Love, Groucho: Letters From Groucho Marx To His Daughter Miriam

by Miriam Marx Allen, Dick Cavett (Foreword by)

For everyone who still can't get enough of this legendary wit (and excellent writer), here is an extraordinary collection of almost two hundred letters by Groucho Marx. Following a close filial relationship as it unfolds week by week, year by year, these letters move through three decades of from the vagaries of Groucho's career in film, radio, and television, through two divorces and two remarriages, to Miriam's own often tumultuous young adulthood. In his own inimitable fashion, Groucho advises his daughter about her schoolwork, writing, career, growing up, and growing old. He also discusses theater, film, books, and politics with a candor that will surprise and delight even his most knowledgeable fans. Accompanied by photographs from Miriam's personal albums, Love, Groucho reveals a man deeply concerned with his family, a sometimes firm, always loving father who never hesitated to say exactly what he thought.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Humor, History

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 1992

Reviews

[Jan C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably 3 1/2.

Didn't know it took me 12 years to read this. So I guess just dipped in it for little bits at a time, much like reading Benchley. Miriam chose the letters and many of them deal with her problems with mental health and alcoholism. Just his side, not the letters she may have written him.

But it was pretty interesting.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really sure how I feel about this collection of letters- Groucho's words are always interesting to read, but these were quite personal, and at times, I felt rather too voyeur-ish. I certainly felt bad for Miriam's many problems, but they weren't really what I was expecting to read about, and again, they were a bit personal. The whole thing left me rather uncomfortable, and I sort of wish I hadn't read it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of feels. Shows a Groucho who loves his daughter, cares about politics, and worries about money. He seemed an understanding parent. It's also a look at how alcoholism affects those around the one with the illness. I had no idea so many people close to him struggled with substance abuse.

It's quite touching hearing his own words to his daughter.

[Tony Delgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read but I wish there were more explanatory notes to explain the context behind many of these letters.

Groucho's marital decisions seem ill-advised throughout.

[Lacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish there had been more backstories by Miriam on the content of these letters. But, still, it’s wonderful to read these letters and have Groucho’s voice in my head.

[Ali Tehrani · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love Groucho Marx, and I think only if you love Groucho Marx, this book is definitely worth reading.

I didn't find the letters to be uproariously funny or witty, though Groucho's wit clearly shined through his letters at times. I think these were simply very tender letters from a doting father to his beloved daughter.

The letters let me see Groucho as he was, a man, one devoted to the well-being of his daughter.

[Herzog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Groucho's wit makes this book worthwhile reading. These letters, written to his daughter, make for interesting reading. I was unfamiliar with his personal tribulations which you get some sense of here. Even more so, the difficulties of the daughter herself makes up an engrossing subplot.

[John Lyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very unique approach to what could be termed a biography or autobiography. Miriam Marx shares her difficult life through her father's letters/monologues. The story could have been greatly enhanced by the inclusion of many more comments by Miriam.

[Samantha Glasser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this as a book on tape (when they really were on tape). It isn't a long book but it is pleasant and it gives us a glimpse into what Groucho was like when he wasn't "on" for an audience.

[David Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote = “The only real laughter comes from despair.”

[Eric Aaron Lizer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly short.

[Damian Kinsella · Rating 3 out of 5]

If Mark Twain was the original funny american, Groucho fell in line somewhere close behind him. This is a great window into his personal life, his biting wit, and his fractured family. The audiobook on this one is amazing as it's voiced by Frank Ferrante, who does a near chilling imitation of Groucho, down to the inflection of certain woids.

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet, wonderful, funny, engaging and endearing collection. It would stand on its own just as a window into a warm relationship between any father and daughter. That it is a record of this icon of American cinematic and early TV humor is a real treasure.

[Linda Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching, bittersweet look into the personal life of Grouch Marx as a parent and a private man. Seems he was nearly incapable of being serious ... going so far as to joke around when he was marrying his wife. Good read.

[Siany · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I'm ever having a crappy day and I'm looking for a hug in a book I usually pick this up. It's charming, hysterical and incredibly moving. Read it!!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely and charming.

It's not Groucho's fault she got kicked out of Bennington and end up a broken-down, divorced alcoholic. Well, OK maybe it is partly, but still.

[Nelda Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book! He's still the typical father and his letters are filled with warmth, love, wisdom as well as his humor.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far my favorite book about Groucho. Such an intimate portrait.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

[Djll · Rating 1 out of 5]

Shrug. Another book my mom sent me. Not worth finishing