No Woman No Cry: My Life with Bob Marley

by Hettie Jones and Rita Marley

Book Overview

A memoir by the woman who knew Bob Marley best--his wife, Rita.

Rita Marley grew up in the slums of Trench Town, Jamaica. Abandoned by her mother at a very young age, she was raised by her aunt. Music ran in Rita's family, and even as a child her talent for singing was pronounced. By the age of 18, Rita was an unwed mother, and it was then that she met Bob Marley at a recording studio in Trench Town. Bob and Rita became close friends,...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786868678
• ISBN13: 9780786868674
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: Hachette Books
• Length: 209 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.5"
• Age Range: 18 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Postsecondary to Grade 12

Customer Reviews

Don't believe what you see on T.V.

I read this book and it was a wonderful book! I vaguely remember when Bob Marley passed, however his wife Rita is talking to all of us in this book. I've heard rumors of negative things that were said about Mrs. Marley, however I placed a deaf ear to them and wanted to find out for myself. They were just that unproven rumors. The book was a very good book. Mr. Marley was a very sensative person and a genius when it came to his music. He was well ahead of his time. His music is very much alive today as it was back in the day when he was making it. I hope and pray that he is resting in peace. The way Mrs. Marley narrates this book she makes you feel as though you are right there with her experiencing the same things she is telling the reader about. This is a great book and a must have for anyone who loves the truth. Someone one I know, which this person is a very negative person, stated that she heard a lot of negative things about Mrs. Marley. She 'allegedly' watched something on a music television station about her, however I never saw it so I don't believe it. Don't believe what you see on T.V. because they will show you only what they want you to believe in the way they want to show it. When you purchase this book, purchase 2 so that you can give this book as a gift to someone else. Trust me, you will NOT want to share your copy with anyone! :-) Enjoy!

Talking About a STRONG WOMAN................

This book takes us on a journey from Rita's humble begginings in Trench Town, a ghetto in Jamaica, to the things that happens when your husband turns into a star. Rita was a woman with patience, virtue, and was very true to her Rasta religion. Some of the things she dealt with made me feel as if she should have left Bob, but I know that love is blind and you can't walk in someone else's shoes. Bob had many flings and girlfriends, all of which she knew about and some she even met!!! What made me envy her was that she never forgot about the children and she even helped raise some of the outside children. She never crumbled in front of the children or showed them her sadness. Bob and Rita had a marriage that truly was for the better or worse, and now she is a living testiment to all people in relationships.

Bob Marley Was Something Else

I really enjoyed Rita Marley's book about her husband Bob. It was interesting to hear her side of view. I did not know that Bob Marley sired so many children from other woman and his excuse to his wife was, "I know that I can not run your body down with having a baby every year." That was his excuse for having children with other women. I have to pat Rita on the back by helping Bob take care of these children, because many women including me would have not done that whether the man had money or not. I must really say she has a good heart and because of that and so many other things she continues to be blessed. I found myself sad to read that Bob's life could have been saved if he had of amputated his toe, years before the cancer claimed his body, but he was hard-headed and him and his family had to pay the price. I feel that Bob Marley is a musical genius that still does not receive all of his props and I commend Rita and his family for continuing his legacy. Later....

A Story of Love & Honor

A story of love and honor. Rita Marley recalls her childhood, her courtship and marriage to Bob. Rita is a courageous woman by all accounts.Rita struggled through the rough streets of Trench Town Jamaica.I liked that she wasn't just Bob's wife, she paved her own way as well. She was always about something. She kept her pace and stayed the woman she wanted to be regardless of fame or what anyone else thought. Living a true Rastafarian life style she raised her children with values, farmed her land with her own two hands. Rita excepted Bob's life of fame, his womanizing but she always remained a friend and always one step ahead of Bob. She watched his career and the people in his life with a sharp eye. Rita and Bob had their ups and downs but Bob always knew Rita's house was home and he always wandered back. Rita portrays Bob as a loving father and a prophet, a voice for the people and she recalls how political things became. The death threats they recived and how they were not safe and infact Rita was shot. I found the story of Rita and Bob Marley moving. They stood the test of time. A true account of love and honor. We all know Bob was amazing. But in this novel you'll find that Rita is quite amazing herself. She accepted and raised Bob's other children and when Bob died it seems everyone had a claim in Bob's affairs. Rita stood her ground and she is in charge of many organizations and does much for the children in Africa. From a little girl with big dreams, raised by her aunt in Trench Town Jamacia Rita has carved one phenomenal life. A woman of great respect and patience. I enjoyed this glimpse in to their personal life.

Courage and Hope

NO WOMAN, NO CRY: MY LIFE WITH BOB MARLEY by Rita Marley with Hettie Jones is an intriguing and engaging account of the life of Reggae singer, Rita Marley.It's a story of a woman who in spite of her circumstances was able to overcome many obstacles.Rita came from humble beginnings. Growing up in Trench Town, a rough part of Kingston, Jamaica, didn't offer her many choices. When she got pregnant at an early age, she was able to continue her education due to the help of her Aunty.Rita had a natural talent for singing and attempted a singing career. It was during her early years that she met Bob Marley. They started off as friends, but eventually their love for music drew them together and before long they were married.Subsequently, Rita put her music career on hold to raise her and Bob's children. Meanwhile, Bob's career continued to flourish. No matter what happened between them, Rita remained committed to Bob. She was the glue that kept her family together.With Bob's success came much turmoil with their relationship-namely Bob's infidelities and children outside of his marriage. Strange as it seems, Rita and Bob remained married. Rita re-entered the music business as a member of Bob's backup group, The Wailers, when the original members quit. Her and Bob were together once again as a musical team and traveled the world until he became ill. When Bob was diagnosed with cancer, it was Rita who stood by his side and was his support system. She truly loved him to the very end. Rita Marley's generous spirit is evident throughout the book. The book is about choices and the inner drive to survive in spite of what life dishes out. Most importantly, Rita teaches us to have faith and never lose hope.