Carla Bruni-Sarkozy : Angel or Devil ?

By Matthieu Boisseau
15/09/2010

This week, two diametrically opposite books to be published in France are making the news. They disclose Carla Bruni-Sarkzoy's hidden side and tarnish the first lady's perfect public image.

'Carla: Une vie secrète,' is an unauthorized biography of the Italian supermodel that will be published on September 15. Portrayed as a fast-living serial dator and sexual predator and manipulator obsessed with wealth and fame, it claims Carla Bruni-Sarkozy is more a 'tigress' than the ‘shy young woman’ the Elysee Palace spin doctors have been trying to promote. The author, Besma Lahouri, evokes Miss Bruni’s childhood, describes her influential circle of friends and her long list of former lovers, which famously includes Eric Clapton and Mick Jagger. Admittedly, she also goes on to give insight into the First Lady’s political and charitable activities. Lahouri, who made her name in 2008 with a biography of French footballer Zinedine Zidane, said that the Presidential staff intended to deter her from writing the book. Not surprising considering the explosive biography is one more turbulence the already scandal-hit Elysee Palace could do without.

On the opposite side of the spectrum we have 'Carla et les ambitieux', written by Yves Derai and Michaël Darmon. This dramatically different biography was produced with Bruni's cooperation, and also contains a long interview with the “singer/ songwriter”. It deals with Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's life as a first lady, and her influence upon the French president. Rumour has it this book is being released as a smoke screen for the slightly less flattering and polemical “oeuvre”. Which one will you buy?