Mommie Dearest: 40th Anniversary Edition

De: Christina Crawford

Narrado por: Tavia Gilbert

The 40th anniversary edition of the “shocking” number one New York Times best seller with an exclusive new introduction by the author (Los Angeles Times).

When Christina Crawford’s harrowing chronicle of child abuse was first published in 1978, it brought global attention to the previously closeted subject. It also shed light on the guarded world of Hollywood and stripped away the façade of Christina’s relentless, alcoholic abuser: her adoptive mother, movie star Joan Crawford.

Christina was a young girl shown off to the world as a fortunate little princess. But at home, her lonely, controlling, even ruthless mother made her life a nightmare. A fierce battle of wills, their relationship could be characterized as an ultimately successful, for Christina, struggle for independence. She endured and survived, becoming the voice of so many other victims who suffered in silence, and giving them the courage to forge a productive life out of chaos.

This edition features an exclusive new introduction by the author, plus rare photographs from her personal collection revealing material not found in the original manuscript.

©1978, 1998, 2017 1998, 2017 by Christina Crawford (P)2019 Audible, Inc.

insightful

An excellent story and insight into a famous Personality. However the story was probably 2 Hours longer than it should have been. The last few chapters made it sound as if Christina was whining a good amount. Other than that I enjoyed the book.

Couldn’t Put It Down

I listened to this during commutes. I couldn’t wait to get back into my car to continue listening. There were moments my jaw physically dropped in shock at the story. The narration was also perfect as the voice of Christina.

Surprised at some of the folks who stand up for Joan

This book is so sincere, detailed, and specific. The child of a raging alcoholic suffers from both physical and mental abuse, and nobody is brave enough to help or report because of who her mother was. Many in the Hollywood community have spoken about it, Lana Turner, telling her daughter “oh everyone knew about Joan.“ Helen Hayes being brave enough to go public with what she witnessed. Natalie Shaffer spoke about witnessing Christopher Crawford, taking a second chocolate when his mother told him he could only have one, and then Joanne making him eat the entire giant box until he vomited. Mrs.Chadwick, the owner of the private school told Redbook magazine that she did not wish to participate in an article about Christina‘s abuse because of her past experience with Christina’s mother being horrific. Friends from childhood who offer testimonials of what they witnessed. And yet people still see this as she said, she said. There is absolutely no excuse for child abuse and exploitation.

A painful capture of one child’s experience with abuse.

Wow, what a sad story. Christina’s account of the pain & suffering she experienced at the hand of her own mother is absolutely heart breaking. I was completely in awe of this girl’s strength throughout her young life & into adulthood. Beautifully written & the narrator’s performance was perfect.

FINALLY GOT THE STORY!!

Joan Crawford has been one of my favorite Movie stars since I was a kid. Read all kinds of the book reviews when Mommie Dearest first came out. Had a copy of the book but never read it. I was afraid it would change the Movie Star image I had of Joan Crawford. Now 40 years later I heard the book/story on Audible for the first time. I feel very deeply for Christina Crawford & her brother! Although Joan Crawford was a horrible mother, she was a glamorous and great Movie Star! GREAT BOOK! God bless Christina Crawford!!!

Reading between the lines

I loved hearing about Christiania Crawfords life but it also makes Joan out to be a complete awful person when it sounds like to me that Christiania doesn’t take any accountability for her actions such as she was never wrong about any arguments I’m sorry but no one is that perfect it seems to me that they both had similar issues and just butted heads to much

Great listen!

I saw the movie version several years ago. This audio version is far more detailed. The narrator was very good. Overall - excellent!

Captivating detailed story

The book is fascinating and detailed recounting many interesting as well as heart breaking stories. What’s difficult is the narrator. The cadence is hard to listen to it’s almost like Mary Poppins is reading the story and the lilt of her voice is distracting.

A Stunning, Fascinating, and Bittersweet Story

This is a tremendous, beautiful book. Christina Crawford is a resilient and amazing human being. Her story is not just about "child abuse," but about a deep, painful, and yet loving relationship between mother and daughter. Joan Crawford was an abuser, and yet Christina finds a bridge between her wounds and a friendship with her mother. I was brought to tears at the end; this story is just beautiful. Do not watch the movie--read the book.

Interesting

Wow - I have always been wary of this book/topic because who knows what is true or not. I have seen the movie countless times and the movie is LIGHT compared to the book. This book is brutal with how her children were treated. Proceed with caution if this topic is upsetting to you. It's really unfortunate and hard to believe.
That being said, the book was very well written and the performance of the narrator was great. It's a quick listen and it gets right into the nitty gritty. Recommended!