Truly, Madly

Vivien Leigh, Laurence Olivier, and the Romance of the Century

By: Stephen Galloway

Narrated by: Molly Parker Myers

A New York Times bestseller and a Washington Post "Best Book of the Year".

The thrilling story of the passionate, turbulent marriage of Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh.

In 1934, a friend brought fledgling actress Vivien Leigh to see Theatre Royal, where she would first lay eyes on Laurence Olivier in his brilliant performance as Anthony Cavendish. That night, she confided to a friend, he was the man she was going to marry. There was just one problem: she was already married—and so was he. Truly, Madly is the biography of a marriage, a love affair that still captivates millions, even decades after both actors' deaths.

Vivien and Larry were two of the first truly global celebrities—their fame fueled by the explosive growth of tabloids and television, which helped and hurt them in equal measure. They seemed to have it all and yet, in their own minds, they were doomed, blighted by her long-undiagnosed mental-illness, which transformed their relationship from the stuff of dreams into a living nightmare.

Through new research, including exclusive access to previously unpublished correspondence and interviews with their friends and family, author Stephen Galloway takes readers on a bewitching journey. He brilliantly studies their tempestuous liaison, one that took place against the backdrop of two world wars, the Golden Age of Hollywood and the upheavals of the 1960s—as they struggled with love, loss and the ultimate agony of their parting.

"Gripping." ―Wall Street Journal

"Between the tabloid intrigue and the Shakespearean end is a compelling portrait of two people trying their best." ―Vanity Fair

"A fascinating look at the dueling powers of dizzying fame and true love.” ―Town & Country

Passion has its limits

Galloway presents a beautiful but troubled love story between 2 brilliantly talented actors. Their love, passion and shared talent could not overcome Vivien Leigh's illness that took years to diagnose. Descriptions of their life together, then apart paint a vivid picture of 2 lovers who never stopped loving each other, yet could not continue being together. Highly recommend, especially if you love classic movies and their stars.

Another Book Ruined by Narrator

I was so excited for this book to be released. I pre-ordered and patiently waited. So it was totally disappointing when I could barely tolerate the narrator, who reads this book like she's performing in the theatre, and promptly stopped listening and bought a copy off Amazon.

This is a must have for fans of Leigh-Olivier. Leaves you feeling sad that there wasn't a lot known about bipolar disorder/mental health or much to help Vivien. These two, it seems, really were torn apart by illness.

Definitely recommend.

The real lives of two acting legends brilliantly revealed

The lives loves and careers of acting legends Laurence Oliver and Vivian Leigh, always with us as gwtw’s Scarlett O’Hara are brought to life in Stephen Galloway,s excellent biography. Known as among the greatest actors of their generation and all time, Galloway shows their humanity and tortured love from the beginning to end of their lives. The first half covering their rise as stars and their star crossed love affair and marriage is wonderful. The second half as she descends into madness and he faces career marriage and health crisis after crisis is gripping and an emotional roller coaster. It is all well worth a listen and will leave you entertained informed and deeply touched. I recommend it highly.

Good book, but the narrator!!

Couldn't stand the narrator throughout the book. I'd still buy it, however I need to make a note that she completely over-acted the parts and at one point I had to roll my eyes at how she was reading it.

Reader is soooooooo bad

The story is interesting and competently written, but the reader! Hyper enunciation, a clipped and mannered delivery, a sing song inflection repeated over and over. It is seriously challenging to get through. I almost didn’t make it. It takes courage and determination. Her voice is lovely but so contorted my her vocal mannerisms and ridiculously unnatural diction. What a waste of a beautiful voice.