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A review by maybak
Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I listened to the Finding Me audiobook, narrated by the author, Viola Davis. If you get an opportunity to listen to the memoir, I’d highly recommend it as it plunges you deep into Davis’ story. She conveyed so many emotions with her voice and acting skills that you won’t notice the 9h+ of this audiobook.
I’ve gained an insight into her underprivileged childhood, the trauma and hardship that she had to face from a very young age. After listening to her story, I understood how resilient and dedicated she has been all her life. She is transparent about her issues with low self-esteem, the difficulties of landing roles as a dark skin actress, going to therapy, her fibroids, infertility and her journey to healing and self-love.
Viola, as the main character, is well developed and layered. We understand her thought process, her fears and aspirations, what motivated her career choice and her relationship with her parents and husband, Julius.
I particularly enjoyed how layered and complex her father was —from an abusive and violent husband to a remorseful, caring and doting husband and grandfather. She doesn’t sugar coat. She has depicted her parents and siblings —flaws and all— with truthfulness and grace. I wish her mother’s character was developed a bit deeper, I felt that she wasn’t as layered as the father’s character.
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. I recommend the audiobook to fans and non-fans of Viola Davis, as the memoir offers a deep introspection into the life of a poverty-stricken little girl who fulfilled her big bold dreams in Hollywood and in her personal life.
I’ve gained an insight into her underprivileged childhood, the trauma and hardship that she had to face from a very young age. After listening to her story, I understood how resilient and dedicated she has been all her life. She is transparent about her issues with low self-esteem, the difficulties of landing roles as a dark skin actress, going to therapy, her fibroids, infertility and her journey to healing and self-love.
Viola, as the main character, is well developed and layered. We understand her thought process, her fears and aspirations, what motivated her career choice and her relationship with her parents and husband, Julius.
I particularly enjoyed how layered and complex her father was —from an abusive and violent husband to a remorseful, caring and doting husband and grandfather. She doesn’t sugar coat. She has depicted her parents and siblings —flaws and all— with truthfulness and grace. I wish her mother’s character was developed a bit deeper, I felt that she wasn’t as layered as the father’s character.
Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. I recommend the audiobook to fans and non-fans of Viola Davis, as the memoir offers a deep introspection into the life of a poverty-stricken little girl who fulfilled her big bold dreams in Hollywood and in her personal life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Toxic relationship