The author and columnist Susie Boyt discusses her critically acclaimed memoir, My Judy Garland Life with Joseph Planta, just as the book is published in soft cover. She discusses her admiration for Garland, what she’s learned about herself, and more; as well as how this book’s been received, including a meeting with a big fan of the book, Barry Manilow.

My Judy Garland Life by Susie Boyt. (Bloomsbury, 2009) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: My Judy Garland Life

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

You need not need share the author’s appreciation and adoration of Judy Garland to enjoy the book, My Judy Garland Life by Susie Boyt. It’s a remarkable memoir that was a Globe and Mail book of the year, and a critical hit here in Canada, the United States, and in Britain. It’s a wonderful mix of a memoir, of how the author grew up adoring Judy Garland, admiring her talent, enjoying her work, and examining the less than glamorous aspects of the legendary film, television, and stage performer who is arguably, according to Ms. Boyt, the greatest entertainer of the twentieth century, or any century. The author joins me now from London, England just as the book has been published in soft cover. If you haven’t read it, it’s definitely worth reading. It’s a serviceable biography of Garland, as well as a marvellous meditation on fame and hero worship. Susie Boyt is novelist, part-time bereavement counsellor, and a columnist for the Financial Times. Her great-grandfather was Sigmund Freud. Her website is at www.susieboyt.com. The book is published by Bloomsbury. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Susie Boyt; Good morning, Ms. Boyt.

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