Behind Sad Eyes: The Life of George Harrison

by Marc Shapiro

Shrouded in a sea of mystery, the elusive George Harrison has long been the most private and enigmatic member of the Beatles. From his hard knock childhood in Liverpool to his ascendance into rock infamy, George Harrison's life has been a torpid ride filled with legendary success and heart crushing defeat.

New York Times bestselling author Marc Shapiro sheds new light on this paradoxical rocker, whose reputation for unusual religious practices and drug abuse often rivaled his musical notoriety.

A man whose desire was to be free rather than be famous, Harrison's battle against conformity lead him to music making, a soulful and creative expression that would be his ticket to success and the bane of his existence. Behind Sad Eyes is the compelling account of a man who gave the Beatles their lyrical playing style and brought solace to a generation during turbulent times.

Genres: Biography, Music, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Marc Shapiro is the author of the New York Times bestselling biography, J.K. Rowling: The Wizard behind Harry Potter, and more than a dozen other celebrity biographies. He has been a freelance entertainment journalist for more than twenty-five years, covering film, television, and music for a number of national and international newspapers and magazines.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/marcsh...

Reviews

[Cal Bowen · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, this is an unauthorized biography, so most of this book has the words 'reportedly' and 'supposedly' and 'it is possible' - Okay - so, a guy read a book or two on George Harrison and then wrote one himself, to capitalize on the ex-Beatle?

I cannot take any information in this book seriously, as the author is CONSTANTLY saying that this 'reportedly' happened, or hypothesis of what George may have thought or felt - I mean, this is so poorly done, I would not recommend this to anyone. At least with Wikipedia you give sources for your information.

The photos are from Public domain, so nothing new there, the stories have all been told before, with the author's feelings about what was going through George Harrison's mind - I know what wasn't going through his mind - George Harrison never thought, "I hope that some hack writer some day decides that my life is worth him rehashing in a half a** way to make money for himself off my name."

[David Melbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

George was always my favorite Beatle, and post-Beatles, his work was what I liked the most.

This book is good, and it had to be told, but I still liked George the best.

My favorite song is Here Comes the Sun.

Because he was a guitar player, I will always remember him as the inspiration for my life. And, though the book pre-dates it, the Concert for George held in London a year after his death is awesome! --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.

[trina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORE George Harrison, but there are literally hundreds of better books written on him than this. So short it doesn't scrape the surface, written and published less than a year after his death (and we all know why), filled with opinions presented as fact, typos, and numerous factual inaccuracies- don't waste your time on this one. It was hastily and sloppily done as a shallow means of cashing out on an incredible man's life.

[Chris Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read that moved through Harrison's life and career swiftly. Good coverage, but lacking in terms of depth. In reading both the positive and negative reviews of this book on this site, I can see where most of them have merit.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick easy read, very interesting and good book.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

“In depth” is not a description you could give this book. It is a condensed look at a complex man who was, and still is, a cultural legend. According to this book, he considered himself a serious musician, who looked with disdain on the Beatles’ phenomenal success. Some of this condescension could probably be attributed to his struggle to hold his own against the tidal wave that was Lennon and McCartney. He was also religious and spiritual, which was prevalent in his late- and post-Beatles work. None of the Fab Four comes off as very likeable, which probably is no surprise, considering their unique circumstances.

[Phillip Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2002 first edition of this book by rock author Marc Shapiro is soft and thoughtful truth of Beatle George Harrison.
I have read a lot concerning the Beatles collectively and individually.
Stories vary between authors.
To find this book written so soon after the death of George Harrison came via the library of a fellow band mate.
FYI . We still play Beatles and George Harrison covers to this day.
Reading it 24 years after his death is heartwarming and a nice way to remember the music of my younger years. George Harrison in the book says of his quest to understand why he is here.
Behind sad eyes helps a reader to look at their life and quest.
Enjoy the read.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lacking depth, this is a simple overview of a complex life. I was hoping for more "meat" - such as a exploration of his lyrics, songs, style, etc. - instead, this book lightly flits by like a humingbird never stopping for nector.

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this biography of George Harrison was OK. I really liked George Harrison, and although I did learn a little bit more about him (and the other Beatles), the narrative was kind of shallow and not particularly well-written. Some other reviewers here have said it reads like a long magazine piece, and I'd agree with that. I'm surprised there are no footnotes, since there are quotes used in the book, and yet the only person who the author interviewed was Delaney Bramlett. It would be nice to know the other quote sources, since different answers might be given for different publications. There is a bibliography. There aren't very many photos; it would be nice if there were more of him as a youngster or with his family. It was an easy read about "the serious Beatle", who died too soon.

[Leland · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are rare occasions when appallingly poor writing, absence of editing and a gonna-sell-my-biography-of-the-rich-and-famous style all come together to render a dark stain on a great person's life story. I'm a huge, life-long fan of George Harrison. I should know better than to think reading crap books about him will do anything but offend. In the case of this book, it was not just the content that sucked. The writing was very poor, and the editor obviously was not paying any attention. My advice for Marc Shapiro: try writing catalogs, phone books, perhaps even restaurant menus. Clearly, writing biography is not your thing.

[Linda Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting and reflective in parts, gave me a greater appreciation for his creativity and spirtual sides. A little gossipy in parts, but the author did try to remain objective for the most parts. Some value judgements by the author on George's motives, things he could never possibly know, contributed to my assessment of being gossipy. If you want to learn more about his early life, and creative portions of his life, it is an interesting read.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at George Harrison. It is an easy read, if you want a synopsis of his life. I didn't realize that George was the first break-out successful Beatle. I didn't know he had many more albums than I was familiar with personally. I'm sure there are better books, if you want a more in depth look at George.

[Colleen Mertens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a balanced biography of my favorite Beatle. The stories were somewhat familiar to me since I have read much about the Beatles and George in particular. The book had a good subject to work with and gives a view into the world of Harrison. It is good reading for summer relaxation time.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, quick read about the "Quiet Beatle." It briefly discusses his childhood,his years with the Beatles, his Interest in Eastern religion and music, his drug usage and depression, and his solo career. The other Beatles are there, but they are in the background.

[Jason Duncan]

True to the title - it is a sad tale that was told.
Can't help but feel that there was more to George Harrison than what was presented here,
he is more than his music - accomplished as he is,
would have liked to delve further to meet the person.

[Paul Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a very short, very slanted biography. Marc Shapiro had his own opinions before he started writing and he uses this biography to vindicate them. I'm sure there must be a better biography of George Harrison out there.

[Kitt-e-kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK READ. VERY INFORMATIONAL ABOUT BEATLES FORMATION AND LIFE OF GEORGE.

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this book. He gets the facts wrong and seems to write with an agenda. I don't recommend it at all.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting as I spent more of my time in love with Paul, but not a page-turner read; more like a long magazine piece

[Matt Lehotzky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Learned a lot about him that I didn't know.

[Daria Zeoli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whoever was responsible for editing this book should be ashamed of themselves. A poorly written glimpse into the life of George Harrison.

[Leigh Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok

[Jimmie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cannot admire an author who proclaims in Acknowledgements " No Beatle was harmed or interviewed in the writing of this book".

[Tori Marroquin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an easy read and wonderful look into the life of George Harrison.