About the Author

Cynthia Lennon was born in Blackpool in 1939 and brought up in Liverpool. She went to Liverpool's Junior Art School and graduated to Liverpool College of Art in 1957. There she met John Lennon, whose rebellious style, caustic wit and passion for rock and roll already marked him out. In their second year at college John and Cynthia fell in love. They married in 1962 and in 1963 their son, Julian was born. The Lennons moved to London in 1963 and then to Surrey, where they lived during the years of Beatles fame. In 1968 their marriage broke down and they were divorced in 1969. Julian remained with Cynthia, but saw John in London and later in New York, where he moved with his second wife, Yoko Ono. Cynthia now lives with her husband Noel Charles.

Reviews

'fascinating...all Beatles fans will be interested in the book, the best in recent years'. - The Sunday Times'A fascinating first-hand account of one of the most bizarre phenomena of the 20th century.' - Sunday Telegraph'this one has the ring of truth that most Beatles books do not'. - Independent on Sunday'an engaging memoir... along the way, it offers a fascinating glimpse into an altogether more innocent age, before star-makers and svengalis began colluding with marketing men and TV execs ...' - IndependentCynthia's account of her early years with John is vivid and engaging... refreshingly free of bitterness.' - Mail on Sunday'Fascinating stuff' - Evening Standard'loving but candid... vividly captures the time and place and the characters.' - Washington Post'brave and revealing' - The Times

Lennon gives her perspective on the Beatles, Yoko Ono, and famous ex-husband, John. A heartfelt introduction, written and read by their son, Julian, reveals that he is understandably conflicted about his father's appalling behavior toward both him and his mom. The author is candid about John's family history and the verbal abuse he suffered from his terrifying Aunt Mimi. She details the whirlwind events that led to the Beatles becoming arguably the chief pop culture icons of the latter half of the 20th century. Her justifiable dislike of Ono is vivid and backed up by a number of events, which, if even partly true, certainly correspond with the controlling image Ono has in the history of the Fab Four. Rosalyn Landor's pacing is excellent, and she is especially good at sounding like the young, na?ve Cynthia. By the end, one feels disillusioned about John and impatient with his lifelong lack of sense regarding spouses, disgusted with Ono, and most compassionate toward Julian. Suitable for YAs, but mostly for adults in public libraries.-B. Allison Gray, John Jermain Memorial Lib., Sag Harbor, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.