Jane Fonda’s New Biography: 14 Juicy Bits

The Book Beast, Aug 23, 2011 

Has there ever been a dull moment in Jane Fonda’s life? Likely not. But if yes, it doesn’t come up in Patricia Bosworth’s 534-page biography, 'Jane Fonda: The Private Life of a Public Woman.' From battling bulimia to fighting for women’s empowerment, The Daily Beast speed-reads.

There have been nine biographies of Jane Fonda published, all written by men who were, Fonda is certain, threatened by her. Finally, in Patricia Bosworth's Jane Fonda: The Private Life of a Public Woman, a woman tells her story. It’s about time, considering that so many of Fonda’s struggles and successes reflect those of an entire generation of women. Throughout her life, as the book makes clear, she has wrestled with self-doubt, obsessed over her looks, and sacrificed everything for men she loved. But what's most fascinating about Fonda is that in spite of all these issues, she is no less a fiercely independent and remarkable woman, making her something of a walking contradiction and, as Bosworth reveals, a natural-born chameleon.

For each of Fonda's myriad reinventions, from wanton sex symbol to political activist to trophy wife, she has started life anew. “I live in the present,” she declares to Bosworth, and her brother, Peter, agrees, saying, “Jane has one version of her life, but you should get the others because they are equally interesting.”

Compiling stories from Jane’s numerous lovers, friends, and enemies, Bosworth presents a new biography of one of the century’s most legendary female icons.
Full story at The Book Beast