سـارا · Rating 5 out of 5]

این کتاب میتونه قلب و روحتون رو تسخیر کنه و لذت ببرید از خوندن و دونستن درباره‌ی چنین انسان دوست داشتنی‌ای که دیگه شبیهش تکرار نمیشه..! این زن نه تنها الهه‌ی زیبایی و آرامشه، بلکه روحش هم سرشار از زیبایی و تواضعه، و من چقدر بیشتر از قبل دوسش دارم و ستایشش میکنم.
.
پ.ن: سه سال پیش که کتاب «راهنمای دوست‌داشتنی بودن به روش آدری هپبورن» رو خوندم بخاطر علاقه‌ی عمیقم به آدری بهش ۵ ستاره دادم. اما بنظرم این کتاب در بهتر بودن به هیچ وجه قابل مقایسه با‌هاش نیست و ده‌ها برابر جلوتره.
پس پنج ستاره واقعی برای روایت شان هپبورن فرر 👌🏻🌟

[Maryam Bahrani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book I read offers a new perspective. In this post, I share my thoughts on this book in both Persian and English hope this will be enjoyable for you :)

هر کتابی که می خوانم دریچه ای به دنیای جدید است . تو این نوشته دیدگاه و تجربه ام از مطالعه ی این کتاب رو به دو زبان فارسی و انگلیسی با شما به اشتراک می ذارم امیدوارم خوندنش براتون لذتبخش باشه :)


Persian (فارسی)

ورود من به سینما و موسیقی کلاسیک در ۱۸-۱۹ سالگی هم‌زمان شد با آشنایی و شناخت بیشتر هنرمندهایی مثل آدری هپبورن. در آن دوران، او برایم تبدیل شد به نمادی از چیزهایی که باید پشت سر می‌گذاشتم—از بحران‌های عاطفی و احساسی، همچون جدایی پدر و مادر، گرفته تا هر علاقه‌ای که به‌طور عمیق در من ریشه داشت. الهامات و تأثیراتی که از او گرفتم، گسترده بود: از رقص و سبک پوشش گرفته تا یادگیری زبان، زیبایی‌شناسی و علاقه به مردم و کودکان و حتی کتاب. این ارتباط چنان
با روح و احساساتم عجین شده که نوشتن درباره‌اش فراتر از تحسین صرف یک هنرمند است—بی‌نهایت شکرگزارم که سرنوشت، او را در بهترین زمان ممکن به مسیرم آورد.

فرایند شناختی من از او تنها به تماشای فیلم‌هایش خلاصه نمی‌شد، بلکه شامل دیدن مصاحبه‌هایش، مطالعه درباره‌ی کسانی که با او کار کرده‌اند—از کارگردان‌ها گرفته تا طراحان مد و بازیگران هم‌دوره‌اش—جمع‌آوری عکس‌های مختلف و بررسی نگرش او به زندگی و جهان بود. هرچه بیشتر می‌خواندم، بیشتر درمی‌یافتم که اندیشه‌ها و سبک زندگی‌اش لبریز از تأمل و احساس است. در تمام این جستجوها، متوجه شدم که یکی از واقعی‌ترین راه‌های شناخت آدری، دیدن او از دریچه‌ی نگاه کسانی بود که به او نزدیک بودند—کسانی که نه فقط او را روی صحنه، بلکه در لحظات ساده و روزمره ی زندگی‌اش دیده بودند. دوستان، همکاران، و بیش از همه خانواده‌اش، جزئیاتی را درباره‌ی شخصیت او فاش می‌کردند که هیچ مصاحبه یا تصویر سینمایی قادر به نشان دادنش نبود.وقتی کتاب "آدری هپبورن، یک روح زیبا" را خواندم، احساس کردم بالاخره آن قطعه‌ی گمشده‌ی این شناخت تکمیل شد. این دیگر فقط مجموعه‌ای از اطلاعات و تحلیل‌ها درباره‌ی آثارش نبود؛ بلکه روایتی بود که از دریچه‌ی چشمان کسی می‌آمد که مادرش را در لحظات روزمره و بی‌پرده دیده بود. شان هپبورن فرر پسر بزرگش در این کتاب نه‌تنها چهره‌ی مشهور سینمایی او را ترسیم می‌کند، بلکه روح لطیف، دغدغه‌های شخصی، و لحظاتی را که او را شکل داده‌اند، به تصویر می‌کشد.

آنچه این کتاب را خاص می‌کند، شیوه‌ی روایت صمیمانه‌ی شان هپبورن فرر است—لحظاتی سرشار از محبت و خاطراتی که میان او و مادرش رد و بدل شده‌اند. تصاویر پراکنده از دوران جوانی تا روزهای پایانی زندگی آدری، به همراه دیدگاه‌هایی که از زبان خودش و اطرافیانش شنیده می‌شود، به این اثر عمق و لطافت خاصی می‌بخشد. این روایت نه‌تنها او را به‌عنوان یک بازیگر، بلکه به‌عنوان انسانی با تجربیات و اندیشه‌های منحصر‌به‌فرد به تصویر می‌کشد.
پیشنهاد من این است که شناخت آدری هپبورن را تنها به این کتاب محدود نکنید. این روایت نقطه‌ی آغاز ارزشمندی است، اما درک واقعی او زمانی شکل می‌گیرد که خودتان هم وارد این جستجو شوید—با تماشای فیلم‌هایش، مطالعه‌ی گفت‌وگوها، بررسی آثار مرتبط و دنبال کردن تأثیراتی که او بر سینما و فرهنگ برجای گذاشته است. هر کسی می‌تواند مسیر منحصربه‌فرد خود را در این سفر بسازد و تصویری کامل‌تر از او فراتر از قاب‌های سینمایی و صفحات کتاب خلق کند.

English (انگلیسی)

My introduction to cinema and classical music at the age of 18-19 coincided with discovering and learning more about artists like Audrey Hepburn. During that time, she became a symbol of everything I needed to move beyond—whether emotional and personal challenges, such as my parents’ separation, or deep-seated passions that shaped me. The inspirations and influences I drew from her were vast, spanning from dance and fashion to language learning, aesthetics, a love for people and children, and even books. This connection became so intertwined with my emotions and experiences that writing about her is far more than merely praising an artist—I am endlessly grateful that fate placed her in my path at just the right moment.

My journey to understand her was never limited to just watching her films. It expanded to seeing her interviews, studying the people she collaborated with—from directors to fashion designers and fellow actors—collecting her photographs and exploring her perspective on life and the world. The more I read, the more I realized how deeply thoughtful and emotionally rich her existence was. Throughout this exploration, I came to see that one of the most genuine ways to understand Audrey was through the eyes of those closest to her—those who knew her not just as an actress but as a person in her most ordinary and unfiltered moments. Friends, colleagues, and most of all, her family provided details about her personality that no interview or cinematic portrayal could ever fully convey.

When I read "Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit", I felt as if the missing piece of this understanding had finally fallen into place. It was no longer just a collection of information or analysis of her work—it was a narrative told by someone who had seen her as a mother in day-to-day life without any pretense. Sean Hepburn Ferrer, her eldest son, not only paints a portrait of the iconic actress but also reveals her gentle soul, personal concerns, and the moments that truly define her.

What makes this book special is Sean Hepburn Ferrer’s intimate storytelling—precious memories and affectionate exchanges between him and his mother. Scattered photographs from her youth to her final days, along with insights from her own words and those of the people around her, add depth and tenderness to this work. This account does more than present her as an actress; it brings forth the essence of an individual shaped by unique experiences and thoughts.

My suggestion is not to limit your understanding of Audrey Hepburn to just this book. While it serves as a valuable starting point, true appreciation comes when you embark on your own journey—watching her films, reading interviews, exploring related works, and tracing the lasting impact she left on cinema and culture. Each person can carve their own unique path in this exploration, creating a more complete image of her beyond cinematic frames and written pages.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book. If a reader is looking for a comprehensive biography on the life of Ms Hepburn then this isn’t it. There are 230 pages in this book. However, only about 50 pages of it are written words regarding Ms. Hepburn. I think it is more accurate to describe this book as a collection of rare, intimate, & iconic photographs. Many of the photos are one’s taken by family members that were never published before… Definitely a lovely book about an iconic Hollywood actress worth checking out.

[Dawn Kemmerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Audrey Hepburn so of course I had to have this book. I grew to admire her even more while reading this book. Audrey's humility and capacity for forgiveness and love is remarkable. I loved how her son related how she refused to sit in first class on a plane. She felt she was no better than anyone else, so why should she sit in first class? Also, her ability to forgive her father and then care for him when he was ailing can be a lesson for all of us about the power of forgiveness. As beautiful as she was, she never saw herself that way. She felt awkward and that vulnerability makes me love her even more. I admire Audrey for her humanitarian work and her inner and outer beauty. I can only hope to be half the person Audrey Hepburn was. There is only one person I admire more than Audrey Hepburn-and that's my mom. This is a beautiful book about a beautiful person written in love by her adoring son. Great read for fans or for anyone that wants to learn more about this wonderful woman.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was an ok book though she did have a fascinating life.
Please don't tell any of my guy friends that I read a book in Audrey Hepburn :-)

[Yas · Rating 4 out of 5]

فکر کنین مادرتون آدری باشه:) هر کلمه این پسر عشق به مادرش بود.
پر از عکس‌های قشنگ از آدری♡

~آدری عاشق باله بوده و در اصل میخواسته بالرین شه ولی بخاطر سوءتغذیه در زمان جنگ نتونسته در باله به سطح اول برسه.

~چهره بامزه از این جهت فیلم موردعلاقه اشه چون بعد سال‌ها تونست باله برقصه🥺

~در فیلم جنگ و صلح هم با شوهر اولش بازی کرده در نقش ناتاشا و آندره.

پ.ن: عکس ص ۱۵۶ خیلی باحاله.

[SABRINA · Rating 5 out of 5]

چقدر زمان لازمه برای اینکه بتونم از روح والا و تفکرات زیبات بگم؟
اصلا از کجا شروع کنم؟!
از این بگم که چقدر تو دوران جنگ، گرسنگی و سختی و قحطی کشیدی و با این حال از تمرینات باله حتی تو دوران جنگ دست نکشیدی ولی تحمل گرسنگی و قحطی کاری با بدنت کرد که نتونستی به رویای بالرینِ سطح اول بودن دست پیدا کنی؟
از این بگم که از این مورد به عنوان بزرگترین شکست زندگیت یاد میکردی و تاثیر زیادی در روحیه‌ت داشت؟
از این بگم که بازیگری انتخاب دومت بود ولی جوری با فکر و نبوغ تمام بهش مشغول شدی که کسی شک نکرد اولویتت نبوده؟
از این بگم که معتقد بودی زن باید سبک پوشش مختص به خودش رو داشته باشه و با مد این پوشش رو زینت بده، نه اینکه برده‌ی مد باشه؟
از این بگم که ترجیح دادی از بچه‌هات مراقبت کنی و بازیگری رو کنار بزاری چون فکر میکردی دوران قد کشیدن و رشد بچه، دورانیه که با هیچ چیزی قابل قیاس نیست؟
از این بگم که درد بی پدری رو در بچگی کشیدی و به گفته‌ی خودت جای خالی این محبت هیچ وقت تو قلبت پر نشد؟
از این بگم که بخاطر قحطی کشیدنت تو ج��گ، سفیر یونیسف شدی تا به بچه‌های بیمار و گرسنه‌ی سومالی و سودان و.... کمک کنی و هیچ وقت از این تلاش و ترغیب بقیه به کمک دست نکشیدی؟
از این بگم که طبق گفته‌های پسرت، حتی آخرین جملاتت قبل از مرگ درباره‌ی همین کودکان بوده؟
"از او پرسیدم آيا از چیزی احساس پشیمانی می‌کند؟ او گفت: نه... اما نمی‌توانم درک کنم چرا این همه رنج... برای بچه‌هاست."
_______________________________

خیلی برام حس شیرینی بود اینکه بفهمم پشت هر فیلمی که در اون نقش بازی کردی چه داستانی برات رخ داده بود و چه عکس‌هایی گرفته شده.
تا الان "Sabrina" مورد علاقه‌ترین فیلمی بود که ازت سراغ داشتم ولی از الان به بعد "Funny Face" مورد علاقه‌ترینمه چون الان میدونم این فیلم چقدر از بابت اینکه میتونستی بعد از سال‌ها دوباره رقصیدن باله رو تجربه کنی برات عزیز بوده.
تو قلبم بودی و الان موندنی‌تر شدی.
_______________________________

و در آخر جمله‌ی دردناک پسر بزرگت برای همیشه تو ذهنم می‌مونه:
"دستش را بوسیدم و به او گفتم پسر کوچک درونم همراه او می‌رود."
_______________________________

***ممکنه این ریویو رو بارها و بارها ویرایش کنم چون هر بار یه چیزی از فوق‌العاده بودن این زن یادم میاد.

[°•.Melina°•. · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨درست مثل فیلم‌های فوق‌العاده‌ی آدری،خوندن این کتاب تو یه نشست دو سه ساعته،یکی از دلنشین ترین چیزاییه که میشه تجربه کرد.
✨هدف پسر بزرگش از نوشتن این کتاب نشون دادن زیبایی درونی مادرش که مثل زیبایی بیرونیش بی‌نقص و دلنشینه بوده و به بهترین حالت ممکن از پسش براومده.خاطرات و نقل قول‌ها و زندگینامه، با ترکیب فوق‌العاده‌ی عکس‌های بی‌نظیری که گذاشته خیلی به دل میشینه و من رو صدبرابر بیشتر از قبل عاشق این زن که از معدود آدمای هالیوودیه که انقدر بی‌شیله پیله اس و همیشه یک "انسان خوب واقعی"مونده،کرد.
✨دنیا فقط با وجود آدم هایی مثل آدری نجات پیدا میکنه و قشنگ میشه.آدم هایی که غم و رنجشون رو تبدیل به هنر و زیبایی و کمک کردن به دیگران میکنن و عشق های ناکامشون رو ده برابر به دنیا و خانوادشون برمیگردونن و هرگز نمیذارن دنیای شهرت تعادل روحی اونارو بهم بزنه بلکه از اون صدا و تصویر محبوبشون به عنوان یک فرصت برای تشویق کردن مردم جهان به بهتر کردن دنیا و کمک کردن بهم استفاده میکنن.
✨روحت شاد و جاودانه ای روح زیبای بی‌نقص.

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 An Intimate Look Stars
* * * * * A Netflix Review-‘Audrey’
I love a wonderful biography and this one just added to Netflix, in my opinion, is just that. It takes you from the very beginning of this amazing woman, gives you insight into all she experienced and how it impacted the movie star, actress, mother, wife, fashion icon, and humanitarian she became.

What was truly captivating was the verbal interviews you hear, her voice, and how she felt about things. There is input from so many sources, co-artists, her children, and friends. You are able to see the way she branded herself versus who she was in her "real life".

I have always loved Audrey Hepburn and this documentary brought so many memories of how my own mother loved her and our conversations about all the films she had done. Amazon Video also is streaming Classic Audry films so you are able to see the films referenced in this documentary with new eyes.

There are so many books available on Audrey Hepburn, Listopia has one.

Audrey Hepburn Goodreads list:
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9...


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[Sadra Kharrazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

در عصر معصومیت‌های از دست رفته، عمل‌های زیبایی که در حقیقت اسم اصلیشان را عمل‌های هیولاسازی باید بگذاریم و زمانی که بدن‌نمایی و هرزگی تبدیل به ابزاری محبوب و متأسفانه متداول و عامه‌پسند برای جلب توجه و مخاطب شده، ناگزیریم که پناه ببریم به روزهای دور...
روزهایی که آخرین معصوم سینما، دخترکی برآمده از دل رویایی‌ترین افسانه‌های کیهانی، نگاه‌ها را به خودش می‌دوخت؛ با زیباترین لبخندی که بی‌گمان حتی داوینچی هم نمی‌توانست جزئیات آن را آن‌طور که باید و شاید به تصویر کشد...

آدری هپبورن، نامی که همچون یک شعله لطیف در تاریکی سینما درخشید. او نه تنها یک بازیگر، بلکه نمادی از زیبایی، معصومیت و پیچیدگی در دل دنیای پرهیاهوی هالیوود بود. آخرین معصوم سینما، واژه‌ایست که شایسته‌ توصیف اوست؛ او نه تنها در سینما، بلکه در زندگی واقعی خود نیز انعکاس معصومیت بود. کسی که سال‌های سال میلیون‌ها دلار را برای یونیسف جمع‌آوری کرد و سفرهای پرخطری به دل ناشناخته‌ترین و فراموش‌شده‌ترین گوشه‌های این کره نفرین شده انجام داد و تمام عشق و محبتی را که در دوران کودکی به دلیل طلاق پدر و مادر و ترک شدن توسط پدر و سوء تغذیه ناشی از جنگ و بعدها ازدواج‌های شکست خورده ازش دریغ شده بود، نثار کودکان محروم کرد...

چهره‌ آدری، لبخند بی‌نظیرش و نگاه‌های پرنفوذش که همچون آینه‌ای از روحی زیبا و در عین حال با فهمی عمیق از دردهای بشر می‌درخشید، همگی ویژگی‌هایی بودند که او را از دیگران متمایز می‌کرد. در هر نقش، توانست توازنی شگفت‌انگیز بین سادگی و پیچیدگی برقرار کند؛ او نه تنها به عنوان یک ستاره‌ سینما، بلکه به عنوان زنی تنها و رنج‌ کشیده، در دنیای پر از کاستی‌های انسانی، به دنباله‌روی از اصالت و محبت برخاست.

پایان کتاب آدری هپبورن؛ یک روح زیبا و چه عنوان شایسته‌ای!
اسفند 1403

[jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Audrey Hepburn with my whole heart. I grew watching Roman Holiday, calling it "the runaway princess". Audrey has always been a beacon of grace, love and warmth in my life. She is so human and yet so exquisitely perfect in all of her movies.

"What you saw and felt when you watched her on the big screen was not only the clever presentation of characters brilliantly written, directed, shot, and edited into a performance, but a clear view of a truly magical human being who deserves the warm feelings that still transport audiences worldwide today."

Something I hate however, is how the world remembers her, for the most part, as a pretty face; her style and looks overshadowing the incredible work she did for UNICEF. Her passion and sadness at the state of the world are very present in her son's words. Her work in 3rd world countries was so important (and still is) and I really loved reading her speeches and looking at her activism, which you don't get from simply watching her films. There are photos of her with children who look too thin and weak to be alive, like those in the Nazi concentration camps, and what really got me was that it would take around 0.5% of the world's combined GNP to lift the entire third world out of poverty. To give the people of these countries the basic resources for them to build lives for themselves, to give the children of those countries a future. And yet, this isn't happening.

"There is no deficit in human resources - the deficit is in human will." (Audrey's speech to the UN in June 1989).

This book drew many comparisons between the Holocaust and the events that occur in third world countries everyday and yet are swept under the rug. Audrey grew up in the Netherlands during the German occupation in WWII, a young girl witnessing horrors and experiencing an unending "emotional hunger" that came along with the literal hunger, due to the food shortages of the war.

'"I am filled with a rage at ourselves," she said in an interview. How could she not, after living through the war and hearing a repenting world proclaim, "Never again"? Unfortunately, it did, and still does, again and again and again.'

Something else that really struck me was how modest Audrey was about her achievements and how almost "unworthy" she saw herself as. She didn't think she was pretty (Audrey Hepburn, the most beautiful woman to have ever lived (fight me) DIDN'T THINK SHE WAS PRETTY. What are we doing wrong as a society?) and Sean (her son and the author) often described her downplaying her own achievements, cringing when people talked about her "greatness". Maybe, just maybe, we all aren't as hideous or unworthy as we see ourselves.

"This the story of a star who couldn't see her own light."

This book was clearly written from a place of love; her son really portrayed her as a gorgeous, caring person and you could really tell how keenly he loved and missed her. The 2nd half of the book, focusing on her work with UNICEF, and her decline in health and eventual death, was probably more hard-hitting and interesting to me than the first. I would also have liked to have heard more about some of her relationships and friendships throughout the book, some of which I felt weren't really delved into satisfyingly. But I understand that this is a memoir, so it is what her son remembers of her and predominantly about their relationship and her life and achievements.

If nothing else, I recommend this book for its pictures. The photographs of Audrey radiate with style, love, humour, and so much more. She was a woman who was able to project her spirit onto film, and this is why we still love and adore her years after her death. Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of class, elegance and humanity and I only adore her more after reading this.

"TIME TESTED BEAUTY TIPS
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone."

[Did I just spend about an hour writing this review in order to avoid maths? Yes, yes, I did.]

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie* · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and touching book. Sean Hepburn Ferrer's deep love for his mother is evident on every page. He tells her story with dignity and respect and offers a rare and intimate glimpse into her life. Audrey Hepburn truly was beautiful not only on the outside but also on the inside.

"She really was like those characters you saw in the movies: emotional, courageous, delicate, romantic." (Sean Hepburn Ferrer)


"God kissed her on the cheek and there she was." (Billy Wilder)

"Is there anything more important than the survival of our species? Is there another time in your life when love, care, tenderness, food, education are more important than in childhood?" (statement by Audrey Hepburn UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to Members of the United Nations)

[Mohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

خیلی قشنگ و دلنشین بود و اطلاعات خوبی درباره آدری هپبورن میداد. حالا که این کتاب رو خوندم خیلی بیشتر از قبل آدری رو دوست دارم♡

[Parker Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet! This biography was written by her son, Sean, which made it very heartfelt. Reading this was a pleasant suprise! I was bracing myself, because most beloved actors are favorites until you read their biography. This was not the case! I am so glad I read this, I feel inspired? You might say.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several biographies about Audrey Hepburn, and this was by far the most touching. Her son tells her life story from her childhood in war-torn Holland to her enormous fame as an actress and her later work as a UNICEF ambassador. The book also contains almost 300 photographs from family albums and various publicity shoots. Audrey's caring spirit is captured not only in the way her son remembers her as a mother but also in the work she did for UNICEF. In reading this, her son's admiration and love for his mother shines through. His feelings about his mother and his motivation for writing this biography are beautifully summed up when he writes, “She really was like those characters you saw in the movies: emotional, courageous, delicate, romantic. Yet it’s always nice to get confirmation. . . . This will be our journey into a gentle heart and a loving son’s reflection of thirty-three years lived with one of the best mothers and friends one could hope for. What you felt when you watched her on the big screen was not only the clever presentation of characters brilliantly written, directed, shot, and edited into a performance, but a clear view of a truly magical human being who deserves the warm feelings that still transport audiences worldwide today.”

[Lorraine Bratcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was different than what I originally thought. It was ok and I liked his thoughts of his mother but they seemed to ramble especially at the beginning. The last few chapters had more meaning and flowed better. It was lovely to see how kindhearted Audrey Hepburn was and that her son seems to have followed in her footsteps.

[Rehan Abd Jamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful soul, inside and outside..

[Birgitte Bach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meget bevægende og intimt portræt af den berømte skuespillerinde, fortalt af hendes søn.

[thegirlwiththesitatattoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - it was really beautiful to get an insight into Audrey Hepburns life from her son’s perspective, especially after being such a huge fan of all her movies for years!

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://clavie.co/2019/09/25/book-rev...


I love anything and everything about Audrey Hepburn and this book was definitely an enjoyable and worthwhile read. I loved getting to read about her life from her son’s perspective. He spoke of her with such love and adoration. I especially loved the tons and tons of family photos that he shared.

His writing was all over the place and not very organized at times just to point out. I wanted a glimpse into her life from someone who knew her and this book fit the bill perfectly. I especially loved his emphasis on her humanitarian work at the end of her life. Reading about her passion for children and her work with UNICEF was inspiring and just made me love her more.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

After not having known much about Audrey Hepburn, I have truly come to admire her since reading this book. While the reader cannot help but wonder if the writer is biased (his being her son and all), the unique and heartfelt anecdotes paint a picture of a truly remarkable lady. I can't wait to read my next Audrey-biography!

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

My friend gave me this book for Christmas probably 12 years ago, and I finally read it and loved it. I would recommend to any Audrey Hepburn fans - it's written by her son Sean, who has such lovely memories of his mother. He spoke a lot about her work with UNICEF toward the end of her life, and to hear how passionate about it she was and how it impacted her was so inspiring. The book also features many family photos and even artwork that Audrey did as a child. I really enjoyed reading this.

[Shifteh · Rating 5 out of 5]

واقعا خیلی قشنگ بود. همیشه یه حس خیلی خوبی بهم می‌داد دیدن عکسهای آدری. واقعا زن بزرگی بود. خیلی شخصیت الهام بخشی داشت.
این کتاب زندگینامه ی آدری هپبورن، بازیگر و فعال بشردوستانه است. بعد از این همه سال همچنان دوست داشتنیه. آدری کودکیش رو توی جنگ بود و در اون زمان یونیسف به اون مثل بقیه‌ی بچه های جنگ زده کمک کرد. بعدها آدری توی یونیسف بود و به کمک بچه های سومالی و اتیوپی و... می‌رفت. در طول زندگیش تلاش می‌کرد که کسی رنج هایی که خودش کشیده بود رو نکشه...

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich weniger um eine Biographie als um eine Hommage. Eine Erinnerung an einen Menschen, dessen Lebenswerk er selbst war. Audrey Hepburn war wohl eine Ausnahmeerscheinung, nicht nur durch ihr Schauspiel, auch durch ihr soziales Engagement. Und daran erinnert ihr Sohn, der den Leser mit vielen Bildern und privaten Einblicken mit auf eine Reise durch Audreys Leben nimmt. Hierbei bleibt er jedoch was Krisen und Emotionen angeht sehr oberflächlich und sieht alles etwas verklärt. Aber das ist wohl durchaus verständlich als Sohn.

[Dark Side of the Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic biography.
I love this book so much!
And yes, I had tears in my eyes when I was reading this book.

[Zahra Labbafan · Rating 3 out of 5]

با خوندن این کتاب بیشتر عاشق این بشر شدم😍

[Sophia K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, touching book. The untold life of Audrey Hepburn. It was long and it is a nonfiction book, but there are a lot of pictures and the reading goes by quick. Some parts were hard to circulate through the brain, but I have a hard time with non fiction books anyway, so it could just be me. Audrey Hepburn's life isn't all smiles and acting. She grew up starving during World War 2, and then she came back to help the institution that helped her when she was little, UNICEF. Through UNICEF, she saw terrible, unfair treatment and health. Truly sad, and makes you think about how fortunate your life is and how much Audrey Hepburn actually did for so many kids around the world, and more to come, too. I would recommend this to everybody!

[ahmad amanpour · Rating 4 out of 5]

برای داشتن لب‌های زیبا، با مهربانی سخن بگو.
برای داشتن چشم‌های دوست‌داشتنی، به دنبال خوبی در دیگران باش.‌..

عشق می‌تواند التیام ببخشد، درست کند، اصلاح کند و همه‌چیز را در پایان خوب کند.

[Alice Riethman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do not already love her you may after reading this book. Written by her son, it is an intimate yet not intrusive view into who she was to her family and friends. This book allows you in on the incredible person that Audrey Hepburn was, the legacy she has left not only through her unique style but also through her example as a star who used her incredible charisma to improve the lives of countless children through UNICEF.

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not the biggest fan of Hollywood biographies or biographies in general because I feel like there is always an insidious obsession with the tabloid aspect of their lives. Reading biographies aren’t my favorite things unless I’m in love with the subject and Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorite Classic Hollywood actresses. That paired with the fact that this is written in a positive way by her beloved son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer are why I decided to give this a chance. This is my Arithmancy read for the Harry Potter Magical Readathon 2020 and my selection for ON feat SIA by BTS for my Bangtan readathon 2020.

This was a delightful read because I felt the love that Ferrer had for his dear mother. Audrey Hepburn was every bit as elegant and graceful as her film roles suggested. There were a lot of things that I didn’t know about her, such as her family history and her choice to step away from the noble titles her family had at the time. Those last days of her life and how at peace she was with her parting from the physical world brought tears to my eyes. Not only did I find this a lovely read about someone that I admire who lived a lifetime before I was even born, I found it as a call to action in a way. Her dedication to UNICEF and how some of her last thoughts were on other people who are less fortunate than her inspires me to stand up for those who cannot fight for themselves.

We are amid a pandemic and a societal collapse; the times ahead will be rough but as she said in the book “together there is nothing we cannot do.” It must have taken a lot of strength from Sean to write about his mother in such an intimate way since they were so close. I am happy that this book did her legacy justice even though some might argue that he was too kind to her. Whatever the truth is, his truth reflects the woman that I saw and learned about through the years.