Alf Lennon
A good book written by John’s dad, Alf Lennon’s 2nd wife, Pauline Lennon. In this book, Pauline tries to give Freddie’s side of the story. I know John’s sisters would probably vehemently disagree with Freddie’s perspectives but it can be argued that every coin in life has two sides and that one side of the coin usually shines a bit brighter. We as observers, can only listen to the sides being presented.
Personally, I enjoyed this account and what it highlighted for me is that John was so scarred by his own childhood experiences, that he seemed to be destined to repeat them with his own firstborn, Julian. Julian carried his own resentments for his dad for a good portion of his own life and only now seems to understand the complexities of this situation.
Pauline signed this copy of the book and signed books by her are rare. This copy which I acquired from a UK collector is the only one I have ever seen. Several years after Freddie passed away, she reportedly remarried. During her marriage to Freddie, she gave birth to two sons, David and Robin Lennon who supposedly live near Brighton, England in relative obscurity, never talking to the press about their very famous brother. Would love to see an enterprising reporter contact the two brothers to see why they are both reticent to talk about their half-brother. Perhaps, they simply prefer to live their lives under the security of privacy.
Have you read this book? Do you believe the version that Alf Lennon tells? Let me know in the comments below.
Buzz
Other Books About John Lennon
-
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Signed Hardback)£44.00 -
In Your Mind – The Infinite Universe of Yoko Ono (Softback)
-
Inside Number Three – The Illustrated History of Apple Records -
Bill Zygmant – Where Did You Get That Shirt? (Signed Limited Edition)£75.00 -
Just Like Starting Over: John Lennon and The Quarrymen£15.00 -
The One After 9:09£2.16 -
Shoulda Been There (Vol. 1) 1940 – Dec 1961£7.20 -
Shivering Inside (Vol 2) Dec 1961 – Jan 1963£7.20 -
She Loves You (Vol. 3) 1963 – 1st March 1964£7.20
Hi David! I have this book that I believe I got from an Amazon seller. Mine is not signed. Ashamed to say I haven’t read it yet – I have so many books (mostly Beatles-related) stored in a chest that I need to read!) If I live to 100, maybe I’ll get to them all!
I have never heard of this book at all. Since I have never read it I can only guess of the facts included. If i remember correctly Alf was in the merchant marines. I’m sure he needed money. On Alf showing up to see John after he had made it. John after a brief talk sent him on his way. I’m not sure if his wife authored it that the stories were not inflated to sell. But having said that there could be some insight and pearls to be gained. If Buzz thinks it helps with the complex relationships I would say I would bet it’s well worth trying to acquire to possibly connect some dots.
Logan-will send you a couple of neat photos of Freddie in a couple of days sir. I did enjoy this book very much and was glad to see that John got to read his father’s manuscript before he passed on.
Logan, you have some of your facts wrong. You need to read Tune In by Mark Lewisohn and learn what really happened when John was a child. It is the best, most thoroughly researched, error-free, typo-free bio/book I’ve ever read on The Beatles. Part 2 is hopefully coming out in 2023 or 2024. Part 1 covers up to Dec. 31, 1962. It came out in Oct. 2013!