Furious Love

Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century

By: Sam Kashner, Nancy Schoenberger

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

From veteran entertainment reporter Sam Kashner and biographer Nancy Schoenberger comes the definitive account of the greatest Hollywood love story ever told—the romance of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Kashner has interviewed Elizabeth Taylor numerous times and is the only journalist given access to her extensive collection of personal letters and journals, and he and Schoenberger have also interviewed the Burton family at length, including Burton’s actress daughter Kate. This is truly an authorized and singularly informed biography of these two larger-than-life stars, and of their glamorous, volatile, and audacious relationship.

Narrator makes this work

I loved this book. I might have taken it just as tabloid except for the effective narration. Paul Boehmer manages to "be" both Elizabeth and Richard without resorting to annoying voices. I was particularly struck with the power that Richard had with language which comes through in his letters and the delivery with a deeper voice and a lovely accent.

Entertainingly tragic!

It was a struggle to finish because it was to "bloody" long just to repeat the same horrible behaviors. Most memorable moments where the theatrical word Burton enjoyed using and his journal entrys. Though I have no doubts that he loved "E" as he called Elizabeth Taylor along with so many other names, I also believe that sometimes within that love affair were selfish motives which maybe one of the reasons his specific desire was never accomplished. As for Mrs. E.T. Burton what a sad soul.

One of the greatest love stories of our time

I have read most everything available on Liz and Dick, but this takes the reader right into the midst of the passion and tempest of a great love story. Love letters from Richard Burton to Elizabeth Taylor detail the agonizing bliss of their relationship, and explain why it ended all too soon. A great read!

Love Wins --- no matter who tries to stop it

Their Love Story is what we all want, but sadly very, very few ever get. To have someone who truly loves us, physically/emotionally and cannot bear to be without us. It is something I can only imagine, and this book makes that possible. I envy them both for the devotion and Love they feel for each other. He loved her more deeply than any of his family understood. When he died, I think her heart really did break and yet when she died, she knew they could finally be together again....this time forever. I loved listening to the book and reading it.
I have to say Shame on Richard's last wife for banning Elizabeth from Richard's funeral. Shame on her.

Elizabeth and Richard: Liz and Dick

What made the experience of listening to Furious Love the most enjoyable?

The love letters.

What other book might you compare Furious Love to and why?

Ava Gardner's biography, because of her volatile relationship with Sinatra.

Which scene was your favorite?

When they first met on Cleopatra.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did.

Any additional comments?

Great read for those of us who grew up in their era. Was very surprised not to hear about Richard's drinking, but the many reasons why he drank. He definitely was a tortured soul. I believe as much as he loved Elizabeth, she was also like a poison to him, and he was not the strong one in that relationship.