Paul Simon: A Life

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This is a weak biography. Much of the material in the book appears to be taken from interviews found on the Internet of which there are many. Eliot obviously did not interview Simon himself or even, it appears, friends or associates of Simon. The book is really a biography of Simon and Garfunkel more than it is a biography of Simon as Eliot spends far too much time telling us about what Garfunkel was up to in the post 1970 years -- his recordings, wives, girlfriends, etc. If I was interested in that I would have purchased a biography of Garfunkel! As the duo broke up 46 years ago it's time to move on. Simon himself is clearly tired of hearing about a partnership from decades ago.Anyone passingly familiar with Simon's career will find little of interest here and like so many hurriedly written biographies it quickly dissolves into a simple chronology of recordings, concerts and marriages. There is little or no insight into Simon's lyrics and unique musical style and the writing is pedestrian. Moreover, the conclusion of the book is abrupt and disappointing, not just because Simon is still recording, and recording brilliantly, but because it appears that Eliot just got tired of writing.

At last! I discovered that my feelings about Paul's lyrics were not all deep with obscured meanings. The music was always the draw for me.But how many times have asked what does he really mean. It's OK I GET IT NOW. His search for ethnic and native sounds and talent makes him stand out in comparison to mosr artists,who get wrapped up in their inner instincts and become stale.

Avoid at all costs if you’re a real Paul fan. This author obviously isn’t a fan, or even a decent writer. So many glaring errors / wrong timelines etc don’t think any of this book was researched at all. There are several nasty uncalled for personal attacks by the author on Paul as well on everything from his appearance to his supposed ‘jealousy’ of other artists and bizarre stuff the author just must have invented for effect. If you’re a Paul fan, it’s bordering on being offensive. The first quarter of the book is a grovelling tribute to Bob Dylan - the next chapters are how brilliant Art Garfunkel was.. at that point I nearly just binned the book. Really boring in places, just lists of album tracks with the authors personal opinions on each track. I ended up skimming through the last half of the book, just to get through it… it did end up in the recycling bin - wasn’t even worth sending to jumble sale. Save the money and buy Robert Hillburns book… 100% better and had Paul’s input as well.

I was aware, having read reviews, that there were quite a few inaccuracies in this book. For the casual Paul Simon fan, this isn't a big issue. For a more scholarly approach, it's essential to read other Paul Simon interviews, the Morella & Barey and Victoria Kingston biographies, discographies and especially Paul Simon's lyrics (which Eliot repeated mangles) to have a more complete picture of Simon's life. Still, this is a fascinating read that sheds light on Simon's incredible drive, talent and neuroses. For those particularly interested in Simon and Garfunkel, this book delves into the duo's musical history and personal relationship, while focusing on Paul's personal journey. Worth the read!