Sophia Loren: A Biography

by Warren G. Harris

Raised in the back streets of Naples, Sophia Loren would become one of the most beloved movie stars in the world. Sophia Loren was an ugly baby, and as a teenager she was as skinny as a toothpick. She did not stay ugly for long. Born in extreme poverty to a Garbo-lookalike who once dreamed of Hollywood success, Loren was vaulted to stardom at the age of 19, when a chance meeting with legendary producer Carlo Ponti ushered her into the international spotlight, where audiences around the world fell in love with her captivating beauty. Sophia never looked back.Although Ponti was married, he and Loren quickly fell in love, and began an affair that would last the rest of their lives. Because Italian law prohibited divorce, Ponti and Loren were married illegally, becoming exiles from their home country in the name of love. This loving portrait by Warren G. Harris tells the story of one of cinema’s greatest beauties, and the romance that changed her life.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best biographies I have ever read. I didn't know much about her or seen her films but she was such a public figure, I was curious. Her life really is an inspiration, nothing really came easy for her, she worked hard and I am inspired by her! I highly recommend this!

[Makeba · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's always something to learn from biographies, and this version of Sophia Loren's was no exception. Pretty girls all around the world who use what they have to get what they want can benefit from reading Loren's story. Now that the positive qualifiers are out of the way, it took me awhile to warm up to the writing style (think Star magazine meets the 400+ page bio franchise-- abrasive, boring, noncommittal and absurd at times, but you hang in there because you're not a quitter) and adjust to random pages being removed from the book because Sophia's assets are displayed on the following page (thank you Harold Washington Public Library). The author provided a wealth of information on the social and political climates in Italy and the States, especially during the 1920-50s, which was really helpful to someone who likes history, but rarely reads about it. However, it lacked the "juice" that only someone with inside information could provide. 2.5

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography is well-written and researched. It is an emotional ride through a woman who rose from poverty to world stardom. It lays out all the stories about her childhood, career, loves and films. Included are many tales of love, heartache and success. Mr. Harris writes with passion and admiration of Ms. Loren. I recommend this biography to any fan of Sophia Loren and movie fans.

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is essentially a litany of Ms. Loren's film career. While I found it somewhat interesting (I never knew there were so many movies!) I am much more interested in her as an individual than as simply an actress.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice biography about one of my all time favorite actress.

[John Sargent]

Well researched.

[Brendan Jure · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't watched a movie with Sophia Loren in it (in memory anyways) so this was a curious read that I picked up mostly because I thought I read a Warren G. Harris book before (I hadn't).

The writing was mostly boring and sometimes verged on annoying (seriously, how many times can one publish the word "sexpot"?) but is saved by how interesting Loren's life actually is. A (piss) poor girl from World War 2 Italy in to one of the most popular actresses in cinema. Her and Ponti's battle with the Vatican over the legality of their marriage in Mexico is also a very interesting part.

One of biggest gripes with the book, was what sometimes just looked like lazy research and journalism. Most of the book is full of rumours that come from "insiders" and are never proven nor the opposite. It seems (their names not on the acknowledgements) that Harris did not even interview the Loren or Ponti and their kids (obviously his request(s) could of been denied) .