Audrey
Hepburn is one of Hollywood's most revered actresses.
During her time on the big screen, she captured the hearts of many
with her innocence and likeable personality. She was many things
to many people, including the countless children she aided in her
work with UNICEF. Sean Hepburn Ferrer tells his
mother's story with the dignity and respect it deserves in his fantastic
book Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit.
Audrey witnessed and felt the
effects of World War II as a child living in Europe. It was those
images that laid the foundation for the person she would become
and remain throughout her life. Initially aspiring to be a ballerina,
Audrey shifted her focus after her ballet instructor suggested that
she would be best suited as a second ballerina. She wanted
to be the best at what she did. Written from Ferrer's perspective,
the book is a testament to his strong relationship with his mother,
as well as a commentary on her life outside of Hollywood. The comprehensive
writing is coupled with an incredible array of photographs, ranging
from Audrey's childhood and home life to promotional film shots.
Audrey was a compassionate woman
who carried a great pain for those who lived without love. It was
in their faces that she saw reflections of herself. Her work with
UNICEF meant a great deal to her, though she never felt like she'd
done enough. However, the contributions that she made would change
the lives of children all over the world. She became their embodiment
of hope. In addition to the photographs, there are also letters
from Audrey. One such letter is the speech she delivered in Geneva
in 1989 to the members of the United Nations staff. The speech is
a heart-wrenching reality check on the conditions by which many
are bound. It is perhaps a complete summation of her feelings and
thoughts on how poor the world has become, particularly in spirit.
Though commonly regarded as
a cinematic icon, Audrey Hepburn was an inspiration to all those
who knew her. Her random acts of kindness and genuine concern for
the well-being of the human race is rivaled by few. In these 256
pages, we find undeniable proof that the human will is strong enough
to overcome any obstacle. We are introduced to Audrey as a mother,
a friend, an artist and a humanitarian.
You can order Audrey Hepburn:
An Elegant Spirit by Sean Hepburn Ferrer by clicking the following
link to the official website shop: The
Official Audrey Hepburn Shop. All net profits from the sale
of the merchandise go to the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund's "All
Children In School" program, an educational joint-venture with
the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
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