Simone Berteaut (1916–1975)

Utterly fascinating biography, even though Berteaut misrepresents herself as Piaf's half-sister (she was not.) In fact, Carolyn Burke in her 2012 book shares that "Piaf called Berteaut her mauvaise genie (the evil spirit who brought out the worst in her.") That said, I read Berteaut's book when it was first released and have always remembered it as an engrossing look at Piaf from one who -- half-sister or not -- actually knew her.

This is the English translation of Simone Berteaut's biography of Piaf. Berteaut was Piaf's half sister and sidekick through most of Piaf's life. An absolutely delicious read. How anyone could survived and been successful through the trials and tribulations and baggage that Edith Piaf had. She was not one to mince words, slept with many men, hated to bathe...she was a street person and singer who became famous. I highly recommend this book ... it's a winner...

I read this book as a teenager and was deeply touched.