Captain of Her Soul

The Life of Marion Davies

De: Lara Gabrielle

Narrado por: Lara Gabrielle

The comprehensive critical biography of silent-screen star Marion Davies, who fittingly referred to herself as "the captain of my soul."

From Marion Davies's humble days in Brooklyn to her rise to fame alongside press baron William Randolph Hearst, the public life story of the film star plays like a modern fairy tale shaped by gossip columnists, fan magazines, biopics, and documentaries. Yet the real Marion Davies remained largely hidden from view, as she trusted few with her true life story. In Captain of Her Soul, Lara Gabrielle pulls back layers of myth to show a complex and fiercely independent woman, ahead of her time, who carved her own path.

Through meticulous research, unprecedented access to archives around the world, and interviews with those who knew Davies, Captain of Her Soul counters the public story. This book reveals a woman who navigated disability and social stigma to rise to the top of a young Hollywood dominated by powerful men. Davies took charge of her own career, negotiating with studio heads and establishing herself as a top-tier comedienne, but her proudest achievement was her philanthropy and advocacy for children. This biography brings Davies out of the shadows cast by the Hearst legacy, shedding light on a dynamic woman who lived life on her own terms and declared that she was "the captain of her soul."

©2022 Lara Gabrielle (P)2023 Tantor

The progression of the story and details stood out.

I loved the historical context of the story. Marion Davies came to life via the text and the delivery of the voice actor.

New respect for Ms. Davies

This book was very informative and entertaining. I have been to Hearst Castle many times, attended an estate sale at the Beverly House, and drive past the Annenburg Community Beach House every time I go through Malibu. These visuals made this book really come alive for me and I loved every second of it. Finding what's left of old Hollywood is hard, but it is nice to know some of her legacy lives on. Now, I want to watch all of her movies!

Engrossing story about early 20th century film history

This is a wonderful listen. The author’s voice is terrific, and the story is an auditory page-turner. Hear all about Davies’ star-studded, adventurous, philanthropic, and boozy life while major historic episodes in American history impact her life and relationships. It feeds both the instinct to gossip and to dream about a starlet’s inner life, while probing the deep motivations of the film industry.

Travel through time to meet Marion Davies

The era and the individuals (especially Marion Davies, of course) come alive in this meticulously researched book by Lara Gabrielle. Like the book, the audio performance by the author was at once dynamic and entertaining while also down-to-earth and thought provoking. Although I wouldn’t have thought that a biography from this era would be my cup of tea, Captain of Her Soul has me questioning what I thought I knew in all the best possible ways. Listen and enjoy the journey.

Acknowledgements at the Beginning was a Bad Idea

I almost didn’t even finish the book because of the endless acknowledgments at the beginning. It was boring to say the least. The rest of the book lost its luster because of it.