Ingrid Bergman: My Story

First published in 1980, this autobiography chronicles Ingrid Bergman's life from her childhood in Sweden through her career as one of Hollywood's most prominent actresses. The narrative covers her early years in European cinema, her rise to fame in America, and her later work in multiple countries. The book details Bergman's professional relationships with directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Roberto Rossellini, along with her experiences making iconic films such as Casablanca and Notorious. Bergman recounts the technical and personal aspects of filmmaking across different decades and continents, offering an insider's perspective on the evolution of cinema. Written with co-author Alan Burgess and drawing from personal letters and diaries, the autobiography presents Bergman's private struggles alongside her public persona. The text examines the intersection of art, celebrity, and personal conviction, revealing how these forces shaped both her career choices and life decisions. The narrative stands as a testament to the complexities of balancing artistic ambition with public expectations, while exploring themes of cultural identity and self-determination in the golden age of cinema.

Readers consistently note Bergman's candid and honest approach to telling her life story, with many appreciating her openness about both successes and controversies. Multiple reviewers mention her straightforward discussion of her affair with Roberto Rossellini and the public backlash she faced. Readers liked: - Detailed behind-the-scenes stories from classic films - Personal photos and family history - The co-author's balanced perspective - Bergman's direct writing style Readers disliked: - Some sections move slowly - Limited coverage of certain films and relationships - Technical film details can be dry Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,743 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (156 ratings) Notable reader comment: "She tells her story without self-pity or excuses, just presents the facts as she saw them." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mentioned the book provides more depth than other Hollywood autobiographies, with one Amazon reviewer noting "she doesn't waste time on gossip or settling scores."

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✦ Ingrid Bergman dictated much of the book's content into a tape recorder during her battle with breast cancer, knowing she might not live to see its publication. She passed away shortly before the book was released in 1980. ✦ The memoir reveals that Bergman kept detailed diaries throughout her life, starting at age 12 - these journals became a crucial source for the book and provided intimate details about her experiences in Hollywood's Golden Age. ✦ Co-author Alan Burgess spent over 200 hours interviewing Bergman in London and Paris to complete the book, often while she was receiving cancer treatments between filming her final movie. ✦ The book candidly addresses the scandal that temporarily destroyed Bergman's career - her affair with director Roberto Rossellini while both were married to others - which led to her being denounced on the floor of the U.S. Senate in 1950. ✦ Despite her global fame, Bergman insisted on including detailed memories of her early life in Sweden, including the profound impact of losing both parents by age 13 - her mother when she was 3 and her father when she was 13.