i don't know much about anna wintour so this was an interesting and well told insight into her upbringing and her career, the ways she changed vogue, and other magazines.

I found this a fascinating and compelling biography for many reasons. I’m no fashion addict and other than maybe flicking through a copy of Vogue once, many years ago, I’m not interested in fashion magazines. But, I do enjoy reading about people, especially those of a similar age to me who have carved out a very different life. Anna Wintour is one of those people; I knew she’s British and involved in publishing and fashion events, but other than her trademark hairstyle and glasses, I knew little more about her.

I’ve listened to this audio account in almost a single sitting. The narration throughout is superb and the delivery is natural and well paced. The book is a chronological account of Wintour’s life, ending almost literally at the present day. As it covers half of the latter decades of the 29th century and the first couple of the 21st, it’s also an interesting slice of social history. When Wintour went into publishing, the internet didn’t exist, but I was fascinated to see that she spotted the early potential immediately and years before most. She’s an enigmatic individual; rather like Dietrich, Wintour has almost become a brand that self perpetuates. She’s clearly a complex and driven lady and I do have a sneaking admiration for her incomparable style. Not to everyone’s taste, but she’s at the top of a very male dominated world and it’s one she’s changed. Her energy is phenomenal. There are glimpses of her warmth of character and I suspect this is a side that will remain forever private as it doesn’t sit well with her brand. I really enjoyed the revelations about the world of fashion and journalism and I found this a remarkable biography.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley

Like , I assume most people, Anna Wintour fascinates me , she is such an enigma. After listening to this audiobook, she mostly remains an enigma to me.

First off, I really enjoyed the narration on this one. It really can make or break an audiobook and this narration by Jennifer Woodward is great.

The book details Wintour’s life in chronological order from her childhood to her current position as the most influential person in media. It’s well researched and put together , weaving in anecdotes from associates with deeper examination of some of the highs and indeed lows of Wintour’s career. However by its conclusion, I still didn’t feel like much light had been thrown on who this woman is. Maybe I noticed it more as I listened to this book but I was surprised by how many mentions there are of Anna in tears or crying. Perhaps the author was trying to show the softer side but it jarred with a lot of the rest of the narrative.

An interested read but my attention began to lag in the final third. 10 hours later, Anna Wintour remains as mysterious as ever. Worth the listen.

3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for the narration.

Anna Wintour's iconic climb to the top of fashion media.

Odell weaves a good narrative, but has she gathered together the most balanced interviews to uncover her subject? A dramatic introduction leaves the reader wanting more. Then various vox pops only scratch the lens of Wintour's trademark sunglasses.

Some interesting cultural history of the sixties, seventies and eighties. Much irritating drawing attention to Wintour's English accent (the author is American).

I listened to this on audiobook. There is something about Anna Wintour that just piqued my attention. I know of her but not a lot about her. She comes across as a strong, independent and ruthless in a cutthroat industry. So I was quite surprised that the opening began with showing her vulnerable, human side and needed to know more.

As I got more into the book it refreshed me some of her more controversial choices she made and the backlash she got. There were some I vaguely remember and some I hadn't heard about. Towards the end it focused on the lack of diversity and me too within the industry. I found the diversity within the industry was horrendous and quite shocking. It's changed a bit but not nearly enough. She's white, rich, privileged, racsist and hated and admired in equal measures. I'm surprised she's lasted as long as she has.

I did prefer the stories behind the scenes, her childhood and teen life. Her marriage and family life. Her charity work and the support she gave. I liked how she went unannounced to the showing of The Devil Wears Prada, dressed in Prada.

This is certainly an eye opener read. I didn't know much about Anna Wintour before and I somewhat glad I read this book but I'm glad I live in my world and not hers.