Possessed

The Life of Joan Crawford

By: Donald Spoto

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

New York Times best-selling author Donald Spoto has already brilliantly explored the lives and careers of numerous Hollywood stars and entertainment icons - Grace Kelly, James Dean, Alfred Hitchcock, and Marilyn Monroe, to name but a few.

In Possessed, his subject is the inimitable Joan Crawford, one of the most electrifying divas of the Golden Age of American film. A more thorough, revealing, and sympathetic portrait of the often maligned movie star - most notably lambasted, perhaps, in the scandalous best seller, Mommie Dearest - Possessed is a fascinating study of the real Joan Crawford, a remarkable actress, businesswoman, mother, and lover.

©2010 Donald Spoto (P)2020 Tantor

Great Insight on the Life of Joan Crawford

I enjoyed being able to look inside the life of Ms. Crawford. The book itself is extremely well written. The narrator however, at times, made it difficult to listen to. She has a very nice listening voice until she makes her voice deepen to that of a man’s. It is cringy. I wouldn’t be able to re-listen to this. It is unfortunate because I would have given it a five star review.

An concise assessment of Joan's life

I was a bit unprepared for what initially seemed like a dispassionate account of Joan Crawford's life and career. Having read many books about Joan, she is one personality that inspires passion. But, Mr. Spoto--who so brilliantly and passionately dissected the films and life of Alfred Hitchcock--approaches Joan's life with the meticulous care of an attorney making the case for his client. Careful to lay out the verifiable and the sourced, Spoto does a great service to a wonderful actress and, indeed, makes the case for the redemption of Joan's reputation as a parent. The artistry of Spoto's approach is brought to fruition in the final, eloquent chapter.

Surprisingly insightful

I always believed what I’d seen in Mommy Dearest. I’ve changed my belief that Joan Crawford was a horrible person. She seemed to be very giving to those around her. She wasn’t perfect, but she knew that. Who is?? I hate that I wasn’t aware of her generosity and strength sooner. Interesting story!!

Definitely Biased but Great

I liked the book a lot, and it was biased towards Joan but not in a terrible way. He does try to show both sides of her but quickly mentions that she changed her ways. All in all I think it was really well written. It does end rather suddenly but the loose ends are tied up before hand

Very Comprehensive and Compelling

I loved the scope and depth of this book. It's easy for these biographies to be really dry but Spoto and the narrator really allow for Crawford's life to come alive. Although not a perfect person or mother she does seem to gotten a bad wrap.