Customer Reviews

Child Bride: The Untold Story of Priscilla Beaulieu Presley

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

I read this book sincerely wanting to better understand who Priscilla was. Before reading it, and after reading several books on Elvis's life, I felt that Priscilla was a beautiful young girl who got swept up in the Elvis turmoil and did her best to survive. Any meanness in her, I felt, was due largely to the difficulties she endured. But then I wondered about the negative remarks by other people, and I noted how aggressively she had taken over Elvis's estate, all the while suggesting that it was foisted upon her. I also wondered about the absurd way she was allowed to come live at Graceland as a child. Some things didn't add up, so I read Finstad's book.

What an amazing amount of research went into this, right down to interviewing friends from Priscilla's childhood and adolescence. No stone seems to have been left unturned. The resulting picture of Priscilla isn't pretty, but it certainly comes across as accurate. Finstad presents an evolving analysis of Priscilla, frequently referring back to earlier events to show the consistency of Priscilla's behavior. To some readers this might seem overdone, but then Finstad is presenting a story that contradicts an image. Some readers will require more to convince them. Finstad's analysis fills in the blanks, ties up the loose ends, and answers most of the questions I had before reading the book. It was not my impression that Finstad set out to do a hatchet job, and Priscilla is not depicted as being all bad. Finstad simply uncovered the truth that was there all along.

People are so wrapped in the myth of Elvis and Priscilla, that when anything comes along to refute that, people get very upset. Because from reading some of these reviews, this book was something that diehards didn't want to read about, because they are so used to hearing the usual spin from Priscilla, which they take as the gospel.

People tend to be gulliable when it comes to celebs and believe everything they say. Because if you go back and read her book and then Suzanne's, the inconsistences are very obvious. Plus Priscilla did say she learned PR from the best Colonel Parker and Elvis.

Celebs create lies about themselves all of the time, Priscilla is no diffrent. Some reviews have said that the ex's and the entourage have a ax to grind. But what about her childhood friends, I doubt they had a ax to grind. And you can pretty much tell from reading their stories, which were very well collaborated, that they were telling the truth.

Priscilla always had it in mind to meet Elvis, and she wasn't a virgin on her wedding night. Priscilla had a active (...) life when Elvis was gone. And her parents, seeing Elvis as the big mealticket, sent her back to the States because she was getting to wrapped up in Jamie Lindberg. Even though they were eventually going to follow soon after.

And it was a eye-opener that her parents had a diffrent set of rules for her other boyfriends but when it came to Elvis, anything went. Sometimes Priscilla came home as late as after midnight, and her parents really didn't put a stop to that. And lets not get started on the fact that Elvis was a grown man and Priscilla was still a child, which gets glossed over because Elvis such a legend now. Honestly, how many parents would knowingly let their daughter go over to a adult man's house, let alone live with him. Not many but i know alot would, if the guy was a big celebrity..

Currie Grant's story i believe 100% because he readily admits his wrongs, the fact that he wasn't perfect in the whole situation. And i found it funny that Priscilla sued him and no one else, probably because he was the easiest target because he was shut out of Elvis's world. Plus Priscilla has made enough money off of Elvis's name to pay lawyers for years.

And the interviews with her friends at the time about the Eve comparisons are good, because i believe that Priscilla is a very calculating and intelligent person, discarding those she has no more use for, after she learned all she can from them. Joe Esposito, who numerous people have said is a very nice guy and Rick Stanley, i found to be very truthful to and thought they had alot of good insight.

In regards to Ann-Margaret, who i believe was the love of Elvis's life and Priscilla and Lisa. I read this book in a objective frame of mind and i came away from it thinking that this is in the top 5 of books of anything Presely related. Suzanne Finstad did a very good job writing this book, very well researched.

I had originally read Priscilla Presleys, "Elvis and Me", and to be honest, I couldnt help but feel that Priscilla had glossed over her story with Elvis. There didnt seem to be any real emotion portrayed throughout the book, just a glossy, storytale fashion that the myth of her and elvis has evolved from. I truly felt that Priscilla was very good at painting the most perfect, sweet image of herself, yet she didnt open up and reveal any raw, honest regrets that she also may have made in the relationship. I admit, I was left throughout the book with many questions for various situations/events in her life with Elvis.So, it came as a surprise when a friend of mine mentioned that there was a book that may answer those doubts that I had.
Suzanne Finstad's account seems to be 100% researched before any information was put into this book and I truly feel that Priscilla Presley was the victim of an overly ambitious mother and father. This book (unbelievably), seemed to answer all those doubts and questions that I had in my head from the first book. The evidence is there to support that Priscilla made the "rape" story up in order to detract what had went on between herself and Curry..after all lets face it, it would take quite an "advanced 14 year old" to be able to hold the attention of a 25 year old man. Also, whilst I completly condem what Curry Grant did, what reason would this man lie for ?? to hurt his family?, to destroy his own character ?, I dont think so. Unfortunatly I found that the evidence in this book supports the fact that the Elvis/Priscilla myth, that Priscilla painted was a (PR), motivated stretch of her imagination. There is some dark truths in this book, I feel, and for those hardened Elvis and Priscilla fans who believe in the Priscilla myth, this book is not for you, however, If you too felt similar opinions about Priscilla's book, This is a must read, backed up by ground breaking evidence and reliable sources (close associates of both). GO BUY IT !

Suzanne Finstad did exhaustive research for this book as evidenced in the 16 pages of "Sources" listed at the end of her book. I disagree with people who have said the book was malicious or vindictive of Priscilla Presley. Finstad paints the picture of a "Survivor" -- a little girl who had alot of fight and drive and ambition in her. Finstad's various attempts to analyze Priscilla's behavior come off as perhaps amateurish, but all in all, they ring true. Priscilla is described as having the intelligence and assertiveness of something like a great white shark, but it is not described as a negative characteristic in her. Her life hasn't always been pretty, but by the time the reader nears the end of the book, you almost come to the belief that Priscilla Presley probably DESERVES every ounce of happiness she now enjoys. Her life has never been easy, despite her wealth and fame.

Before I start off on my review on this book, I want to let it be known how much I love Elvis Presley. So anything that I can read on him is imperative to me.

I read Elvis and Me about a year ago, and I had some very mixed feelings about the book. I had some unanswered questions that I feel this book got to the root of.

I try not to pass judgment on people, and I thought before I even started to read this book that it would be a smear campaign. I was wrong. I believe this book got to the "root" of a lot of questions that people have been asking for a very long time.

Reading some of the reviews on here I would like to "touch" on the Currie Grant topic. I wonder if most people know anything ab out the military. If she told her parents she was raped by this man, and Priscilla's father was a captain, he would have been under the brig--still. So do I believe he raped her. Not at all. As a matter of fact, I dont believe anything she says about him. I believe that as a military man at his age, yes he was nasty, but it happens all the time. These young girls go on base and get themselves into all sorts of trouble. Now do I think what happened (in his version of the story) is sad? Yes! I think she really wanted to meet Elvis and would do just about anything to get there. He even says he was wrong, but wrong doesnt mean it didn't happen.

I think Priscilla was very grown for her age. I think she wanted to be something, groomed into something she was not. I actually feel kind of sorry for her. I think her mother pushed her, and I believe she pushed herself. She pushed herself into something she wasn't ready for.

As to the Author, Mrs. Finstad, I think she did a wonderful job researching this project. She went to a lot of different people and I feel that everyone can't be wrong. Her school friends seem to have the same opinion of her--albiet not so "fluffy" it is their opinion.

With books such as these you have to realize that the point of view you are reading are coming from people who are allowed to feel that way. If Priscilla doesnt remember things that way so be it. However you have to wonder a couple of things. One, Why would anyone's parents agree to let their 14 year old daughter go out with a grown man (Mr. Grant) in the first place? Second, why would they let thier 14 year old daughter go to the house of a known sex idol without supervision? These questions beg one to ask, did they have this thing planned for a while? I think the author answers all these questions in the book and in reality, all her answers make sense.

One last thing before I close, why would they not allow her to know about her real father as well as his family? I think they should be bitter. They did nothing wrong. They had a right to know and love a member of their family.

I think this is a must read. If nothing more then to get the other side of the story.

I read both books - "Elvis and Me" & "Child Bride".

First of all I don't think these two books are that contrary at all. The two together give quite a complete picture. Finstad gives the reader a more detailed view thanks to a great variety of quotes from people close to Elvis. I don't know what this discussion is all about. Why is it so important to know whether Currie Grant asked Priscilla to go and see Elvis Presley or Priscilla asked Currie to take her to his house? Is it that important??!! Priscilla might not have told the truth in her book concerning some issues. So she did not tell the truth when claiming that she remained untouched during her last time in Germany. But Elvis told her that he wanted her that way, she was fond of him and so she made him believe it. This girl hadn't seen Elvis Presley for TWO YEARS and she didn't expect to see him ever again in her life. She couldn't have expected to see him again when all she got from him after he left Germany were some irregular phone calls. Should this pretty young girl waste her teenage years mourning over Elvis who once back in Memphis kept on living with his girlfriend Anita Wood? Besides everybody who has at least read a bit about Elvis knows about his virginity fetish because of his religious beliefs however. So, if you were young Priscilla, what would you have told Elvis and years later his fans and daughter? Not to mention that we should all understand that it's nothing but natural that she would have her first sexual experiences during an age around 15.

Concerning another "big" topic: Mr. Grant - well, what should one think of a married adult man abusing a 14 year old girl's dream of Elvis Presley to have sex with her? He should be ashamed of it. And why should Priscilla have told Elvis about her having sex with Grant in order to see him? She would have humiliated herself and therefore surely not have been the girl Elvis Presley would fall in love with.

Like these two examples - many of Priscilla's so called lies are to be seen in context. Personally I don't think these lies make Priscilla a cold and insidious person at all - although I'm NO fan of hers.

Let's be honest: In her book, Suzanne Finstad gives all those people who Priscilla thought not important enough to be a part of her story about Elvis or even be part of the story at all a chance to get a glimpse of fame. We all know that those persons were there, cause everybody has a past. But one cannot tell everything. She wanted to tell her story about Elvis and not a story about her first romance.

Priscilla Presley in fact did not tell a fairy tale in her book "Elvis & Me" like Suzanne Finstad tried to reveal in her book. Priscilla told a deeply SAD story, a story of a girl that was betrayed by people right from the beginning, of a child moving with her secretive family from one place to another unable to maintain any stability in her life. Her family, first of all her coolly calculating mother shaped her personality and made her the way she is. And Priscilla not only told her own sad story - she also told the sad story of Elvis Presley superstar. Not in the slightest would I have imagined his life and personality so much depressing - at least not his younger years. I will never understand how people got the notion "Elvis and Me" is a fairy tale - neither is this a perfect love story nor is there anything like a happy end.

Priscilla told her story.....and I can fully understand it.

To a certain degree I would have probably acted the same way: She never had anything like a life of her own while she was with Elvis. Let's forget about the story of her style - who would be interested in that? - but both Suzanne Finstad and Priscilla herself made it obvious that her life was nothing but Elvis. I can't remember reading a passage that said something like "Elvis asked me what I wanted...., what I thought of...." Or phrases beginning with the "WE"...a word that should be used when talking about a relationship. Instead the reader is offered a variety of Elvis' special likings. One really gets the impression that Priscilla obviously like all the other people around Elvis deeply cared for Elvis and one wonders if Elvis ever really cared about her. Or let's put it this way: Elvis must have loved Priscilla, otherwise he would not have given so much to bring her (a 16 year old teenager) to Graceland. Neither do I think anybody could have forced Elvis Presley to live with her or even marry her (like Finstad claims). Elvis dumped so many of his lovers, he wouldn't have hesitated to dump her as well. Priscilla's story must contain at least some truth. There must have been something like love on BOTH sides. All this "Elvis didn't love Priscilla","Priscilla didn't love Elvis", "Who did Elvis really love?"- talk seems ridiculous to me. They spent a long time together and even after their divorce he called her at night and gave embarrassing speeches during his last concerts just like she was desperately trying to get his attention during her first years with him. Their love fell victim to the surreal life of a superstar. It was never the right time. There are two things that one has to consider before giving Priscilla a negative image:

- Elvis was cheating on her right from the beginning - hundreds of times. There's no need to tell how much it must have hurt her. It made her insecure, suspicious and eventually desperate.

- Elvis never gave her the chance to be ALONE with him. The whole entourage was living with them all the years Priscilla spent with Elvis. She never even got the chance to share an OWN apartment with him. She shared Elvis with all the others and not to forget with his pills. Can you imagine a life like that?

And worst of all: she couldn't even criticize ANYTHING for Elvis would have sent her home then. Back to a life with her parents and people who then would probably look down on her as the girl Elvis left for another.

Therefore she had to cope with all that and watch her dreams go by. And she did a very good job for a girl her age. There was no way out. She had to marry him eventually. Until that she tried to make the best out of it and adapt to Elvis' life. In contrast to him she didn't get addicted to pills and all those things Elvis depended on.

Finstad never raised the question whether Elvis' personality was so weak that he never thought about what he was doing to Priscilla.

I wonder about his personality. Elvis obviously was a very generous, warm and sensitive person who tried to make all his friends happy - with material things. Was he so ocupied with his own problems that he didn't even have something like a guilty conscience when deceiving Priscilla? Sure, he was the "king of rock and roll"....there were too many girls running after him...He's not to blame for it. No, but nobody has to feel sorry for him when Priscilly walked out on him in the end.

Finally she deceived him - with, well, his karate trainer. This was the first step to walk out of Elvis' into her own world where people cared about HER, where someone loved her for being Priscilla. This was the time she could finally hurt him the way he'd been hurting her for so long. Although I'm not even sure if she wanted to hurt him anyway. I don't even think that Priscilla thought, the fact that she was leaving him could touch him at all for he permanently had lovers. One cannot accuse her of not having done everything to please and love Elvis Presley. She was still a young person with a life lying ahead of her. That this could no longer be shared with Elvis must be perfectly distinct to any woman. Not even the birth of her daughter - her last hope for a life as something like a "real" family - could alter anything about their sad relationship. It even made it worse - Elvis had serious problems with making love to a "mother". To sum up: She had to go....

Finstad's "reveals" are no reveals at all - but she provides the missing links...beginning from Priscilla's childhood....

First of all, don't believe some of these negative reviews. It was never claimed in the book that Priscilla plotted from the age of ten to meet and marry Elvis. She simply dreamed about what it would be like to be with Elvis with one of her friends. I'm sure many girls at that time were doing the same thing. Also, it was never claimed in the book that Elvis was forced into marrying her. He wanted her to come live with him. Her parents said he could have her if he intended to marry her. He promised to marry her and he followed through. I hardly call that being forced into marriage. These reviewers must have skimmed the book rather than actually reading it. I read Elvis and Me at the age of 14 and loved it. Being that young I took it as the truth. I read it again recently at the age of 33 and realized that it was too ridiculous to be true. Child Bride is a sad tale of a girl who was basically given by her parents to an adult man. Her parents today would be jailed for the things they allowed and did back then. Though, I can't say that Priscilla was an innocent in the situation herself. She knew what she was getting into and she wanted it. I realized from reading this book how sad, pitiful, pathetic, and odd Elvis was. Just like some of the stars today (Britney, Paris, Lyndsay) he surrounded himself with people (Priscilla included) that didn't care about what was best for him, but what they wanted to get out of him. No one told him that eating a pound of bacon at one sitting was a bad idea. No one told him that it wasn't normal to wake up a 6 pm for breakfast. No one told him that taking pills to sleep,wake up, and stay awake was a problem that could kill him. Not even his own family members. He led a very sad life and it makes me sick to think of all the people who didn't really care about him profitted from his pathetic life. The only one who deserves anything from Elvis and his estate is his daughter, the only innoncent one in his life that truly loved him.

First of all, it's been awhile since I read this book, and second of all, I'm not a diehard Elvis fan, or even much of a fan of his at all, because I think it was pretty kinky of a grown man to bring a teenage girl to live with him. The only reason he got away with it was because he was Elvis. I can see by all the one star reviews that there are fans that will never believe Elvis did a wrong thing in his life, and seem to want to project THEIR feelings about wishing Elvis had married THEM and not Priscilla, onto the author.

I found the book to be well-written and well researched. I never heard of Priscilla winning any lawsuit against it, so obviously there is some truth to be had here. And it does seem the most probable story - that Priscilla was not an innocent virgin, that she didn't want to come to live with Elvis, but her mother wanted to get rid of her, and her step-father was most likely molesting her. I just remember when Priscilla was on a Barbara Walters special and Ms. Walters asked her why her parents would ever allow her to go live with Elvis, she hesitated, then replied, "I was in love". But she didn't seem sincere or happy in her reply, as if she wished her parents HADN'T allowed her to move in with him. I mean, what normal parents are going to let their 14 or 15 year old daughter go live with an adult man, a pop star, really believing that nothing will happen? Come on now.

I especially found the revelations regarding Scientology enlightening. Now I don't have to wonder about that anymore.

If you have any curiosity about Priscilla's and Elvis's relationship, I recommend this book as it's chock full of interesting (if a bit depressing) info.

Well, everything now comes together and makes sense. Although the writer obviously took some quotes from other printed material, the interview with Priscilla and Currie together was most imformative. The homework was done for the compliation of this book. Most interesting and informative reading that now sheds true light on the real story of Priscilla and especially her mother Ann. The facts make sense particularly when in Priscilla's book she claims her parents were against Elvis. But what this tells a reader places all of Priscilla's missing pieces of the puzzle in place. Definitely a book to purchase!

I could not believe what I was reading. And to think Elvis actually thought "he" had done "her" wrong....In one way I can identify with Ms. P and almost feel a "little" sorry for her early childhood and the horrible secret she accidently discovered. BUT, I think she uses her "past" as an excuse for her behavior and for the way she treats people. I wish, for her sake, she would stop trying to be "someone else" and just be "herself"; people would then have more respect for her a a person..I can now certainly understand Lisa Marie a little better (who I respect tremendously because she is "honest" about who she is)......A must read book for any Elvis fan!