Sarah Bernhardt: The Divine and Dazzzling Life of the World's First Superstar by Catherine Reef. Clarion Books, 2020. Biography. YA
Complete with a timeline, extensive bibliographic notes by the author, index, and several dozen photographs, this biography of the actress and entrepreneur Sarah Bernhardt brings to life her life, career, and legacy. Definitely written for teens and ages above, Reef is meticulous in describing Bernhardt's unconventional and headline making life. Reef even articulates the differences in sex workers of 18th century France: streetwalkers, prostitutes, and courtesans (among whom was Sarah's mother). Loyal to her friends and a doting mother to her son Maurice (even when often separated), Bernhardt acted, produced, and directed as well as managed several theaters, and became known all over the world. Her famous death scenes were the favorites of many audiences. Thought to have been born in 1844, Bernhardt died in 1923. Her life became the basis for myths and legends and readers may appreciate her bravery and independence to live her life as she chose.
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