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John Lennon cover art

John Lennon

By: Phillip Norman
Narrated by: Russell Boulter
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Summary

For more than a quarter of a century, Philip Norman's internationally best-selling Shout! has been unchallenged as the definitive biography of the Beatles. Now, at last, Norman turns his formidable talent to the Beatle for whom belonging to the world's most beloved pop group was never enough.

Drawing on previously untapped sources, and with unprecedented access to all the major characters, here is the most complete and revealing portrait of John Lennon that is ever likely to be published.

Honest and unflinching, as John himself would wish, Norman gives us the whole man in all his endless contradictions - tough and cynical, hilariously funny, but also naïve, vulnerable, and insecure - and reveals how the mother who gave him away as a toddler haunted his mind and his music for the rest of his days.

©2008 Philip Norman (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Norman] sharpens what we know about Lennon at just about every turn....Devotees will relish the new information, while casual readers will find a familiar story told more truly than ever before." ( Rolling Stone)

What listeners say about John Lennon

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Never written a review before, but...

I've never felt strongly enough to write a review before, but this is a great listen. It held me for many hours.. my only criticism is that it lacks a bit of objectivity in that the narrator clearly feels that John Lennon can do no wrong. However, the detail of the background is excellent and I would highly recommend this audiobook.

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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Volume 1.....Looking forward to Volume 2!

I knew John was no angel in his younger years, but had no idea he was such a bastard.This book does not set out to portray John as such - he just was. Maybe later, when he met Dylan and then discovered acid he changed his ways a bit - looking forward to Volume 2.

The narration by Russel Boulter is the best I've heard on any audiobook. Nice crisp and clear with wonderful takes on Mimi and other scouse characters and most importantly it feels like he's enjoying reading it.

Loved it so far!

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating!!!!

A fascinating book, a great listen in this format, read brilliantly by Russell Boulter. Would recommend to any fan of John Lennon or The Beatles.

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I recently listened to "Revolution In The Head" by Ian McDonald" which claimed to be about The Beatles records and the sixties. However, this is really the audiobook I expected to hear.

This is an in depth recollection of The Beatles, their songs and the times, with an emphasis on John Lennon's life. Told with such clarity from other peoples' perspective and without subjectivity from the author.

Informative, enlightening and a pleasure to listen to, enhanced by an excellent narration.

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8 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

An excellently thorough account on Lennon's life

A remarkably thorough and well researched and written book on one of the greatest songwriters ever.

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8 people found this helpful

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Just loved this...

Wow, what an insight into the life of Lennon and those who were connected to him in a personal & professional capacity. I feel I learnt so much about not just him, The Beatles, Yoko etc. - but a changing world, fashion, music, religion etc. Fascinating read/listen.

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

A journey through the life

I loved this audiobook. Well researched and thorough. It appears an honest portrayal of John's life, warts and all. I learnt much and now desire to learn more

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7 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

absolute joy!

I really feel like I know John Lennon now. Great biography and very nicely read.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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john

What made the experience of listening to John Lennon the most enjoyable?

I did enjoy this .

What was one of the most memorable moments of John Lennon?

The bad bits !

What about Russell Boulter’s performance did you like?

Great

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Felt for shaun

Any additional comments?

I brought volumne 2 which was just the last two parts of volumne 1 . I was not happy . Vol 2 doesn't seem to exist now but nobody has offered a refund .

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • sd
  • 11-11-19

john lennon

excellent book listened in the car going to work.
excellent narrator highly enjoyable. read the Paul McCartney one as well both books are excellent

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4 people found this helpful