Book Review Summary: Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud

Introduction

Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud is a captivating biography that delves into the tumultuous relationship between two of Hollywood's most iconic actresses, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Shaun Considine, the author of this book, skillfully weaves together the personal and professional lives of these two legends, exploring their rivalry and the impact it had on their careers. This article will provide a comprehensive review of the book, analyzing readers' opinions and highlighting the reasons for both recommending and not recommending it.

About Shaun Considine

Shaun Considine, the author of Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud, is a renowned author and journalist with extensive experience in the entertainment industry. Considine has written numerous books on Hollywood history and has a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the lives of celebrities. His expertise and passion for the subject matter shine through in this engaging biography, offering readers a unique perspective on the lives of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.

Analysis of Views

1. Vulgar, Cruel, and Entertaining: Many readers found the book to be "vulgar, cruel, and without any redeeming social value." They appreciated its candid nature and found it entertaining despite its controversial content. The book's gossip-filled narrative and unapologetic portrayal of the actresses' feud made it a compelling read for those seeking a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood's golden age.
2. Scandalous and Campy: Readers who enjoy old Hollywood biographies found this book to be a perfect fit. They appreciated the scandalous nature of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's rivalry and enjoyed learning about their personal lives, including their struggles with ageism, husbands, and daughters. The book's fast-paced narrative and candid portrayal of these two legendary actresses made it an entertaining and engaging read.
3. Well-Researched and Informative: Several readers praised the book for its extensive research and well-written content. Shaun Considine's extensive bibliography and attention to detail made the book a reliable source of information about Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's careers. Readers appreciated the inclusion of quotes from fellow actors, family members, and members of the press, which provided a balanced perspective on their lives and careers.
4. Lack of Objectivity: Some readers felt that Shaun Considine's bias towards Bette Davis was evident throughout the book. They felt that he portrayed Joan Crawford as a phony slut with no acting talent, while Bette Davis was placed on a pedestal. This bias made it difficult for some readers to fully enjoy the book, as they felt that it tarnished their perception of both actresses.
5. Gossipy Trash: A few readers believed that the title of the book suggested that it would be filled with gossipy trash. They felt that the book was too focused on rumors and hearsay, rather than providing accurate and reliable information about Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's lives. They also expressed disappointment that the author included fan letters in the book, which they felt added little value to the overall narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Entertaining and Engaging: Readers who enjoy old Hollywood biographies found this book to be an entertaining and engaging read. Its candid portrayal of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's rivalry, combined with its fast-paced narrative, made it a compelling choice for fans of classic movies.
2. Well-Researched and Informative: Many readers appreciated the extensive research that went into writing this book. Shaun Considine's attention to detail and inclusion of quotes from various sources made it a reliable source of information about Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's careers.
3. Candid Portrayal: Readers appreciated the candid nature of the book, which provided an inside look at the personal lives of these two iconic actresses. The book's candid portrayal of their rivalry, struggles, and personalities made it a unique addition to their biographical library.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

1. Bias Towards Bette Davis: Some readers felt that Shaun Considine's bias towards Bette Davis detracted from the overall quality of the book. They felt that he portrayed Joan Crawford in a negative light, while Bette Davis was given a more favorable treatment. This bias made it difficult for some readers to fully engage with the narrative.
2. Lack of Objectivity: A few readers expressed disappointment with the lack of objectivity in the book. They felt that Shaun Considine's bias towards Bette Davis made it difficult to take his portrayal of Joan Crawford seriously. They felt that he failed to acknowledge her possible bisexuality, which added to their skepticism about his overall portrayal of her character.

Conclusion

Bette and Joan: The Divine Feud is a captivating biography that delves into the tumultuous relationship between two of Hollywood's most iconic actresses, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Shaun Considine's extensive research and well-written content provide readers with an entertaining look at their rivalry and its impact on their careers. While some readers found it vulgar and lacking in objectivity, others appreciated its candid portrayal of these two legendary actresses. Overall, those who enjoy old Hollywood biographies or are fans of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford will find this book to be a worthwhile addition to their reading list.