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If Only You Knew
THE SENSATIONAL, INSTANT
SUNDAY TIMES
BESTSELLER
Pop legend Lulu looks back over her astonishing life with fresh eyes, reflecting on all she has learnt.
From the tenements of Glasgow to the Royal Albert Hall and the glittering lights of Lulu's journey to fame and fortune is like no other British pop star. When she was 14 years old, she was invited down to London to sing, and the rest is history. She stepped into a part she played for the next 60 years. A part she played so well that she gradually lost who she was, becoming the version of herself she thought others wanted to see.
The book charts the highs and the lows of one of the longest running shows in British rock and roll history. It is the story of one woman's determination to stay real, relevant and happy, and one which ultimately reveals a woman who is far stronger and far braver than anyone knew.
This is a pop memoir like no other.
Pop legend Lulu looks back over her astonishing life with fresh eyes, reflecting on all she has learnt.
From the tenements of Glasgow to the Royal Albert Hall and the glittering lights of Lulu's journey to fame and fortune is like no other British pop star. When she was 14 years old, she was invited down to London to sing, and the rest is history. She stepped into a part she played for the next 60 years. A part she played so well that she gradually lost who she was, becoming the version of herself she thought others wanted to see.
The book charts the highs and the lows of one of the longest running shows in British rock and roll history. It is the story of one woman's determination to stay real, relevant and happy, and one which ultimately reveals a woman who is far stronger and far braver than anyone knew.
This is a pop memoir like no other.
- GenresBiography
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Published September 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 27, 2025
My motivation for reading Lulu's autobiography stemmed from two reasons. Firstly, I watched an interview in which she expressed that she had never fully revealed her true self and, for many years, had acted in a way she believed others expected her to. I could relate to this. Secondly, considering she's been in show business since 1964, I expected that she would have some good stories to share.
To my delight, I was immediately engrossed by Lulu's narrative and read the entire book in just two sittings. The short yet detailed chapters help to make it very easy to digest.
In "If Only You Knew," Lulu appears to be completely honest and open. She reveals the challenges of her difficult childhood in Glasgow, raised by parents she obviously loved, but who both had their demons. This was a time when people were not as open and willing to talk about their struggles as they are today. I find it sad that her parents never received the help they would likely be offered in the present day.
Similarly, she discusses in intimate detail her two failed marriages: the first with Bee Gee Maurice Gibb, and the second with hairdresser John Frieda, with whom she has a son, Jordon. I was particularly interested in the numerous anecdotes about the famous people she met and worked with, including Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Elton John, and Take That, to name just a few.
Lulu has had a remarkable career, successfully navigating the worlds of music, film, stage acting, TV presenting, and songwriting, among other achievements. However, she is the first to admit that she isn't proud of all aspects of it.
I enjoyed reading about her original manager, Marion, who navigated Lulu's career as best as she could and very well. She invested so much of her time in her for over twenty-five years. It appears that they lost touch after she retired, and I wonder if Lulu regrets that now? Although the things Marion encouraged her to do might not have been 'cool,' she helped to keep her in the public gaze and made her a lot of money. I did expect Lulu to offer a somewhat deeper, warmer tribute to this lady who became her segregate mother, and I was left with the feeling that Marion bid farewell to Lulu feeling underappreciated. It must have been upsetting for her to have dropped from Lulu's world when the work she was finding her began to wear thin with the woman who seemed to have been primarily focused on making great records.
Although she had many hits in the 1960s with Mickie Most, she wasn't always satisfied with the material, which she likens to “nursery rhymes.” I felt her frustration and embarrassment when, in 1986, she was asked to re-record her 1964 hit "Shout" and her label decided her next release should be a cover of "My Boy Lollipop." She deserved better material, and having listened to songs like "Oh Me Oh My" and ''Where the Poor Boys Dance'', I think it’s a pity she doesn't have a more consistent chart history of quality songs, like that of Dusty Springfield, whom she admired very much. The lady can sing! She is so much more than ''Shout.''
Fans of Lulu's music and those interested in learning about her career and personal life, which are nicely balanced, will not be disappointed with this book. My one minor criticism is that I expected a larger picture section; there aren't many photographs in the one insert. However, Google is my friend. In terms of writing, though, I must say, "If Only You Knew" is one of the better-written memoirs I have read recently, and the content is interesting. I don’t think that you even have to be a Lulu fan to enjoy it, but it will probably win her a few more admirers. This is a book I will keep to read again!
To my delight, I was immediately engrossed by Lulu's narrative and read the entire book in just two sittings. The short yet detailed chapters help to make it very easy to digest.
In "If Only You Knew," Lulu appears to be completely honest and open. She reveals the challenges of her difficult childhood in Glasgow, raised by parents she obviously loved, but who both had their demons. This was a time when people were not as open and willing to talk about their struggles as they are today. I find it sad that her parents never received the help they would likely be offered in the present day.
Similarly, she discusses in intimate detail her two failed marriages: the first with Bee Gee Maurice Gibb, and the second with hairdresser John Frieda, with whom she has a son, Jordon. I was particularly interested in the numerous anecdotes about the famous people she met and worked with, including Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Elton John, and Take That, to name just a few.
Lulu has had a remarkable career, successfully navigating the worlds of music, film, stage acting, TV presenting, and songwriting, among other achievements. However, she is the first to admit that she isn't proud of all aspects of it.
I enjoyed reading about her original manager, Marion, who navigated Lulu's career as best as she could and very well. She invested so much of her time in her for over twenty-five years. It appears that they lost touch after she retired, and I wonder if Lulu regrets that now? Although the things Marion encouraged her to do might not have been 'cool,' she helped to keep her in the public gaze and made her a lot of money. I did expect Lulu to offer a somewhat deeper, warmer tribute to this lady who became her segregate mother, and I was left with the feeling that Marion bid farewell to Lulu feeling underappreciated. It must have been upsetting for her to have dropped from Lulu's world when the work she was finding her began to wear thin with the woman who seemed to have been primarily focused on making great records.
Although she had many hits in the 1960s with Mickie Most, she wasn't always satisfied with the material, which she likens to “nursery rhymes.” I felt her frustration and embarrassment when, in 1986, she was asked to re-record her 1964 hit "Shout" and her label decided her next release should be a cover of "My Boy Lollipop." She deserved better material, and having listened to songs like "Oh Me Oh My" and ''Where the Poor Boys Dance'', I think it’s a pity she doesn't have a more consistent chart history of quality songs, like that of Dusty Springfield, whom she admired very much. The lady can sing! She is so much more than ''Shout.''
Fans of Lulu's music and those interested in learning about her career and personal life, which are nicely balanced, will not be disappointed with this book. My one minor criticism is that I expected a larger picture section; there aren't many photographs in the one insert. However, Google is my friend. In terms of writing, though, I must say, "If Only You Knew" is one of the better-written memoirs I have read recently, and the content is interesting. I don’t think that you even have to be a Lulu fan to enjoy it, but it will probably win her a few more admirers. This is a book I will keep to read again!
November 20, 2025
A very open and honest autobiography.
I had read her previous autobiography some years ago, but this is more raw and revealing.
Lulu has had a fantastic career spanning over sixty years and encompassing music, film, stage and TV.
I learnt how she succumbed to the bosses at the beginning of her career and had to grin and carry on.
However after two marriages and years in the business, she took more control releasing material she wanted to, whether it was a hit or not, and started writing acclaimed songs with her brother.
Success took its toll and with her parental background of alcohol and physical abuse, she broke down only to learn and come out fighting.
A great story and a lesson to us all about the price of fame and the benefits of being grounded.
I really enjoyed it.
I had read her previous autobiography some years ago, but this is more raw and revealing.
Lulu has had a fantastic career spanning over sixty years and encompassing music, film, stage and TV.
I learnt how she succumbed to the bosses at the beginning of her career and had to grin and carry on.
However after two marriages and years in the business, she took more control releasing material she wanted to, whether it was a hit or not, and started writing acclaimed songs with her brother.
Success took its toll and with her parental background of alcohol and physical abuse, she broke down only to learn and come out fighting.
A great story and a lesson to us all about the price of fame and the benefits of being grounded.
I really enjoyed it.
November 15, 2025
Vibrant personality !! Loved the book, although felt some parts were skipped over (not mentioned).
Can't seem to change the book edition, as it wasn't an audible audio, but hardbound book. Don't think an audio book was ever in the works. Still an enjoyable read.
Can't seem to change the book edition, as it wasn't an audible audio, but hardbound book. Don't think an audio book was ever in the works. Still an enjoyable read.
October 6, 2025
I’ve never been a fan of lulu, but some of the things I read in this book surprised me, I won’t go into detail as I don’t want to spoil the book for other readers
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews