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Intimate Lies: F. Scott Fitzgerald and Sheilah Graham Her Son's Story
The author uses the notes, diaries, and correspondence Sheilah Graham bequeathed to him to reveal the untold love story of his mother and F. Scott Fitzgerald in the late 1930s
512 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 26, 2014
This book is so heavily researched and every little bit is cited. Goes into detail of Sheilah graham, F.Scott Fitzgerald, and Zelda Sayre lives. It was written by Sheilahs son but is not biased at all. To say this is a masterpiece is an understatement.
September 1, 2014
I know the story of Sheilah Graham and Scott Fitzgerald. I read her book, BELOVED INFIDEL, as a teenager...I was raised by a Zelda Cultist, and we read everything we could get our hands on. We had mixed feelings about Graham...
From the git-go this book made me uncomfortable. The author is Graham's son...digging into her most intimate lies...and truths...and affairs. EEK! I know I don't want to investigate my family that deeply; but I applaud his efforts to tell the truth.
Robert Westbrook does a good job of showing both sides, and showing that in many ways their relationship was its own kind of toxic. Certainly Graham, in our modern words, was the enabler. But, like many others, she was in love and hoped she could 'save' or 'change' her lover. We know now that won't happen.
This is Fitzgerald at his most pathetic...broke, desperate for money, and desperate for the adulation he once enjoyed. He watches Hemingway, the author he championed in Paris, surpass him in every way. He tries to write hack scripts, only to have jobs taken away. He has to support a wife in an expensive hospital, and a daughter in an expensive school. He's been forgotten. And he is drinking himself to death.
At first, he seems charming to Graham...she has her own set of issues...the lies she has told for so long. The most poignant passages in the book are Westbrook's depiction of his mother's childhood struggles. She truly DID triumph over odds that would have daunted a lesser person. She did what she had to do in order to survive. Always, forever. She lied, she married for comfort, she slept her way to the top if that would work...she was in over her head so many times...and yet...she survived. And she found her voice and her place...and she succeeded as a mother.
I kept seeing parallels to PYGMALION in the relationship between Fitzgerald and Graham...once he knew the truth, I think he wanted to make her over...but they neither of them realized SHE was the strong one, the survivor.
Hollywood ate Fitzgerald up and spit him out. He had outgrown his popularity, his usefulness. "There are no second acts," he said. But I disagree. Sheilah would disagree too. We're in charge of our own second acts. What we do and what we say have consequences. After his sudden death in her living room, Graham DID have her second act. She found courage to get what she wanted, and she made a life for herself.
The epilogue, with its portrait of Graham near her own death, is the Graham none of the rest of us knew...This was the gift of the son to the world...a woman writing articles in her head until the last.
From the git-go this book made me uncomfortable. The author is Graham's son...digging into her most intimate lies...and truths...and affairs. EEK! I know I don't want to investigate my family that deeply; but I applaud his efforts to tell the truth.
Robert Westbrook does a good job of showing both sides, and showing that in many ways their relationship was its own kind of toxic. Certainly Graham, in our modern words, was the enabler. But, like many others, she was in love and hoped she could 'save' or 'change' her lover. We know now that won't happen.
This is Fitzgerald at his most pathetic...broke, desperate for money, and desperate for the adulation he once enjoyed. He watches Hemingway, the author he championed in Paris, surpass him in every way. He tries to write hack scripts, only to have jobs taken away. He has to support a wife in an expensive hospital, and a daughter in an expensive school. He's been forgotten. And he is drinking himself to death.
At first, he seems charming to Graham...she has her own set of issues...the lies she has told for so long. The most poignant passages in the book are Westbrook's depiction of his mother's childhood struggles. She truly DID triumph over odds that would have daunted a lesser person. She did what she had to do in order to survive. Always, forever. She lied, she married for comfort, she slept her way to the top if that would work...she was in over her head so many times...and yet...she survived. And she found her voice and her place...and she succeeded as a mother.
I kept seeing parallels to PYGMALION in the relationship between Fitzgerald and Graham...once he knew the truth, I think he wanted to make her over...but they neither of them realized SHE was the strong one, the survivor.
Hollywood ate Fitzgerald up and spit him out. He had outgrown his popularity, his usefulness. "There are no second acts," he said. But I disagree. Sheilah would disagree too. We're in charge of our own second acts. What we do and what we say have consequences. After his sudden death in her living room, Graham DID have her second act. She found courage to get what she wanted, and she made a life for herself.
The epilogue, with its portrait of Graham near her own death, is the Graham none of the rest of us knew...This was the gift of the son to the world...a woman writing articles in her head until the last.
April 23, 2010
Upon rereading, I think Westbrook has done a monumental job. Excellent research and some direct if sympathetic portrayals of FSF and Graham. Highly recommended to FSF fans. And who knew that Nathanael West and his wife Eileen (of My Sister Eileen) were killed returning to the US for FSF's funeral. Huh.
February 19, 2019
Can’t seem to get enough of this story. A great companion read to Sally Koslow’s Another Side of Paradise.
July 5, 2020
I have been on a F. Scott Fitzgerald kick for a month. I read his secretary's autobiography (and the awesome HBO movie too). I read the biography on Scottie Fitzgerald (the daughter). I read Sheilah's book. I watched Beloved Infidel. I read the fictional Zelda. I watched the miniseries. I revisited The Great Gatsby (the book) and Tender is the Night. I did two F. Scott biographies... And then, I ordered Westbrook's book! Thank you, Mr. Westbrook, for a great book!
Oh my! Awesome! He did an AMAZING job of telling his mother's story. It had more meat that I needed to know more on Graham. My heart broke for her - and I really like how she stayed close to Scottie. I wanted to know more about her life after Scott died - and I got it.
I think this title should be in EVERY F. Scott Fitzgerald's collection. I gave it four stars for research, point of view, kept me on my toes, and I felt emotion throughout: that's the goal of writing!
Oh my! Awesome! He did an AMAZING job of telling his mother's story. It had more meat that I needed to know more on Graham. My heart broke for her - and I really like how she stayed close to Scottie. I wanted to know more about her life after Scott died - and I got it.
I think this title should be in EVERY F. Scott Fitzgerald's collection. I gave it four stars for research, point of view, kept me on my toes, and I felt emotion throughout: that's the goal of writing!
June 11, 2008
A wonderful insider view on F. Scott Fitzgerald, which also brings to life Fitzgerald's rather less famous lover in this true story - the Hollywood gossip columnist Sheilah Graham.
Robert Westbrook is better known for his mystery novels, but here he uses all his novelist skills to dramatize real life, while proving remarkably even-handed in describing his English expat mother, Sheilah Graham, and piecing together (from diaries, letters etc) her affair with Fitzgerald.
I think this book is hard to get hold of now, but if you can track it down, it's worth it.
Robert Westbrook is better known for his mystery novels, but here he uses all his novelist skills to dramatize real life, while proving remarkably even-handed in describing his English expat mother, Sheilah Graham, and piecing together (from diaries, letters etc) her affair with Fitzgerald.
I think this book is hard to get hold of now, but if you can track it down, it's worth it.
October 26, 2007
Fitzgerald and Graham's story from a close viewpoint -- anything concerning F. Scott Fitzfgerald is on my list though less so now than at a point some decades ago.
July 1, 2021
Westbrook’s prologue primes the reader to expect little. He writes this book at the behest of his mother, it seems grudging, but WOW! I love Fitzgerald’s writings, have read biographies of both Zelda and him, and this book is great! It’s so well researched, I feel The author interviewed him. I don’t think any author ever explained Fitzgerald’s alcoholism and it’s effect later in his life. I think Westbrook explained the reason why Fitzgerald never finished Last Tycoon. Again, no author explained the physical changes Fitzgerald underwent because of alcohol- the effect on his face, belly & skin. A drunk’s behavior may be considered fun and rebellious when they are young, handsome, smart and rebelling against an insane law like prohibition, but it’s not fun when the drunk is old, losing his looks & alcohol is legal. Westbrook really showed the author as an older man becoming aware that his youthful antics were now embarrassing as an adult. Westbrook is not a Fitzgerald, but he is a fine writer and easy to read. This really is a definitive biography of Fitzgerald as well as Sheilah Graham- a very worthwhile read!
March 6, 2022
Intimate Lies tells the story of Sheillah Graham and F. Scott Fitzgerald during the last three and a half years of his life in Hollywood. Robert Westbrook, her son, is a masterful storyteller who paints an intriguing picture of the highs and lows of their relationship. The author's research is extensive, and his insights are considered and thoughtful. He is an excellent writer, too.
Westbrook states that "Heroes were grand, but they were doomed to fail—though the fight was worth it." The author admirably tells the story of two heroes who believed this was true.
Westbrook states that "Heroes were grand, but they were doomed to fail—though the fight was worth it." The author admirably tells the story of two heroes who believed this was true.
July 2, 2022
I didn't especially care for F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing, I know that's heresy but I'm honest. Still, this is a lovely book that tells the story of the relationship between Mr. Fitzgerald and the mother of this author, Sheila Graham. She was an interesting person, not anything like expected. She was not the English Lady persona she projected. There were times when the narrative dragged but I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
December 12, 2016
This book is probably one of the most complicated books to write a review on for me. I have thought long and hard about the rating and I have decided to rate it a 2. Intimate Lies is a biography on two people that have difficult pasts and uncertain futures who struggle to be in a relationship together. This book did not capture my interest like I had hoped it would but that does not mean it is a bad book.
I felt Mr. Westbrook did a nice job writing overall but early in the book (for the first 50 or 60 pages talking about F. Scott Fizgerald's trip to California and his past) I wanted to stop reading out of boredom. Once Mr. Westbrook started writing about his mother's past was when the book started to become more interesting and easier to read. The example of the first 50 to 60 pages is a good example for what seemed to be Mr. Westbrook writing more carefully about his mother than F. Scott Fitzgerald. It makes sense that he would be able to give more details and be careful about his writing since he was writing about his mother, but I would have liked if he had been able to give just a bit more care to writing about F. Scott Fitzgerald. Do not get me wrong, Mr. Westbrook does a good job writing about both people, but the careful writing is just a tad higher and noticeable when he writes on his mother. I would have appreciated more even coverage.
One of the things I liked about the way Mr. Westbrook wrote this biography was that the reader was able to feel like they were watching this as a movie but were also the character themselves. It was very nice to not just be told some facts like we were reading a textbook. The details Mr. Westbrook used to describe the characters and surroundings were a nice touch. However, I disliked that the time periods kept changing on us throughout the book. It was quite dizzying traveling back and forth from so many different decades.
To me, Intimate Lies is an okay book but it is not one I would recommend unless you were interested in F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheliah Graham Westbrook, or (preferably) both. I have read better and worse biographies so for that reason I give Intimate Lies 2 stars.
I felt Mr. Westbrook did a nice job writing overall but early in the book (for the first 50 or 60 pages talking about F. Scott Fizgerald's trip to California and his past) I wanted to stop reading out of boredom. Once Mr. Westbrook started writing about his mother's past was when the book started to become more interesting and easier to read. The example of the first 50 to 60 pages is a good example for what seemed to be Mr. Westbrook writing more carefully about his mother than F. Scott Fitzgerald. It makes sense that he would be able to give more details and be careful about his writing since he was writing about his mother, but I would have liked if he had been able to give just a bit more care to writing about F. Scott Fitzgerald. Do not get me wrong, Mr. Westbrook does a good job writing about both people, but the careful writing is just a tad higher and noticeable when he writes on his mother. I would have appreciated more even coverage.
One of the things I liked about the way Mr. Westbrook wrote this biography was that the reader was able to feel like they were watching this as a movie but were also the character themselves. It was very nice to not just be told some facts like we were reading a textbook. The details Mr. Westbrook used to describe the characters and surroundings were a nice touch. However, I disliked that the time periods kept changing on us throughout the book. It was quite dizzying traveling back and forth from so many different decades.
To me, Intimate Lies is an okay book but it is not one I would recommend unless you were interested in F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sheliah Graham Westbrook, or (preferably) both. I have read better and worse biographies so for that reason I give Intimate Lies 2 stars.
January 2, 2013
If Sheilah Graham is remembered now at all, other than by film buffs who have seen her gossip columns, she's remembered as F. Scott Fitzgerald's final love. This book attempts to shed light on that relationship, and is written by her son. After reading it, I could only think that if this was what they considered love, I would have preferred being on my own.
Frankly put, I couldn't wait for Scott Fitzgerald to finally leave the scene. Pompous, arrogant, able to pontificate at the drop of a pen; he was a bully, a drunk and a king of the double-standard, hugely jealous of any friendship that Sheilah might have (including friendships with women), but completely satisfied to go spend time with Zelda and write her long, loving letters which Sheilah only found out about years after his death. He spent his final years abusing Sheilah and coasting on his past reputation, writing long, whining letters to people who had supported him in the past, castigating them for refusing to send him money even as he insulted them. He looked down his nose at the serious writers who had become Hollywood "hacks," conveniently dismissing the fact the he himself was trying to make money in that fashion, too, and failing.
Sheilah wasn't pristine herself; she had all sorts of secrets and, certainly earlier in her life, had not been above using her wiles to get further ahead in the world. She was absolutely devoted to Scott, however, and mourned him. She tried to save him, and their last few months together were as peaceful as life with Scott was likely to get. I can see why he loved her, but honestly, I don't know what she saw in him. Life had to be like a constant walk either on burning coals or eggshells.
Frankly put, I couldn't wait for Scott Fitzgerald to finally leave the scene. Pompous, arrogant, able to pontificate at the drop of a pen; he was a bully, a drunk and a king of the double-standard, hugely jealous of any friendship that Sheilah might have (including friendships with women), but completely satisfied to go spend time with Zelda and write her long, loving letters which Sheilah only found out about years after his death. He spent his final years abusing Sheilah and coasting on his past reputation, writing long, whining letters to people who had supported him in the past, castigating them for refusing to send him money even as he insulted them. He looked down his nose at the serious writers who had become Hollywood "hacks," conveniently dismissing the fact the he himself was trying to make money in that fashion, too, and failing.
Sheilah wasn't pristine herself; she had all sorts of secrets and, certainly earlier in her life, had not been above using her wiles to get further ahead in the world. She was absolutely devoted to Scott, however, and mourned him. She tried to save him, and their last few months together were as peaceful as life with Scott was likely to get. I can see why he loved her, but honestly, I don't know what she saw in him. Life had to be like a constant walk either on burning coals or eggshells.
May 29, 2013
I read "Beloved Infidel" years ago. Just read this. Years ago I didn't see Fitagerald as an abuser but he definitele would fit into that category today. Why are we so fascinated with these men that would be in prisontoday for their sheer nastiness? Do we forget what they did because of their genius? Is there anyway that we can study their literature and not seperate the book from the man?
August 11, 2016
I found this book poorly written and exaggerated. It seems that the author, while writing this book, had a huge grudge on Fitzgerald than any regards for him whatsoever. Good thing I only pulled this book from the library. Didn't finish it. Simply hated it!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews