Memoir Monday: a review of Love, Lucy

From small town girl to old Hollywood glamour; from America's most-loved comedienne to a true feminist icon. I, too, love Lucy!

I have always been fascinated by old Hollywood. I know it was just as corrupt and superficial as Hollywood is now, but there is something charmingly nostalgic about the glamour, the clothes, the cigarettes, and the romance.

I grew up watching lots of old TV shows-- most notably Dick van Dyke, The Andy Griffith Show, and I Love Lucy. I loved them all, and recently I re-watched several seasons of I Love Lucy while it was on Hulu. This jump-started an inquiry on Google about Lucille Ball's life that culminated in me reading her memoir.

So without further adieu, here is my review of Love, Lucy:

This story feels unfinished because in some ways, it is. So make sure you read the introduction! The introduction is written by Lucy's children about the discovery and publication of the manuscript that became the book I am reviewing now. The intro is also such a sweet tribute to both Lucy and Desi, setting the stage for Lucy's own words.

You will come away from this story ready to chase your dreams, no matter the cost. Lucy's story is one that you don't hear as often from Hollywood these days (cue the "nepo-baby" discourse). Lucy truly rose from nothing into something, by sheer grit, determination, and a handful of kind souls who took a risk on her.

Lucille Ball is a cultural icon. Understanding her life, and the context of the world she lived in, in her own words, helped me appreciate her as a cultural phenomenon more. From getting a glimpse into the world of old Hollywood, you will also read about Lucy's experience during the "Red scare;" she was even questioned for possible Communist sympathies.

Lucy is nothing if not honest in the retelling of her life, but she is never unkind. The sensationalism of Lucy's fiery romance with, marriage to, and divorce from Desi Arnaz filled the tabloids in Lucy's day, just as celebrity rumors fill the tabloids today. Reading Lucy's gentle retelling of her relationship with Desi is a good reminder that no matter what the tabloids say, celebrities are just people trudging through life like the rest of us-- making mistakes, falling in and out of love, grieving, laughing, and doing their best. They just live in the public eye, whether they like it or not.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Lucy's life, and wished that there was more to read! I highly recommend memoirs and autobiographies in general. Particularly, if you have someone you idolize or look up to (dead or alive), do some research to see if they've written about themselves. You won't be disappointed!