Is The Times We Had: Life With William Randolph Hearst Worth Reading?

2026-01-06 12:31:54 252

3 Antworten

Michael
Michael
2026-01-08 13:32:32
What surprised me about 'The Times We Had' is how much it reads like a novel. Marion Davies’ storytelling is so vivid—you can practically hear the clink of champagne glasses at Hearst Castle and feel the tension in the air during their public scandals. It’s a rare peek behind the curtain of 1920s excess, but with a melancholy undertone. Davies never shies away from the complexities of their relationship, including the criticism she faced as his mistress. Her wit and self-awareness keep the tone from getting too heavy, though. I blew through it in a weekend, mostly because I couldn’t resist her gossipy asides about figures like Louis B. Mayer or Orson Welles. It’s the kind of book that makes history feel alive and messy, not just a series of dry facts.
Yara
Yara
2026-01-11 01:41:03
Reading 'The Times We Had' felt like sitting down with an elderly relative who’s finally ready to spill all the family secrets. Marion Davies’ voice is so conversational, almost like she’s chatting with you over tea. The book’s strength lies in its small, vivid details—like how Hearst would sneak into the kitchen to make himself a sandwich at 3 a.m. or how he’d panic if Davies so much as caught a cold. It’s these moments that make the man behind 'Citizen Kane' feel real, flawed, and oddly endearing.

But don’t expect a perfectly structured narrative. Davies meanders through memories, sometimes jumping decades in a single paragraph. It can be disorienting, but it also adds to the charm—it’s how real people tell stories. I especially loved the behind-the-scenes glimpses of classic Hollywood, like Charlie Chaplin doing impromptu performances at Hearst’s parties. The book’s a mess in the best way, like a drawer full of tangled jewelry where every piece sparkles. If you enjoy memoirs that prioritize personality over polish, you’ll adore this.
Flynn
Flynn
2026-01-11 19:02:40
I stumbled upon 'The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' while browsing through a second-hand bookstore, and something about its worn cover caught my eye. The book offers this intimate, almost voyeuristic look into the life of one of America's most infamous media magnates, but through the lens of Marion Davies, his longtime companion. What struck me was how it humanizes Hearst—often depicted as this larger-than-life tycoon—by showing his quirks, vulnerabilities, and even his sense of humor. Davies' writing is unexpectedly candid, filled with anecdotes that range from hilarious to heartbreaking. It's not just a biography; it feels like flipping through a scrapbook of golden-era Hollywood and high society gossip, with all the glamour and grit intact.

That said, if you're looking for a critical dissection of Hearst's media empire or his political influence, this isn't the book for you. It's more of a personal memoir, and Davies' perspective is unapologetically biased. But that's what makes it fascinating—it's a love letter, a defense, and a eulogy all rolled into one. I found myself dog-earing pages just to revisit certain passages later, like her descriptions of Hearst's obsession with collecting art or the surreal parties at San Simeon. It's a niche read, but if you're into old Hollywood or unconventional historical accounts, it's absolutely worth your time.
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