Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

My Life

By: Sophia Loren

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

In her first memoir, the Academy Award-winning actress Sophia Loren tells her incredible life story from the struggles of her childhood in war-torn Naples to her life as a screen legend, icon of elegance, and devoted mother.

In her acting career spanning more than six decades, Sophia Loren became known for her striking beauty and dramatic roles with famed costars Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, Gregory Peck, Jack Lemmon, and Paul Newman. The luminous Italian movie star was the first artist to win an Oscar for a foreign language performance, after which she continued a vibrant and varied career that took her from Hollywood to Paris to Italy - and back to Hollywood. In Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Loren shares vivid memories of work, love, and family with winning candor.

Born in 1934 and growing up in World War II Italy, Loren's life of glamour and success was preceded by years of poverty and hardship, when she lived in her grandparents' house with her single mother and sister, and endured near starvation. She shares how she blossomed from a toothpick-thin girl into a beautiful woman seemingly overnight, getting her start by winning a beauty pageant; and how her first Hollywood film, The Pride and the Passion, ignited a high-profile romance with Cary Grant, who would vie with her mentor, friend, frequent producer, and lover Carlo Ponti to become her husband. Loren also reveals her long-held desire to become a mother, the disappointments she suffered, the ultimate joy of having two sons, and her happiness as a mother and grandmother.

From trying times to triumphant ones, this scintillating autobiography paints a multi-dimensional portrait of the woman behind the celebrity, beginning each chapter with a letter, photograph, or object that prompts her memories. Her wise and candid voice speaks from the pages with riveting detail and sharp humor.

©2014 Sophia Loren (P)2014 Simon & Schuster

A little disappointed

I don’t know who chooses the narrator for one’s autobiography but I feel 💯 the choice that was made was wrong!! The narrator really ruined the whole experience of this audio book for me. Even reading out the chapters she sounded like she was on set acting out a love scene !! As for the story. I stuck with it because I adore Sophia Loren but she definitely held some of herself back in this book. Sadly between narration and missing parts of the real Sophia this booked really lacked something for me.

Extraordinary story

Sophia Loren. Sophia Loren. Sophia Loren. She is the most important actor of our time. Her journey must be shared and respected. Thank you dear Sophia, for inspiring every generation - past, present and future; from yesterday, today and tomorrow.

For a moment I felt I was Sophia.. <br />

What a wonderful performance. And a wonderful story of an inspiring woman. One I'll be coming back to for a repeat aging.

Great Departure

This book was a great departure for me. It confirmed my love for Sophia Loren. She is an amazing women.

Sofia, who does not love her

I loved it, enjoyed the story, extraordinary woman, inspiring, I will listen to it again one day

Worthwhile for anyone who doesn't know the details

What did you like best about Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow? What did you like least?

I really enjoyed the stories of working on films, the process on set, the development of her own talent as an actor, and the memories of all the actors she worked with. The downside is there is a sense of her not wanting to be rude or gossipy and she stays on the surface of most of her relationships personal or professional: in life this is one of her great qualities, but it doesn't make for compelling reading (or listening in this case).

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

A sweet feeling of satisfaction.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Cassandra Campbell?

Campbell made me wish I had read the book instead. She's good at her job, but her wispy voice and slightly pretentious manner of pronouncing Italian words is at odds with the fiery and bold voice that Loren always spoke with (and writes with here). It's a shame to not have the book read by the author and I recommend people enjoy this one on the page.

Was Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow worth the listening time?

No.

Sophia Loren; Beauty for Life

Would you consider the audio edition of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow to be better than the print version?

I love listening to books as opposed to reading them. Audio books allows you to listen while you are getting ready to go to sleep. There is sleep timer function on the Kindle Fire. I find myself listening to the books when driving, or on a train, or plane, when cooking. It is really relaxing to be able to hear the book as opposed to sitting there reading and turning every page.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is book about Sophia Loren, clearly Sophia Loren is my favorite character. When I was 19 years old, I looked up to Sophia Loren. She was an older women who had class, and beauty. I wanted to grow up to be like her, and I kind of did!

Have you listened to any of Cassandra Campbell’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, however Cassandra Campbell did an excellent job. I would listen to her again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Sophia Loren: Beauty inside and outside for life!

Any additional comments?

I loved the fact that Sophia was open about her feelings, and her experiences. I loved the fact that she is enjoying her children and grandchildren. Sophia worked hard to get the success that she earned. I really liked the entire book.

Love Sophia Loren

Good book about the amazing life of an amazing woman. If you like her I would absolutely recommend it. Loved.

Bad story teller

The narrator murdered the Italian language and her voice is very boring. Could not listen

Waste of time

If this weren't a book club book, I wouldn't have read it. It was a waste of time.