Losing Graceland: What Would Elvis Be Like If He Were Alive?
For the life of me, I cannot explain exactly why I read Losing Graceland: A Novel. I know why I picked it up - in part because it is a fictional story about what Elvis might be like if he had faked his death and was still alive and in part because I have always been interested in Elvis Presley.
Of course, you cannot and probably should not judge a book by the cover and in this case sandwiched between the two covers was some content that I was not comfortable with. That's your warning. This book has sexual content that might make you uncomfortable. It did me. And did I mention violence? There is some of that, too.
But still, I read it right through to the end. Something compelled me to keep reading. I wanted to know what would happen to the aging Elvis impersonator (who might really be Elvis) and the young man he hired to help him find his granddaughter. The adventures were entertaining. Along the road there was a fight with biker gangs (and befriend them), a visit with an oracle and a battle to save a hooker from her pimp.
At first glance, this book is a light read but it also deals with two interesting lives: that of an old man whose body is unwell, who has an addiction to pain killers and who lives with an incredible legacy and that of a young man who is heart broken and unemployed.
Reviews of this book are a mixed bag with most people saying they enjoyed reading it. Take one old man with a lifetime of regrets, add a young man with his future before him and what do you have? An emotional story, perhaps a bit too short. If you're a fan of Elvis, the consensus of the reviews is that this is an enjoyable lightweight fictional story. It will make you think about what Elvis Presley might be like today if he were still alive.
Click here to order your copy of Losing Graceland: A Novel from Amazon.
What would Elvis Presley be like if he were alive?
I want to close by telling you about a scene in this book when Elvis takes the stage at an impersonator contest and the crowd really goes wild just as though they were seeing the real Elvis. A lady faints. A young mother hardly knows her child needs her. Another woman screams that she cannot breathe. Two men have a fist fight. A young girl vomits. Hands grope on stage for Elvis. The crowd screams. The announcer begs people to be calm. Elvis leaves the stage and says to his travelling companions, "Heartbreaker still breaking hearts. You like my show?" I did like your show, Elvis, and I will admit, you gave me goosebumps.
If Elvis was still alive, he would be 82 today. I think that it would be interesting if he were still alive, although not so much if he was in the condition of the impersonator in Losing Graceland. I cannot help but wonder what it must have been like to have seen Elvis Presley in person. What was it like to be Elvis Presley? And finally, what would he be like today if he were still alive?
What do you think Elvis Presley would have done with the rest of his life if he had lived past the age of 42?
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda
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Copyright 2011 Treasures By Brenda
Intriguing subject
ReplyDeleteIntriguing subject
ReplyDeleteI don't honestly know anyone who wasn't crazy about Elvis. The idea that he might somehow still be alive, is not really a new wish. People across the world were devastated by the news of his death. It seems everyone can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when the heard it. The book sounds like it might be a fun read for an Elvis fan and an interesting suggestion of what might be, if it could be. I do appreciate the warning though. Begin forewarned will prepare me to skip ahead :)
ReplyDeleteThey say truth is stranger than fiction, and this fiction about Elvis sounds a bit on the strange side. Anything about the real Elvis is intriguing and I'm sure that people still look at Elvis impersonators (or "tribute artists" as they prefer to be known) and wonder if that really is the REAL Elvis they're seeing (I know I did when I watched a performance). Interesting concept for a book and an interesting review, Brenda. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell he was my 3rd cousin so I grew up being in love with him and everything he did. We were not allowed to listen to any music except Elvis and classical! He was my Dad's generation but I loved him anyway. Sounds like a very strange book but I would read it!
ReplyDeleteHow many of my friends wish it were true that Elvis were still alive. I know one Elvis impersonator and he was pretty good, but nothing like the real thing. I don't know if I would pick up this book. I would rather see movies that he made and enjoy him in his element. This type of fiction is not my cup of tea, so to speak. Thanks for the warning too!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for visiting and commenting. Who knows what would have become of Elvis if he had lived? We have lots of good and bad examples of celebrities in later life. I agree with you "Unknown," that the image shows a handsome older gentlemen -- perhaps a second image could be created from a picture of Elvis later in life...and somewhere between the two we might find a realistic guesstimate of what Elvis might have looked like today.
ReplyDeleteI was a fan of Elvis and his music, as were many (especially girls) who were teenagers in the 1950s. But I prefer to remember him as he was then and in his movies - young and slender and sexy. LOL. Sometimes memories are better than the actual image of what he would look like at 82. :) Not sure if I would read the book, but you present an interesting review, Brenda.
ReplyDeleteInteresting review. Although I enjoyed some of Elvis's music, I never saw one of his movies. I preferred Pat Boone, whom I later met a few times.
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