BOBBY DARIN: A LIFE. Michael Seth Starr. Taylor.
This is a workmanlike biography of Darin with some excellent interviews with, and insights from, people who worked with him and knew him well. Mercifully Starr doesn't spend too much time on Darin's childhood, and after a few pages takes us into the beginnings of his almost meteoric if short-lived show business career. Darin is essentially portrayed by Starr and others as a man driven to succeed at an early age because of a heart condition that would probably ensure him an early demise – as it did (at age thirty-seven). Of course, many young people with perfectly healthy hearts are driven to succeed – the sooner the better --- but his condition may have added a certain intensity to Darin's ambition. Darin could be prickly and cocky, which didn't endear him to some (Ed Sullivan was certainly no fan), but he eventually mellowed and won people over with his talent. Starr doesn't spend as much time on the ultimately shattered Darin-Sandra Dee marriage, which may disappoint those looking for juicy stories of marital combat, but he does adeptly describe his recording career, film roles, and critical and fan reaction to same. Interestingly enough, at one point Darin decided to almost “drop out,” sold all of his possessions, and moved as far away from everyone as he could get. Bobby Darin: A Life is a good bet for readers who are curious about Darin but don't necessarily want to read a thick tome on the performer; it gives all the basic facts of his life and is a quick read.
Verdict: Not bad! ***.
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