Lucille

The Life of Lucille Ball

By: Kathleen Brady

Narrated by: C. M. Hébert

Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

In 20 years of show business, Lucille Ball had only modest and sporadic success. Her television program, I Love Lucy, was her last chance to fulfill the ambition that had sustained her through the frustrations of her professional life and the anguish of a failing marriage. The role of Lucy Ricardo revealed her true gifts, but it changed her life immeasurably, and the remarkable individual who was Lucille Ball became slowly obscured in the shadows of Lucy.

This definitive portrait of Lucille Ball is based on the recollections of fellow performers, including Milton Berle, Ginger Rogers, Bob Hope, and Katherine Hepburn; her closest friends and family; and Lucille herself. From her childhood, when her virtual abandonment instilled in her a relentless drive for love and attention, through her struggling years in Hollywood and her troubled relationship with Desi Arnaz, Brady vividly recounts the story of this passionate and vulnerable woman.

Love Lucy? Search our list of classic radio shows featuring Lucille Ball.

©1994 Kathleen Brady (P)1996 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"While Brady is a fan, she is also a fine biographer. Her admiration is both clear-eyed and penetrating. With insight and impressive detail, Brady goes beyond Ball's most famous creation, Lucy Ricardo, to expose the complex, determined woman." (Chicago Sun-Times)

I watched I love Lucy

I grew up watching I love Lucy. I watched some of here other shows too.

Great story in the life of an amazing woman.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. Goes into some details the autobiography (and other similar works) do not. My only complaint are the parts depicting interactions with mother and daughter. The narrator (and presumably the book) address both as Lucy ex. "Lucy told Lucy that Lucy shouldn't do... and Lucy responded to Lucy..." I really wish that in these parts at a bare minimum Mother would have been referred to as Lucille and daughter as Lucy. Besides that extremely confusing aspect it is an amazing story of one of the most beloved women in history. We love (and miss) you Lucy, and forever will.

I love Lucy

I was interested in her childhood, which led to understanding her work ethic and personality, it was an adventure to see her career grow, joy at her meeting Desi, sadness when they broke up and tears at the end. Any Lucy fan would enjoy this book

Luv of Lucy

I loved the story and all the details. I always wished to know her story. I thought and found her a real person and bore many struggles. She was a true star. We who luved her still miss her.

Lucille

It was a great book. Well, all except the curse words. Thank you! I love Lucy!

Much more than I'd even hoped for!

great narration and a wonderful detailed recounting of Lucy and Ricky's lives together, and apart. Lots of Hollywood insider info and perspective on the times in which they made their magic.

Who doesn't love Lucy? The author, maybe?...

Would you consider the audio edition of Lucille to be better than the print version?

Audio as it can be used on the go. I prefer to curl up with a good audio device.

Who was your favorite character and why?

There's only one...

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I enjoyed the insight on the rarely discussed business side of Desilu. Both Lucy and Desi were shrewd managers of their empire.

Any additional comments?

As others have written, Lucy's children do not come across in the best light.

Very interesting book, very interesting lady

So who cares that the Writer of this book did not know how to pronounce Garson Kanin. She did an excellent job telling us a story about Lucille Ball and Desi
I found it informative and learned many new things
I love listening to her book driving or resting at home.

Lucille

Loved It! Lucy Ball was a true star! Fortunate to have opportunity to understand the person that made the star!!

Good Book, Lackluster Delivery

I highly recommend this book. You really get to know Lucille Ball from the very beginning.

I would have liked a little more behind the scenes on certain aspects of the various television shows, but this is a minor quibble.

The narrator sounds like she is bored most of the time. Which makes moments where she wails or cries while describing something very jarring.