Ellyn's Reviews > Ava: My Story

Ava was no writer, but she could sure turn a phrase and tell a story. And I'm so glad she told her own.

Ava was a real dame, and one of the last of the dazzling Hollywood movie stars. She lived and worked in a time when it was difficult to be a woman and stand up for yourself, so there are painful stories of victimization here. Because of her kindness and generosity of spirit, she remained lifelong friends or on good terms with most of her exes -- a handful of men who frankly didn't deserve it.

I did enjoy the stories of her early years, and the relationship with Frank Sinatra. I rooted for them even though I knew the ending. Their relationship was fraught with childishness and pettiness likely fueled by addiction -- I wish they could have found a way to work it out, because I believe they truly were the loves of each others lives.

She was not a saint, but she was a lovely, complicated, flawed human being. I'm glad to have gotten to know her better. I wish things had been easier for her, especially in her later years, and that she had found more happiness.