John L. Williams is a crime writer from Cardiff. This is very important to note, as we are not talking about another star struck fan who is writing bout his favorite subject but about professional writer intrigued about celebrity with roots in his own neighborhood - this also means that he takes time to describe and paint the picture of what it was like to be mixed-race singer in 1950s, going so far to even add in appendix chapters about crimes and night life in Cardiff, minstrel shows (Bassey had her start in one) and touring revues with striptease (these were kind of shows she was singing in the beginning). Williams had certainly did some good research and if he got some negative reviews in UK media for unearthing old skeletons from the closet, well it depends on perspective of the reader - people who focused on scandals,secrets and dirty laundry lost the point author wanted to make - he was describing struggle to the top and what sacrifices young girl had to make along the way.
This also brings up another question: what do we expect from biographies? Celebrating someone's life without a hint of darkness would be described as "fawning" but if the author did research and found old police records & secrets it brings uproar for being indiscreet. Myself, I found the book fascinating in many ways, specially because of the writing style - it is hinted between the lines that Williams could have been far more indiscreet if he was inclined so while telling the story about young unknown girl trying to escape poverty and start in show business. Interestingly, Williams ends his story in 1967. when struggle was basically finished and his subject was definitely established - while many could wonder whatever happened in the next 40+ years I perfectly understand author's reasoning that it's only hungry years that count. While focusing on star with surprisingly long career (she started long before Beatles and is still around) Williams also brings in focus long forgotten names and atmosphere of the times. If you think 1950s were innocent years, think again.
1 comment:
She has a great personality. Liked her from the start. Did n't know about her hard times at the beginning of her career. Hope that the book will be translated in Dutch; your essay about it made me curious!
Post a Comment