Brazen

My Unorthodox Journey from Long Sleeves to Lingerie

By: Julia Haart

Narrated by: Julia Haart

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

Critic reviews

“Through her poignant memoir, Julia Haart shows readers that it’s the journey rather than the destination that will fulfill us. Written with great intensity and rare candor, Brazen is a story of longing for more and manifesting that vision. While deeply personal, it reveals universal truths about humanity and womanhood. . . . An irresistible read.”—Tommy Hilfiger

“Julia Haart is a hustler. Her story is an inspiring, believe-in-your-dreams, never-give-up, anything-in-life-is-possible story of hope. She is a very smart businesswoman who also loves women! Run, don’t walk, to get this book!”—Lisa Rinna

“Julia Haart lives her life with an exhilarating fervor that’s contagious to anyone lucky enough to be around her. Never willing to accept the status quo, she has time and again fought for her place in the world and demanded her seat at the table. As a woman and business owner, I’m incredibly inspired by her stories, which are always told with candor, honesty, and heart. This book is a must-read!”—Coco Rocha

Wonderful!

I HAD TO read this book after seeing My Unorthodox Life on Netflix. As a Christian woman, it taught me many things I had always wondered about the Jewish faith. Julia’s story is incredible and this book made me love her even more!

NO WORDS !! SPEECHLESS

WHAT A BOOK ! What a life ! I COULDN’T OUT IT DOWN I FINISHED IT IN 2 DAYS AMAZING WHAT A WOMEN !!

A Birds eye into a world I will never know.

I first saw Julia Haart on Netflix, her story was fascinating. She seems very authentic and her family is darling. She is a true “girls girl” and her story is admirable. She faught and and the courage people long for. Even though someone might not be physically chained there are emotional/physiological chains and she busted right through them!

Inspiring for too many reasons to list!!

I have watched both seasons of the show and when I saw the book was out I immediately had to get it. I am a proud Jewish woman but I did not grow up in the fundamentalist world. I am thankful for Julia’s insight into a world that not many know about let alone understand. Julia, you are incredible and I pray that you continue to find happiness, freedom and success.

A harrowing tale of a brazen woman

A truly honest account of Julia’s journey from a prisoner in a world that de-values and imprisons women to a strong badass woman in charge of her own destiny.

Julia, thank you for sharing and inspiring!

I enjoyed this book especially because it is read by Julia herself. So many topics and challenges she went through resonated with me. I would recommend this to anyone who is rediscovering themselves, is in transition, and needs a reminder to keep going.

Excellent narration

Great book, made especially good by the authors narration. I listened to this in conjunction with watching the Netflix series.

POWERFUL

A must read for everyone! Especially those escaping fundamentalist religion or who want a deeper understanding of misogyny.

excellent book

excellent book.thank you for sharing your story. hopefully you will be able to help others as you want to.

Loved it

Great read. very enjoyable specifically for viewers of My Unorthodox Life.
I do recommend it