5 stars

This book is another home run for C.W. Gortner!

Disruptive, outrageous and competitive this is the story of Sarah Bernhardt the French acting sensation of the mid- to late 19th Century.

She was born to a seemingly uncaring and volatile courtesan and was farmed out to a foster situation for her first eight years. Sarah never got along with her mother who cared only for appearances and for her favorite of her three daughters.

Sent to a convent boarding school, Sarah was to flourish under the care of a kind hearted nun. She converted to Catholicism and decided to become a nun herself.

Sarah always had a flair for drama. At first, she was to see becoming an actress the same as her mother's profession – selling oneself. She was a very talented singer and artist, but when she did become interested in acting, she went wholeheartedly into it. She graduated from a prestigious acting school and landed a position acting. Always believing that she knew better than even the director, her quick temper and dramatic gestures got her into trouble.

She ran a small hospital during the Prussian siege of Paris for which she won acclaim. She loved animals and her son Maurice. Her very close friends were friends for life. Her enemies – well...She toured North and South America later in her life. She went to London to perform in front of the Prince of Wales. She had tempestuous affairs. Her life was certainly colorful. She went her own way. She was an early defender of women's rights – even if she wasn't aware of it. Sarah was a strong and determined woman. Sarah’s life was punctuated with personal dramas and displays of unthinking action. She was her own worst enemy in that way. But, ultimately, she was divine.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing – Ballantine/Ballantine for forwarding to me a copy of this most remarkable book for me to read, enjoy and review.

C.W. Gortner has written a well-balanced book detailing the life of Sarah Bernhardt. Sarah's life was not easy. She was abandoned in her early years to be raised by a farmer's wife. Her mother was a "demimondaine" who lived in an apartment paid for by rich patrons. This was the life that her mother intended for her but Sarah had other ideas. She wanted to become an actress. Her willfulness and temper get her into more than a few difficult situations but she manages to rise above those. Through perseverance Sara Bernhardt becomes famous and one of the first actresses to perform in motion pictures.
This book is very well written and doesn't shy away from sensitive subjects. Sarah lived through war and its aftermath. She supported her family with her acting and she was an unmarried mother. All of the ups and downs of her career are related without judgment. Much of Sarah's life was a struggle and this story covers all of it. It is an amazing journey and illustrates the difficulties of the times quite clearly.
You may have heard about Sarah Bernhardt before but I guarantee you did not know all of the details of her life. This is a fascinating story that offers a rare look at the history of theater in France. Pick this book up. It is illuminating!

Daughter of a French courtesan, Sarah Bernhardt is determined to make her own way in life. Educated in a convent, her life is turned upside down when her mother sets her up as mistress to an elderly gentleman. But Sarah never loses sight of her dream: to be a celebrated actress.

This was an interesting read. I can't say that I approve of everything Sarah did to achieve her dream. She wanted nothing to do with being a courtesan/companion/mistress but did so to prove her independence. From the start, whenever she needed something, whether it be influence or money, she found the man in a position to grant her what she needed.

Still, even though this was a fiction, it was fascinating to read about an actress I've heard about but didn't know that much about. She had loyalty to family, despite her own mother's cold demeanor.

I would have rated this higher, but the sex scenes, though not overly detailed, were frequent enough to put me off. For readers looking for a fictional telling of a remarkable woman's life, I would recommend this.

I fell in love with C.W. Gortner’s writing when I read her book, The Romanov Empress. The First Actress was just as enthralling. I grew up hearing about Sarah Bernhardt and her drama on the stage and in life. It was wonderful reading this book about her. What a difficult time she had with her mother, the courtesan. She grew up in drama, no wonder she turned to acting. I loved this book. It was entertaining and interesting. Thank you to C. W. Gortner for her eloquent authorship and to Net Galley and Random House Publishing for the egalley.

Really enjoyed reading this fascinating look at Sara Bernhardt's young years.. Sara has always been identified as a diva one of the original divas. .Learningabout her family her interactions made this a book I really was involved I their life their interactions,I’ve read books by this author before and Highky recommend his books,#netgalley#randomhouse

CW Gortner is one of my favorite authors and once again, he does not disappoint.

I hadn't heard of Sarah Bernhardt prior to this novel--then again, I hadn't had interest in Coco Chanel or Marlene Dietrich either, until Gortner's writing brought me to their worlds. From the Sarah's rise in life with an all-over-the-place childhood (and pain in the bum mom), and eventual success, Gortner paints her life with the same colors, eccentricities, and detail that I imagine she lived it.

Loved this book.

CW Gortner is a fabulous historical fiction novelist. His books are thoroughly researched and I found Sarah Bernhardt’s story fascinating. She isn’t a figure I knew much about, so I was excited that Gortner chose her as his focus. I expect that many more novelists will follow in his footsteps, as happened with his novel about Coco Chanel. But Gortner leads by telling the story first and best, so definitely check this one out before the market is inundated with followers and second-rate tales.

Sarah Bernhardt. Quelle femme sauvage!
I knew very little about her, and almost nothing about France during the era in which she lived. I was captivated by every page of this novel. Sarah lived a fascinating, unconventional life, cultivating friendships (and sometimes a little more) with famous men like Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, and Prince Bertie of Wales.
Gortner brings it all to life here---childhood, love, hate, war, death, intrigue, sex, and of course, theater. An exquisitely enjoyable reading experience.

I will post a more thorough review closer to the publication date in May.
Thank you ever so much to Ballantine Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read an advance copy.

(A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for satisfying my wish and making an early reader copy of this wonderful book available to read!)

I read The First Actress....and then I turned around and read it again! What a marvelous book about Sarah Bernhardt. The book is wonderfully well researched, as well as fun, interesting and to be honest, quite amazing to read. Of course I knew the name Sarah Bernhardt from my grandmother, as in "stop being such a Sarah Bernhardt!", but who know what a brilliant and talented woman she was. I should have been proud to be a Sarah Bernhardt!. She was an artist, a sculptress, a courtesan, and yes, she was the first actress to think about the characters she played, and how they should be played. And she did this in the 1800's, while at the same time raising a son as a single mother, and fighting not to be live the demimondaine life as her mother did.

If you like to learn about unique and interesting women in history, read this book. It's such a great read, I promise you you'll want to turn around read it again! I'd give it 10 stars if I could!

Full Disclosure: I was given early access to this manuscript in exchange for writing an impartial review. Scheduled publication - May 26, 2020 by Ballantine Books.

I was completely captivated by this novel from the very first page and finished it in 2 days. Awarded four stars on Goodreads but honestly, 4.5 stars is probably more accurate.

Often when I read books by male authors with female protagonists, I find they fall short. But not this one. Much like an earlier Gortner book I read (THE ROMANOV EMPRESS), this author is able to authentically and believably portray strong women characters.

I did not know much about Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) before reading the novel, except that she was a famous French actress, was somewhat eccentric (i.e. sleeping in a coffin), and was likely one of the many mistresses of British King Edward VII. But through the writing skill of C. W. Gortner, I now feel as though I know her well and even understand her. She feels fully fleshed out to me as a person -- not some goddess to be worshipped, but a fully human early feminist who is completely fascinating.

The book begins with Sarah's childhood as the illegitimate daughter of a courtesan, being fostered on a farm in Brittany. At the age of eight, her mother Julie is forced reluctantly to reclaim Sarah and incorporate her into the busy life of an active and successful Parisian courtesan. Not surprisingly it doesn't go well and Sarah and Julie embark on a contentious relationship that lasts throughout their lives.

I don't want to spoil your pleasure in discovering Sarah's story. So no spoilers. But not surprising, establishing her career involves much struggle, with many men who want to control her, other actresses who are jealous of her, and lovers who wish to rein her in. She flaunts many of society's rules and pays for it. But a brave spirit and fierce desire to live an independent life sustain her through war, hunger, and poverty.

Obviously, it's a story with plenty of drama, romance, and passion. Populated by famous writers, actors and artists like Oscar Wilde, Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, Jean_Mounet-Sully, and Louise Abbéma..


A surprise for me was how interesting it was to learn more about some of the famous historical theatres of Paris --the Comédie-Française, Odéon, Théâtre de la Renaissance, and Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt. How they were different, who they catered to, the ways in which they competed, which was considered more prestigious, how performance material was chosen and parts assigned. And of course, the considerable egos of those who choose a life on the stage

I have only two major criticisms of the novel. And that was an abrupt 10-year skip in time between the last two chapters and the author choosing to end the story with Sarah's triumphant return to the Paris stage in 1896, rather than continuing to write about the final 25+ years of her life. I think mostly this was a reflection of my disappointment, not wanting to let her go and being curious about the rest of the story. But as the author explains in the AFTERWORD, Sarah's COMPLETE story would have required an entire second novel.

Highly recommended!

Up until now, I never knew more about Sarah Bernhardt than her name and profession, but I recognized her portrait on the cover at first glance. This was an engrossing novel about an illegitimate daughter of a courtesan who saw her as little more than a liability. Sarah reciprocated her mother’s feelings, and throughout her life their awkward relationship made a huge impact on how she saw—and rebelled against—the world. On occasion, when her financial situation demanded it, she was obliged to follow in her mother’s footsteps, though she was soon to learn how fickle her wealthy suitors could be. And when she chose to keep the inevitable child, she had to raise the boy herself; by now her family included two other bastard sisters as well. It was a struggle, but once she chose her acting career, nothing was going to stop her. Talented enough to get away with breaking all the rules, Sarah took plenty of unorthodox detours that would have proved disastrous for less talented actresses. But due to her beauty and spunk, she was helped along the way by some of France’s great writers, including Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas. The establishment looked down their noses at her, but nobody could deny that the audiences loved her. Highly recommended.

Thoroughly enjoyed this and read it quite swiftly. It might best be subtitled "The Rise of Sarah Bernhardt", for it focuses on her early life. Though she lived to be nearly 80, 75% of this book takes place before she turns 30. It's a rich exploration of the formation of one of the modern world's first celebrities. Much attention is paid to her family and their echoing influence on her life. I don't know enough about Bernhardt to know how much of that is historically verified and how much was authorial invention, but I could certainly believe it all within the context of fiction, and it makes for a compelling character study.

Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC of this magnificent novel.
I'm not sure the life of Sarah Bernhardt can be completely captured in one simple book, but the author does a fantastic job of creating an indelible portrait of this amazing woman. Bernhardt was a woman ahead of her time, a woman who knee what she wanted and let nothing and no one stop her from achieving her goals.
Her early life as the daughter of a courtesan in Paris may have relegated her to a similar life, but her stubbornness and gifts took her to the pinnacle of fame during the late 1800's. She was touted a the "Divine Sarah " in England, America and her beloved France.
The author brilliantly brings Sarah to life in the pages of this book. Though fiction, much of what is written here is based in historical fact.
I highly recommend this book. I have loved every book I have read by CW Gortner.

This book was addicting. You wanted to continue reading even long after it was over. The characters felt so real and relatable, and the story was so original.

I was not as fond of this work as previous works I have read by Gortner. I did not find the character of Sarah Bernhardt likable and I could not find myself caring about her or her circumstances.

{The First Actress
by C.W. Gortner~ Thank you Netgalley for sending me this ARC. I was very excited to read this and literally pushed my TBR pile aside for this one! The First Actress follows the life of Sarah Bernhardt. A famous french actress from the 1800’s that not only possessed an immense amount of talent but she also embodied what it meant to be a fighter. A daughter of a Courtesan, Sarah spent most of her childhood being raised away from family in the country and was placed in a convent for schooling. After many years away she finally joins her mother and aunt in Paris, full of hopes and dreams but soon realizes just what her mother expects from her. Not wanting to be a courtesan Sarah desperately looks for other ways to make a living. Fortunately she recently had performed in her school play and as luck would have it is endorsed by one of her mother’s suitors to seek a career in acting. What proceeds can only be described as sensational as the book takes you through Sarah’s journey. From all her ups and downs you begin to understand that even though she was of course a little dramatic, tended to overemphasize and could be quite eccentric at times-she was also compassionate, brave, smart and incredibly caring. I particularly loved how much she loved all animals and how regardless of her treatment by family she was always still there for them. She also never shied from speaking her mind and lived her life the way she wanted to without worrying what others would think. After many struggles both personally and professionally Sarah finally achieves what she had always dreamed of, she made her mark in the world. I admit that at the beginning I had little to no knowledge of who Sarah Bernhardt was but thankfully after reading this I see why she was so celebrated! This book will be published May 26 and I really do hope you get a chance to read it!

Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was a French stage actress and the world’s first modern actress and international celebrity. She did what she set out to do. She made a name for herself. After sold-out performances, she emerges as “a passionate revelation.”

This story vividly explores her character. A ferocious woman with unparalleled determination. She is the epitome of what freedom means. She goes through her lows and highs, but she always remembers what fits her spirited character the most – freedom from any constrictions, freedom to be able to express her artistry the way she feels it.

In 1853, Sarah’s mother is forced to bring her daughter back to Paris. She is a high-class courtesan. She is cold and has no interest in raising her daughter. Thus, her younger sister, aunt Rosine assumes charge of Sarah.

Her education continues at convent, where to her surprise she finds unconditional love and befriends a girl of “uncertain provenance,” like her. There, at eleven years old, she is preparing for her first role for the upcoming annual Nativity play. “That applause … it was like music to me.”

After her education at convent comes to an end, she wants to be independent. She doesn’t want to marry. What else is there for a woman of her time? Especially, with such temper. Performing on stage opens the door for her to be independent.

She is accepted to “the most prestigious training academy for the dramatic arts.” And with a contract at Comedie comes a warning. “If you fail here, there are no second chances. Music halls or back-alley cabarets are all you can look forward to – if that. (…) Performing must be your entire life.”

Her career takes a bit different path from her preferred one. But her innovation leads her to even better greatness. Only to have it torn by the Prussian invasion of Paris.

Sarah is a very strong headed woman. She is so opposite of her mother. She vows to never follow her mother’s path, even if she sidesteps her preferred path. Every time an obstacle comes her way, she gets much stronger and even more driven. You can feel the fire that drives her. She is fervently tuned to her cause, giving her strength to propel herself forward.

The character of Alexander Dumas, a celebrated writer, is also very touching. When she is in dire need, his support is unparalleled.

The writing is incredible. The heroine is so fleshed-out, full of emotions. She is so real. You can feel her pain and her joy. Whatever she does passion shines through it.

The story is intensely imagined. The trials and triumphs of the heroine are heartfelt, making the story highly engrossing.

Loved the talented prose injected with humor: “…class, which was taught by an effeminate remnant of the Second Empire, replete with the lace-trimmed sleeve cuffs and rouged lips.”

The First Actress by C. W. Gortner is an excellent Historical Fiction of the life and times of Sarah Bernhardt.
I am going to have to confess that I was not familiar with this stunning woman, however I have loved every book by this author that I have ever read, so I knew I had to learn more.

I was beyond impressed with the dialogue, prose, pace, and the amount of research that occurred to create this amazing book. I found out so much about the theatrical history of the mid-late 1800s in France (Paris specifically) and all of the fascinating actors and actresses that played a part. I also learned so much about multiple plays and the atmosphere of the city at this time, as well as the effects that were placed on it and its people during the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71. I am so impressed with all of the things that the author added to the book that brought so much more new information to me, yet it flowed not as a history lesson, but as an excellent novel.

I most of all loved learning about Sarah. She was a woman well before her time. The traumas, obstacles, prejudices, and difficulties she had to endure just to be able to do what she enjoyed was astounding. She was so many things: creative, unique, passionate, driven, eccentric, intelligent, flawed, stubborn, and above all talented. She seemed to me to be very sad and lonely, searching to fill that unnamed void, yet was surrounded by fellow artists and talents continuously. To not be truly wanted and loved by her (to me a cruel and unkind woman) mother, she spent her whole life trying to find love, acceptance, and acknowledgment. She did find most of it with her success and her close friends, and son towards the end, but I still finished the book feeling sad for her and all she did not have at the end.
While I know this was a difficult time for a woman in general, it is sad to know that at that time to do want she wanted to do, she had to be considered: weird, eccentric, a hussy, and “not natural”. Meanwhile, in a man with the same interests and behaviors, one would be considered: driven, a “bachelor”, and determined. To know that she was judged for that as well, adds another layer of sadness.

I have already started researching even more about this incredible woman, and I truly thank Mr. Gortner for this novel in exposing me to this material and inspiring me to learn so much more! That is the make of a truly successful HF novel. I even loved the author’s note at the end (and I am sorry to hear of the loss of his kitty cat). We both have a true passion for animals and animal rescue, and I appreciate his note even more so for this addition.

A truly amazing 5/5 star read!

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

Great historical novel about the actress Sarah Bernhardt. Sarah’s life from a young girl to her death is depicted from Sarah’s point of view. Her mother was a neglectful and cold mother who was a courtesan in Paris who berated Sarah constantly. Her mother expected Sarah to follow in her footsteps. When Sarah decided to become an actress her mother did everything possible to interfere constantly telling Sarah that she would end up on the streets as a common prostitute. Sarah’s father had left Sarah some money which was to be used as a dowry and her mother had arranged for her daughter to marry. Sarah refused to marry. In desperation Sarah agreed to her mother’s wishes to seduce a rich benefactor in order to get her mother to hire a solicitor to get her money. She succeeds in seducing a wealthy aristocrat but eventually becomes pregnant by him. Even though her paramour refuses to acknowledge the child, Sarah decides to keep the child. By doing so she has to assume the occupation of a courtesan in order to survive. Meanwhile one of her mother’s men agrees to get Sarah an audition at the famed Conservatoire. Sarah passes her audition and starts lessons to be an actress. The novel then relates Sarah’s life as a struggling actress and what she has to do to support her family. Sarah always rebelled against the accepted ways of portraying the characters, wanting to inhabit the role. Consequently she was always. In conflict with the establishment.. Eventually Sarah is allowed to do as she wishes to rave reviews. Sarah is approached by an agent who tells her he can make her wealthy and obtain employment in England and the United States if she signs with him which she does. The rest is history. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Press for a preview of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.