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The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power
For fans and watchers of the Beckham Netflix documentary who want the rest of the story—an explosive tell-all account of the real lives of David and Victoria Beckham.
As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, while their unrivalled fusion of showbiz, fashion, football and celebrity has been cultivated alongside the image of a strong marriage.
When the much-trailed Netflix documentary Beckham aired in 2023, viewers were offered an even more intimate insight into their private lives. Produced by the Beckhams themselves, the series raised many questions, not only about their success and personal relationship, but also about the ruthlessly successful management of their image in the media. Are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe?
Through extensive research, expert sourcing and interviews with insiders, Britain’s most celebrated investigative biographer, Tom Bower, has unearthed a succession of revelations that give surprising insight into the reality of ‘Brand Beckham’. Exploring the couple’s relationship, and the truth about their football and fashion careers, their finances and their new life in Miami, The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power.
As one of the most famous and influential couples in the world, David and Victoria Beckham have attained iconic status. The ultimate power couple have together built a multi-billion-dollar global brand. For decades, adoring fans have been captivated by the glamorous world they have created, while their unrivalled fusion of showbiz, fashion, football and celebrity has been cultivated alongside the image of a strong marriage.
When the much-trailed Netflix documentary Beckham aired in 2023, viewers were offered an even more intimate insight into their private lives. Produced by the Beckhams themselves, the series raised many questions, not only about their success and personal relationship, but also about the ruthlessly successful management of their image in the media. Are their lives really as perfect as the Beckhams would like the world to believe?
Through extensive research, expert sourcing and interviews with insiders, Britain’s most celebrated investigative biographer, Tom Bower, has unearthed a succession of revelations that give surprising insight into the reality of ‘Brand Beckham’. Exploring the couple’s relationship, and the truth about their football and fashion careers, their finances and their new life in Miami, The House of Beckham unravels the extraordinary reality of the business-savvy cultural icons to tell an engrossing, often astonishing story of money, sex and power.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published June 20, 2024
359 people are currently reading
485 people want to read
About the author
Tom Bower
57 books179 followersFor the author of works on child development, see T.G.R. Bower
Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.
A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.
He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.
An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.
Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.
Tom Bower (born 28 September 1946) is a British writer, noted for his investigative journalism and for his unauthorized biographies.
A former Panorama reporter, his books include unauthorised biographies of Tiny Rowland, Robert Maxwell, Mohamed Al-Fayed, Geoffrey Robinson, Gordon Brown and Richard Branson.
He won the 2003 William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award for Broken Dreams, an investigation into corruption in English football. His joint biography of Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge was published in November 2006, and an unsuccessful libel case over a passing mention of Daily Express proprietor Richard Desmond in the book was heard in July 2009.
An unauthorised biography by Bower of Richard Desmond, provisionally entitled Rough Trader, awaits publication. Bowers's biography of Simon Cowell, written with Cowell's co-operation, was published on 20 April, 2012.
Bower is married to Veronica Wadley, former editor of the London Evening Standard, and has four children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
July 21, 2024
The only thing I enjoyed is the irony of the book - a gossip column taking on the public relations mechanism of a power couple. I am neither a fan of Beckham (not since school anyway) nor did I know Victoria - yet reading this book, i felt sorry for them - for the intrusion and speculation about the private lives of people.
You go back to Diana's tragic death and you know when the media has gone overboard. This book carries so much spite and revulsion for the Beckhams that it traces down articles that probably died down without fanfare. I was especially surprised by the author's dogged determination to decry the marriage as a sham and Beckham's commitment to football a farce - especially given his success.
Being a celebrity with a PR team must be very tough. So when the author suggested, they tipped on reporters regularly for 'candid pics' or how donations to charities are planted - I believed it, but did not understand why. Maybe their value is only based on being in news regularly (Jerry McGuire anyone?). I don't think many marriages would stand scrutiny of a scribe of the domestic conflicts - so I wondered what was the point of recording who said what when they had an episode.
The other day I saw a celeb in the airport with an entire entourage of people and wondered where is the private life. I skim read parts where the author threw in some extra vile. We have enough negativity - why monger more?
We could save trees by not publishing such books.
You go back to Diana's tragic death and you know when the media has gone overboard. This book carries so much spite and revulsion for the Beckhams that it traces down articles that probably died down without fanfare. I was especially surprised by the author's dogged determination to decry the marriage as a sham and Beckham's commitment to football a farce - especially given his success.
Being a celebrity with a PR team must be very tough. So when the author suggested, they tipped on reporters regularly for 'candid pics' or how donations to charities are planted - I believed it, but did not understand why. Maybe their value is only based on being in news regularly (Jerry McGuire anyone?). I don't think many marriages would stand scrutiny of a scribe of the domestic conflicts - so I wondered what was the point of recording who said what when they had an episode.
The other day I saw a celeb in the airport with an entire entourage of people and wondered where is the private life. I skim read parts where the author threw in some extra vile. We have enough negativity - why monger more?
We could save trees by not publishing such books.
July 25, 2024
I’m not exactly sure what compelled me to get this book. I suppose I just wanted a light read, and figured that this would be a pretty decent story, as I’d enjoyed Bower’s previous book Revenge, covering the real story behind the headlines/mess that is Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
After reading this, my conclusion? He should stick with investigative work regarding the Royal Family. I didn’t have a particularly strong opinion of the Beckhams leaning in a negative or a positive direction upon picking this up. It’s very much neutral. I have seen the Beckhams in the way they have apparently worked their asses off to maintain how they want the public to see them: an attractive power couple, dedicated to one another, and to their family.
Has Tom Bower managed to change my mind with this work? No, not quite. The reason being is that the book truly seems, as one reviewer said, to be some kind of smear campaign against the couple. I say that with no great love for them nor particular dislike. But the way Bower attacks them is rather ruthless and at some point you start to wonder if he was personally victimized by Posh or Becks.
His undisguised hatred and contempt is perhaps the most “shocking” part of this entire narrative.
You could literally sum it up like this:
David and Victoria Beckham are very mediocre at best. David was okay at football until he decided to pursue fame. Victoria lacked any creativity or talent to make her own path for herself outside of being “David’s wife.”
David was repeatedly unfaithful to Victoria. Every time a new affair/allegations surfaced, they went into damage control mode: he by simply ignoring the allegations, her by shopping, feeling miserable, and staging photo ops and interviews to showcase how in love they were and that people made up stories because they were jealous of their love and their lives. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
David and Victoria’s incomes and seemingly legal tax evasion tactics (especially David’s) were discussed in mind numbingly painful detail in pretty much every single chapter. To the point that the chapter offers little information on what it’s intended to be about. For instance, in the chapter dedicated to their eldest son Brooklyn’s marriage to billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz - this is among the very first few paragraphs:
After stating that Nicola’s father Nelson Peltz had little in common with the Beckhams and that he was not a football fan and “didn’t admire losers”, it then launches into this:
”One headline was particularly embarrassing. The MLS announced a $2 million fine on the club for failing to report the excessive payments to five players and for concealing Blaise Matuidi’s high salary. Jorge Mas was personally fined $250,000. He blamed McDonough outright…
The MLS’s sanction included a compulsory cut of the club’s budget by 25% for two years. That limited the purchase of any new player until 2023. Many talented players were forced to leave the club…”
Then the next page, after saying again the Beckhams had little in common with the Peltzes, we once again are subjected to an exhausting litany about finances:
”But at least the improved cost-controls had reduced the company’s annual losses from £15.6 million in 2019 and £10.5 million in 2020 to £5.9 million losses in 2021. Despite that improvement, for the first time, the auditors issued a statutory warning – a ‘material uncertainty’ — amounting to a question whether her company could continue operating.
Their stark message had been prompted by HSBC’s demand that she repay a £10 million loan. Beckham and the other shareholders had been forced to lend her a further £9.2 million. Her clothing company now owed £53.9 million to Beckham, although his company accounts showed debts of just £ 29 million…”
Then the chapter’s last page does not conclude with any mention of Brooklyn and Nicola’s wedding, but rather:
”Beckham still hoped to secure a knighthood. The honour was deserved, not least because he had also given £50 million to charity, supported the Sun’s Poppy campaign, visited the Chelsea pensioners (once), was a massive royalist, and three years earlier had paid £12.7 million in tax.”
To say that 75% of the book is spent discussing what brands they wear/promote and how much money they have, spend, report to have - is probably a conservative estimate.
It’s also very strange the way Bower repeatedly asserts that Victoria is “no one without David”, yet fails to acknowledge that his own description of David’s success (a gorgeous, seemingly relatable, down to earth family man who loved his wife and children) is wholly dependent on Victoria’s willingness to stay with HIM.
Yet never does he say “David Beckham would be no one if Victoria left him” or at the least, “David might still have been universally loved for his good looks and decent football skills early on, but undoubtedly his popularity wouldn’t have been as great without the image of him as a devoted family man to accompany these traits. Moreover, it would have eroded entirely after he grew older and quit professional football.”
Oddly enough, after all of this repetition throughout the book about Victoria’s fate being tied to his, only in the end does he state that,
”His status and survival would have been washed away without Victoria’s determination to maintain the illusion of a happy family. Suffering his adultery and absences she steadfastly protected the brand. In return he continued to finance her vanity business. Her tiny fashion house is unlikely to be genuinely profitable, but her supporters fully approve her steely ambition, regardless of the monotonous repetition and promotional interviews.”
Damn. Still not letting up with the constant jabs against Victoria: “her tiny fashion house” “unlikely to be profitable” and “monotonous repetition.”
I cannot recommend strongly enough against reading this book, unless you hate the Beckhams with a passion and just want to feel that hatred again. It’s doubtful you’ll learn anything new. Maybe it may interest someone in accounting who wants to take a stab at figuring out the Beckhams’s complicated financial situation, but that likely wouldn’t work as not all pertinent information is provided.
Not to mention there are a ton of typos and Bower regularly prints “MLS” as “MSL.” Just a complete mess of a book. Don’t waste your time. Trust me on this one.
After reading this, my conclusion? He should stick with investigative work regarding the Royal Family. I didn’t have a particularly strong opinion of the Beckhams leaning in a negative or a positive direction upon picking this up. It’s very much neutral. I have seen the Beckhams in the way they have apparently worked their asses off to maintain how they want the public to see them: an attractive power couple, dedicated to one another, and to their family.
Has Tom Bower managed to change my mind with this work? No, not quite. The reason being is that the book truly seems, as one reviewer said, to be some kind of smear campaign against the couple. I say that with no great love for them nor particular dislike. But the way Bower attacks them is rather ruthless and at some point you start to wonder if he was personally victimized by Posh or Becks.
His undisguised hatred and contempt is perhaps the most “shocking” part of this entire narrative.
You could literally sum it up like this:
David and Victoria Beckham are very mediocre at best. David was okay at football until he decided to pursue fame. Victoria lacked any creativity or talent to make her own path for herself outside of being “David’s wife.”
David was repeatedly unfaithful to Victoria. Every time a new affair/allegations surfaced, they went into damage control mode: he by simply ignoring the allegations, her by shopping, feeling miserable, and staging photo ops and interviews to showcase how in love they were and that people made up stories because they were jealous of their love and their lives. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
David and Victoria’s incomes and seemingly legal tax evasion tactics (especially David’s) were discussed in mind numbingly painful detail in pretty much every single chapter. To the point that the chapter offers little information on what it’s intended to be about. For instance, in the chapter dedicated to their eldest son Brooklyn’s marriage to billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz - this is among the very first few paragraphs:
After stating that Nicola’s father Nelson Peltz had little in common with the Beckhams and that he was not a football fan and “didn’t admire losers”, it then launches into this:
”One headline was particularly embarrassing. The MLS announced a $2 million fine on the club for failing to report the excessive payments to five players and for concealing Blaise Matuidi’s high salary. Jorge Mas was personally fined $250,000. He blamed McDonough outright…
The MLS’s sanction included a compulsory cut of the club’s budget by 25% for two years. That limited the purchase of any new player until 2023. Many talented players were forced to leave the club…”
Then the next page, after saying again the Beckhams had little in common with the Peltzes, we once again are subjected to an exhausting litany about finances:
”But at least the improved cost-controls had reduced the company’s annual losses from £15.6 million in 2019 and £10.5 million in 2020 to £5.9 million losses in 2021. Despite that improvement, for the first time, the auditors issued a statutory warning – a ‘material uncertainty’ — amounting to a question whether her company could continue operating.
Their stark message had been prompted by HSBC’s demand that she repay a £10 million loan. Beckham and the other shareholders had been forced to lend her a further £9.2 million. Her clothing company now owed £53.9 million to Beckham, although his company accounts showed debts of just £ 29 million…”
Then the chapter’s last page does not conclude with any mention of Brooklyn and Nicola’s wedding, but rather:
”Beckham still hoped to secure a knighthood. The honour was deserved, not least because he had also given £50 million to charity, supported the Sun’s Poppy campaign, visited the Chelsea pensioners (once), was a massive royalist, and three years earlier had paid £12.7 million in tax.”
To say that 75% of the book is spent discussing what brands they wear/promote and how much money they have, spend, report to have - is probably a conservative estimate.
It’s also very strange the way Bower repeatedly asserts that Victoria is “no one without David”, yet fails to acknowledge that his own description of David’s success (a gorgeous, seemingly relatable, down to earth family man who loved his wife and children) is wholly dependent on Victoria’s willingness to stay with HIM.
Yet never does he say “David Beckham would be no one if Victoria left him” or at the least, “David might still have been universally loved for his good looks and decent football skills early on, but undoubtedly his popularity wouldn’t have been as great without the image of him as a devoted family man to accompany these traits. Moreover, it would have eroded entirely after he grew older and quit professional football.”
Oddly enough, after all of this repetition throughout the book about Victoria’s fate being tied to his, only in the end does he state that,
”His status and survival would have been washed away without Victoria’s determination to maintain the illusion of a happy family. Suffering his adultery and absences she steadfastly protected the brand. In return he continued to finance her vanity business. Her tiny fashion house is unlikely to be genuinely profitable, but her supporters fully approve her steely ambition, regardless of the monotonous repetition and promotional interviews.”
Damn. Still not letting up with the constant jabs against Victoria: “her tiny fashion house” “unlikely to be profitable” and “monotonous repetition.”
I cannot recommend strongly enough against reading this book, unless you hate the Beckhams with a passion and just want to feel that hatred again. It’s doubtful you’ll learn anything new. Maybe it may interest someone in accounting who wants to take a stab at figuring out the Beckhams’s complicated financial situation, but that likely wouldn’t work as not all pertinent information is provided.
Not to mention there are a ton of typos and Bower regularly prints “MLS” as “MSL.” Just a complete mess of a book. Don’t waste your time. Trust me on this one.
June 23, 2024
Tom Bower is generally a good writer. I have read other books of his which I have enjoyed. But I could not really say that about this one.
The Beckham's do not come over as a very attractive couple. I was left with a very negative view of both of them.
I think my main criticism.... is that I found it a very depressing read with too little relief.
The Beckham's do not come over as a very attractive couple. I was left with a very negative view of both of them.
I think my main criticism.... is that I found it a very depressing read with too little relief.
August 9, 2024
Staggeringly Biased
I finished the book out of habit but I’m not sure I’ve ever read a more biased book about anyone. The author clearly hates the subjects and makes no effort to hide it (while also managing somehow to also show the same level of vitriol for the Sussexes also). Basically they cheat on their taxes (yet they do this by using legal loopholes that somehow it’s their job to fix and not the government’s) and each other and stay together only for each other (while actively hating each other). There’s the book. I just saved you the need to read it.
I finished the book out of habit but I’m not sure I’ve ever read a more biased book about anyone. The author clearly hates the subjects and makes no effort to hide it (while also managing somehow to also show the same level of vitriol for the Sussexes also). Basically they cheat on their taxes (yet they do this by using legal loopholes that somehow it’s their job to fix and not the government’s) and each other and stay together only for each other (while actively hating each other). There’s the book. I just saved you the need to read it.
July 2, 2024
A real revelation that Posh & Becks aren't quite what they seem behind the glitz & glamour.
It frustrated me that David thought he was a 'shoo in' for a knighthood....I don't think so!
Plus very complex tax (or avoidance of) is suspicious though not it seems illegal.
Overhyped, over rated.....Victoria comes through a little better but not much better. Her financial fashion line losses confirm what a vanity project this is.
I hope the Beckham kids fare better in their lives but let's watch this space...
It frustrated me that David thought he was a 'shoo in' for a knighthood....I don't think so!
Plus very complex tax (or avoidance of) is suspicious though not it seems illegal.
Overhyped, over rated.....Victoria comes through a little better but not much better. Her financial fashion line losses confirm what a vanity project this is.
I hope the Beckham kids fare better in their lives but let's watch this space...
July 30, 2024
Entertaining up to a point in its ridiculousness, this is a consummate hatchet job from a writer who loves to mangle grammar, who doesn’t know the difference between principal and principle, who seriously believes Gordon Brown caused the global financial crash, who thinks The Guardian is left wing, and who elsewhere speaks of Jeremy Corbyn’s ruthless pursuit of power. No doubt the Beckhams are superficial hypocrites, but the reader cannot help but realise that Bower, in his class snobbery and relentless bile, is infinitely worse.
June 29, 2024
If you do not like the Beckhams, this book is for you. I felt like this book was a smear campaign.
Read
July 19, 2024I could not get past 30% of this book. Roughly around 115 pages.
Tom Bower comes off as a very jaded, sour journalist. Everything I have read so far, is of him bashing the Beckhams. I immediately notice his harsher tone towards Victoria for wanting to increase her status as a well know celebrity. He basically gives David a little swat on his hand for cheating on V for numerous times.
I don't know enough about what happened in the past between David and V to know if this is accurate or not. I don't really care. The synopsis of this book led me to believe we were going to read something that was actually worth reading.
But I don't have the energy to see if this book eventually stops bashing the couple.
Tom Bower comes off as a very jaded, sour journalist. Everything I have read so far, is of him bashing the Beckhams. I immediately notice his harsher tone towards Victoria for wanting to increase her status as a well know celebrity. He basically gives David a little swat on his hand for cheating on V for numerous times.
I don't know enough about what happened in the past between David and V to know if this is accurate or not. I don't really care. The synopsis of this book led me to believe we were going to read something that was actually worth reading.
But I don't have the energy to see if this book eventually stops bashing the couple.
July 9, 2024
A solid 339 pages of repetitive hate
September 10, 2025
Trochę mnie zaskoczyła tak niska średnia ocen. Przejrzałem kilka negatywnych opinii i dziwię się jeszcze bardziej ponieważ wydaje mi się, że zarzucają autorowi napisanie innej książki. Ale ok.
Z opiniami tymi łączy mnie jednak zastrzeżenie, że nie jestem fanem Beckhamów. Co „gorsza” nie jestem nawet fanem piłki nożnej, oglądanie meczów mnie nudzi bardziej niż szydełkowanie. A kibicowanie komukolwiek potrafi rozbawić.
Poczyniwszy powyższe uwagi przejdę do rzeczy. Książka ta pokazuje, że za efektowną publiczną kreacją istnieją ludzie, którzy prywatnie są innymi niż kreują się publicznie. Co za szok. 😀 Współczuję Victorii, bo pewnie ciężko jest żyć ze świadomością, że ukochany mężczyzna ciągle cię zdradza. Ale i to wspólczucie jest ograniczone, skoro po latach łączą ich tylko interesy.
Mimo wszystko, nie mam do Beckhamów żalu. Ich produktów nie kupuję. Fanem, jak wspomniałem, nie byłem. Dopóki nie próbują mi wciskać żadnych moralnych porad i nakazów - cóż mnie oni obchodzą?
Książka jest ciekawa, świetnie udokumentowana i przedstawia interesującą historię jak stworzono markę o globalnym zasięgu tak naprawdę z nikogo - z dobrego piłkarza, który umiał się wypromować i głodnej sławy mocno przeciętnej piosenkarki.
Z opiniami tymi łączy mnie jednak zastrzeżenie, że nie jestem fanem Beckhamów. Co „gorsza” nie jestem nawet fanem piłki nożnej, oglądanie meczów mnie nudzi bardziej niż szydełkowanie. A kibicowanie komukolwiek potrafi rozbawić.
Poczyniwszy powyższe uwagi przejdę do rzeczy. Książka ta pokazuje, że za efektowną publiczną kreacją istnieją ludzie, którzy prywatnie są innymi niż kreują się publicznie. Co za szok. 😀 Współczuję Victorii, bo pewnie ciężko jest żyć ze świadomością, że ukochany mężczyzna ciągle cię zdradza. Ale i to wspólczucie jest ograniczone, skoro po latach łączą ich tylko interesy.
Mimo wszystko, nie mam do Beckhamów żalu. Ich produktów nie kupuję. Fanem, jak wspomniałem, nie byłem. Dopóki nie próbują mi wciskać żadnych moralnych porad i nakazów - cóż mnie oni obchodzą?
Książka jest ciekawa, świetnie udokumentowana i przedstawia interesującą historię jak stworzono markę o globalnym zasięgu tak naprawdę z nikogo - z dobrego piłkarza, który umiał się wypromować i głodnej sławy mocno przeciętnej piosenkarki.
July 13, 2024
Its a well documented book on everything Beckham with its main source being gossip columns i guess. it got a bit boring when they talked about finances but i didnt really care about that. And the author totally hates Victoria lol why is it that she always brings out the worst in men she cant even breathe without getting hate on. David deserves more hate than what he gets and it says alot about society how he can get away with everything bc of his looks and stardom. He can commit tax evasion and then post a photo of harper and you have people calling him father of the year while ignoring the booty calls he had the week before. Honestly Victoria deserves to keep on having all the money she gets from him just by putting up with him. Many wish to have her life but not even 1% of them would survive 5 minutes being her. And at the end of the day Posh and Becks are quite iconic you cant deny their position in pop culture and the empire they built from nothing. They are quite fascinating people and honestly i believe in their love story, call me a hopeless romantic but they sell it well and im buying it.
August 31, 2025
„Домът на Бекъм“ от Том Бауъ – биографично заглавие, посветено на една от най-емблематичните фигури във футбола.
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*Домът на Бекъм“ – футбол отвъд мита
Бекъм винаги е бил нещо повече от футболист – той е културен феномен, съчетаващ спорт, мода, семейни ценности и глобална популярност. Том Бауър,познат със своите задълбочени и често безкомпромисни биографии, се заема със задачата да разглоби ореола на звездата и да покаже човека зад марката.
Книгата не е типичен хвалебствен портрет. Напротив – Бауъ често е скептичен и дори критичен. Той поставя въпроси: колко от величието на Бекъм се дължи на таланта му на терена и колко – на безупречния медиен мениджмънт? Какво се крие зад образа на „момчето от Източен Лондон, покорило света“? И дали цената на славата не е самата интимност – жертвана в името на глобалния бранд Beckham?
Особено силни са пасажите, в които се проследяват напреженията в съблекалнята на „Манчестър Юнайтед“ и отношенията му със сър Алекс Фъргюсън. Там р показва не само конфликта между треньор и звезда, а сблъсъка между старата школа във футбола и новата епоха, в която маркетингът започва да има същата тежест като играта.
Четенето на книгата е увлекателно, защото тя се движи на границата между спортната хроника и социалната биография. Феновете на футбола ще намерят интересни детайли за мачове, голове и трансфери, а любопитните към популярната култура ще открият анализ на това как един спортист се превръща в глобален символ.
Оценка*️⃣5
„Домът на Бекъм“ не е романтична приказка, а по-скоро реалистична анатомия на славата. Том Бауъ успява да покаже, че зад лъскавата фасада на блясък, модни корици и спонсорски договори се крие човек с амбиции, слабости и противоречия. Това прави книгата ценна – защото ни напомня, че дори най-големите идоли са изградени от плът и кръв, а не от маркетингови слогани.
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*Домът на Бекъм“ – футбол отвъд мита
Бекъм винаги е бил нещо повече от футболист – той е културен феномен, съчетаващ спорт, мода, семейни ценности и глобална популярност. Том Бауър,познат със своите задълбочени и често безкомпромисни биографии, се заема със задачата да разглоби ореола на звездата и да покаже човека зад марката.
Книгата не е типичен хвалебствен портрет. Напротив – Бауъ често е скептичен и дори критичен. Той поставя въпроси: колко от величието на Бекъм се дължи на таланта му на терена и колко – на безупречния медиен мениджмънт? Какво се крие зад образа на „момчето от Източен Лондон, покорило света“? И дали цената на славата не е самата интимност – жертвана в името на глобалния бранд Beckham?
Особено силни са пасажите, в които се проследяват напреженията в съблекалнята на „Манчестър Юнайтед“ и отношенията му със сър Алекс Фъргюсън. Там р показва не само конфликта между треньор и звезда, а сблъсъка между старата школа във футбола и новата епоха, в която маркетингът започва да има същата тежест като играта.
Четенето на книгата е увлекателно, защото тя се движи на границата между спортната хроника и социалната биография. Феновете на футбола ще намерят интересни детайли за мачове, голове и трансфери, а любопитните към популярната култура ще открият анализ на това как един спортист се превръща в глобален символ.
Оценка*️⃣5
„Домът на Бекъм“ не е романтична приказка, а по-скоро реалистична анатомия на славата. Том Бауъ успява да покаже, че зад лъскавата фасада на блясък, модни корици и спонсорски договори се крие човек с амбиции, слабости и противоречия. Това прави книгата ценна – защото ни напомня, че дори най-големите идоли са изградени от плът и кръв, а не от маркетингови слогани.
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July 27, 2024
A boring repetitive story about two people who come across as being unintelligent. I was sick and tired of Beckham's regular sexual exploits with other women. He is a serial philanderer. It sounded to me like there wasn't much of a marriage just a lucrative partnership with advertising etc. Beckham has no personality. Tom Bower is a very good writer but he needs better subject matter to write about than these two self centered stupid self obsessed people. I read it as according to the press Beckham and Prince William and Harry were friends. I can't see intelligent William really being able to communicate with this unintelligent man. I can understand Harry though as he is not the brightest button on the uniform.
September 5, 2025
As its hard for me to verify all information from book, but it shows how celebrites spend a lot of time to show themselves in good light, and how hard is to see reality, how much can be fake, and that its very hard to know which part is true which part is a lie in media.
Also how big is the machine of marketing even for celebrity like Beckham, how complex this can be to manage such brand, interesting.
Also how brands may have impacts in changing people’s opinion, constant need of Victoria to show them as good family, even with his constant cheating, still many people sees them as good family.
Regarding how book is written, I was bored, life of Beckhams is not very interesting for me, a lot of dates, facts, it was to much, I felt overwhelmed. In second part of the book, I was so tired, started getting lost in history of this family/brand/-s, that I wanted to finish it fast.
Also how big is the machine of marketing even for celebrity like Beckham, how complex this can be to manage such brand, interesting.
Also how brands may have impacts in changing people’s opinion, constant need of Victoria to show them as good family, even with his constant cheating, still many people sees them as good family.
Regarding how book is written, I was bored, life of Beckhams is not very interesting for me, a lot of dates, facts, it was to much, I felt overwhelmed. In second part of the book, I was so tired, started getting lost in history of this family/brand/-s, that I wanted to finish it fast.
July 5, 2024
Having read the book I would have thought any inaccuracies would have been met by an onslaught of legal documents being issued by the Beckhams, but it clearly passed legal scrutiny before publication. Its actually quite a sad book, so sad to see how ‘posh’ has sucked up the indiscretions to be famous and so sad that despite the best education her kids could have got, they are just part of the brand and will be ridiculed publicly for all of their endeavors at being famous..
July 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this book but it’s heavy on the accountancy side of their businesses. Apart from a lot of stats about shares, money etc it’s engaging and the narrator is fantastic. Especially when he quotes from both David and Victoria. He almost mimics their voices. Very interesting to hear about the PR spin on stories and the papers which printed the narrative of a happy marriage. Worth a read/listen definitely. Denise x
June 25, 2025
I should have known with the Title of what it is but it was like reading a Tabliod for a while book. Just scandal after scandal story.
October 27, 2025
this isn't worth your time.
August 16, 2024
What have the Beckhams ever done to you Mr Bower?
This book is nothing but a smear campaign with hatred for the couple dripping off every page.
Wish I’d never read it!
This book is nothing but a smear campaign with hatred for the couple dripping off every page.
Wish I’d never read it!
May 31, 2025
I wrote a review of this book and then inexplicably Goodreads said I was over the permitted word count. Not sure how this could be as it was less than 1000 words. Here goes at what I wrote from memory
“ My illusions of David and Victoria have been smashed by this book. I reached 48% through and actually couldn’t read any further. I am sicked my the serial philandering of David and the pathetic attempts by D and V to cover it up.
Football is blighted by serious corruption and how those responsible have never really been held to account is unforgivable.
Up to this point, I had wondered at Brooklyn Beckham’s estrangement from his parents. Yes, he may not have their talent if you want to call it that, but maybe he is just rebelling against their control of everything that comes out about Family Beckham.
I actually have no views of this family dynamic but the fact that Family Beckham have not issued legal proceedings about the contents of this book definitely suggests that the allegations are true. That is a really damning indictment.
I have taken a copy of this review as a precaution.
“ My illusions of David and Victoria have been smashed by this book. I reached 48% through and actually couldn’t read any further. I am sicked my the serial philandering of David and the pathetic attempts by D and V to cover it up.
Football is blighted by serious corruption and how those responsible have never really been held to account is unforgivable.
Up to this point, I had wondered at Brooklyn Beckham’s estrangement from his parents. Yes, he may not have their talent if you want to call it that, but maybe he is just rebelling against their control of everything that comes out about Family Beckham.
I actually have no views of this family dynamic but the fact that Family Beckham have not issued legal proceedings about the contents of this book definitely suggests that the allegations are true. That is a really damning indictment.
I have taken a copy of this review as a precaution.
July 12, 2024
This should’ve been such a fun summer shit-lit read and instead it was such a boringly written slog. I think I’d find an audiobook of David Beckham reading the Yellow Pages more entertaining than this.
July 13, 2024
This was so much fun, made me laugh out loud in places. Every time I thought they couldn’t get any worse they managed to. You have to give them some kudos if they are willing to make this much effort into fooling everyone
August 13, 2024
What a romp! Tom Bower proves once again that celebrities aren’t “just like us”— they’re much worse! A shocking exposé into the lifestyles and personalities of the very (but not ultra-) rich “celebrities.”
August 23, 2024
What's not to like?
Either all true or Tom has an excellent libel lawyer...!
Either all true or Tom has an excellent libel lawyer...!
August 26, 2024
I will never not devour one of Tom Bower’s spectacularly snarky, petulant and rollicking takedowns of the rich and famous. Gloriously mean, especially the quotes.
July 17, 2024
WOW!! What a read, that’s all I could say when I was reading this book, what a read. The book delves into the history of their relationship and all the negative and positive publicity surrounding them that they have received over the years. It goes into their financial arrangements and all the dealings with brands and charitable organisations that have occurred with David over the years. A lot of them have been made public already, but there are some which actually take your breath away because of the millions of dollars and pounds involved. There is also section on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex which frankly could’ve been left out because it doesn’t really cover anything constructive regarding the Beckhams. All it does is to rehash the negative incidences that have occurred in the papers already regarding Meghan and her issues with the Royal family. However, the picture section is very extensive and good.
From reading this book the impression that is given of David in his early years as a famous footballer, is that he is a sex mad fiend who is naive, self obsessed, overindulged, disrespectful and a hypocritical liar who is quite timid and soft-spoken. This is probably one of the reasons why he’s never been taken seriously and is usually branded an idiot who cannot read. Asides from all that he should really be kept away from women even though he says he’s very respectful of them. And in his later days, following the end of his football career, he tried and is still continuing to become a successful businessman. Because he doesn’t know the first thing about running a business, he is failing miserably wasting and losing millions of pounds on ventures which aren’t really suited to him, some of which he knows nothing about because it’s hidden from him.
Regarding trying to be a business woman, the same thing could be said about Victoria who, also trying her hand at being a fashion designer, has no idea how the fashion industry works. She doesn’t even know how to cut or sew or draw designs or anything that is considered creative and unique. And her business is still failing miserably, the only thing keeping it afloat is David’s money. Personally, I think that they both should have gone to university and studied for a Business degree because learning to run a business would’ve been in their best interest, then maybe they wouldn’t have wasted and continue to lose so much money, especially Victoria on her fashion Empire. Considering that both of them are money grabbing, money hungry and very selfish people who have no regards for anybody except themselves, not even their children have a look-in to how their parents would actually perform as parents.
And in reading the book, Victoria is portrayed as manipulative and extremely jealous. She is the string pulling puppet master behind the puppet that is David Beckham and possibly anyone else who stands in the way of her achievements. Yet Victoria is so loyal and faithful to David of which he isn’t worthy of this level of faithfulness towards him and it really is a wonder how or why they have remained married considering his egotistical womanising ways and his ever roving eye which continues to this day. I really don’t know how she put up with him for so long, I know I wouldn’t have allowed the relationship to survive for as long as it has if I were in her position.
From reading this book the impression that is given of David in his early years as a famous footballer, is that he is a sex mad fiend who is naive, self obsessed, overindulged, disrespectful and a hypocritical liar who is quite timid and soft-spoken. This is probably one of the reasons why he’s never been taken seriously and is usually branded an idiot who cannot read. Asides from all that he should really be kept away from women even though he says he’s very respectful of them. And in his later days, following the end of his football career, he tried and is still continuing to become a successful businessman. Because he doesn’t know the first thing about running a business, he is failing miserably wasting and losing millions of pounds on ventures which aren’t really suited to him, some of which he knows nothing about because it’s hidden from him.
Regarding trying to be a business woman, the same thing could be said about Victoria who, also trying her hand at being a fashion designer, has no idea how the fashion industry works. She doesn’t even know how to cut or sew or draw designs or anything that is considered creative and unique. And her business is still failing miserably, the only thing keeping it afloat is David’s money. Personally, I think that they both should have gone to university and studied for a Business degree because learning to run a business would’ve been in their best interest, then maybe they wouldn’t have wasted and continue to lose so much money, especially Victoria on her fashion Empire. Considering that both of them are money grabbing, money hungry and very selfish people who have no regards for anybody except themselves, not even their children have a look-in to how their parents would actually perform as parents.
And in reading the book, Victoria is portrayed as manipulative and extremely jealous. She is the string pulling puppet master behind the puppet that is David Beckham and possibly anyone else who stands in the way of her achievements. Yet Victoria is so loyal and faithful to David of which he isn’t worthy of this level of faithfulness towards him and it really is a wonder how or why they have remained married considering his egotistical womanising ways and his ever roving eye which continues to this day. I really don’t know how she put up with him for so long, I know I wouldn’t have allowed the relationship to survive for as long as it has if I were in her position.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
The House of Beckham is a 339 page unauthorised novel written by best selling author, Tom Bower, on the international power couple David Beckham and his wife Victoria ( aka Posh). The book was published in June 2024 by Harper Collins.
The book covers the life of David Beckham from early child hood, being trained by his Man United besotted father supported by his wife Sandra.
Tracing his first game with Manchester, and his success and later signings with various English
and European clubs, including Real Madrid.
Of course it features 'that' Kick and goal that changed everything for him and set him on a stellar trajectory, making oodles of money, and marring one of the Spice Girls, and beding many others.
The book sets out to show the other side, following the Beckham produced Netflix series, which showcased both the Beckhams in a kind and outstanding light .
The author has done some extensive research, although a great amount of the the sourcing from the tabloids that already covered the couple. He follows the myriad of companies that money was shepherded through ,minimising the tax payable in UK, through and around International countries's tax code.
Bower also documents the money paid and transfers of the clubs that David played for including LA Galaxy, and newly formed and part owned Miami FC.
At the heart of the story is the protection of the Beckham Brand, and the extent to which David financed his wife's, less than successful fashion label business. Last amount was to the extent of financing a$38 million dollar loss although supported by some of the world's A listers and torist backed Qatar.
It showed both to be narcissistic, greed and guiltless when ditching coaches, partners and mentors.
The books chapters and topics include:
* transfer and stint at Real Madrid
* his stormy relationship towards the end with his father figure and coach, Sir Alex Ferguson
* pursuit of a knighthood
* philandering and denials 0f affairs
* his achieving more than 100 caps for England, even when his form may not have warranted.
Behind it all seemed to be an agreement between the two to protect the brand at all costs, as wholesome, and family first.
Personally I nearly tossed the book half-way through, as I was greatly put off by his lying and
bluffing of his family and fans about his fidelity. His values grated with mine. However I pushed on to complete the tome
Whist i didn't hold both in good standing, it did show , she that his fans were not troubled by all the escapades.
It seemed they had the teflon calibre image that fans were willing to overlook. It would seem everyones is entitled to their belief in their Camelot, or a place where such people can live with out judgement of condemnation.
This was to captured in Bowers last paragraph of the book.
" For their critics, the Beckhams illusion of the lack of substance concealed their indifference much beyond themselves.
Yet for the millions of followers it is the unparalleled success of the creator of house of Beckham, that both excites admiration and offers everlasting entertainment.
The book covers the life of David Beckham from early child hood, being trained by his Man United besotted father supported by his wife Sandra.
Tracing his first game with Manchester, and his success and later signings with various English
and European clubs, including Real Madrid.
Of course it features 'that' Kick and goal that changed everything for him and set him on a stellar trajectory, making oodles of money, and marring one of the Spice Girls, and beding many others.
The book sets out to show the other side, following the Beckham produced Netflix series, which showcased both the Beckhams in a kind and outstanding light .
The author has done some extensive research, although a great amount of the the sourcing from the tabloids that already covered the couple. He follows the myriad of companies that money was shepherded through ,minimising the tax payable in UK, through and around International countries's tax code.
Bower also documents the money paid and transfers of the clubs that David played for including LA Galaxy, and newly formed and part owned Miami FC.
At the heart of the story is the protection of the Beckham Brand, and the extent to which David financed his wife's, less than successful fashion label business. Last amount was to the extent of financing a$38 million dollar loss although supported by some of the world's A listers and torist backed Qatar.
It showed both to be narcissistic, greed and guiltless when ditching coaches, partners and mentors.
The books chapters and topics include:
* transfer and stint at Real Madrid
* his stormy relationship towards the end with his father figure and coach, Sir Alex Ferguson
* pursuit of a knighthood
* philandering and denials 0f affairs
* his achieving more than 100 caps for England, even when his form may not have warranted.
Behind it all seemed to be an agreement between the two to protect the brand at all costs, as wholesome, and family first.
Personally I nearly tossed the book half-way through, as I was greatly put off by his lying and
bluffing of his family and fans about his fidelity. His values grated with mine. However I pushed on to complete the tome
Whist i didn't hold both in good standing, it did show , she that his fans were not troubled by all the escapades.
It seemed they had the teflon calibre image that fans were willing to overlook. It would seem everyones is entitled to their belief in their Camelot, or a place where such people can live with out judgement of condemnation.
This was to captured in Bowers last paragraph of the book.
" For their critics, the Beckhams illusion of the lack of substance concealed their indifference much beyond themselves.
Yet for the millions of followers it is the unparalleled success of the creator of house of Beckham, that both excites admiration and offers everlasting entertainment.
July 17, 2025
Cześć. Czy śledzicie poczynania sławnych ludzi w mediach? A może macie swoich ulubionych celebrytów?
Ja muszę przyznać , że do tego stopnia nie interesuję się tematem, że nawet nie wiem kto jest teraz na topie wśród gwiazd 🤭. Ale jeszcze kilka lat temu sytuacja wyglądała nieco inaczej, lubiłam przyglądać się życiu celebrytów i zastanawiać się czemu właściwie zawdzięczają swój sukces. Wówczas, jednym z najczęściej opisywanych w tabloidach duetów byli Victoria i Dawid Beckham. Przystojny emertowany piłkarz i elegancka była Spice Girls wciąż przyciągają uwagę i intrygują, dlatego kiedy pojawiła się książka Toma Bowera pt. "Marka Beckham. Pieniądze, seks i władza" o życiu sławnej pary, z przyjemnością zabrałam się do czytania. Zapraszam do przeczytania recenzji:
Za egzemplarz książki serdecznie dziękuję Wydawnictwu HarperCollins @harpercollinspolska
📌 Od razu wam się przyznam, że czytanie tej książki przypominało mi trochę jazdę na rollercoasterze, z jednej strony informacje o życiu rodzinnym i prowadzeniu biznesu modowego i sportowego w tym kulisy transferów piłkarskich były szalenie ciekawe, z drugiej agresywny i prześmiewczy styl pisania autora chwilami bardzo mnie irytował i zniechęcał do dalszego czytania książki.
📌 Ale od początku 😀 Ta historia rozpoczyna się w latach 90 tych kiedy Victoria była u szczytu sławy robiąc muzyczną karierę w Spice Girls, a David stawał się coraz bardziej znanym piłkarzem. Oboje piękni, młodzi i ambitni od początku przyciągali uwagę medialną.
📌 Od początku też kreowali wizerunek pary idealnej, która z łatwością łączy show-biznes, modę, piłkę i życie rodzinne. Ale jak wiadomo ideały nie istnieją, a już na pewno nie, gdy w tle stoją ogromne pieniądze i desperackie pragnienie sławy połączone z kultem siebie samego. Co jakiś czas do prasy wypływały niewygodne dla pary informacje, które burzyły jej perfekcyjny wizerunek.
📌 Tom Bower przeprowadził skrupulatne dziennikarskie śledztwo prowadząc rozmowy z ekspertami i osobami z otoczenia słynnej pary oraz analizując liczne artykuły prasowe i na tej podstawie powstała ta książka. O ile romanse Dawida czy wpadki modowe Posh mniej mnie interesowały o tyle funkcjonowanie i skomplikowane, często niejasne gigantyczne przepływy pieniężne pomiędzy licznymi firmami Beckhamów były na prawdę bardzo interesujące.
📌 Przyznam, że początkowo trudno mi było przekonać się do tej książki ze względu na sarkastyczny i jednostronny styl pisarski autora, który nie pasował mi do wizerunku doświadczonego dziennikarza śledczego i biografa. Tym niemniej książka bardzo zyskuje w miarę czytania i pod koniec w pełni zrozumiałam punkt widzenia autora, doceniłam okraszony ironią humor i bardzo dobrze przeprowadzone śledztwo dziennikarskie. Książkę z czystym sumieniem polecam żeby przekonać się że piękne obrazy, którymi karmią nas media często nie mają nic wspólnego z rzeczywistością i prawdziwym życiem.
Ja muszę przyznać , że do tego stopnia nie interesuję się tematem, że nawet nie wiem kto jest teraz na topie wśród gwiazd 🤭. Ale jeszcze kilka lat temu sytuacja wyglądała nieco inaczej, lubiłam przyglądać się życiu celebrytów i zastanawiać się czemu właściwie zawdzięczają swój sukces. Wówczas, jednym z najczęściej opisywanych w tabloidach duetów byli Victoria i Dawid Beckham. Przystojny emertowany piłkarz i elegancka była Spice Girls wciąż przyciągają uwagę i intrygują, dlatego kiedy pojawiła się książka Toma Bowera pt. "Marka Beckham. Pieniądze, seks i władza" o życiu sławnej pary, z przyjemnością zabrałam się do czytania. Zapraszam do przeczytania recenzji:
Za egzemplarz książki serdecznie dziękuję Wydawnictwu HarperCollins @harpercollinspolska
📌 Od razu wam się przyznam, że czytanie tej książki przypominało mi trochę jazdę na rollercoasterze, z jednej strony informacje o życiu rodzinnym i prowadzeniu biznesu modowego i sportowego w tym kulisy transferów piłkarskich były szalenie ciekawe, z drugiej agresywny i prześmiewczy styl pisania autora chwilami bardzo mnie irytował i zniechęcał do dalszego czytania książki.
📌 Ale od początku 😀 Ta historia rozpoczyna się w latach 90 tych kiedy Victoria była u szczytu sławy robiąc muzyczną karierę w Spice Girls, a David stawał się coraz bardziej znanym piłkarzem. Oboje piękni, młodzi i ambitni od początku przyciągali uwagę medialną.
📌 Od początku też kreowali wizerunek pary idealnej, która z łatwością łączy show-biznes, modę, piłkę i życie rodzinne. Ale jak wiadomo ideały nie istnieją, a już na pewno nie, gdy w tle stoją ogromne pieniądze i desperackie pragnienie sławy połączone z kultem siebie samego. Co jakiś czas do prasy wypływały niewygodne dla pary informacje, które burzyły jej perfekcyjny wizerunek.
📌 Tom Bower przeprowadził skrupulatne dziennikarskie śledztwo prowadząc rozmowy z ekspertami i osobami z otoczenia słynnej pary oraz analizując liczne artykuły prasowe i na tej podstawie powstała ta książka. O ile romanse Dawida czy wpadki modowe Posh mniej mnie interesowały o tyle funkcjonowanie i skomplikowane, często niejasne gigantyczne przepływy pieniężne pomiędzy licznymi firmami Beckhamów były na prawdę bardzo interesujące.
📌 Przyznam, że początkowo trudno mi było przekonać się do tej książki ze względu na sarkastyczny i jednostronny styl pisarski autora, który nie pasował mi do wizerunku doświadczonego dziennikarza śledczego i biografa. Tym niemniej książka bardzo zyskuje w miarę czytania i pod koniec w pełni zrozumiałam punkt widzenia autora, doceniłam okraszony ironią humor i bardzo dobrze przeprowadzone śledztwo dziennikarskie. Książkę z czystym sumieniem polecam żeby przekonać się że piękne obrazy, którymi karmią nas media często nie mają nic wspólnego z rzeczywistością i prawdziwym życiem.
June 28, 2024
A very guilty pleasure read for me: it's a bit like Heat magazine on steroids but with none of the kowtowing to 'celebrities' that is a must for popular journalism if you're going to get your gossipy story.
Not knowing much about either of the Beckhams other than what I've picked up by cultural osmosis, I found this jaw dropping: the famous women Beckham has successfully pursued, getting steadily sleazier as he's grown older and they're still young; the non-dom legal tax evasions; the complicated business affairs of financial vehicles to make public accounts as obscure as possible; the meanness of not tipping and only making charity donations for strategic reasons and preferably getting a sponsor to pay; the fiasco of Victoria's quest for post-Spice Girls fame; the use of their children to try to keep up with the Kardashians; the complete lack of moral compass (Qatar world cup, anyone?) that means money overrules everything.
I didn't get the impression Bower has a particular or personal axe to grind. This exposure of Thatcher's children who know the cost of everything and the value of nothing, as they say, is as much indictment of late capitalism in a moral and ethical vacuum as anything else. And what it reminded me of in literary terms is Undine Spragg in The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton: so much investment in Brand Beckham, so many yachts and houses, so much vanity and narcissism, so many famous friends who drop or get dropped, so many NDAs and press set ups and posed shots to try to create an aura of a perfect life and marriage... so much deception, self-delusion, nastiness, sleaze and financial manipulations that just stay on the right side of legal.
This goes right up to early 2024 and the Brooklyn wedding. And the fact that had the greatest cut-through for me: neither Victoria nor David have ever read a whole book in their lives. Or maybe when Victoria boasts about the size of David's penis. Yes, they're that kind of couple.
If you're a fan of either Beckham and want to stay that way then best not read this - me, I was riveted, horrified and amused in equal measure.
Not knowing much about either of the Beckhams other than what I've picked up by cultural osmosis, I found this jaw dropping: the famous women Beckham has successfully pursued, getting steadily sleazier as he's grown older and they're still young; the non-dom legal tax evasions; the complicated business affairs of financial vehicles to make public accounts as obscure as possible; the meanness of not tipping and only making charity donations for strategic reasons and preferably getting a sponsor to pay; the fiasco of Victoria's quest for post-Spice Girls fame; the use of their children to try to keep up with the Kardashians; the complete lack of moral compass (Qatar world cup, anyone?) that means money overrules everything.
I didn't get the impression Bower has a particular or personal axe to grind. This exposure of Thatcher's children who know the cost of everything and the value of nothing, as they say, is as much indictment of late capitalism in a moral and ethical vacuum as anything else. And what it reminded me of in literary terms is Undine Spragg in The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton: so much investment in Brand Beckham, so many yachts and houses, so much vanity and narcissism, so many famous friends who drop or get dropped, so many NDAs and press set ups and posed shots to try to create an aura of a perfect life and marriage... so much deception, self-delusion, nastiness, sleaze and financial manipulations that just stay on the right side of legal.
This goes right up to early 2024 and the Brooklyn wedding. And the fact that had the greatest cut-through for me: neither Victoria nor David have ever read a whole book in their lives. Or maybe when Victoria boasts about the size of David's penis. Yes, they're that kind of couple.
If you're a fan of either Beckham and want to stay that way then best not read this - me, I was riveted, horrified and amused in equal measure.
December 8, 2024
Tom Bower's “The House of Beckham: Money, Sex and Power” is an unauthorized biography of David and Victoria Beckham aims to provide a critical examination of the couple's public personas, exploring the complexities behind their seemingly perfect image and the controversies surrounding their lives.
Bower, known for his investigative journalism, delves into various aspects of the Beckhams' lives, including their financial dealings, personal relationships, and the management of their public image. The biography follows the release of the Netflix documentary Beckham, which presented a more polished view of their lives, contrasting with Bower's more scandalous narrative. The author claims to reveal new insights into the couple's marriage, alleged infidelities, and business practices, while also revisiting many tabloid stories that have circulated over the years.
The book addresses several key themes and allegations surrounding the Beckhams, including financial controversies such as tax avoidance and mismanagement, personal scandals involving David Beckham's alleged infidelities, and a public image that contrasts sharply with the reality of their relationship, which is portrayed as less genuine than their carefully crafted public persona suggests. Additionally, Bower's sensationalist tone and focus on tabloid gossip are criticized for recycling old media coverage without offering substantial new insights.
The book The House of Beckham offers a provocative exploration of David and Victoria Beckham's lives, shedding light on celebrity branding, public perception, and high-profile relationships. It provides insight into how the Beckhams manage their public image and how scandals impact their public persona, prompting reflection on fame versus privacy and societal expectations. The book's analysis of class dynamics and its entertaining, scandal-filled narrative cater to those interested in the complexities of celebrity culture.
Overall, while The House of Beckham may temporarily stir controversy and challenge the couple's public image, the enduring strength of their brand and the familiarity of the allegations may mitigate any lasting negative effects. The Beckhams' well-established public persona and marketing savvy could help them navigate the fallout from this latest exposé.
Bower, known for his investigative journalism, delves into various aspects of the Beckhams' lives, including their financial dealings, personal relationships, and the management of their public image. The biography follows the release of the Netflix documentary Beckham, which presented a more polished view of their lives, contrasting with Bower's more scandalous narrative. The author claims to reveal new insights into the couple's marriage, alleged infidelities, and business practices, while also revisiting many tabloid stories that have circulated over the years.
The book addresses several key themes and allegations surrounding the Beckhams, including financial controversies such as tax avoidance and mismanagement, personal scandals involving David Beckham's alleged infidelities, and a public image that contrasts sharply with the reality of their relationship, which is portrayed as less genuine than their carefully crafted public persona suggests. Additionally, Bower's sensationalist tone and focus on tabloid gossip are criticized for recycling old media coverage without offering substantial new insights.
The book The House of Beckham offers a provocative exploration of David and Victoria Beckham's lives, shedding light on celebrity branding, public perception, and high-profile relationships. It provides insight into how the Beckhams manage their public image and how scandals impact their public persona, prompting reflection on fame versus privacy and societal expectations. The book's analysis of class dynamics and its entertaining, scandal-filled narrative cater to those interested in the complexities of celebrity culture.
Overall, while The House of Beckham may temporarily stir controversy and challenge the couple's public image, the enduring strength of their brand and the familiarity of the allegations may mitigate any lasting negative effects. The Beckhams' well-established public persona and marketing savvy could help them navigate the fallout from this latest exposé.
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