Stripping Gypsy: The Life of Gypsy Rose Lee

Frankel has shaped her careful research into a fascinating narrative. Gypsy deserved an insightful, respectful biographer, and got one. I was pleasantly surprised by this gem of a history.

Let me say up front that I learned a lot from this book. The author has managed to wade through what we know about Gypsy Rose Lee--and what we THINK we know--and come up with a book that provides the most three-dimensional view of this unique performer. That said, I found the author's pedestrian writing style a distraction, particularly in the first third of the book. (Either matters improved after that, or I became used to the clunky sentences that had made me want to get out my editing pencil and go to work.) Gypsy's energy and wit were phenomenal, but Frankel's dry, academic prose sometimes gets in the way. Those familiar with Gypsy's own autobiography, and her son's book, will find this new book more enlightening, if not anywhere near as entertaining.

Anyone who loved Gypsy Rose Lee's memoir, the musical "Gypsy," or even those lucky old-timers who actually got to see Miss Lee's performances way back when will rejoice when they read this book. Gypsy Rose Lee's life and career are covered in depth in this meticulously well-researched book by Noralee Frankel. Miss Lee had an overabundance of guts and a willingness to try several different entertainment mediums - which she hoped would lead her out of Burlesque - and her story has never been as well-presented as it is here. This is a treasure of a book and I can't recommend it enough!

No axes to grind. No reason to keep skeletons hidden in the cupboard. Truth be told, Noralee Frankel gives us a vital, living breathing woman as contemporary as today. In one highly entertaining body of work, Frankel weaves a social history with the political landscape of the 20th century. Ideal for the casual reader or serious scholar. Gypsy, the autobiography, covered only the author's first 20-some years and glossed over the facts. This well-researched work explains in page-turner momentum who Gypsy Rose Lee really was, how she created and continued to re-invent herself in a tough man's-world market. In a century where everyone gets to be famous for 15 minutes, Gypsy reined queen, not only of burlesque, but best-seller books, theater, film and TV for decades. Who knew she put herself on the line for union rights for theater workers? Backed her lover, Mike Todd's, Broadway shows--and then starred in them? Survived and worked right through the McCarthy era. Everybody's here from Fanny Brice, June Havoc, crazy "Momma Rose" to the famous of Hollywood and Broadway. I couldn't put the book down until I finished the last page.

Move over Madonna! I no longer think you are the most self-created woman in show business. Not only did Gypsy create herself from scratch (less than scratch, really), she did so in an era that was totally unforgiving to women at many levels. And Mom!? Whatever you THOUGHT you knew about Gypsy's "stage mother," hold onto your hat. I don't want to give too much away, but can you say, "psychopath?!" Frankel's extensive research strips this fascinating woman down barer than her own act ever did, but leaves her dignity and accomplishments intact. The list of "did you know's" (Did you know Gypsy was a published author? Did you know Gypsy was a union champion?) goes on and on! I came away from this book MORE impressed by Gypsy's perseverance against all odds (if not her mothering skills), quirky sense of humor, and quick intelligence. Frankel goes beyond the facts of Gypsy's life to present her in the context of her times. Don't worry that this is "History 101," but you will walk away with greater insight into the dynamics of our country from Prohibition to the Cold War. Gypsy's liberal leanings (pro-union, anti-Fascist) make her life a great lens to view the growth of Hollywood, popular culture and political witch-hunts. Gypsy never seemed to lose her sense of humor, and Frankel's prose suits her subject! A worthy read....