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  • Brazen

  • My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie
  • Written by: Julia Haart
  • Narrated by: Julia Haart
  • Length: 19 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (111 ratings)

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Brazen

Written by: Julia Haart
Narrated by: Julia Haart
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Publisher's Summary

A riveting, inspiring memoir of one woman’s escape from an extremist religious sect and an extraordinary rise from housewife to shoe designer, to CEO and co-owner of the modeling agency Elite World Group

“An irresistible read.... Written with great intensity and rare candor, Brazen is a story of longing for more and manifesting that vision.” (Tommy Hilfiger)

Ever since she was a child, every aspect of Julia Haart’s life—what she wore, what she ate, what she thought—was controlled by the dictates of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. At 19, after a lifetime spent caring for her seven younger siblings, she was married off to a man she barely knew. For the next 23 years, her marriage would rule her life. Eventually, when Haart’s younger daughter, Miriam, started to innocently question why she wasn’t allowed to sing in public, run in shorts, or ride a bike without being covered from neck to knee, Haart reached a breaking point. She knew that if she didn’t find a way to leave, her daughters would be forced into the same unending servitude that had imprisoned her.

So Haart created a double life. In the ultra-Orthodox world, clothing has one purpose—to cover the body, head to toe—and giving any thought to one’s appearance beyond that is considered sinful, an affront to God. But when no one was looking, Haart would pore over fashion magazines and sketch designs for the clothes she dreamed about wearing in the world beyond her Orthodox suburb. She started preparing for her escape by educating herself and creating a “freedom” fund. At the age of 42, she finally mustered the courage to flee the fundamentalist life that was strangling her soul.

Within a week of her escape, Haart founded a shoe brand, and within nine months, she was at Paris Fashion Week. Just a few years later, she was named creative director of La Perla. Soon she would become co-owner and CEO of Elite World Group, and one of the most powerful people in the fashion industry. Along the way, her four children—Batsheva, Shlomo, Miriam, and Aron—have not only accepted but embraced her transformation.

Propulsive and unforgettable, Haart’s story is the journey from a world of no to a world of yes, and an inspiration for women everywhere to find their freedom, their purpose, and their voice.

*Includes a downloadable PDF containing photos and end notes from the book

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Julia Haart (P)2022 Random House Audio

What listeners say about Brazen

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Amazing!

It was remarkable reading all the struggles and triumph Julia Haart has gone through.
I'm very inspired and thank you for sharing your story.

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Julia’s strength, sucess and kind heart that sees good in people even they were not treating her good.

She was a loving mom to her children and did everything to always be there with them

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An incredible life story

This book was interesting and inspiring for sure. I did, however, find it long winded and repetitive at times.

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Loved loved loved this books you are the bravest woman I don’t know

Your story of oppression by your religion and segregation by your family is in it’s self heart breaking! But you are the bravest woman for fighting for what you wanted and bring your dreams to life so many would have given up! You are small but mighty! I watched your TV series when I seen you wrote a book I preordered it so I could read what you can’t show/articulate on tv. Your story is one of the bravest most heartfelt I have listened to or read.

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eye opener

Loved listening to her life story. I felt every struggle, every frustration!! I can't believe how close minded and brutal that life is. As a catholic, I can understand some of the laws, but wow... that was intense.

Absolutely happy she left and is much happier with life. shows you that you do not have to settle with your loge of you are not happy. Change! Move forward!

She is a strong woman and very inspirational!

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Interesting

I loved hearing this story, and the hope of coming out of such an oppressive way of life. It is so great to know good things finally began happening after all the controlling misery of fundamentalist religion.

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Inspiring ❤️

Oh my goodness. I could not stop listening to this book! Julia’s storytelling abilities are beautiful and her strength, determination, and humanity are even more so. I loved this book!

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Thank you!

Loved every moment from beginning to end.
I went about my day and night, with no breaks whatsoever!
Thank you for this book and your show. And the inspiration to just get up, and fcuking get what it is I want, no matter how, but with honor and integrity. #JuliaHaartIsGoals

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Inspiring and Amazing

This was a great read. Kept me entertained for hours and I’m obsessed!

Both inspiring and Amazing!

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  • Sh
  • 2022-07-08

Important work

Julia’s story is important. It is brave, mindful and empowering.
She is a truly gifted story teller. Proud of you Julia.

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