Marlene Dietrich by Maria Riva Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Marlene Dietrich
Book Review: Ulterior Motives
Summary: 2 Stars
I think that most people who gave this book more than three stars are simply starry-eyed fans of Dietrich who enjoyed the rare, detailed insight and well constructed historical information of this legend. But aside from that, I got the distinct feeling from the indifferent, detached tone of this book that Maria Riva was only writing it as revenge. I think that if she wrote it to "present the truth", it was done out of an attempt of character assassination and nothing more (definitely not out of sentimentalism). Convenient how she waits until after her mother's death to publish it, right? All-in-all, I don't think Maria's book made much impact one way or the other on millions of fans and non-fans who read this useless biography. The one thing I learned was how STUPID MARIA was. I wished I could've reached into this book and slapped sense into her on dozens of different occasions. Where was her backbone as a child, her instinct of survival and individualism when it came to her shallow, self-centered, bigoted mother? She didn't try to run away ONCE as a kid to escape her miserable existence (especially when she was being molested by her "step-mother"!)? As a married ADULT she never put her foot down and stood up against her mother? If Dietrich was so rotten, why didn't Maria abandon her as she lay crippled and decrepit in her Paris bed? Even the most empty headed of idiots would've gotten the message (and the courage) earlier. I guess it's hard to cut yourself off from a gorgeous, overachieving millionaires who clearly worships her only child. I'm not saying Dietrich wasn't presented truthfully in this book, but if she was, Dumb Maria deserved her flat out, and I certainly have little if any sympathy for her.Book Review: Very easy to read.
Summary: 5 Stars
Maria Riva's conversational style of writing makes this page-turner a very easy read. The author's honesty and compassion comes through over and over again. She clearly has mixed emotions about her famous mother, but in my opinion she did a yeoman's job in giving an objective account of her mother's life. Another plus is the way she anchors her narrative with brief, relevant references to historical events, such as the depression and events leading to World War II. The background information about Hollywood in the 30's, 40's and 50's is also nearly as fascinating as Marlene Dietrich herself.While it's hard to believe that anyone can write nearly 800 pages about a Hollywood moviestar, Maria Riva has done it with intelligence and style. I feel as though I knew Marlene Dietrich personally and wish I could get to know her daugher better.
Book Review: Worse Than Trash
Summary: 1 Stars
Snide, mean spirited, self aggrandizing doesn't begin to describe this book. There are so many contradictions, impossibilites and "facts" that fly in the face of documented truths that it ought to have been sold as a novel entitled "The Daughter's Revenge". That Mrs. Riva continually sanctifies her father's mistress, a former chorus girl who freely elected to spend her life living with a married man who who was supported by his wife, is beyond despicable. Her insights into her mother's career choices make it plain why her own career never went anywhere, and her attempts to build up her own 15 minutes of fame (mostly for being her mother's daughter) are pathetic. In the end it becomes very clear that the author's motivation for this book is jealousy compounded by a serious need for self justification. Anyone who doubts that need, should read Mrs. Riva's description of her sick, elderly mother who was able to function only with liberal infusions of alcohol and uppers, dragging herself from country to country and stage to stage and ask themself who it was that Dietrich did it for.Book Review: a surprisingly engaging read
Summary: 4 Stars
I read this book expressly as a result of seeing Maria Riva being interviewed by Larry King. I never was a big Dietrich fan - prior to reading this book, all I knew of her was the caricatures. I love a well-written biography, though, so sought this book out after seeing the interview.Maria Riva's story of her mother's life and hers as they intertwined is both a tribute and an expose'. Her mother was an odd duck (putting it mildly) and Riva doesn't shrink from any aspect of her mother's life and personality, "warts and all". She loved her mother before, during, and after realizing how different their lives were from other people's, and even after recognizing her mother's shortcomings as a person and as a parent.
"Dietrich" does indeed seem to have been a contradiction in terms - indisputably talented (which was also recognized by her colleagues at the studios), staunchly supportive of people she liked (when she liked them), but also bigoted, manipulative, and phenomenally self-centered. The fact that these qualities could co-exist simultaneously, and the way they affected those around her, is what makes the story so interesting.
Riva's writing style is easy to read. Chapters are well paced, and the story never bogs down in any one time or event. The fact that she was able to publish nearly 800 pages without belaboring any particular event is indicative of how much there is to tell. (Bonus - lots of photos!)
Book Review: excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
It makes you feel like you are right there with Marlene. This book is incredible, interesting, fascinating and funny. Once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down.