Josephine Baker: The Hungry Heart

Great book described accurately - cant put it down!

The Hungry Heart is potentially a very interesting telling of the fascinating life of Josephine Baker but I am finding it hard going. Don't feel it is very well written.

The book was for my sister - and she has enjoyed it very much and still refers to the story from time to time.

As Josephine Baker adopted some, Jean-Claude Baker provides first hand knowledge of Josephine as a person and as a performer when he became her business associate. And in his attempt to pierce the mystery of her private life, Jean-Claude speaks to many of the people who knew Josephine throughout her life - from her days in St. Louis, Missouri to Paris, France and all points in between. And although the author was born and raised in France, he did come to live in the United States as an adult and developed a good understanding of this nation’s sad racial history. I found his handling of Josephine’s early life in the South to be very insightful and sympathetic. And it’s a fine read. Short chapters in a conversational style that keeps your attention.

The narrative is great. Every page seems to be on the verge of pulling tears. This biography is one of the best I have ever read. I happen to have found a paperback copy and her son wrote an inscription. A real treasure.