Josephine Baker: The Hungry Heart

I was surprised at the weight of this book. Fascinating peek into her extraordinary life.

This book was written very well,kept my attention

Seeing Josephine on film sent me searching for more. Who was that? Where did she come from? How did she end up in Paris? How did she conquer the world? Jean-Claude answers these questions through his wounded heart. And then 14 years after writing this book, he takes his own life. More heartache.

As Josephine Baker adopted some, Jean-Claude Baker provides first hand knowledge of Josephine as a person and as a performer when he became her business associate. And in his attempt to pierce the mystery of her private life, Jean-Claude speaks to many of the people who knew Josephine throughout her life - from her days in St. Louis, Missouri to Paris, France and all points in between. And although the author was born and raised in France, he did come to live in the United States as an adult and developed a good understanding of this nation’s sad racial history. I found his handling of Josephine’s early life in the South to be very insightful and sympathetic. And it’s a fine read. Short chapters in a conversational style that keeps your attention.

I learned many interesting facts about her family history which will aid me in writing my book on Josephine Baker’s life in Philadelphia, as the wife of Philadelphia ‘s William Baker. I visited the street she lived on and was truly in awe as I had no idea she lived in Philadelphia.In addition, I wasn't aware that Jo Baker’s mother lived with her in Paris & is buried in France. Her siblings also lived in France.Great book for genealogist & historians.

Very insightful. Very interesting life. I loved reading about her struggles and her joys. Oddly enough, she lacked integrity sometimes...and other times it was her priority. Complex woman, but fascinating.

The narrative is great. Every page seems to be on the verge of pulling tears. This biography is one of the best I have ever read. I happen to have found a paperback copy and her son wrote an inscription. A real treasure.

This was the second biography I read on her within a week. The experiences of Jean-Claude add a level of authentication to the life of this eclectic and complex person. The other book (the Josephine Baker Story) combined with "The Hungry Heart" gives the reader the full story. It's the poor girl getting the early knocks in life rising to stardom through her self determination and personality. Her talent seems to get better with age and she becomes an icon in France through her years on stage and amazing efforts during WWII. Her maturity brings more eccentric behavior while she was at the core of civil rights in the U.S. Truly an amazing woman. Read them both and maybe more.

Great book described accurately - cant put it down!

The Hungry Heart is potentially a very interesting telling of the fascinating life of Josephine Baker but I am finding it hard going. Don't feel it is very well written.

The book was for my sister - and she has enjoyed it very much and still refers to the story from time to time.