jjares reviewed Dorothy Dandridge: The Life and Legacy of One of Hollywood?s First Successful Black Actresses on + 3270 more book reviews
The first time I saw 'Carmen Jones,' I was absolutely mesmerized by Harry Bellafonte and Dorothy Dandridge's performances. However, I was shocked that both stars' voices had been dubbed; I couldn't imagine why that occurred. They were both accomplished performers and singers. Reading the complete life of Dorothy was sad; she had such a tragic life, for someone who was so accomplished and talented.
One of the valuable things about reading a biography is that the reader sees the whole life explained at one time. The basic tragedy seemed to be the fact that Ruby, Dorothy's mother, wanted her own life and threw away Dorothy's relationship with her father because of Ruby's own desires. Dorothy didn't learn how to interact with her father and thus she was never able to interact with a partner.
I thought this bio was a great mix of the personal, familial, professional, and racial difficulties Dorothy faced. I thought Hallie Barry showed great insight with her comments about Dorothy's life and difficulties.
One of the valuable things about reading a biography is that the reader sees the whole life explained at one time. The basic tragedy seemed to be the fact that Ruby, Dorothy's mother, wanted her own life and threw away Dorothy's relationship with her father because of Ruby's own desires. Dorothy didn't learn how to interact with her father and thus she was never able to interact with a partner.
I thought this bio was a great mix of the personal, familial, professional, and racial difficulties Dorothy faced. I thought Hallie Barry showed great insight with her comments about Dorothy's life and difficulties.
