No comments about Vera Brittain's Diary 1939-1945 (Charnwood Large Print Library Series).

2 comments about Come by Sunday: Diana Dors.

1. I found this book easy to read,although, it contained many inaccuracies regarding dates, etc.
   
   However, it was entertaining, and gave an insight into the life of post war Britain's, pre eminent blonde bombshell.
   
   The life of Diana Dors was far more dramatic than any role she ever played, however, despite, abortions,beatings,disastrous love affairs and financial ruin, she did not inspire sympathy in the same way as a Monroe, or Garland. Indeed, Diana was far tougher then both screen legends, and had the ability not to take herself too seriously, possessing an enviable sense of humour, especially in the face of adversity.
   
   Diana Dors, was born into a middle class family in Swindon, England, enduring a difficult relationship with her father, whose practical views of life she came to detest. She enjoyed a more positive relationship with her mother, who, encouraged her film star aspirations, and Diana eventually was awarded a place at LAMDA, eventually being awarded a contract with the Rank Organisation, where she appeared in "Oliver Twist" in the early forties, showing great dramatic promise.
   
   Unfortunately, for Diana, meeting first husband Dennis Hamilton, would ensure her life would never be the same again. Hamilton was a notorious womaniser,and became Diana's "svengali" involving her in endless publicity stunts, designed to keep her in the public eye. To a degree this strategy was successful and in due course, Hollywood beckoned.
   
   Diana's brief tenure in Hollywood, was hastened by Hamilton turning down an offer for her, to star in "The Girl Can't Help it", which, would eventually, propel arch rival, Jayne Mansfield to stardom. Instead, Diana appeared in two "potboilers" which are best forgotten.
   
   Matters were not helped, by the infamous "pool" incident, where in front of selected Hollywood royalty, attending a party at their home, both, Diana and Hamilton, ended up in their own pool along with a photographer, who, it was alleged, had pushed them both, hoping to get publicity.
   The stunt backfired, and seriously damaged Diana's reputation in Hollywood.
   
   Ironically, Diana's time in Hollywood, signalled a decline in her career and fortunes and she soon returned to England, somewhat subdued.
   
   During the next few years, Diana toiled in "B" movies, both in England and Europe. Hamilton died prematurely, and Diana embarked on a series of futile affairs, with a string of men.
   
   Her career seemingly over, Diana appeared in Cabaret in Las Vegas, Europe and England and also managed to secure roles in many TV series both in the U.S and England.
   
   As the swinging sixties began, Diana's glamourous image seemed old fashioned, compared to more trendy, upcoming stars like Julie Christie, and her career declined further, and film offers were rare.
   
   Her second marriage to Richard Dawson, proved to be unsuccessful.The high spot, being the birth of her two sons, and Diana found solace, in romantic liaisons with various lovers.
   
   Such was Diana's notoriety that she was labeled a 'Shameless Hussy" by the then Archbishop of Canterbury.
   
   
   
   Diana had to face facts, she was a relic of the fifties and not getting any younger.
   
   During this time, she was reduced to appearing in working mens clubs in the north of England, realising, her Las Vegas days were far behind her.
   
   It was time to take stock.
   
   After divorcing Dawson, she began a relationship, with English actor, Alan Lake, who she eventually married.
   
   During this period, Diana became an accomplished character actress, appearing at the celebrated Royal Court Theatre in London and at the Chichester festival, where, she appeared in the classic Oedipus Rex.
   
   This was the beginning of a brief period of critical acclaim, she was even lauded for her performances by Sir Laurence Olivier - high praise indeed.
   
   Her success, unfortunately, was shortlived and life proceeded in a grim fashion.
   Husband Lake, was an alcoholic and Diana's own health was fragile, she suffered menningitis, and almost died.
   
   Diana's weight became a problem at this time, and her once sylph like figure became buried beneath more generous curves. However, she professed to be happy with her, lot during this period of her life.She even found religion, converting to Catholicism in the 1970's
   
   
   Diana, sadly died of ovarian cancer in 1984, and her husband Alan Lake commited suicide soon after.
   They are survived by Jason Lake their only child.
   
   Diana Dors, best summed up her attitude to her life, in her autobiography "Dors by Diana" proclaiming, she had, "enjoyed the whole absurd mess to the highest possible degree"
   
   Who are we to argue?



2. I was rather disappointed with this biography of Diana Dors,"Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe"(Actually,she more closely resembled Jayne Mansfield)this is a British book,so be prepared for spellings like"Kerb","Tyre",etc.Although she was truly beautiful,this book failed to hold my interest.I give it 2 stars because it does include some nice pictures of Diana,so it wasn't a total waste.

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5 comments about Jackie After Jack: Portrait of the Lady.

1. What a fantastic book! One of the best i have ever read.
   I`m very interested in books about Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis and this was great.
   The writer Christopher Andersen seems to be very serious and
   is not just writing gossip, he has done a great job, intervjuing
   a lot of people who knew Jackie.
   I`ts about JFK, politics, her children, friends,drugs, Onassis,
   her work at Doubleday and Viking,her grandchildren, it's fantastic that Christopher A has spoken to so many people.After reading this book you really see Jackie O in a different light. I`m very glad i have this book in my collection.
   There are 62 black and white photos in the book.



2. There was alot of intrigue in Jackie Kennedy's personal life in New York after JFK died. In fact, alot of it was like a soap opera with all its innuendos and intrigue. Jackie had alot of attractive qualities ... and she did things that weren't so attractive .... because she was human. Admiration is complex. One can admire many things about someone but not others. It's fascinating to uncover that underneath it all, she was human.



3. After the tragedy in Dallas, Jackie Kennedy became America's national hero and inspiration. Author Christopher Andersen takes us into a fascinating and often controversial journey into the real Jackie. The book wastes no time in getting to the action. It begins just seconds after John Kennedy has been shot. No story could be more heartbreaking than the the tragic journey back to Washington, DC and the days after Kennedy's death. According to Andersen, both Jackie and John relied heavily on Max Jacobson, also known as Dr. Feelgood, to relieve their pains and stresses. Jackie was kept well sedated during the funeral to become the brave grieving widow who inspired the world. JACKIE AFTER JACK is a surprising revelation. The widowed Jackie has numerous affairs often with married men and is always drawn to wealthier men. She shatters her golden image by marrying the wealthy and much older Aristotle Onassis. Jackie is portrayed as a woman who demanded loyalty and would end friendship over any perceived slight. Her shopping sprees and extravances were a strain to both her husbands. Although the book can weaken one's admiration for Jackie, it doesn't last long. By the end of the book, no one can feel anything but love and respect for a very remarkable woman. It's a fascinated and well-researched book.



4. My favorite part about this book is the fact that it gave such a refreshing look at someone who could, so easily, be idealized. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was human & possessed all the failings of a human being. I don't think she saw herself as anything else, & reportedly, could be very self-deprecating among her friends. The Kennedys & all of their family will forever fascinate our imaginations, but this book was a look at a very real woman, who withstood many challenges. She was able to present herself to the world as almost superhuman, which may have been her greatest failing. As they say, everyone is fascinated by power & strength, but too often rejoice in seeing those who possess those qualities topple from grace.



5. This is a very good book, the author seems to bring Jackie O to life right before you. You see all sides of the most famous First Lady in America's history. You see the person behind the famous smile and sunglasses, her grief and depression after JFK's murder, her restless traveling and fascinating and ultimately unsatisfactory marriage to Ari Onassis, her rediscovering herself after Ari's death and her final years with the true love of her life, Maurice Templesman. The author makes you realize that this was a real life person, not some Goddess from Mt. Olympus. She was a flawed human being, but then again, aren't we all? I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn about this fascinating lady.

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