Kim Novak: Reluctant Goddess

Rating:
Summary: Okay Biography
Review: Unfortunately, this is the only actual "biography" of Kim Novak available. Larry Kleno's book "Kim Novak on Camera" which is technically a critical filmography, is actually much more enlightening in portraying its subject. Kleno uses multiple sources and first hand accounts to flesh out his story, while Brown's book seems hastily written and researched. It is only saved by Novak's own written statements which appear at the end of chapters and often refute the information previously relayed in the chapter! All in all, it comes across as a rather slick and superficial look at this dignified and gracious woman's life. Likewise, it never really begins to relate the impact that films like "Vertigo" have had on the public, and Novak's extraordinary contribution to them. All in all, Novak deserves better, but at least we have a few first hand accounts from her in the book to begin setting the record straight.

Rating:
Summary: Okay Biography
Review: Unfortunately, this is the only actual "biography" of Kim Novak available. Larry Kleno's book "Kim Novak on Camera" which is technically a critical filmography, is actually much more enlightening in portraying its subject. Kleno uses multiple sources and first hand accounts to flesh out his story, while Brown's book seems hastily written and researched. It is only saved by Novak's own written statements which appear at the end of chapters and often refute the information previously relayed in the chapter! All in all, it comes across as a rather slick and superficial look at this dignified and gracious woman's life. Likewise, it never really begins to relate the impact that films like "Vertigo" have had on the public, and Novak's extraordinary contribution to them. All in all, Novak deserves better, but at least we have a few first hand accounts from her in the book to begin setting the record straight.