Grace: the secret lives of a princess

Written by James Spada, a man who also wrote about Barbara Streisand and Marilyn Monroe, his book explodes the myth of the sterling image of Grace Kelly.  The author genuinely admired Grace Kelly as an actress, a princess of a small county, Monaco, and an author and artist.  However, in his research he spoke first-hand with her co-stars and former lovers.  These facts dissolved any impression Grace Kelly may have given of being straight-laced person.  Prior to becoming a princess Ms. Kelly led a fairly charmed life.  Her family was extremely wealthy and lived in Philidelphia.  Her parents did not encourage Grace to become an actress and did not believe she could make a living supporting herself.  Grace Kelly proved them wrong.  Very early in her film career Ms. Kelly won an Academy Award for Best Actress in the movie Country Girl.  Her family did not realize it was on the same level as winning an Olympic gold medal.  If Grace Kelly had continued acting or been allowed to act after she married, she would have left an amazing legacy.  Prince Ranier forbade Princess Grace to do anything aside from her royal duties.  Even as Princess Grace was offered choice movie roles after her children were grown, her husband would not allow her to accept them.  As time passed, the princess ignored the constraints placed on her and she began to lead a life separate from her family.  Princess Grace moved exclusively to the family apartment in Paris.  Unfortunately, she grew quite fond of alcohol.  Many good things also transpired during this time: she wrote a book on her pressed flower arrangements, she held an art show, she toured giving poetry readings, and she made a movie reading her poetry.  Sadly, Princess Grace was killed in a tragic car accident on September 13, 1982.  It is believed she suffered a stroke and lost control of the car in which she and Princess Stephanie were riding.  In quick succession, her children, Prince Albert and Princess Caroline assumed the duties of both their parents.  To me, the book was not uplifting.  I do not believe I will read a book about a movie personality in the future.