“December 19, 1915, at 72 Belleville Street, Edith cries for the first time for the sufferings and sorrows of mankind. Did she realise that she was born on the cape of a policeman in the hallway of their home? Her father, on his way to seek for an ambulance, stopped in all bars, as a result of which he became drunk and the ambulance never came...”

The story of the St. of the Roads has begun.

The book refers to her childhood, her grandmother's brothel, her father. To the times she used to sing on the streets to survive. People who supported her, appear one after another. Louis Leplee who discovered her, lyricist Reymond Asso, Jean Cocteau, Yves Montand, Marcel Cerdan, Charles Aznavour, Georges Moustaki, Theo Sarapo. Friends, partners, lovers, men she loved. Her life and her career. The hard times of war and the liberation found the little sparrow at the apex of its fame. America where Edith Piaf lived and triumphed, fell into decline and had a tragic love that marked her.

Her image is presented in a delicate balance between darkness and light, publicity and solitude for 48 years, until October 10, 1963, without analysis, without pomposity. It is a journey through time particularly touching, that brings back memories of a sensational voice, that will always remain new throughout time.

“Looking at the life of Edith Piaf from a distance, one ascertains that her life was nothing else, than a series of miracles. Through the depths of misery and the loss of morale, one of the greatest singers of all times was born.” we read in the introduction.

The book is supplemented with extracts from her memories in "Parisien Libere", on May 13, 1958, words of famous men and women for her, interviews of Charles Aznavour and Sonia Theodoridou, special photos, songs lyrics and their translation in Greek .

Renata Dikeopoulou 27 June 2013