Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)As much as I enjoyed this book, I will suggest that readers go in knowing that it is really not for those who aren't Beatle experts. This does not offer much in the way of new information in re the Beatles and there are a few errors which Beatle Literati will pick up immediately.
What makes this book wonderful and distinct is that it explores the influences that helped George Harrison develop, share and explore his spirituality. In fact, it is this very sharing on George Harrison's part that makes his music so distinct.
The few errors contained are nothing on the level of those in Bob Spitz' biography. Spitz' errors are so glaring that you wonder how on earth he could write it without checking. To add insult to injury, Spitz has taken personal issue with critics and Beatle experts who have called him on these errors and purports to have written the "definitive" Beatle biography.
I like the way this author hones in on why George's spiritual hunger was not satisfied by material success while living in the Material World. George's spiritual Long & Winding Road took him through Hindu teachings as well as the Hare Krishna devotees. At no time did George commit himself to any one faith or expression of faith; as stated in his own song, "if you don't know where you're going, any road'll take you there."
It has been well documented that the former Beatle was at home with Hindu teachings and philosophy; yoga; mediatation and the traditions of each. Even so, he kept his mind open to new and different ideas and possibilities. Greene does an excellent job of exploring and examining this aspect of the man's life. Greene also does an excellent job of explaining what rituals George practiced and his rationale for the forms these expressions took. This is very interesting.
One thing I would like to see discussed and explored was George's view of Catholicism in adult life. He had a statue of the Blessed Mother at his Friar Park home which suggests that the seeds of Catholicism which had been imparted to him early had taken root and borne fruit. He was even baptized in the Catholic church as an infant. George even said in an interview that, as a young boy he attended the Catholic masses, but later became disenchanted when people were there about showcasing their clothing. He even said he enjoyed the services, but had trouble believing that only Jesus was God's child. I found it interesting that George even said that he would get confirmed later, but for whatever reasons never did.
I like the way this author informed readers of Prabhupada and his private contact with George and the Vedic precept that the sacred chants are gifts from God to be shared.
Instead of being a rehashing of well documented facts such as Mark Shapiro's books and the poorly written tabloids by Geoffrey Guiliano, this is a work to be taken very seriously. It stands apart from other biographies of the youngest Beatle in that it digs deeply into his spiritual quest and explains in good detail the aspects of religions George followed. This book shares a place of honor with Simon Leng's book and George's autobiography. This is a book Harrison fans will undoubtedly treasure.
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