Book Review: You Never Give Me Your Money

Love Me Do reviews the book You Never Give Me Your Money by Peter Doggett, which provides an in-depth look at The Beatles’ breakup and their financial dealings.

Peter Doggett’s You Never Give Me Your Money delves into the tumultuous aftermath of The Beatles’ breakup, chronicling the personal rivalries, legal battles, and creative pursuits of John, Paul, George, and Ringo in the decades that followed. This isn’t a nostalgic rehashing of their glory days, but rather a gritty exploration of the complexities and contradictions that defined their post-Beatle lives.

Doggett masterfully weaves together a tapestry of personal accounts, legal documents, and meticulous research to paint a vivid picture of the band’s fractured relationships. He meticulously details the acrimonious lawsuits over publishing rights, the bitter feuds over Yoko Ono’s influence, and the lingering resentment that simmered between the former bandmates.

The Darker Side

The book doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker sides of their personalities. John Lennon’s abrasive arrogance, Paul McCartney’s relentless ambition, George Harrison’s spiritual quest, and Ringo Starr’s struggle with alcoholism are all laid bare with unflinching honesty. Doggett avoids hagiography, offering a nuanced and often uncomfortable look at the human beings behind the myth.

Celebrating Solo Careers

However, You Never Give Me Your Money is not solely focused on the negatives. It also celebrates the remarkable solo careers that each Beatle forged after the breakup. From Lennon’s experimental forays into avant-garde music to McCartney’s enduring pop success, Harrison’s exploration of Indian music, and Starr’s surprisingly enduring career as a drummer, the book highlights their individual artistic growth and evolution.

Writing Style

Doggett is an excellent and experienced author, whose writing style is engaging and accessible, making complex legal and financial matters comprehensible to the average reader. He seamlessly interweaves historical context with intimate anecdotes, providing a rich and immersive reading experience. While the book may not offer any definitive answers or easy resolutions, it offers a valuable perspective on the enduring legacy of the Beatles and the human cost of fame and fortune.

Peter Doggett has also written books about David Bowie, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and many more music titles.

The author is also good at portraying the feelings each Beatle had for the other three, with the inevitable ebbs and flows of love, frustration and anger. He’s also good at showing all sides of meetings, recording sessions, and so on, not just from one person’s perspective. The opening section is especially good, dealing with the murder of John Lennon and showing how the news spread out to the other three Beatles, and their reactions to it.

Strengths:

In-depth research: Doggett meticulously researched the subject, drawing on a wealth of primary sources, including legal documents, interviews, and personal correspondence.
Unflinching honesty: The book doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker sides of the Beatles’ personalities, offering a realistic and nuanced portrayal.
Engaging writing style: Doggett’s writing is clear, concise, and accessible, making complex legal and financial matters easy to understand.
Focus on post-Beatles careers: The book goes beyond the breakup, exploring the individual artistic journeys of each Beatle after their time together.

Weaknesses:

Lack of definitive answers: The book doesn’t offer easy resolutions or definitive answers to the complex questions it raises.
Focus on negativity: Some readers may find the emphasis on the band’s conflicts and rivalries to be overly negative.

Overall:

You Never Give Me Your Money is a compelling and insightful exploration of the Beatles’ post-breakup lives. While it may not be a comfortable read for die-hard fans, it offers a valuable and unflinching look at the human cost of fame and the complexities of human relationships. Doggett’s masterful storytelling and meticulous research make this book a must-read for anyone interested in The Beatles and the enduring power of their music.