LOVE OF MY LIFE : THE LIFE AND LOVES OF FREDDIE MERCURY – LESLEY-ANN JONES

If you are one of the many millions who watched the Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody you may suppose that Mary Austin was the love of Freddie Mercury s life, the woman who he could never quite let go of. The truth is more complicated. Respected biographer and music journalist, Lesley-Ann Jones explores Freddie s romantic encounters – from his boarding school years in Panchgani, India to his final days spent bed-ridden at his sumptuous Kensington home. Here the author reveals why not a single one of his lovers ever really perfected the art of being his life partner. Love of My Life charts Freddie s many obsessions from Mary Austin, Barbara Valentin and final live-in lover Jim Hutton. From a string of male love interests to his chaste passion for Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe; from fellow rock stars Dave Clark, Elton John and his own co-band members in Queen, to cats and curios : his fascination for felines and his relentless extravagant shopping and collecting; from favourite cities around the world – New York, Montreux and Munich, in which he purchased lavish homes – to the food of love – his music, and his voracious addiction to sex. Which of these was the real love of Freddie Mercury s life? Based on personal interviews and encounters the author tells of Freddie Mercury s lesser known loves in order to paint a comprehensive picture of the legendary musician. Published on the 30th anniversary of his death, and what would have been Freddie Mercury s 75th year.