Book Summary
“Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years” is Julie Andrews Edwards’ second memoir, written in collaboration with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. Following her first memoir “Home: A Memoir of My Early Years,” which dealt with her early life and initial foray into theatre, “Home Work” chronicles her transition to Hollywood and her subsequent rise to international stardom. With characteristic charm and humor, Andrews recounts her experiences working on her most iconic films, exploring both the highs and lows of her career. She opens up about her personal life as well – her marriage to filmmaker Blake Edwards, their blended family, and the challenges she faced balancing her career and personal life. More than just a collection of behind-the-scenes stories, “Home Work” is a reflective examination of Andrews’ life and career, and an exploration of the lessons she learned along the way.
Author Intro
Julie Andrews Edwards, Emma Walton Hamilton
Julie Andrews Edwards is a beloved icon of stage and screen, known for her roles in timeless classics like “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music.” Born in England, Andrews started her career in theatre before transitioning to Hollywood, where she won an Academy Award for her very first film. Apart from her illustrious acting career, Andrews is also a talented writer and has co-authored many children’s books with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. Emma Walton Hamilton is an award-winning writer, producer, and arts educator. She co-founded the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, NY, where she served seventeen seasons as co-artistic director and developed numerous new productions. Together with her mother, she has written over 30 books for children and young adults.
Book Reviews
In “Home Work,” Julie Andrews Edwards takes us on a poignant journey through her Hollywood years. Her narrative is rich with insider stories and personal reflections. Yet, what really shines through is her humility and the clear affection she has for her craft. It’s not just a tale of stardom but also a story of a woman navigating her roles as a wife, mother, and actress. For fans of Andrews and classic Hollywood, this memoir is a must-read.
“Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years” is a delightful read. The memoir captures the essence of Julie Andrews Edwards – the woman beyond Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp. There is a candid honesty to her narratives, from her career highs to personal lows. Co-written with her daughter, this memoir is not just about the glamour of Hollywood but about the trials and tribulations of balancing personal life with a demanding career.
Julie Andrews Edwards’ “Home Work” is an intimate, warm, and engaging memoir that offers a fascinating look at her life during her Hollywood years. Andrews’ humility, warmth, and genuine love for her craft and family radiate from every page. Her anecdotes about working on her iconic roles are interesting, but it’s her introspective moments that truly captivate. Her struggles with balancing a demanding career and a complex personal life provide an unvarnished view of the life behind the stardom.
“Home Work” is a beautifully written memoir from the incomparable Julie Andrews Edwards. Filled with heartfelt anecdotes and honest reflections, Andrews provides a captivating window into her life during her Hollywood years. Her strength, resilience, and sheer dedication to her craft and family are inspiring. Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, have crafted a memoir that serves as a compelling narrative on fame, family, and finding oneself amidst it all.
