Customer Reviews

Mercury and Me @ Pb

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

After I have read this book, I was angry with people, who either dismissed this book as Jim Huttons's weepy-cheesy attempt to make a quick buck from FM's death, or who ran Hutton down for "breaking confidentiality", by telling the TRUTH in this book. Both of those groups of poeple are COMPELETELY WRONG. Firstly, I, too, found this book a bit weepy in style, but later I realized that it was through no fault of Hutton's, but rather book's editor (Tim Wapshott, if my memory serves my right, who has a general tendency towards "over-dramatizing" things). Publishers, no doubt, also wanted a weepier version, so that people would be willing to buy a book from an unknown man. As for Hutton's atttempt to make money, let me remind you that while FM was alive nobody (public and fans) ever knew, who FM's "husband" was, much less his name...Hutton did not flash in front of the cameras (unlike some lovers of today's celebrities). So, it is unfair to say that Hutton tried to profit with this book. Instead, this book should be seen as his attempt to channel his grief towadrs something positive and to express his own feeings. I, personally, thank him for this book. Obviously, being an honest person, he did not idealize FM in his memories and THAT IS WHAT I LIKED BEST! . Let's also not forget that Hutton himself is affected with HIV, so it is good that we have this book to read, before it is too late. Secondly, people, who were offended by this book's intimate details, well... SORRY, but this is who FM was... not some angel, but a real person with his ups and downs, 100% gay man, who lived with another man, died from a painful decease, and had other things to think about (his past, his relation to God, his family, his loved ones) than his fans or press, while he was sick. I was especially touched by the last part of the book, where Hutton says something like.... "/for lovers/ not to waste time on stupid arguments and misunderstandings, because the day will come and it is gonna be too late...instead, just listen to your hearts, etc." I think it is a beautiful message, and that we could all learn something from Hutton/FM example.

I couldn't put this book down. It is revealing. It does share intimate details. It does show the faces of Freddie. It does chronicle his deteriorating condition due to AIDS. It does show the not too flattering behavior of Freddie's inner-circle after his death. Would Freddie have wanted seven years of his life spilled out to the public in printed words? Probably not. Yet, I believe he would have understood Mr. Hutton's need to share this most important and wonderful part of his life with the world. I, for one, appreciate the work he put into this book, including the beautiful candid pictures of Freddie. It must have taken great effort to recall some of the more trying times. It is obvious from reading Mr. Hutton's account of Mary's behavior why this book was criticized by some for its revelations. However, he was very flattering towards her character preceding Freddie's death. Therefore, I believe if his account was false or based on anger towards Freddie's Will, he would have painted a different picture of her throughout the entire book. A super book for those who want to know what Freddie was like and how his illness affected him and those close to him. It was written in a very warm, affectionate, and honest manner.

having read this title numerous times i can confirm this to be the most compelling book written on the late mercury.the author Jim Hutton mercurys lover and best friend accounts for their life together.Hutton a wise and sincere man can hold his head high for this superb title.From their first meeting in a gay bar to mercurys untimely death and the aftermath of loosing his lover and being ousted from the inner circle hutton has given his account before the hacks gave theirs.Although now out of print if you should come across this title buy..buy..buy.A momentous title you wont put down and will become a treasure to own.Well done Jim hutton on this title Mercury and me.you have touched so many with your account of your lover and best friend..kind regards Jim Payne.

I read this book and the book by Peter Freestone and of course when you are talking about two men who lived with the same guy, you are bound to read some things the same in each book, but I still not sure which one to believe.Let me ramble for a minute..Jim Hutton's book is a good way to find out about Jim & Freddie's life of course, as Peter's book is very detailed about his life with Freddie. But in Peter's book,he hardly mentions Jim at all. Now in Jim's book,he does mention Peter,but his role as Freddie's personal assistant is hardly talked about.Now who is telling more of the truth? As I was reading Peter's book, Peter and Freddie were very very close as if Peter and Freddie was joined at the hip. Peter was there a lot longer than Jim. Jim being since 1984-1985 until his death, and Peter being with Freddie for appoximately 13 years. Both books go into details about Freddie the man, lover, the compulsive shopper, the friend (as he was a very,very good and very generous man.)But he also had many,many one night stands.But at the end of Freddie's life, he tells all of them to take anything from the house that was given to them or that they bought for him. Of course everyone knows that Mary got the bulk of the estate;the house, Garden Lodge, money and all of Freddie's royalties for life. She is worth millions and millions.But Jim said that he was locked out of Garden Lodge, by Mary and he hardly got anything that was his. He says in the book that Freddie gave him the one and only copy of sheet music for Bohemian Rhapsody (the paper on which Freddie wrote the song),this in itself is probably worth gazillions!But he does not take it with him when he leaves?This would be the first thing I took with me on the way out of town! I wondered why Freddie left the house and other things to Mary and then I thought and thought and desided that although Jim was his 'man' as Freddie called him,boyfriends come and go and Mary was in his life since he was about 19-20 years old. She supported Freddie when he wanted to pursue the music business,and I feel that he always wanted to repay her for being his one and only true friend. Jim and Peter were given $500,000(pounds)which now equals around $750,000 and Freddie bought Jim a home in Ireland. I feel that Peter was the one who was shafted, but he would never, ever feel that way. Jim's book came out first in 1994 and Peter's in 1998. There is a repeat of some material in both books.I don't know what to think, and I have not even mentioned Joe!(500,000 also).I think that although Freddie had all the money and friends that anyone could hope for,he was a lonely and very insecure man.But he made it is life's will to make everyone happy that was around him.Jim and Peter are both very,very lucky to have been in his life and I'm sure they would both agree.Don't get me started on Freddie the musical genius! I know it's time to end, but I believe God gave us Freddie for a reason and his reason was completed on November 24th, 1991.

ps If you can, buy both books.They are good reads and they do come fom different points of view. If you are true Freddie fan, then both books will tell you just about all you want to know about Freddie the man. I did not even touch on Freddie's struggle in fighting this horrible disease called AIDS. That is a book in itself (unfortunately).
I have to address some of the untruths that have invaded Amazon about Freddie. First, he loved boarding school, this is where he learned about music, art and boxing, he was a very good boxer. This is also where he had his first sexual experience. He loved his parents and his sister, and he went every week to see his parents and have tea. His Mom would make cheese biscuits to take home with him. And believe they knew what was happening to him, they were'nt oblivious to what was going on. But he wanted to guard them from the press and maybe keep as much away from them as possible.He loved growing up in India. He loved going to the market and watching everything around him. He would go the water and play, had many friends. So he had a wonderful childhood, not a horrible childhood as some have stated. Second, as ragards to Mary, he loved Mary very, very much and they thought of getting married at one time. Mary wanted to get married and have children and he always felt guilty that he did not give that to Mary and I think this is why he was so generous to her. He was generous to everyone, but especially to Mary. In his religion it is very important that you are generous to your fellow man and that you are also very caring to people. I think that is why he was always so generous to everyone around him. Regarding his sexual appetite, Freddie was said to have had 'hundreds' of men in his life. At one time in his life, he had sex with a different person every night for quite a while.I think he tried to fill his loneliness with sex. He had to have someone to stay and sleep with him at night. He was always scared of staying by himself. It's kind of sad to think that a man who had so much really had so little. Even after he met Jim and Jim moved in with him, he still would cheat on Jim. Finally Jim gave him a ultimatum either him or the other men, and Freddie was with Jim from then on exclusively.I think that all in all Freddie was a tortured soul, but he found his happiness in making sure everyone around him happy. I found it funny in the book where Jim talks about Freddie and his inability to fire anyone that worked for him. He would just come up with another job to give them,because he did not have the nerve to do it! Also another funny story from the book, Freddie was seeing Bill Reid, I think that was his name, anyway Freddie and all the gang was staying at a fancy hotel and Freddie and Bill got into a physical fight and Freddie ran and knocked on Peter Freestone door and said "Let me in, I am going to sleep with you tonight". No sex went on that night, according to Peter. Lastly, I think that all geniuses have parculiar ways, but that is why they are so talented, their brains think a little bit more creatively then others. Thank God for that and thank God for Freddie!....I have so much more to say...but maybe at a later time..

Of all the books written about Freddie Mercury's life, of which I have many, I regard this one as perhaps the most heartfelt. Some might say Jim betrayed Freddie's trust in him by writing this, but I don't see it that way. You could tell Jim's love for Freddie ran very deep, and he made it blatantly clear it was Freddie's personality he was attracted to, not his fortune and/or fame. They enjoyed a wonderful 7 years together at Garden Lodge filled with the fondest of memories, which Jim chronicles in this book. This is not a tell-all book to exploit a rock star's memory for monetary gain. It's a very sincere account by a man who truly loved Freddie Mercury the person, not Freddie Mercury the rock star. I too found myself wondering why Mary Austin suddenly turned on Jim and the rest of the Garden Lodge staff and promptly kicked them out. My theory is that Mary harbored resentment towards Jim because Freddie's final years were spend loving him instead of her. I think she never got over being a jilted lover, as it were. At any rate, back to the book. Not to sound cliche, but I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it from cover to cover. It's a shame this book is no longer in print, because it's such a wonderful read and a must-have for even the most casual of Freddie Mercury fans. Some might say it's a modern-day Cinderella story -- the wealthy rock star and the humble gentlemen's barber, but it runs a lot deeper than that. It's a story about two people who loved each other heart and soul regardless of their backgrounds. In sickness and health, in the best and worst of times, Jim was right by Freddie's side, and his devotion never wavered even once. If that's not true love, then I don't know what is!

First off, I have to say I give this book only four stars because I believe it has elements of dishonesty.(I will go into that at the end of this review) This book seemed to be all about the Me(Hutton), trying to prove to the reader that he was the good guy in the relationship. That he suffered being the background lover to a rock star diva. Which is not true. It is obvious that Freddie Mercury deeply cared about those around him. Time has shown that most of those whom he was so close to did not continue their loyalty after he passed away. Freddie Mercury was human. He had flaws like all of us. Out of all the books I have read on Freddie, this book while at times moving was the most depressing. I know his death forever changed the world. But I would have liked to have seen those who said they cared about him be mature enough to carry on with dignity as he did in life. What this book does show, is that death, money are often the true reason why people react selfishly many times. One thing they all should have taken away from his death was to be generous, not just with money but with your heart. Freddie lavished them with extravagant gifts, yet he was really saying just love me for who I am, not for what the world wants me to be. To love someone behind the scenes, without expectation. I am sick to think that Jim felt slighted in what he called being made homeless by Mary; When in fact, Freddie had already paid for Hutton's home in Ireland before he died. On top of that he was given 500,000 GBP. Also Freddie bought Joe a home in London and left him the same amount. Peter aka: Phoebe, was also given the same amount of money. I found Peter's book aptly titled "Freddie Mercury, An Intimate Memoir of the Man who knew him best," to be the best book of the all of them. I felt he didn't drop names or tell any secrets that Freddie would have not approved. I think out of all the people who interacted with Freddie, the most insightful person was Peter Freestone. Many of those at the end, Mary, Joe and Jim all had intimate relationships with Freddie and one time or another. Mary and Jim were clearly vying for Freddie's attention. In the end time has shown Mary although her reaction wasn't exactly stellar, she has proven to be a true friend. She was there when he was Farokkh Bulsara, a struggling artist and she was there in the end, when he died as Freddie Mercury, the world's most unique rock star and friend. It was said in the book that Jim was told along with Mary that Freddie said he wanted his ashes buried under the cherry tree at Garden Lodge. I do not in any way believe Jim Hutton's account on this story. One thing in life Freddie hated more than anything was being seen by prying eyes of Paparazzi. He said he wanted to rest in peace. I know that Jim's account is not true. Mary said he told her, I just want to rest in peace, not to be dug up by anyone. I think in the end his intuition to leave Mary to secretly disperse of his ashes showed Freddie's depth in knowing people's motivations. He knew Mary would honor his wishes and she continues this day preserving his legacy with dignity and trust. I think this book is still a must read for all Freddie fans. But it left me feeling empty in the end. Maybe as a fan I received closure, and it was often difficult. Unlike most people who had problems about the deathbed scenes in the book, I think people who care for AIDS patients and the rest of the world need to see the devastation AIDS has brought to our world. In reading about Freddie's suffering, it humanizies him and tells people to we need to fight together to support our family, friends and colleagues who may be affected. Freddie Mercury's suffering showed ordinary people, they need not feel alone in their illness. I do suggest you buy this book. You won't be sorry, but it will leave you feeling uncertain as to where the real truth lies.

Finally a revealing side of Freddie that isn't polished and "starry-eyed".I've been a Queen fan for years and have always been captivated by his stage persona.This is the first and only time I have read about Freddie in the context of an everyday life.This book shows the personality behind the voice.A man that is flawed and driven. Insecure yet in control.No true Queen fan could resist this one!

I admire Mr. Hutton for his guarded candor as he shares his memories of his life with Freddie Mercury.

This is obvioulsy not a tell all book. I believe that there are clearly " facts " that were comtemplated but not discussed. More the interpersonal dynamics of everyone involved. I respect Mr. Hutton for not laying bare his feelings for " other" people, namely Mary Austin. There is a " undertone" though that never get's answered. It's is clear that Mary Austin is an important person in the life of Freddie Mercury. Its amazing in a sense, that in being so important, that she could basically " turn" on the three guys who were there at the end! I was left wondering why she later(?) developes such animosity for Mr. Hutton and the guys when all she sees is love for Mr. Mercury and how she could have been a person included in an " inner circle? She is a central character. She lives her life with them. There is no real mention of any dynamics between Mr. Mercury and Ms. Austin. The animosity she later has for the guys is never really laid bare on the table. I found myself wanting to know " why" she turned. The truth is there somewhere. What was going on in the dynamics between these three people? For me this is the nagging question left unanswered. Mr. Hutton retains a certain class in this regard. In the last chapter I found myself saying " Go On Jim tell it like is it is." Mr. Hutton seems to back off in this regard. That shows character. Mr. Hutton stays focused on his relationship with Mr. Mercury. Mr. Hutton betrays no one, not even Mary Austin!

I am more taken by this book than the rememberances of other writers on the subject of Freddie Mercury. Intimate yet reserved. I actually liked the book for this reason. There are things people may want to know about Mr. Hutton and Mr. Mercury. Certain things remain answered. In a sense thats OK.

After reading the Peter Freestone book about him (which I thought was only so-so), I was advised to find this one. It took a while, but it was worth the wait! I have a used copy of the paperback version. The pictures are great, and although it was a very choppy writing style,(jumping around from one thought to the next) I thoroughly enjoyed it. It made me laugh out loud a few times, and cry at the same time. I really felt that I know more about Freddie now, which was what I had originally started out wanting. He will forever be missed by so many.

With assistance, Jim Hutton, wrote the most touching, insightful, and easy reading book on the last 7-8 years of Freddy's life. He provided details which appear genuine and not the ramblings of an opportunist. Jim also told it like it was during that time...the good, and the difficult, of his and Freddy's love relationship, trips and Freddy's shopping crazies, fears, song writing, and even insight into things like inside jokes (fried chicken) and little known info. It is more than a love story though. Details on people and events are consistant with many mentioned in other books on Freddy, but this version has more details and does not hold back any punches. It is far better than the book written by Freddy's assistant and others. As a gay man in a similar relationship situation as Jim's, I can understand his viewpoint, the impact of snotty A listers, recreational drugs, infidelity, the insecurity and loneliness Freddy exhibited, and Freddy's need to keep his life private while alive. Being out was dangerous in a bunch of ways then. These are details and emotions regarding Freddy that only his long-term lover could provide. He was proud of Freddy but did not glorify him as others did. Skip the other books. This is the one to get and well worth the price if you are truely a Freddy fan. I firmly believe Jim wrote this to set the records straight (so to speak)about the gentle, fragile, generous, playful and loving nature of Freddy, and to put some phoney people (Mary especially), opportunists, and fair weather friends in their place. It is also assembled in a historic perspective and does not jump around in time or make speculations which other books did. There are several fun and tasteful pictures that you will probably see nowhere else. He includes the last pictures of Freddy taken in the garden just before Freddy died. The ending is sad, especially knowing that Jim died this past January, supposedly of a heart problem. Jim was not recognized or given the respect as Freddy's partner except by Elton John and a few others. It also shows who Freddy's REAL friends were. The undertone in the book screams of the need at that time for equality. At least they are now together forever.