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Is The Times We Had: Life With William Randolph Hearst Worth Reading?

2026-01-06 12:31:54

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Michael

Favorite read: The Billionaire’s Daughter in a Doomed Family

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What surprised me about 'The Times We Had' is how much it reads like a novel. Marion Davies’ storytelling is so vivid—you can practically hear the clink of champagne glasses at Hearst Castle and feel the tension in the air during their public scandals. It’s a rare peek behind the curtain of 1920s excess, but with a melancholy undertone. Davies never shies away from the complexities of their relationship, including the criticism she faced as his mistress. Her wit and self-awareness keep the tone from getting too heavy, though. I blew through it in a weekend, mostly because I couldn’t resist her gossipy asides about figures like Louis B. Mayer or Orson Welles. It’s the kind of book that makes history feel alive and messy, not just a series of dry facts.

2026-01-08 13:32:32

Yara

Favorite read: The Heiress They Hated

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Reading 'The Times We Had' felt like sitting down with an elderly relative who’s finally ready to spill all the family secrets. Marion Davies’ voice is so conversational, almost like she’s chatting with you over tea. The book’s strength lies in its small, vivid details—like how Hearst would sneak into the kitchen to make himself a sandwich at 3 a.m. or how he’d panic if Davies so much as caught a cold. It’s these moments that make the man behind 'Citizen Kane' feel real, flawed, and oddly endearing.

But don’t expect a perfectly structured narrative. Davies meanders through memories, sometimes jumping decades in a single paragraph. It can be disorienting, but it also adds to the charm—it’s how real people tell stories. I especially loved the behind-the-scenes glimpses of classic Hollywood, like Charlie Chaplin doing impromptu performances at Hearst’s parties. The book’s a mess in the best way, like a drawer full of tangled jewelry where every piece sparkles. If you enjoy memoirs that prioritize personality over polish, you’ll adore this.

2026-01-11 01:41:03

Flynn

Favorite read: I Married Into Old Money

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I stumbled upon 'The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' while browsing through a second-hand bookstore, and something about its worn cover caught my eye. The book offers this intimate, almost voyeuristic look into the life of one of America's most infamous media magnates, but through the lens of Marion Davies, his longtime companion. What struck me was how it humanizes Hearst—often depicted as this larger-than-life tycoon—by showing his quirks, vulnerabilities, and even his sense of humor. Davies' writing is unexpectedly candid, filled with anecdotes that range from hilarious to heartbreaking. It's not just a biography; it feels like flipping through a scrapbook of golden-era Hollywood and high society gossip, with all the glamour and grit intact.

That said, if you're looking for a critical dissection of Hearst's media empire or his political influence, this isn't the book for you. It's more of a personal memoir, and Davies' perspective is unapologetically biased. But that's what makes it fascinating—it's a love letter, a defense, and a eulogy all rolled into one. I found myself dog-earing pages just to revisit certain passages later, like her descriptions of Hearst's obsession with collecting art or the surreal parties at San Simeon. It's a niche read, but if you're into old Hollywood or unconventional historical accounts, it's absolutely worth your time.

2026-01-11 19:02:40

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Related Questions

Who are the main characters in The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst?

3 Answers2026-01-06 02:08:24

The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' is this fascinating deep dive into the whirlwind life of Marion Davies and her relationship with the media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Marion’s voice is so vivid in the memoir—she’s witty, self-deprecating, and surprisingly modern for her time. Hearst himself comes across as this larger-than-life figure, equal parts generous and controlling, with a passion for art, architecture, and, of course, power. Their dynamic is the heart of the book, but there’s also this colorful cast of side characters—Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin, political figures, and Hearst’s inner circle—who pop in and out, adding layers to the story. What really struck me was how Marion doesn’t shy away from the complexities. She paints Hearst as a man of contradictions: a romantic who built her a castle but also someone who couldn’t fully let her shine as an actress because of his own insecurities. The book feels like eavesdropping on old Hollywood gossip, but with this bittersweet undertone about love and legacy. I couldn’t put it down.

Is My Search for Patty Hearst worth reading?

3 Answers2026-03-26 06:02:34

I picked up 'My Search for Patty Hearst' on a whim after stumbling across it in a used bookstore, and wow, what a ride! The book blends true crime with memoir in a way that feels intensely personal yet meticulously researched. The author doesn’t just recount the infamous kidnapping; they weave in their own obsession with the case, which adds this layer of raw, almost voyeuristic fascination. It’s like watching someone peel back the layers of a cultural mystery while battling their own demons. What really hooked me was the pacing—it’s not a dry historical account. The prose crackles with urgency, like the author is racing against time to uncover something elusive. And the parallels they draw between Hearst’s Stockholm Syndrome and modern-day cult mentalities? Chilling. If you’re into narratives that blur the line between journalist and subject, this’ll grip you hard.

Is Citizen Hearst: A Biography of William Randolph Hearst worth reading?

5 Answers2026-02-19 07:17:57

I picked up 'Citizen Hearst' on a whim after seeing it referenced in a documentary about media moguls. What struck me first was how vividly it paints Hearst's larger-than-life persona—his insane wealth, his obsession with yellow journalism, and that whole 'Citizen Kane' connection. The book doesn't just regurgitate facts; it dives into his messy personal life too, like his affair with Marion Davies and how he basically invented modern sensationalist news. But here's the thing: it balances gossip with legit historical analysis. You get chapters explaining how his empire shaped public opinion during wars and elections, which feels eerily relevant today. Some sections drag a bit with financial details, but overall? If you're into media history or love biographies with drama, it's a solid read. Just don't expect a hero's journey—Hearst was kind of a monster, and the book doesn't shy away from that.

Are there books similar to Citizen Hearst: A Biography of William Randolph Hearst?

5 Answers2026-02-19 14:32:31

Biographies of media moguls always fascinate me because they peel back the layers of power and ambition. If you enjoyed 'Citizen Hearst,' you might love 'The Chief: The Life of William Randolph Hearst' by David Nasaw. It dives even deeper into Hearst's empire-building, his rivalry with Pulitzer, and how he shaped modern journalism. Another gem is 'The House of Morgan' by Ron Chernow, which isn’t about Hearst but captures the same gilded age vibes—think tycoons, newspapers, and unchecked influence. For a darker twist, 'The Man Who Owns the News' by Michael Wolff explores Rupert Murdoch’s rise, echoing Hearst’s ruthless tactics. These books all share that addictive mix of ambition, legacy, and the messy ethics of media power.

Is George Hearst: Silver King of the Gilded Age worth reading?

4 Answers2026-02-23 00:17:45

I just finished 'George Hearst: Silver King of the Gilded Age' last week, and wow, what a ride! The book dives deep into Hearst's life, not just as a mining magnate but as a symbol of the era's ruthless ambition. The author paints this vivid picture of the Gilded Age—where fortunes were made overnight and lost just as fast. Hearst’s story is wild, from his early struggles to his eventual dominance in silver mining. The book doesn’t shy away from his controversies, either, like his clashes with labor unions and the environmental damage left in his wake. What really stood out to me was how it humanizes Hearst. Yeah, he was a titan of industry, but the book shows his personal side—his relationships, his failures, even his sense of humor. It’s not just a dry history lesson; it feels like you’re getting to know the man. If you’re into biographies or American history, especially the Gilded Age’s blend of opulence and corruption, this is a must-read. I couldn’t put it down.

What happens in The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst ending?

3 Answers2026-01-06 03:30:23

The ending of 'The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' is bittersweet and reflective, capturing the twilight years of Marion Davies and her complex relationship with Hearst. After decades of lavish parties, Hollywood glamour, and political influence, the story winds down with Hearst's declining health and eventual death. Marion, who had been his longtime companion, is left to navigate a world without him—a world that had often sidelined her as 'just the mistress.' The book doesn’t shy away from the loneliness she feels, despite her wealth and fame. It’s a poignant reminder of how even the most extravagant lives are touched by loss and change. What struck me most was how the author humanizes these larger-than-life figures. Hearst, often portrayed as a tycoon with unchecked power, is shown in his vulnerability, clinging to Marion as his empire crumbles. Meanwhile, Marion’s resilience shines through—she’s not just a footnote in his story but a woman who carved her own path, even if history often forgets that. The final pages linger on her quiet moments, like sorting through old photographs or walking the empty halls of San Simeon, which feels like a metaphor for the emptiness after a grand era ends. It’s a beautiful, melancholic closure that makes you think about legacy and love.

Can I read The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst online for free?

3 Answers2026-01-06 02:33:51

The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' is one of those books that feels like a time capsule, especially if you're into historical memoirs or media empire deep dives. I stumbled upon it while researching old Hollywood gossip, and let me tell you, Marion Davies' perspective is fascinating. As for reading it online for free—well, it’s tricky. Some older memoirs end up on sites like Project Gutenberg or Open Library if they’re in the public domain, but this one’s still under copyright. I checked a few places, and the best you might find are snippets on Google Books or archive.org, but never the full thing. If you’re really curious, your local library might have a digital copy through OverDrive or Hoopla. I’ve borrowed it that way before! Otherwise, secondhand bookstores or eBay sometimes have cheap physical copies. It’s worth hunting down—the anecdotes about Hearst’s extravagance (like the zoo at San Simeon!) are wild.

Are there books similar to The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst?

3 Answers2026-01-06 12:53:32

If you loved 'The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' for its intimate portrayal of a larger-than-life figure, you might enjoy 'Living History' by Hillary Rodham Clinton. It’s another memoir that blends personal narrative with historical significance, offering a behind-the-scenes look at power, politics, and personal relationships. Clinton’s writing has a similar reflective quality, though her tone is more polished and diplomatic compared to the grittier, more personal style of 'The Times We Had.' Another great pick is 'Personal History' by Katharine Graham, which dives into her life as the publisher of 'The Washington Post' during the Watergate scandal. Like Hearst’s story, Graham’s memoir explores the intersection of media, power, and personal sacrifice. Her voice is elegant yet candid, making it a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the inner workings of media empires. I’d also throw in 'The House of Getty' by Russell Miller for a darker, more dramatic take on wealth and legacy—it’s like 'Succession' but real.

Why does The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst focus on Hearst's life?

3 Answers2026-01-06 06:28:45

I picked up 'The Times We Had: Life with William Randolph Hearst' expecting a juicy slice of history, but what struck me was how deeply personal it felt. Marion Davies, the author, wasn’t just chronicling Hearst’s life—she was unraveling the mythos around a man she loved. The book isn’t a dry biography; it’s a mosaic of intimate moments, lavish parties, and quiet vulnerabilities. Hearst’s media empire and political ambitions are there, sure, but they’re framed through the lens of someone who saw him as more than headlines. Davies’ voice gives warmth to his larger-than-life persona, making his flaws and eccentricities oddly relatable. What’s fascinating is how the book balances Hearst’s public legacy with private contradictions. The man who shaped modern journalism also collected castles like trinkets and obsessed over zoo animals. Davies doesn’t shy away from his controlling side or their complicated relationship, but there’s tenderness in her recollections. It’s less about 'why focus on Hearst' and more about how love colors memory. The book lingers because it’s a love letter disguised as a memoir—one that humanizes a figure often reduced to caricature.

Is Patty Hearst: Her Own Story worth reading?

3 Answers2026-01-05 07:43:39

Patty Hearst: Her Own Story is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the last page. I picked it up out of curiosity about the infamous kidnapping and Stockholm syndrome aspects, but what stuck with me was the raw, unfiltered perspective of Patty herself. The way she recounts her experiences—from the initial terror of being taken to the bizarre shift in her identity—feels unsettlingly personal. It's not just a true crime account; it's a psychological deep dive into how extreme circumstances can reshape a person. The writing isn't polished or overly dramatic, which somehow makes it more gripping. If you're into narratives that challenge your assumptions about victimhood and agency, this is a must-read. That said, it's not for everyone. Some might find her voice fragmented or disjointed, especially during the more chaotic periods of her ordeal. But that disjointedness is part of what makes it feel authentic. I compared it to other kidnap memoirs like 'A Stolen Life' by Jaycee Dugard, and Patty's account stands out for its lack of retrospective gloss. She doesn't tidy up her story to make it palatable, and that honesty is both its strength and its occasional hurdle. Worth it if you appreciate messy, human truths over neat narratives.

Is The Times We Had: Life With William Randolph Hearst Worth Reading?

3 Answers

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