The Beatles' Shadow: Stuart Sutcliffe & His Lonely Hearts Club

by Pauline Sutcliffe, Douglas Thomas

A poignant memoir of the forgotten Beatle, Stuart Sutcliffe, and a remarkable account of the early days of the world's most influential pop group. Stuart Sutcliffe is the most famous contender for the crown of 'fifth Beatle'. One of the founding members, a close friend of Lennon, he left the band after their Hamburg sojourn in order to pursue his promising career as an artist, dying shortly thereafter of a brain haemorrage. For years his sister Pauline has tried to protect his memory against the Beatles' need to sanitise their early history and now she is ready to tell the real story. In doing so she sheds new light on their formative period - the rivalry with McCartney, how George Harrison tried to keep the peace, the truth about Stuart's intense relationship with Lennon and why Lennon was haunted by guilt over her brother's death. And she describes what it was like for those like herself and Cynthia Lennon who have lived with the Beatles in their lives all their lives, although this was not of their choosing. Drawing on her own memories as well as the many letters in her possession. Pauline Sutcliffe shares her unique insight into the young men who became the Beatles. But above all this book is a loving tribute to Stuart, who died at the age of twenty-one, but whose contribution to the Beatles lives on.

Genres: Music, Biography

247 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by his sister Pauline who is a psychotherapist, it provides an unique, unflinching perspective from someone who was right there. Her writing isn't great, the book did have a very conversational tone, though, and the reader can tell she's just talking about what she knows. She shares Stuart's letters, which are so striking it's easy to see why he and John Lennon were best friends. She also shares her thoughts on the relationship between the two young men, which will come as a surprise. Hard to believe he was only 21 when he died. Truly the art world and the world in general's great loss.

[Kelley York · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book I enjoyed, but went back and forth on. Pauline Sutcliffe has very, very opinionated views on How Things Were, and of her brother's importance on the formation of the Beatles, as well as John's role in Stuart's death. I feel she skewed or got wrong some of the facts, of which I've read many other accounts stating things otherwise. Who knows who is right, of course.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read and a fun look into Stuart's life and the reactions of his family after his death. Seeing his letters was the hilight of the book for me, as well as hearing how his family has struggled to keep his legacy alive, and their dealings with Astrid (who I like a little less after reading this book).

[Maureen Cooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating. Answers some of the questions you may have wondered about reading other Beatles biographies. Loved the movie Backbeat too.

[Rosanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuart Sutcliffe was truly the 5th Beatle. This is his story as told by his sister. It's a bittersweet story about a young man gone too soon and the painful truth of the Beatles rise to fame and fortune. I can't agree totally with Paulines view that he has been forgotten by the Beatles. I can recall always knowing of him from the words of the Beatles themselves. It's been 45 years, and his impact on art and style of that era are evident. This book is difficult to read for a true fan like myself, and that's alright. This book made me curious to see and read more. I hope I get to see an exhibit of his work someday.

[Jordan Phizacklea-Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An affecting, evocative and spirited first-hand account of the life of Stuart Sutcliffe, 'the other lost Beatle', charting his Liverpool youth, young adulthood in Hamburg, as an artist his developmentand towards his tragically early death at the age of 22. Not just for Beatlemaniacs (though it probably helps), Pauline Sutcliffe's book is both a moving tribute to her brother's life and work as well as an invaluable account of an oft-overlooked chapter in one of the 20th century's biggest pop culture stories.

[Pm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange. Very evocative of the period. I could do without the Psychology-Today style analysis. Also she chooses to accept as fact details from Goldman's scurrilous biography and Guiliani's hack biography. Very odd.

Maybe Stuart had sex with John - good for them if so -but only they know, and everything else is guesswork. More seriously she accuses Lennon of kicking Stuart in the head and causing his fatal brain aneurism - something only the cheap-and-nasty Goldman believes. John was a violent bully, but that does not mean he killed Sutcliffe. The regrets he had could mean anything.

One thing struck me - doctors saying there was nothing wrong with Stuart, despite his appalling headaches, and treating him as a skiver. How horribly familiar such an attitude towards young people with serious illness still is.

Please don't let this be the only biog you read, if this interest you. Books that see Lennon as a saint or as a murderer need to be treated with great caution.

[Emerson Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fought to finish this book for months simply because every time I’d read a new piece of info it’d depress the crap outta me, I’d go tell Aaliyah and then sit and think about it for a week. Stuart U sweet little artists soul you asshole and weirdo and how wonderful you are… Finished this on the bus and got choked up a bit, the driver saw me cos he was on his break. Good little book.. messily made but hey who cares

“Nothing with The Beatles is simple..” ☹️

[Nigel Sutcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beatles' Shadow: Stuart Sutcliffe & His Lonely Hearts Club, by Pauline Sutcliffe, is widely praised as an essential, honest, and moving account of Stuart's life, art (often ahead of its time!), and tragic early death, offering deep insights into the formative Beatles years, John Lennon's guilt, and family struggles against the band's myth-making, though some find Pauline's views very subjective. Readers call it a sad but vital read for fans seeking the "real" story beyond sanitized Beatles history, highlighting Stuart's crucial role as the "Fifth Beatle" and an exceptional artist.
Key takeaways from reviews:
Authentic Perspective: Written by his sister, it offers a personal, close-up view, countering other accounts and myths about Stuart.
Focus on Art: Many reviewers highlight Stuart's immense artistic talent, suggesting he would have been huge in art if he'd lived, as he was "decades ahead of his time".
Inside the Early Beatles: Provides rich details on the dynamics between Stuart, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney, the rivalry, and Lennon's deep guilt over Stuart's passing.
Emotional & Sad: The book is described as moving, bittersweet, and poignant, revealing the pain his family endured and their fight to keep his legacy alive.
Subjectivity: Some readers note Pauline's strong opinions and bias, particularly regarding the Beatles' portrayal of events, but still find it a valuable read.
Must-Read for Fans: Considered essential for Beatles fans wanting a deeper understanding of their roots and the pivotal role Stuart played before his death at 21.
Best descriptions:
"An excellent insight into the early years when The Beatles were forming... [Offers] nice understanding of John Lennon's personality and dynamics between Stu, John and others, especially Paul".
"A very honest account of what Stuart Sutcliffe was like in his short life. There have been so many carying tales/myths around him so it has been good to read an account from someone so very close to him... excellent!".
"A fascinating memoir is, above all, a loving tribute to a brother, whose contribution to the Beatles' legend lives on".