Love You to Bits and Pieces: Life With David Helfgott

Rating:
Summary: Exercrable, patronizing drivel
Review: A friend recommended this book. Since I routinely read 10-15 books per week, I gulped it down . . . only to experience the mental equivalent of heartburn.

After I finished the book, I felt sorry for Mr. Helfgott, not because of his emotional problems but because he's apparently married to an overcontrolling, patronizing, astrology lover. I wondered what unexplained dynamics in the relationship gave Mrs. Helfgott the power to decide what her husband should eat, chew, smoke, and do.

I also came away from my reading quite perplexed, wondering what Mr. Helfgott's diagnosis was and what occurred during the many years of treatment that are glossed over in the text.

I've never seen the movie.

Rating:
Summary: Purely magnificent
Review: I play piano myself. I know the joys, the pleasures, the hardships, and the triumphs of piano playing every time I rest the tip of my fingers on the keyboard. David Helfgott, purely magnificent. I do not need to critique him. I know. I know music. I know Trueness. And together, he is the master that creates true music. What an inspiration.

Rating:
Summary: Brava, Gillian!
Review: This book made me laugh and cry. It describes David so well that I could hear his voice in my head. "It's a mystery" to think that some people don't love this book!

Rating:
Summary: Purely magnificent
Review: This book made me laugh and cry. It describes David so well that I could hear his voice in my head. "It's a mystery" to think that some people don't love this book!

Rating:
Summary: An extraordinary love story...
Review: This is a genuine story of triumph over adversity, and the kind of love that makes every day a new beginning. Having enjoyed the film, Shine, was only the half of it...it is the strength and courage of these two extraordinary people that truly shines through in reading the whole story!

I recently had the honor of meeting Gillian and invited her online for a Palace chat. (members.aol.com/palacechat/helfgotts.html) I was even more moved by this extraordinary woman (in person) and sat down to re-read the story.

Living with mental illness is a challenge in the best of circumstances. With this essential foundation of love and courage, coupled with the joy of sharing each new discovery, the Helfgotts set a shining example of what life is really all about.