Mai Zetterling (1925–1994)

A brutally honest autobiography by actress and filmmaker Mai Zetterling. A childhood surrounded by lecherous men and disillusioned and bitter women is described in detail and makes one wonder how anyone could have survived it. Zetterling is extremely honest in her thoughts and for one being so extremely shy that she could not even use a public restroom if someone else was there, one wonders how she could have picked acting as a career – although it seems many shy people do because it gives show more them the opportunity to lose themselves in their character. She describes working with Danny Kaye in Knock on Wood and her exposure to Hollywood. Her relationship with Tyrone Power is described in detail and the main reason I read the book. It really provides a different insight into Power’s life. Zetterling is also extremely honest in her skills as a mother and her relationships with her children (almost non-existent) as she always put herself first. She certainly did not live the life of a film star - often living in primitive conditions and growing her own food. As a director, she traveled to some remote locations to make films. This was a fascinating look at a personality that I did not know much about. show less