Under the Rainbow: The Real Liza Minnelli

by George Mair

The author of Oprah The Real Story recounts the singer's private life, including her conflicts with her mother, her dependency on drugs, her abortive marriage to Peter Allen, and her public sexual affair with Mikhail Baryshnikov.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

248 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Caroline Duffy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is 30 years old, but filled with insider stories about Liza's life beyond the stage. She's a study in determination and resilience, given the many ups and downs of her life. The writing reads more like a very long magazine article, but it kept my attention.

[Allison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liza is a HUGE personality. I've always been familiar with her signature Cabaret tunes, but was further charmed by her bit part in Arrested Development (and by then she was in her 60s!!). It's too bad this book is so poorly written... there's really no organization beyond a basic chronology, and the chapters read like it can't decide if it wants to be journalism or a gossip tabloid or a legitimate biographical resource. But hey, Liza's still alive... maybe she'll get someone more talented on board to help her write an autobiography recounting the juggernaut life she lived, and encapsulating the sparkling force she is. 🤞🏻

[George Lane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Torn between 2 or 3 stars. It’s alright.

I don’t feel the author actually did much research on Liza before hand bar a little reading of news articles. All information is surface level at best.

Her music career is completely ignored with minor references to maybe 2 albums. It mentions the single Losing My Mind but not the album it came from and how that was also a hit and a comeback in the UK. It trudges up reviews of movies but never her albums. On top of that, the movies were always discussed very besting around the bush like the author didn’t watch them and sometimes didn’t even talk about what happened within some of them.

Like many other reviewers, it reads like a long magazine article or the linear notes on an album cover. It glides through her life never delving into much and is boringly chronological. The pacing all over the place: choosing drastically varying lengths on how long he spends discussing certain parts of her life. Cabaret hardly felt present while unsuccessful films got several pages.

The last couple years the book discusses is rushed as if he was getting too close to the word limit.

Also what I found boring and unnecessary were the constant bios about other characters we meet along one way. Some can be reasoned with but it felt like any people with some minor influence got a bio. Yet, I don’t remember Halston getting one and yet he had a major influence.

The author does focus most of the book on Liza’s relationship with men which does make you question how much is true as it could feel on the more gossip side. Sometimes giving evidence of information like ‘in private Liza said…’ giving no actual sources. It’s quite clear he made no attempt to interview or research people who were/are close to her. My guess he’s just regurgitating information from other bios.

[M_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book not only delved far deeper into the life of Liza Minnelli than I expected, but it told the woven stories of many of the people in her life, with whom most of us are familiar. It's telling, heartbreaking, juicy, and nostalgic all at the same time.

I recently watched the Netflix limited series on Halston, in which Liza's part in his life is prominently played out. I had always seen her as a flashy Broadway/Vegas performer who was the daughter of Judy Garland. After seeing her in a much deeper light in the Halston series, I was intrigued and wanted to read more about her life. This book does NOT disappoint!

I cannot imagine what it would be like to grow up with two very famous parents, to go through, emotionally, what she had to go through growing up in Judy's dark shadow, to go through the late 60s and 70s with all of its sex and drugs... all within the bright, bright spotlight of fame... and still come out on top as Liza has!

I have a whole new respect for Liza Minnelli after having read this book. Her strength, determination to self-preserve, and her fierce loyalty and loving spirit are all to be commended. Well done!

*Side note: Within this book, I learned some things about Patty Duke's life that made my mouth drop, so I've got her autobiography on standby, ready to read this summer!

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually thought that this was poorly written...but if your into gossip you will find it in this book. I was sickened by the truth of life of Judy Garland and how she treated her children and times of her life...and the cycle of madness this family has. I was sickened by Hollywood and the way people sleep around so much. Its disgusting. I still love Judy Garland and her kids, but this book really opened my eyes to the other side of the rich and famous. I was shocked by alot of things that were written. It is an easy read...but sometimes its like the author goes off on rabbit trails...Great pictures included though! I would recommend this book though...I mean it was ok...I was just I don't know disappointed with what I read I think more than anything...So, my opinion is biased.

[Cori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked reading about Liza, but the writing is terrible. Good thing it was a very quick read.

[Sharice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first real celebrity autobiography I ever read. A good read which enabled me to learn more about Liza Minnelli and her past.