——Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit by Sean Hepburn Ferrer & Educated by Tara Westover
In the realm of literature, biographies offer an intimate window into the lives of individuals who have left an indelible impact on society. They serve as powerful testaments to the strength of the human spirit, charting our individual paths towards self-discovery, resilience, and personal growth. Such is the case of two remarkable women whose stories have captivated readers around the world: Audrey Hepburn and Tara Westover.
In this comparative study, we delve into the narratives presented in Sean Hepburn Ferrer’s “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” and Tara Westover’s memoir, “Educated.” Uniting these books is an underlying exploration of self-identity and the profound transformative power of education. Through Hepburn’s experiences as a legendary actress turned humanitarian, and Westover’s journey from an isolated upbringing to becoming an acclaimed scholar, we embark on a thought-provoking odyssey that uncovers the shared threads of adversity, tenacity, and personal triumph.
Born in 1929, Audrey Hepburn rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood, enchanting audiences with her unparalleled beauty, grace, and talent. However, behind the glamorous facade lay a woman whose journey of self-discovery transcended the silver screen. Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Hepburn’s eldest son, provides readers with an intimate portrayal of his mother’s life in “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit.” This heartfelt biography celebrates Hepburn’s unwavering integrity, resilience, and her tireless commitment to philanthropy, cementing her place not only in the annals of cinema history but also in the hearts of countless admirers worldwide.
Tara Westover’s “Educated” presents readers with a narrative that contrasts starkly with Hepburn’s glamorous life. Raised in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho, Westover’s memoir is a testament to resilience and the transformative nature of education. Westover’s journey of self-discovery and intellectual emancipation takes center stage as she defies societal expectations, escapes her isolated upbringing, and eventually earns a Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Her memoir leaves an indelible mark, shedding light on the power of knowledge and the pursuit of education to transcend boundaries and overcome even the most oppressive circumstances.
Throughout this comparative study, we explore the distinct but interconnected stories of Hepburn and Westover, examining how their backgrounds, pivotal moments, and choices shaped their respective paths. We analyze the common themes of self-discovery, the significance of education, and the resilience required to overcome immense adversity.
As we embark on this journey through the lives of Audrey Hepburn and Tara Westover, we invite you to delve into their gripping narratives, discover the profound impact they have made on their respective fields, and reflect on the timeless lessons their stories impart. These narratives remind us that through the unyielding pursuit of self-expression, personal growth, and the pursuit of knowledge, we can all carve our own unique paths towards a more enlightened and dignified existence.
Brief Summary of Two Books
Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit by Sean Hepburn Ferrer
“Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit” is a biography written by Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. The book provides a detailed and intimate portrayal of Audrey Hepburn’s life, delving into her childhood, her rise to fame as an actress, and her humanitarian work.
Ferrer begins with Audrey Hepburn’s early years in Europe, including her experiences during World War II, which greatly impacted her life. He then explores her journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, discussing her iconic roles in movies such as “Roman Holiday,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “My Fair Lady.”
Throughout the book, Ferrer shares personal anecdotes and family memories, shedding new light on Hepburn’s private life and relationships, including her marriages and motherhood. He also examines her deep commitment to humanitarian causes, particularly her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
Ferrer presents his mother not only as a talented, stylish actress, but also as a compassionate and determined woman. He explores how she overcame personal hardships and used her fame to bring attention to important issues, such as children’s rights and famine relief.
Overall, “Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit” offers an insightful and affectionate tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s remarkable life, capturing both her grace and her inner strength that made her an enduring cultural icon.
Educated by Tara Westover
Educated is a memoir written by Tara Westover that chronicles her journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho to eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University. The book explores themes of family, education, and self-discovery.
Westover was raised by her survivalist parents, who rejected mainstream society and kept their children out of school. As a result, Westover had little access to education and medical care, and her upbringing was marked by physical labor and dangerous situations.
Eventually, Tara’s desire for knowledge led her to educate herself. She taught herself to read, studied subjects like mathematics and science independently, and managed to pass the ACT exam. With the encouragement of a college professor, she enrolled at Brigham Young University, where she encountered many challenges adjusting to academia and social norms.
Tara’s pursuit of education caused conflicts within her family, who viewed her education as a betrayal of their beliefs. Her father, in particular, was resistant to her aspirations and her growing independence. Despite facing emotional turmoil and dealing with the trauma of her past, Westover perseveres and earns scholarships that help her study abroad in England and then attend Cambridge University.
Throughout her academic journey, Westover grapples with her identity and confronts the damaging aspects of her upbringing. She wrestles with the dichotomy between her loyalty to her family and the pursuit of her own dreams. Ultimately, Tara finds strength within herself and grows into an empowered woman, overcoming the barriers created by her abusive past and embracing her newfound freedom and knowledge.
Educated is a powerful and inspiring memoir that highlights the transformative power of education and the resilience of the human spirit, as Tara Westover reshapes her background to forge her own path in life.
Comparison between Two Books
Similarities in Great Women
There are several similarities between the portrayal of great women in “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” by Sean Hepburn Ferrer and “Educated” by Tara Westover. Both books highlight the remarkable strength, resilience, and determination of these women, who faced numerous obstacles and challenges throughout their lives.
1. Overcoming adversity: Both Audrey Hepburn and Tara Westover faced significant adversity in their lives. Hepburn grew up during World War II in Nazi-occupied Holland, where she suffered from malnutrition and witnessed the horrors of war. Similarly, Westover grew up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho, with limited access to education and exposure to the outside world. Despite these obstacles, both women managed to rise above their circumstances and achieve great success and fulfillment.
2. Pursuit of education: Education played a pivotal role in the lives of both women. Audrey Hepburn initially aspired to be a ballet dancer but had to give up her dreams due to wartime circumstances. However, she never stopped learning, enrolling in acting classes and expanding her knowledge and skills throughout her career. Tara Westover, on the other hand, fought against her family’s opposition to formal education and eventually attended college, which had a profound impact on her personal growth and self-discovery.
3. Impact on others: Both Audrey Hepburn and Tara Westover have had a significant impact on the lives of others. Hepburn was not only known for her talent on screen but also for her humanitarian work with UNICEF, where she dedicated herself to improving the lives of disadvantaged children worldwide. Similarly, Tara Westover’s memoir “Educated” has inspired numerous readers and shed light on issues of abuse, education, and personal growth. Through their experiences, both women have touched the lives of many and continue to inspire others.
4. Resilience and determination: Both Hepburn and Westover displayed immense resilience and determination throughout their lives. Hepburn’s journey from war-torn Europe to becoming one of the most iconic actresses of her time required perseverance, hard work, and a strong belief in herself. Similarly, Westover’s resilience against her family’s oppressive beliefs and her determination to seek education and change her circumstances demonstrate a remarkable strength of character.
In conclusion, both “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” and “Educated” portray the great women, Audrey Hepburn and Tara Westover, as individuals who faced challenges head-on, overcame adversity, pursued education, and had a lasting impact on the lives of others. Their stories inspire readers to embrace resilience, determination, and the pursuit of knowledge, making them true examples of greatness.
Divergences in Great Women
While both “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” by Sean Hepburn Ferrer and “Educated” by Tara Westover revolve around the lives of remarkable women, Audrey Hepburn and Tara Westover, there are significant differences in the way these books explore and present their respective subjects.
1. Focus on Achievements:
– “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” primarily focuses on Audrey Hepburn’s remarkable achievements as an actress and a humanitarian. The book delves into her successful acting career, her iconic performances in films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and her numerous accolades. It also highlights her charitable work with UNICEF and her efforts to improve the lives of children around the world.
– On the other hand, “Educated” mainly emphasizes Tara Westover’s extraordinary journey of overcoming adversity and gaining an education. The book explores Westover’s resilience, her pursuit of knowledge despite growing up in a dysfunctional and isolated family in rural Idaho. It highlights her academic achievements and the transformative power of education in her life.
2. Personal Backgrounds:
– “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” delves into the personal life of Audrey Hepburn, her upbringing, and her experiences during World War II, growing up in Nazi-occupied Netherlands. It offers insights into her relationships, including her tumultuous marriage to actor Mel Ferrer and her role as a mother.
– In contrast, “Educated” is a memoir that primarily focuses on Tara Westover’s personal experiences growing up in a strict and abusive household. It explores the complexities of her relationship with her family, particularly with her father who has deeply ingrained anti-establishment views. The book also highlights the immense challenges Westover faced as she broke away from her past and pursued higher education.
3. Writing Style:
– “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” is written by Audrey Hepburn’s son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, who provides an intimate and personal perspective on his mother’s life. The book is filled with anecdotes, family photographs, and personal reminiscences.
– Conversely, “Educated” is written by Tara Westover herself and provides a raw and unfiltered account of her life. The book is characterized by its introspective and reflective writing style, enabling readers to witness Westover’s personal growth and self-discovery.
In summary, while both “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” and “Educated” present great women who have overcome significant obstacles in their lives, they differ in terms of focus, personal backgrounds, and writing style. “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” celebrates Audrey Hepburn’s achievements as an actress and humanitarian, while “Educated” portrays Tara Westover’s transformative journey through education and growth.
Conclusion
Both “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” by Sean Hepburn Ferrer and “Educated” by Tara Westover are highly regarded and impactful books. The choice ultimately depends on your personal interests and preferences.
If you are interested in classic Hollywood, the life of Audrey Hepburn, or enjoy biographies, “Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit” could be more worthy of reading. It provides insight into Audrey Hepburn’s extraordinary life and her impact as an actress and humanitarian.
On the other hand, if you prefer memoirs and stories of personal growth and resilience, “Educated” by Tara Westover might be more suitable. It recounts Westover’s journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho to eventually pursuing education and breaking free from her restrictive upbringing.
Both books offer different perspectives and subject matters, so it ultimately comes down to your personal interests.
