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 enlarge | Authors: Jim Hutton, Tim Wapshott
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Category: Book
Buy Used: $80.18
Used (2) from $80.18
Avg. Customer Rating:  31 reviews
Sales Rank: 1412258
Media: Paperback
Pages: 222
ISBN: 0747521344
EAN: 9780747521341
ASIN: 0747521344
Publication Date: July 7, 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Excellent customer service. Order inquiries handled promptly.
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| Customer Reviews:
 a touching story of Jim's and Freddie's relationship January 26, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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!
 Horrible September 12, 2006
7 out of 13 found this review helpful
I spent nearly $70 on this trash and i wish i hadn't read it at all.
I don't even know where to start.
The whole book is about Jim Hutton arguing that he was more important in Freddie Mercury's life, than Mary Austin. (Austin- Mercurys very close friend)
Jim Hutton artlessly describes every disgusting detail of Freddie's deathbed moments.
He effectively robs Freddie of any dignity and respect by writing all those embarrassing physical things that we ourselves would never want broadcast if we were ill and dying.
Its funny how he says in the book that he 'loved' Mercury. If, and so he loved him, he wouldn't go and write a book 5 years after his death describing death details. You just don't do that to someone you love.
In this book, it's basically all about Hutton saying 'me me me', 'I'm his favorite', 'Look at me, he loved me more!' Which is completely false, Mercury always said that Austin was his best friend, soulmate and love of his life. The book even has some false events that Hutton tried to add in there.
There is NO proof of a lot of events that happened in the book.
Jim Hutton is ridiculous himself. He is a sad and jealous person.
I feel sorry for him.
A message to all Freddie Mercury Fans June 4, 2006
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
This is a must-have for ALL Freddie fans. The book is very hard to come by, but well worth the time and effort. The photographs alone were worth the cost of the book-which can be prohibitive. Jim Hutton obviously cared about Freddie a great deal-this abook is a very fitting tribute to one of the greatest musical talents ever. Freddie Mercury was a great star-the account of his last days will bring tears to your eyes. If you are a true Freddie Mercury fan, try to get a copy of this book. Believe me, it WILL be worth the effort!
Truth? January 5, 2006
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
JUMP on it if you find it in your price range April 16, 2005
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
At times this book seems a bit disjointed yet somehow that lends to it's charm. It's like Hutton poured out his memories into a tape recorder and let someone else compile them. That makes it feel very sincere. I deeply loved this book! It was wonderful and brought me many smiles as well as tears. I only wish it was longer and more complete. There are many "so what happened with that?" questions at the end of the book. Overall I'm ever so glad I got a chance to read it and recommend it to Freddie fans. There are some wonderful stories in this book as well as some tragic ones. It should be back in print and more affordable. I found it at a reasonable price (considering how much it's going for!) and found it worth every penny.
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