Cover Image: My Cousin Maria Schneider

My Cousin Maria Schneider

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

I hadn't heard of Maria Schneider before I picked up this novel, but now I certainly won't forget her. I found this to be a wistful memoir written by her cousin about her memories of Maria. Other GR reviews cite a lack of depth here and other criticisms that the author wasn't old enough to have substantial knowledge of her famous cousin, but I enjoyed Vanessa's writing and found it touching.

4.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

A Massive Thank You to the Author, the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this book prior to its release date.

Was this review helpful?

A memoir that is spare, fascinating and powerful. The story of Maria Schneider, a child born into a problematic family, born out of wedlock by a cold mother who had children by several men, unwanted by her, sent away to live with strangers when she is eight, developing a relationship with her father, a famous French actor, in her late teens. She will become part of the Paris scene, dancing at clubs, out all night, drinking, doing drugs, with her father, with others, and end up starring in Last Tango in Paris with Marlon Brando, garnering international fame because of the controversy surrounding the film, and the infamous butter scene, which she did not know was going to happen. The memoir, written by her younger cousin who adored her magnetic older cousin, is addressed directly to Maria and the author, a French journalist, commentator on French politics, and a novelist, grapples with the knowledge that Maria would not want her battles set out on the page - Last Tango, her drug addictions, her issues. The politics of France at that time, the #metoo of recent years, the swirl around a girl unmoored, who could not be helped even by those family members who tried - the author's parents - a child of an extended family both heady and intellectual and immersed in mental illness, it's a stunning and heartbreaking tale.

Thanks to Scribner and Netgalley for an ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This was lovely! I mean, for something so dark and sad. I’m surprised it has so many meh reviews. I thought it was beautifully written and translated, and it’s an interesting way to frame a memoir, in these memories and stories recounted to the person and how they fit into the storyteller’s life. I liked the second person voice too. And I know nothing about anyone involved — I vaguely know what last tango in Paris is but I didn’t know who Maria or Vanessa Schneider are. This also reminded me of other memoirs of growing up in Paris/France during a certain time in a troubled family or with the specter of trauma, like La Familia Grande and The Little Girl on the Ice Floe.

Was this review helpful?

My Cousin Maria Schneider is a biography about the French actress most known for starring with Marlon Brando in Last Tango In Paris and the assault she suffered as part of filming. The perspective in which it's written is unique as it's told by the actress's much younger cousin. The author has a curious and enamored outside view. The prose is sparse and poetic. I found it fascinating to read about their lives in the 1970s in France and the circles they belonged to.

Thank you Scribner and NetGalley for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

Was this review helpful?

A wonderful tribute to Maria Schneider through the eyes of her cousin Vanessa.This is an intimate real look at her the true Maria Well written really interesting.#netgalley #scribnerbooks

Was this review helpful?

I was unfamiliar with Maria Schneider and her career before reading this book. Written by her cousin, Vanessa Schneider, we get to know Maria from the perspective of a loved one. Well written, with a descriptive writing style, I really enjoyed this book.

Was this review helpful?

I am familiar with Maria Schneider because I am a film buff and read a lot of biographies. This book is particularly enjoyable because it is written by her cousin and reads like a series of letters to her recalling her memories, stories she heard, articles she read about her cousin etc. The writing is beautiful and is translated by Molly Ringwald -- a very well done translation that makes this an interesting read that I could not put down. The language is very visually descriptive from what she wore, her hair, her pose, who she was with, where she was, etc. I always think that great books make me want to learn more -- she mentions Maria's father who was a French Film Actor and also mentions some of the films she was in besides "Last Tango in Paris." This book is about Maria's trauma and addiction but is packaged in beautiful prose of love and admiration. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Scribner for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed reading this memoir, I really felt like I got to know Maria Schneider from the viewpoint of Vanessa Schneider. It was so well writing and I was glad to read this. It was what I was hoping for and I feel I got to meet the real person. Vanessa Schneider has a great writing style and it was engaging from the first page.

Was this review helpful?