Roman Candle: The Life of Bobby Darin

by David Evanier

Book Overview

A performer who rivaled Sinatra, Bobby Darin rose from dire poverty to become one of the biggest stars of his generation. Dogged by chronic illness, he knew that time was not on his side, and so, in a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1594860106
• ISBN13: 9781594860102
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Rodale Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Bobby Darin, From All Angles

This is the one book that shows all sides and angles of the person Bobby Darin: The frightened child who knew he would die soon, the shame-ridden child from the slums, the obsessed, the wild forging ego, the lover, the beloved, the altruist, the sexy, the cruel, the rejecting, the ever-changing, suffering, triumphant, and above all the consummate singer and entertainer. Through the eyes of dozens who knew him best, this superb writer carves out his multidimensional portrait of Bobby, who threw 100 lives into 37 years, and his music, its roots, and its meaning for us.

Insight into Darin

Notwithstanding all the criticisms ... if what you want is a closer look at what created the life we call Bobby Darin, this book certainly gives you more than others. Learning about Sandy's abusive step-father, for example, surely gives us a better idea about how Bobby & Sandy's relationship fell apart. What made Bobby so great - he wore out everything he did - is also, to a good degree, what helped take him so early. This was a Type-A personality with a deadline; he did everything as if it were his last day. This gives us the insight into some of Bobby's choices, decisions, and the people around him so we get the full view of what impacted his life.

DAVID EVANIER DOES IT AGAIN

You heard me...David Evanier has the gift of giving us the in-depth stories of the people we want to know more about. I was so impressed by Bobby Darin's story, who he was, where he came from, and what he accomplished in such a short time. David Evanier's dedication to his subject does not go unnoticed either, He puts you in the life of Bobby Darin as he did with Jimmy Rosselli and Joe Pantoliano. My suggestion is to read Roman Candle, go see "Beyond the Sea" with Kevin Spacey, and read the book one more time..Oh Yeah...get the Soundtrack from the movie as well....YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED BY ANY MEANS!! 5 Stars is not enough.

A Real Life Portrait

I decided to read "Roman Candle" because I've loved David Evanier's other books, not because I was interested in Bobby Darin. In fact, I couldn't have cared less about Darin - until I began to read the book. I was hooked on the first page and just couldn't put it down. The book is about more than one individual singer, it's about an era, family, racism, music, the way a person can be both noble and cheesy, the blessing and the curse of greatness, making every moment count, and so much more. Evanier's voice is heard at times, commenting almost plaintively on the failings of his subject, but never judging. I loved looking into Darin's world and meeting the assortment of fascinating (and sometimes sinister) characters connected to Darin and the entertainment industry during this period. This is a terrific book that made me want to go out and buy CD's of Darin's music and definitely see the Kevin Spacey movie.

Stellar Book Shines Light on Stellar Talent

David Evanier's new biography of Bobby Darin tells the sensational story of Darin's meteoric rise to stardom and the price he paid foir it. Unlike most celebrity biographies, however, this is not hagiography: Evanier tells the Darin story sympathetically but objectively; he doesn't fall for Bobby's line. He has interviewed everybody and done all the primary source research; he knows the facts and he tells them straight. The death sentence that made Bobby live so fast; the family secret that destroyed him; the rich talent; the burning intensity; the cruelty; it's all there, the whole fascinating spectrum, captured with musical appreciation, and without human judgment..