What shines most brightly, however, is the couple’s romance. Melissa has created a testament not only to how much Newman and Woodward loved each other, she also honors how much they enjoyed each other…Melissa’s concentration on her parents’ storied love affair humanizes these film icons in a way that is instantly relatable and enviable.”—Starred Booklist Review
"Beautifully captures [Newman and Woodward's] lives together and shows off their famed love affair...the fact that the bulk of the photos were taken by some of the 20th century's greatest photographers—including Richard Avedon, Gordon Parks, and Philippe Halsman—only adds to the appeal...A showcase of a singular romance that also serves as a broader demonstration of love."—Kirkus Review
“An enchanting tribute to one of Hollywood’s most mythologized couples.”—Publishers Weekly
"Heartfelt and charming"—Library Journal
“Melissa Newman tells the story of one of Hollywood’s true romances. Told from the perspective of the daughter who lived it, the book is an intimate portrait of the couple, using the images that captured their lives together and their love for each other.” —Vogue
"Melissa Newman's gorgeous, fascinating new book is a visual love letter to her parents."—Town & Country
09/29/2023
Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman epitomized the legend of the acting power couple, but behind the Hollywood glamour, they were married for 50 years and raised six children. After a short introduction by their daughter Melissa, the photographs of the couple (alone, together, professional, amateur, and more) dominate this book. Most are in crisp black and white, and many are from the 1960s and 1970s. There are quotes sprinkled throughout from Newman (1925–2008) and Woodward, born in 1930 and diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2007. The love between the two is palpable, and the images show not only the Hollywood side of their partnership (Woodward winning her Oscar; a shirtless Newman on set) but also what their daughter witnessed (Woodward washing a dog in a kitchen sink, Newman cooking in white socks and loafers, and more). VERDICT A heartfelt and charming photobook from a daughter who obviously loves her parents.—Jessica Durham
2023-07-20
A daughter’s tribute to two legendary actors.
Reading a book about two beautiful, rich, and famous people finding love may not be many readers’ cup of tea, but Melissa Newman, an artist and teacher, beautifully captures their lives together and shows off their famed love affair. The author made the wise decision to let photos of her parents do most of the talking, and the fact that the bulk of the photos were taken by some of the 20th century’s greatest photographers—including Richard Avedon, Gordon Parks, and Philippe Halsman—only adds to the appeal. An Avedon photo shows Newman and Woodward sharing a lighthearted moment when it looks like Newman is about to chew on her nose. One Parks photo shows them as the epitome of cool on the streets of Manhattan’s East Village in 1959. At times, Newman and Woodward are playful; at others, they gaze at each other adoringly; more often than not, they look like they are simply enjoying each other’s company. “My parents,” writes the author, “were inexorable, they were forever…It wasn’t always a fairy tale, but I wanted to remember the best, dreamiest, most sublime part, and that part just happens to be true.” Aside from the introduction, she peppers the rest of the book with quotes from her parents to explain their relationship and their careers. “Paul is not only a great actor—and that’s all I can do, is act,” Joanne says. “He can write, he can produce and direct, race cars and run corporations, and he’s a pretty good husband, too.” Notes Paul, “No one sings like Woodward, or acts like Woodward, or bitches like Woodward or kisses like Woodward or talks like Woodward, or talks as long as Woodward, or wipes water out of her eyes like Woodward, or smiles like Woodward or cusses like Woodward.”
A showcase of a singular romance that also serves as a broader demonstration of love.
