The daughter of Marlene Dietrich, MARIA RIVA (REE-va). Dietrich died last May at the age of 90, with her mystique still intact. RIVA has written a memoir, "Marlene Dietrich," (Knopf) which relies on Riva's memories and on Dietrich's letters and diaries (80 years worth). It's been called a "sympathetic" and not a bitter book, though it describes a woman who is "uncaring" and not very "likeable," and who belies the image of great sexuality (she didn't like sex), though she had many lovers. RIVA also describes her mother's decline into alcoholism, and decrepit old age.
Copyright 1993 Fresh Air
