Customer Reviews

My Judy Garland Life: A Memoir

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Susie Boyt's memoir My Judy Garland Life is stunning. It is a proud and naked exclamation by the author for her unapologetic love and devotion for her (and thousands of others) idol Judy Garland.
This book is a journey into the world of Susie- a little girl that grows into an amazing woman, mother and wife, novelist, columnist for the financial times and now story teller with a tale "for any one that's ever held a candle to a star" (Ms. Boyt's words). The story is dear and powerful. I believe a film would be fantastic!

I'm not entirely sure how I came to read this book, but I've always loved the Wizard of Oz and was curious to learn more about Judy Garland's life. This book is not exactly the book to do that, as Boyt is preaching (presumably) to the converted Judy fans of the world about the never-ending wonderfulness of Judy Garland in every aspect of her career, and her personal life.

I suppose in terms of a memoir, it's about Boyt's undying belief in Judy as a savior of some kind within her own life - mishmashing details of her life with Judy's in a odd mix of nostalgia, admiration, and obsession. Quite frankly, the most interesting parts of the book are the ones that reveal unique insight into the Judy Garland story - whether odd bits of trivia or snippets from the interviews Boyt undertakes with various characters in Judy's life. Reading about Boyt's non-Judy life is somewhat lackluster; it starts out to draw some interesting parallels to Judy, but becomes more sporadic in its insertion in later chapters. Overall, the book lacks a clear focus / order / cohesion that can make it a bit tiresome to read.

That being said...if you are an educated Judy fan already, you'll love this book. As someone not fully versed in Judy Garland (other than seeing a biography or two of hers on TV, endless rewatches of the Wizard of Oz, and knowing snippets of her personal life) I finished this book fully wanting to believe in the fervor Boyt holds for Judy. I've watched a half-dozen of her YouTube clips already and plan to track down some of her other movies I haven't seen, and I am quick to believe in the magical qualities of Judy as a performer based on Boyt's quite lovingly crafted passages that makes this book a delight to read (at times).

My bottom line though? This book really made me want to read a proper biography of Judy Garland. If you've got a passing interest in Judy - do the same (or at least read her Wikipedia biography and watch a few movies / performances before the book). If you're a devout Judy fan, read this memoir - it'll move you and warm you.

I love biographies and autobiographies, but truthfully, when I heard there was another Judy Garland book coming out, I was skeptical that anything new could be said...was I wrong! The insight she portrays of Judy's life and the analogy of her own life makes me feel like the parts of my life that go from the sublime to the ridiculous can be didactic and delightful as well!

This is an utterly wonderful book, part biography, part memoir, part novel, that sets out to examing all the different faces of love, loss and fame and find out what it really means to be human. Beautifully written, at times hilarious at other moments poignant or even heart-breaking, it is, deep down, a very high spirited book about grief. Its breadth is incredible, going from stage school antics, how to get someone into rehab, the history of psychoanalysis in the USA, the travails of being from a big dynasty, the dynamics of mourning, cake decorating, show tunes, the loneliness of the understudy...and of course Judy Garland in all her majesty!
A must not just for Judy fans, but for fans of fine writing and life.

I have had the great pleasure to read the UK edition of this wonderful book, released in England to universal media acclaim in October 2008.

This is an intensely personal and exquisitely conceived narrative that analyses the impact of a legend and enduring icon on one person's life. Two parallel journeys are interwoven with humour, pathos, anecdote, whimsical speculation and extraordinary insight. Garland's personality and legacy strides like a colossus throughout; yet never overpowers the author's articulate and sensitive observations of her own life and experiences. This is a sincere and brave venture that assimilates with great skill biography and autobiography. It will strike a chord with anybody out there who still has a heart and isn't frightened to admit it.

The book encapsulates that intense intimacy and personal bond that many Garland fans feel towards Judy; that 'profound kinship' that unites devotees across the world. It's an acutely sensitive book where Susie reflects on her own battles to understand and master her own day-to-day life; the emotional world of love, laughter and loss that we all inhabit, and Judy is a passive companion throughout this process. At one point Boyt observes: 'I wasn't there at the moments of [Judy's] greatest triumphs and her cruelest despair. But she has been at mine' and it is a sentiment fans of any star or performer will share.

One chapter, entitled 'World's Greatest Entertainer' stands alone as one of, if not THE most eloquent analysis of Garland's talent that I have ever encountered. Susie has captured the impact of Judy: THE voice, THE personality, THE agony, ecstasy and rollercoaster extremities. The book is rich with anecdotes, eloquent and evocative childhood memories, amusing 'what if...' speculation, humour and tears; and Judy is the key point of reference in Susie's life - omnipresent but never really getting in the way of Susie's story.

It is such a brave and exciting new direction in biography/memoir; beautifully illustrated with some superb and rare Garland photographs. Anybody out there who has ever idolised or respected a performer or role model of any shape or form will love this book. Garland fans will lap it up. Superb, and so cleverly and eloquently written.

by Gary-Horrocks, London, UK
editor of The Judy Garland Club's 'Rainbow Review' between 1998 and 2007

Each time I put down this book I am okay with all of my emotions, "because they are mine." Obsession is glorified and beauty is beauty. Although I have only heard Judy Garland's voice through cds, I feel as if am closer to hearing her live after reading this book. The character describing Judy is as interesting as Judy Garland herself. Humility and humbleness are embraced. Read this book.

Susie Boyt's book articulates the respect and admiration millions feel for perhaps the most talented performer in American history. Told in dual biography mode a la Julie and Julia, it's worth reading twice or even three times. Definitely a book to purchase, not to borrow, if you are--to any extent-- a fan or follower of Judyism.

Susie Boyt's has a very good way of describing all the things that I remember about Judy Garland when I was growing up. This book is very well written, a pager turner and I can't wait for her next book. Thanks for the memories.

I enjoyed reading the well-written book about Judy and mention of my Uncle Marc in New York. It was lucid and intersting to read.

I have always been a Judy Garland fan so it's amazing to see what a huge impact she has made on the lives of certain individuals.Judy was so special to so many but it's clear that to some her existence was life changing.