“…it’s a man’s world and show business is a man’s meal, with women generously sprinkled through it like overqualified spice.â€
This line rings as true today as it does in the 1970’s. And it still rings true of the Star Wars universe (though it has evolved faster than others).
This is one of my favorite lines from The Princess Diarist, the latest book by Carrie Fisher.
I grew up idolizing Princess Leia.
She was smart. She fought against antiquated rules with every fiber of her being. And she did it in ridiculous outfits (that gold bikini, anyone?).
As I grew older, I also began to admire the woman who portrayed her – Carrie Fisher. Not only did she possess these qualities, she was also a brilliant writer to boot.
The Princess Diarist brought together these two women  in a sharp, poignant book.
I first picked it up to absorb about the juicy details of Fisher and Harrison Ford’s affair. But it was the writing – sharp, vulnerable, hilarious – that stopped me in my tracks. Lines like:
“I never had what I wanted because I would never want what I hadâ€
“Fun? I am here for my salary, and to periodically use an ill-advised British accent, and to get people that I don’t know to like meâ€
“You took my breath away
And now I want it backâ€
Two days after I read the book (which I did in a single sitting), Carrie Fisher suffered from the heart attack that ultimately took her life. It was the final nail on the coffin of 2016 – a year with the highest highs and lowest lows.
This was one of the lowest lows. But I’m thankful for Leia and Carrie – and for this book.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to re-watch Return Of The Jedi and watch Leia kick some Hutt ass.
image via
P.S. – an adventure featuring the next generation of Leias, and what to read if you’re having withdrawals from The Crown.
