Memories of John Lennon
by Yoko Ono
Published by HarperCollins
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Richard Wilkie
Rather than a biography in the traditional sense, this is rather a book of memories from the early sixties right up to and after John Lennon's tragic death.
Instead of memories from the individual himself as one would expect, it is a collection of thoughts and anecdotes from almost eighty people, all of whom have something of insight and value to say about John.
The introduction by Yoko Ono is moving and informative, giving a glimpse into her attitude towards the memory of her late husband, and also her desire to keep his remembrance as dignified as possible.
Each small section dedicated to the writings and pictures of various people give the reader a more extensive layered impression of John Lennon that you would at first think. Far from being superficial, it reveals a far more playful, warm-hearted, considerate and thoughtful individual than one would ever imagine, given his well-known public personae.
Each short chapter tells us how deeply he moved people, which in turn is touching by itself.
The short contributions from Yoko Ono Lennon reveal the depth of loss, and also to a certain extent, the depth of love she still feels.
This was one of the most genuinely affecting reads I've had, speaking purely as an admirer of John Lennon, the man, and also the way he chose to lead his life.
This is a book I shall treasure, as despite the bittersweet feelings it conjures up, it is also one of the most uplifting reads. It evokes memories of ideals mostly of days gone by, but also gives a feeling of hope that one associates with the time of The Beatles, and also with John Lennon himself. If anything, that is the legacy of John Lennon.
Armchair Interviews says: All in all Memories of John Lennon is a truly moving read.