Behind the Candelabra
My Life with Liberace
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Behind the Candelabra
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Narrated by:
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Peter Berkrot
About this listen
In this unusually frank book Scott Thorson, Liberace's longtime lover, tells all: the good, the bad, and the ugly truths about the legendary entertainer who went to outrageous extremes to prevent public knowledge of his homosexuality.
Liberace's unhappy childhood, dominated by a mother determined to force him into a concert career, serves as the prologue for a story that goes on to detail Liberace's early appearances in honky-tonks, his move to New York to seek fame, and, finally, his first booking in Las Vegas, where he was courted by the Mafia.
As Thorson attests, such successes provide a bright counterpoint to a darker tale of a man hungry for power, given to every excess. Liberace's credo - "too much of a good thing is wonderful" - is reflected here in his acquisition of new lovers, luxurious homes, a large collection of pornography, and a total of 26 house dogs.
Behind the Candelabra above all explores the fundamentally tender love affair between Liberace and Thorson - whom Liberace sent to his own plastic surgeon to have his face remodeled in Liberace's own image!
This fast-paced story, sprinkled with anecdotes about famous entertainers such as Michael Jackson and Shirley MacLaine, ends with an intimate look at Liberace's final days as he lay dying of AIDS - and his deathbed reconciliation with Thorson. Thorson's story will also appear in the upcoming biopic of the same name starring award-winning actors Michael Douglas and Matt Damon.
©1988, 2013 Scott Thorson with Alex Thorleifson (P)2013 TantorListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Behind the Candelabra
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Melmo25
- 10-07-22
Fascinating and rather sad and tragic
Seen the film so wanted to hear it from the horse's mouth so to speak.
Scott comes across as a guy who never seems to have found love and security, he's also dealt with some shady people
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amanda Kaster
- 02-06-24
great story
great story and a wonderful performer, it really seems like you're listening to the author speaking.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lenka
- 25-06-21
Well written and executed story
Loved the movie BDC, so decided to listen to this book as well, amazing yet sad story, Scott was young man that has been dealt the harsh hand of destiny from the moment he was born, when Liberace crossed his life he formed him into his own picture liberally, no one these days would doubt Scott was in unhealthy relationship he never recovered from once discarded, his life has NEVER stabilised as a result of that and I hope once released from prison in 2022 he may still have some nice time in his life to enjoy. Great performance by the narrator!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jennifer Valentine-Miller
- 03-08-13
Hear the story first
Would you consider the audio edition of Behind the Candelabra to be better than the print version?
Yes, I would advise anyone to sit back and listen to the truth. It took me around a week. I am sure some would prefer listening to it in a day.
What was one of the most memorable moments of Behind the Candelabra?
I was surprised the at the beginning of Liberace's life was interesting and surprised at how hard he worked. I loved listening to their life on the road and how they entertained guests. The break up of the relationship was inevitable. However, unforgettable is the last paragraph (the end) and their last conversation.
What about Peter Berkrot’s performance did you like?
Overall he was very good throughout.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
How Scott Thorson got hooked on drugs, and how he was asked to leave the Liberace estate.
Any additional comments?
I am glad the book did not get carried away with sex scenes.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- S. Smith
- 20-06-23
Very interesting
Great narration of a story that fascinated the fans. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Elastic
- 21-08-23
Excellent narration
Peter Berkrot delivers a great performance, really lives the text and controls the tempo of the narrative.
Listenable and entertaining.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Gran 54
- 11-01-15
Liberace
If you could sum up Behind the Candelabra in three words, what would they be?
Sad. Shocking eyeopening
Who was your favorite character and why?
Probably Liberace himself though sometimes because of his stage act you forget how talented he was as a pianist it also shows if you have enough money you can cover up anything that you want to
Would you listen to another book narrated by Peter Berkrot?
Not sure
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
How to spend your whole life living a lie
Any additional comments?
Scott could have walked away from the situation at any time obviously it suited him not to
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Linda T
- 20-07-23
Liberace
I thought this book would have been all about his music which I’m not into. But it wasn’t it was all about his actual life. Was a very insightful listen. You’ll enjoy this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Chris n Lou
- 04-01-24
A very good read
Really enjoyed this amazing insight to the side of Liberace you never saw and was kept secret
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