The First Actress by C.W. Gortner

 Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a French stage actress and the world’s first modern actress and international celebrity. She did what she set out to do. She made a name for herself. After sold-out performances, she emerges as “a passionate revelation.”

This story vividly explores her character. A ferocious woman with unparalleled determination. She is the epitome of what freedom means. She goes through her lows and highs, but she always remembers what fits her spirited character the most – freedom from any constrictions, freedom to be able to express her artistry the way she feels it.

In 1853, Sarah’s mother is forced to bring her daughter back to Paris. She is a high-class courtesan. She is cold and has no interest in raising her daughter. Thus, her younger sister, aunt Rosine assumes charge of Sarah.

Her education continues at convent, where to her surprise she finds unconditional love and befriends a girl of “uncertain provenance,” like her. There, at eleven years old, she is preparing for her first role for the upcoming annual Nativity play. “That applause … it was like music to me.”

After her education at convent comes to an end, she wants to be independent. She doesn’t want to marry. What else is there for a woman of her time? Especially, with such temper. Performing on stage opens the door for her to be independent.

She is accepted to “the most prestigious training academy for the dramatic arts.” And with a contract at Comedie comes a warning. “If you fail here, there are no second chances. Music halls or back-alley cabarets are all you can look forward to – if that. (…) Performing must be your entire life.”

Her career takes a bit different path from her preferred one. But her innovation leads her to even better greatness. Only to have it torn by the Prussian invasion of Paris.

Sarah is a very strong headed woman. She is so opposite of her mother. She vows to never follow her mother’s path, even if she sidesteps her preferred path. Every time an obstacle comes her way, she gets much stronger and even more driven. You can feel the fire that drives her. She is fervently tuned to her cause, giving her strength to propel herself forward.

The character of Alexander Dumas, a celebrated writer, is also very touching. When she is in dire need, his support is unmatched.

The writing is incredible. The heroine is so fleshed-out, full of emotions. She is so real. You can feel her pain and her joy. Whatever she does passion shines through it.

The story is intensely imagined. The trials and triumphs of the heroine are heartfelt, making the story highly engrossing.

Loved the talented prose injected with humor: “…class, which was taught by an effeminate remnant of the Second Empire, replete with the lace-trimmed sleeve cuffs and rouged lips.”

Release date: 26 May 2020

Source: Ballentine Books