Warrior

Audrey Hepburn

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Pub Date 28 Sep 2021 | Archive Date 15 Oct 2021

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Description

Gone almost 30 years, Audrey Hepburn remains among the most beloved movie stars of all time, known for that face, and for hits like Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and My Fair Lady. At the height of her fame, at age 38, she walked away from Hollywood to raise her sons. A decade later, seeking a new direction, she came upon the organization that had saved her as a Dutch girl at the end of World War II: UNICEF.

What happened next surpassed the plot twist of any movie. The introverted and reclusive Audrey Hepburn became a warrior, using her fame to capture the media’s attention as she charged into the most dangerous places on earth to save children and mothers in desperate situations. For five years she drove herself mercilessly on a quest that would ultimately kill her. She waded into war zones, met with world leaders, and called out injustice wherever she saw it.

At every opportunity she espoused causes that command headlines today—systemic racism, refugee populations in crisis, superpowers’ manipulation of the developing world, and the reckless killing of our planet.

A groundbreaking and gripping work of biography that will turn the world’s perception of Audrey Hepburn on its head and inspire a new generation of fans, Warrior is a must-read at a time when income inequality, racial justice, climate change, women’s rights, and the global refugee crisis have never been more newsworthy.

Gone almost 30 years, Audrey Hepburn remains among the most beloved movie stars of all time, known for that face, and for hits like Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and My Fair Lady. At the...


A Note From the Publisher

About the Author: ROBERT MATZEN is the author of the international bestselling Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (2019), Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (2016), Fireball: Carole Lombard and the Mystery of Flight 3 (2014), and five other books. Matzen has earned a reputation for exhaustive research into his subjects while also emerging as one of the most entertaining writers in popular biography, and regularly appears in national and international media including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, People Magazine, FOX News, MSNBC, and more. Warrior is his second collaboration with Audrey Hepburn’s son Luca Dotti, yielding new surprises that build on the story begun in Dutch Girl.

About the Author: ROBERT MATZEN is the author of the international bestselling Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (2019), Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe (2016), Fireball:...


Advance Praise

Praise for Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II

"In Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, Robert Matzen maintains that his subject’s formative experiences provide the key to unlocking her intensely private personality. Drawing upon meticulous research, Mr. Matzen delivers a vivid, moving and persuasive account of a harrowing time that the actress seldom discussed in detail and which has been glossed over or sensationalized by frustrated biographers." —Wall Street Journal

"Matzen shows how war shaped Hepburn’s resilient and fiercely private personality. Visceral details—of intense privation, constant bombings, and also acts of resistance—evoke the period. Matzen has created a vivid portrait of a civilian population under siege–one of who just happened to become a Hollywood star." —Publishers Weekly

"[Dutch Girl] offers a wonderfully complete and revealing character sketch of an individual who continues to fascinate millions around the world. Hepburn was, of course, gracious, talented, and elegant. But Matzen makes clear that she also was extraordinarily courageous... This entertaining and enlightening book adds another dimension to the legend of Audrey Hepburn." —Christian Science Monitor

"A well written, exhaustively researched and totally absorbing book that reveals never-known facts about the past, the origins and the early experiences of one of the world's most cherished icons. This is a story of danger, suspense and determination to succeed against terrible odds, told in Technicolor." —Rex Reed, film critic, author, and writer for the New York Observer

“What many don’t know, and Robert Matzen’s sensitive and deeply moving book reveals, are Hepburn’s experiences growing up in the Netherlands during the years of Nazi occupation—experiences that formed her character and left her haunted by memories she could not erase. A master storyteller, Matzen has given us a great story—intimate, intense, and unforgettable—that carries us not only into the heart of battle but into the heart of a great human being.” —Foreword Reviews

Praise for Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II

"In Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, Robert Matzen maintains that his subject’s formative experiences provide the key to unlocking...


Available Editions

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ISBN 9781735273839
PRICE US$27.95 (USD)
PAGES 368

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Featured Reviews

“For once in your life, Mummy, use your bloody name!”

Audrey’s son Luca could not have known how those words would stay with his mother for the rest of her life.

Warrior, Audrey Hepburn is another example of how Robert Matzen becomes intimately acquainted with his subjects. Audrey may be gone, but her legacy lives on in her sons Sean and Luca, and now her passion is being shared with the world through Warrior.

In Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, Matzen introduces a young Audrey who dreamed of becoming a ballerina. Then the Nazi’s came. Audrey lived through World War II under Nazi occupation. She witnessed first-hand the atrocities of war – images that would haunt her the rest of her life. She also remembered the hunger – not knowing when, or even if, she would eat again. Robert Matzen helps his readers experience the Hunger Winter of 1944. It was this memory that would drive Audrey to sacrifice her own health and ignore any perceived danger so she could use her “bloody name” to show the world the true victims of senseless wars – the children.

In Warrior, Robert Matzen exposes the real Audrey Hepburn. Beyond the glitz and glamour was a mother who never understood why people were so fascinated by her. She never saw her outer beauty. This book gives the world a clear picture of Audrey’s inner beauty, a beauty that was so much more than people could see on a screen.

Audrey never thought she was special. She never used her name to solicit special treatment for herself or for Sean and Luca. When Luca saw his grandfather lying in a hospital bed left to die, he pleaded with his mum, “For once in your life, Mummy, use your bloody name!” When she did, a bed miraculously became available at a hospital closer to family. Audrey saw the power of her name, and Luca’s words would stay with Audrey and become a driving force in her work with UNICEF.

When Audrey and “her Robbie” (Robert Wolders, her partner) made their first trip for UNICEF in which they looked into the eyes of starving children, Audrey was immediately transported back to the Hunger Winter. She recognized the look in their eyes. She remembered how it felt to suffer the same symptoms these children were suffering. She had to do something. Luca’s words came back to her, “use your bloody name!”

Warrior, Audrey Hepburn shares Audrey’s passion for children and how she used her name as much and as often as she could. This “Mother Teresa in designer jeans” was on a mission to save the worlds children. Luca once stated, “UNICEF expected Audrey Hepburn would be a pretty princess for them at galas. But what they really got was a badass soldier.”

No one could have ever imagined just how hard this soldier would fight for the children of the Developing World. She went into war zones. She showed the seemingly forgotten victims of men’s greed love and compassion like they had never seen. These victims did not know Audrey Hepburn the actress. They only knew the lady who brought smiles, who brought love, who hugged them and cared for them, and the lady who brough the trucks with food and medicine.

Audrey spent her final years as a fierce warrior. As shy as she was, she found the courage to speak to hundreds and thousands about UNICEF and the children they were trying to save. Journalists sometimes accused her of using UNICEF to bring attention to herself. The truth was that she was using herself, putting herself in harm’s way, sacrificing herself, to bring attention to UNICEF and the children.

Warrior, Audrey Hepburn is the portrait of a woman who did not see herself the way the world saw her. She truly was a warrior who spent her whole life putting others before herself. Matzen may not have ever met Audrey Hepburn, but through his research and the relationships he developed with people who did know her, there is no doubt he now has a very special relationship with Audrey Hepburn, and he makes the reader believe that he was right beside her every step of the way, fighting for the world’s children. His imagery is so vivid that one forgets the author was not actually there. Matzen shows the world Audrey’s passion. He shows the readers the world through Audrey’s eyes.

Aside from raising Sean and Luca, Audrey Hepburn was more passionate about saving the innocent children of the world than anything else. Everything she did was for the children. When asked by a reporter if her role at UNICEF was the most rewarding, she replied, “I’m not playing a role. Roles are imaginary and fantasy. There’s no fantasy to this. It’s tough heartbreaking reality.”

Yes, Audrey Hepburn represented beauty and elegance and grace. More importantly, Audrey Hepburn represented hope – hope to a world in which no one should be forced to live. Robert Matzen takes his readers to that world.

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Warrior shines a spotlight on a little explored time in the life of one of cinema's most beloved stars. Like most from my generation, I first knew Audrey Hepburn as a classic film star and fashion icon. After watching her movies I was mesmerized, though nothing comes close in my admiration for her than the fact she spent the last years of her life advocating for children as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Many biographies and magazine specials brush over this time so I was overjoyed to see that Robert Matzen was focusing on this era in his new biography Warrior..

This was an an incredible read. Both riveting and heartbreaking, it's an illuminating look at Audrey Hepburn's relationship with UNICEF and her dedication to children. I loved that though it told the story of Audrey it explored stories (hers and others) to really set the stage for each chapter. The context helped provide insight and amplified the stakes of many situations. Highlighting her empathy and hope for a better a world for all children it serves quite the informative punch. I'm in awe of how she was able to go on missions and see such suffering and still insist on continuing on.

If you've ever enjoyed an Audrey Hepburn film or adored her fashion I really do hope you pick up this biography. She really had a huge heart and used her fame to champion children, going into war-torn areas to do so, when many would have been content to stay happily retired or do a gala or two. Her legacy deserves so much more than her looks. This really illustrates how dedicated to the hope of peace and a just world she was, and is no doubt what she'd like to be remembered for. The next time someone looks at a trendy Audrey Hepburn poster I hope they see not a fashion icon but inspiration to help those in need and change the world. The legacy she deserves.

Thank you to Netgalley for the digital copy to review.

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In this book the author Robert Matzen reveals another side most of us didn’t get to see about Audrey Hepburn. Audrey never understood why people were fascinated with her or thought she was someone special. She never used her name to get special treatment until her son Luca seen his grandfather lying in a hospital bed left to die he said to her for once MUMMY USE YOUR BLOODY NAME when she did a hospital bed became available at a hospital closer to her family Audrey soon realized what using her name opened up to her. She went on to use her name to help fight and raise awareness and money for UNICEF. I always thought of Audrey Hepburn as a Hollywood actress but this book showed me what a beautiful and caring person Audrey really was. Until her death Audrey worked tirelessly to help others and continued working with UNICEF If you think you knew Audrey Hepburn read this book you will finish it in awe of this women. Thank you to Robert Matzen for writing this book and her two sons Luca, and Sean for sharing their mother’s story and life with us.
And Thank You Netgalley for letting me read this and give my honest opinion.

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Audrey Hepburn is known for her beauty and her movies, she is beautiful both on the outside and on the inside, she was kind and humble. After her retirement in Hollywood, she lived a quiet time in Switzerland, until she became involved with UNICEF.

Audrey may be a shy and reserved person, but she was never weak, she was a fighter and a warrior, just like the title of the book, strength manifests itself in different ways and hers was raising her voice to those who needed it.
She was not only the pretty face to raise funds, she got completely involved, made visits to countries in need and sometimes went to war zones, she cared about people and was fond of children, she understood their pain because she also lived something similar (she grew up under the domination of the Nazis).
She raised her voice for those who could not do it on their own, to get them food and medicine, and try to give them a better life. Traveled to dangerous areas, mixed with people, listened to them and offered her support and comfort, they were happy to see her, right there she was not a famous actress or a fashion icon, she was helpful, she was empathetic and kind.

This is a very well-documented biography, the bibliographic record is extensive and among the collaborations is the youngest son of the actress, providing more intimate and unknown stories.

She is one of my favorite actresses, I started watching classic movies because of her, I have read other biographies and I knew she worked with UNICEF but I did not know much about what she was involved, usually her biographies focus on her movies and fashion style, with a small mention of what she did after retiring. Audrey was a great actress and even a great person, I wish her humanitarian work was also just as admired and inspiring, as well as her iconic fashion style.

If you're Audrey a fan or want to know how UNICEF works, this biography might interest you.

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Fans and lovers of Audrey Hepburn will enjoy this book as it explores Audrey in a new angle. Her philanthropic side and her work with Unicef.
I've always adored Audrey Hepburn so it was quite refreshing and amazing to read this side of her that was passionate about helping others with her influence.

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An indepth look at the effects of war and poverty on children through the lens provided by Audrey Hepburn's work with UNICEF. The stories of starving children, lovingly lifted up to be momentarily cared for by a woman about whom they know nothing are almost never-ending. Matzen chronicles Hepburn's work with UNICEF from it's inception with just a couple o glamorous events to it's end, when Hepburn has sacrificed her health in her dedication to the world's starving children.

It's a side of Hepburn most people only know about, not in detail, and it begins with how living through an occupied Dutch town during WWII gave Hepburn a unique perspective as well as her perceived attitude of being a soldier in a battle. The battle was one she experienced during the war, that of starving at the hands of men who were battling to control her physical location. She was a child, caught up in the fight between Nazis and others, much as the children she was serving through UNICEF were caught up between warring factions whose focus was and is on power and possession, not on people, especially not the children.

To that end, it's not a happy book. There are some bits of relief when Hepburn dons a Givenchy gown to present something to a gala or a group of individuals, all in the hope of raising awareness of the children. There are some vignettes told of her travels which make it unique and interesting On the flip side, much of it is the constant tale of starvation, children not understanding, Hepburn entering, sharing some compassion, then leaving again, over and over. So much of it is the same story, just in a different location, it is easy to lose track of where you are in the reading.

This is a book well worth reading. The knowledge imparted is valuable, as well as the potential for Hepburn's work to continue as information is shared and spread..There may be times when the reader decides to skim pages, because of the repetitive nature of what they are reading. That shouldn't lessen the impact of the book's message.

My thanks to the publisher, NetGalley, and Robert Matzan for this advanced copy for review. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

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Thank you to GoodKnight Books and NetGalley for the gifted copy of WARRIOR.

This is a fast paced memoir about Audrey Hepburn, the international film actress, and her work with UNICEF.

Audrey Hepburn's son Luca and partner Robert put together this book about Audrey Hepburn. This book is a wonderful follow up to Dutch Girl, another memoir about Audrey's war experiences.

This book is highly recommended for fans of Audrey Hepburn.

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I always thought of Audrey Hepburn as an amazing person, but after her involvement with UNICEF I think she was an angel on earth. She put herself out there, so that the world knew what was going on with children all over the world and how people could help.
This book was better then a biography, it was the story of who Audrey Hepburn really was and how much she cared for others. It talks about all the people in her private life and how dear they were to her.
The book is well written and begins with Audreys relationship with UNICEF and continues until it ends upon her death. It also talks about all the people that became involved in UNICEF because of Audrey and changed so many lives.

I want to thank Goodknights book and Netgalley for giving the honor of reading this wonderful book about this wonderful person.

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I've always had a "crush" for Audrey Hepburn: her beauty, her style, her elegance, the way she dressed, her big expressive eyes.... that was how I would have like to be myself!
I already knew she used to work for UNICEF, but I hadn't understood to what extent and how committed she had been. Such a beautiful person in and out!
I don't agree with the author that her work caused her death, I think her work gave her a new, fullfilled life. but maybe I can see that, being always super invested in other people's wellbeing she neglected her own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

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This was an incredibly in-depth exploration into the later life of Audrey Hepburn; in particular, her many important and influential experiences working as goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

Having very little knowledge of Hepburn, I went into this fairly blind, and was humbled by her wealth of experiences. Especially strange to read about was the extremity of the contrasts in her life; caring for sick and dying children whilst campaigning one moment, and in Hollywood the next. I was also blown away by the parallels drawn between the experiences of Hepburn and Anne Frank; growing up the same age in the Netherlands and experiencing the horror of the Nazis in such different ways. What an incredibly fulfilling and interesting life Hepburn led, and what an inspiration she was.

I must admit, however, that I did find it to be a touch repetitive, and - dare I admit it - a bit too much information. It was a bit of an overwhelming read. I understand, appreciate and admire the level of research and detail provided in this book, but personally I hate to admit that it didn’t make for the most riveting reading experience. I found myself skipping through large sections, especially in the second half.

Overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who wants a rigorous account of Hepburn’s UNICEF years.

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There aren’t many of us of a certain age who aren’t fans of Audrey Hepburn. Her grace, style and story of overcoming is admirable over and above her acting skill. While this book highlights her commitment to her work with UNICEF (with frequent side mentions of her fondness for Kent cigarettes) there was a little too much repeat detail. I confess to skimming to the end, disappointing.

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Bravery comes in many forms.
The thing that had me mentally speechless was that one of the places that she visited on behalf of UNICEF and that really made a distinct change in her was Tigray. Yes, THAT Tigray. The one where children and their families are in peril right now in 2021.
The book recaps her early life in The Netherlands during the German occupation, the year of starvation, and the rescue/liberation by Canadian forces. It then progresses through the Hollywood years, husbands, and the importance of her children.
Then comes the retirement from film making, her introduction to UNICEF, her devotion to the work, her extensive trips into the field under harsh conditions, and the countless speaking engagements and fundraisers (even after invasive cancer made itself known). It highlights the individuals who gave her the kind of support she needed as well as the toll it all took on her mind and body. There are the honest side rants regarding faulty government leaders of the suffering countries as well as the moneyed ones. The author has an excellent relationship with her son, Luca, and he has contributed to the book.
Impressive woman and impressive book. I will be buying a copy when available.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from GoodKnight Books Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
It is worth the full retail price.

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For me personally this book was very interesting because I am a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn as an actress and I wanted to know more about her. She really was a great woman and this book underlines that!

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Thank you Netgalley for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.

Wow what a great read. This was so interesting. I never knew she had done so much for humanity.

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Gone almost 30 years, Audrey Hepburn remains among the most beloved movie stars of all time, known for that face, and for hits like Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and My Fair Lady. At the height of her fame, at age 38, she walked away from Hollywood to raise her sons. A decade later, seeking a new direction, she came upon the organization that had saved her as a Dutch girl at the end of World War II: UNICEF.

What happened next surpassed the plot twist of any movie. The introverted and reclusive Audrey Hepburn became a warrior, using her fame to capture the media’s attention as she charged into the most dangerous places on earth to save children and mothers in desperate situations. For five years she drove herself mercilessly on a quest that would ultimately kill her. She waded into war zones, met with world leaders, and called out injustice wherever she saw it.

At every opportunity she espoused causes that command headlines today—systemic racism, refugee populations in crisis, superpowers’ manipulation of the developing world, and the reckless killing of our planet. What a fascinating read about this beautiful person. So much I never knew! A definite recommend!

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Audrey Hepburn is an absolute fashion icon and I couldn't wait to read this book! The way she holds herself and helps others is just full of natural elegance. This book really explores the extent of her work with UNICEF and also who Audrey really was as a person.

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5/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: biographies, Audrey Hepburn, Dutch Girl, humanitarian work, UNICEF, Robert Matzen

This review has been posted to Goodreads and will be posted to my blog on 8/18.

I read Dutch Girl the other year and really enjoyed it, so I was happy to find (and receive) Warrior on NetGalley. I absolutely sped through this book, I loved it so much (it's also a good 100 pages shorter than the first one).

Once again, Matzen doesn't disappoint and goes into detail about Hepburn's desire to help the children and the scope of her humanitarian work for UNICEF. There are personal anecdotes from her life and the lives of those around her sprinkled throughout, but I think Matzen does it in such a way that it works well in the biography. I found that I enjoyed reading about adult Audrey and liked that Matzen kept more to the topic of her UNICEF work than he seemed to her Resistance work in Dutch Girl. I found it really interesting to read about how Hepburn prepared for her UNICEF trips and was fairly surprised about some of the places she visited. She really seemed to be dedicated to her humanitarian work and I think Matzen gets that across well.

Like with the first book, Matzen again pays due to Hepburn's relationships. She has this network of people around her that are able to help her with UNICEF and support her career decisions. I think showing these relationships also drives home just how empathetic and connected to other people she was during her life. The close relationships she has span the ages and obviously have an impact on her, which Matzen shoes. I also think Matzen did a good job showing the impacts of the shorter relationships she fostered in the countries she went to for UNICEF and how some of those moements and conversations stayed with her throughout her life.

Overall a pretty good book. It does a good job of showing Audrey's UNICEF work while also depicting how her career, family, and WWII all played a role in her life. Due to the timeline of things, Matzen does include some information about her film career as well as the end of her life, but I don't think those chapters detract from her UNICEF work.

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Prior to reading this book, the most I knew about Audrey Hepburn was that she was a famous actress of her time. What a privilege it has been to read this book and learn about this sophisticated, fascinating, selfless, warrior who spent so much time bringing awareness to and for UNICEF. This was an inspirational autobiography that left me in awe of this amazing person. I would highly recommend this book. Thank you for the ARC of this book. #warrioraudreyhepburn #NetGalley #GoodKnightBooks

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Robert Matzen shares another layer of the remarkable Audrey Hepburn. She was beautiful, talented, an actress, partner and mother. She possessed the ability to light up the screen and her loved ones lives. Behind the beauty was a heart with fire and determination. Her work with UNICEF was one of commitment and unconditional will. Traveling to some of the most dangerous places with deplorable conditions, seeing the despair on the faces of mothers and their children and fighting as only a warrior can to grab the attention needed to provide the much needed help., she championed this journey. Whether meeting with world leaders or caring for the critically ill and dying, she worked tirelessly. This was her chosen path and one that she would continue with whole hearted emergence.
Audrey Hepburn is a hero, Audrey Hepburn was a saint to so many and Robert Matzen does an extraordinary job in telling this most unique attribute to Audrey, the woman. This is a highly recommended read.
Many thank you’s to NetGalley, Mr. Matzen and GoodKinight Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest book review.

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This is a MUST read. Audrey Hepburn was a star but first she was a children’s advocate. She was shy until she was fundraising for UNICEF where she was a goodwill ambassador and then would raise $2M in one day to feed, educate and clothe the war torn children. Audrey was a humanitarian and loved children with all her heart.
Thank you NetGalley and GoodKnight books for an ARC. I learned something and am amazed at the devotedness Ms Hepburn had for those mothers and children that lacked the basics and her willingness to fight however she could to bring these basics to them. Her war was famine and not men.

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“‘For once in your life, Mummy,’ Luca pleaded to his mother, ‘use your bloody name!'”

Twenty-eight years after her passing, Audrey Hepburn remains the most beloved of all Hollywood stars, known as much for her role as UNICEF ambassador as for films like Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Several biographies have chronicled her stardom, but none has covered her intense experiences through five years of Nazi occupation in the Netherlands or her humanitarian work with UNICEF.

Warrior shows Audrey Hepburn as she fought passionately for UNICEF’s cause and worked on the frontline. Not one to use her status as a movie star and fashion icon, she was extremely private about her life during the war. She experienced much blood and death by the time she turned sixteen but never admitted to the horrors she had witnessed.

I was so incredibly moved reading Warrior that I had to know more about her early life. It prompted me to pick up Dutch Girl to understand how her struggle during the war shaped her experiences and decisions in later years.

Robert Matzen’s research removes the glossy Hollywood filter and shows the woman before and after her Hollywood fame. He not only tracks Audrey Hepburn’s journey but describes the events and history at the time to provide context.

A visceral character sketch of a woman who refused to be broken by the war until her last breath, both these books capture an intimate account of Audrey Hepburn’s extraordinarily courageous life.

Audrey Hepburn By Robert Matzen. Published/due to be published by Goodknight Books:
1. Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II (2019)
2. Warrior: Audrey Hepburn (Due to be published 28th September 2021). This ARC courtesy of NetGalley and GoodKnight Books.

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💫𝗪𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫: 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐩𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 💫 ⁣
𝘉𝘺 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘻𝘦𝘯, 𝘓𝘶𝘤𝘢 𝘋𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘪⁣
𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳: 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘒𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 (𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝟸𝟾.𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟷)⁣

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘏𝘦𝘱𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯, 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱, 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘐𝘒𝘌𝘈 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭. 𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘴; 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘱 𝘶𝘱, 𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘵. ⁣

This book reminded me that there were and have been a lot of amazing women trailblazing from the past. When it wasn’t the spotlight as it is now. Women like Audrey Hepburn who at 58 had everything you think you could want: family, wealth and the ease of comfort and yet pushed it all aside to focus social issues that became extremely political and important to her. ⁣

“𝘜𝘕𝘐𝘊𝘌𝘍 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘺 𝘏𝘦𝘱𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘢𝘵 𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳”.⁣

𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝. The non fiction accounts of women that were humanitarians from our past. Audrey Hepburn fought for social justices for all children and mothers in war torn countries. She turned a spotlight on environmental issues. She championed refugees and ⁣

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬. 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲. 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟: 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐛𝐨𝐦𝐛. ⁣

The Audrey Hepburn I thought I knew behind the glitz and glamour was not even close to the full or most important part that we should know about her. The history, the life, the experiences….blown away by all she accomplished. I will warn you that parts of her story are graphic like the scene she stumbled upon in 1992 in Somalia. ⁣

So would I recommend it? 💯 especially if you enjoy learning about our past… how far we have come and yet it seems as though not even close to far enough. As many of the same issues we are still fighting for right now. ⁣

Ps. I feel like I’ve highlighted so many of her quotes on my kindle. There was just so much to take in like this one, which I’ll leave at the end of the review. ⁣

“𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢, 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘞𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦”.

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