The Book of David

By Beverley Eley

This is the story of David Helfgott, whose life inspired the film Shine, starring Sir John Geilgud, Lynn redgrave, Geoffrey Rush and Noah Taylor. Acclaimed pianist, Helfgott emerged from a tortured... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0207191050
• ISBN13: 9780207191053
• Release Date: January 1997
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.8" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Life Father, Like Son, the Helfgott Men!

David Helfgott's life was brought to life in Shine, the movie, starring Geoffrey Rush and Lynn Redgrave OBE as his understanding, supportive wife, Gillian Murray. I found this book helped explain David's relationship with his equally troubled father, Peter Helfgott, who escaped the Nazi persecution of Jews in Europe during World War II. The book explains the Helfgott family history and European history and persecution. It also entails the background of the Helfgotts which was never financially sound. The father bought piano before furniture to furnish their homes in Melbourne and Perth. The book is objective in regarding David's health. There is no question that David suffered breakdown during his time in England. His father wanted his children to breathe and live music especially David who couldn't be away from the piano very long. The problem with David's genius is just that. Creative geniuses like Helfgott and others are often on another level of living than the rest of us. I think this book does justice to understanding him. His wife and partner, Gillian, has not only been supportive but understanding and nurturing his talents. I can't imagine anybody else filling Gillian's place. She is not only his partner but his protector.