BRANDO’S BRIDE
Sarah Broughton (Parthian Books)
Brando’s Bride is the evocatively-titled story of Anna Kashfi, who came from Cardiff and was the little-known first wife of famed Hollywood actor Marlon Brando. Written by Sarah Broughton, this biography is the only one of the Welsh actress, who in her time played alongside such greats as Jack Lemmon and Spencer Tracy. However, Kashfi only made four films in total and, by the age of 23, her marriage to Brando was over, as was her film career.
Broughton tells the story of their romance, but also what came before and, for much of the book, what came after. With the introduction of the tranquiliser ‘Miltown’ to the public, Kashfi, as a Hollywood starlet, was also indoctrinated into its use. Other drugs came after. She was also the victim of much unfair press as a result of her marriage to Brando – and her non-white heritage.
Broughton wrote this book as part of her PhD. As a result, the research is extremely thorough, and there are long lists of references at the end of every chapter. However, the book is a biography, and it reads as such – the style is clear, concise, and engaging, with a beautiful narrative flow that is very well paced, and an overall structure that is well thought-out and highly accessible. Thanks to Broughton, readers are enabled to see beyond the ‘sandalwood perfume’ of so-called seductress Kashfi, through to the real woman. Glamorous and gritty by turns, Brando’s Bride is an absorbing and entirely fascinating read.
Price: £10 Info: www.parthianbooks.com
words Mab Jones