A review by onepersonbookshow
Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley by Peter Guralnick
5.0
Last Train to Memphis is the first volume of an extensive exploration into who Elvis Presley was (with the second book titled, Careless Love). This volume covers Elvis' humble beginnings in Tupelo and his rise to stardom in Memphis before concluding with his entry into the US Army in 1958, at the age of 23. Throughout the book, we are privy to his early success and musical evolution, his relationships, as well as his hardships and loneliness.
This is a substantial 500-page book and yet it is accessible while simultaneously being immersive - the research that went into creating this book is unprecedented and it reads more like historical fiction rather than a chronological biography and keeps you engaged throughout. You almost feel as if you're there, experiencing the excitement surrounding Elvis for the first time. Additionally, Peter Guralnick does an incredible job infusing the story with the humility that Elvis possessed while being respectful and unbiased.
The text is comprehensive with pages of added notes, an index and relevant photographs at the beginning of each chapter - something I greatly appreciated.
To some Elvis Presley is an elusive legend. This book reveals the inner complexities of a man who was more than just his exceptional talent.
This is a substantial 500-page book and yet it is accessible while simultaneously being immersive - the research that went into creating this book is unprecedented and it reads more like historical fiction rather than a chronological biography and keeps you engaged throughout. You almost feel as if you're there, experiencing the excitement surrounding Elvis for the first time. Additionally, Peter Guralnick does an incredible job infusing the story with the humility that Elvis possessed while being respectful and unbiased.
The text is comprehensive with pages of added notes, an index and relevant photographs at the beginning of each chapter - something I greatly appreciated.
To some Elvis Presley is an elusive legend. This book reveals the inner complexities of a man who was more than just his exceptional talent.