John and Paul: A Love Story in Songs - 'The first new Beatles story in decades'

"The first new Beatles story in decades - and the one that will make your heart burst," declares Caitlin Moran, and with Ian Leslie's John & Paul, that sentiment rings undeniably true. GQ hails it as having "done the impossible, and breathed new life into one of the world's most studied bands," while Tom Holland pronounces it "the most moving and revelatory book on Lennon and McCartney I have ever read. So joyful, so sad." Even the Sunday Times praises its "thoughtful, fresh look at the creative collaboration of Lennon and McCartney" that "turns the clichés on their heads."

Leslie's John & Paul is indeed a majestic biography, charting the extraordinary journey of two young geniuses who fused their talents to forge one of the most significant bodies of music in history. The narrative commences in 1957, with the fateful meeting of two teenagers in suburban Liverpool who shared a passion for rock 'n' roll, and concludes twenty-three years later with the tragic murder of one of them. In between, Leslie masterfully guides us through their ascent to global superstardom, the creation of countless indelible songs that have become woven into the fabric of our culture, and their pivotal role in shaping the modern world.

More than just bandmates, rivals, or collaborators, Lennon and McCartney are presented as intimates, bound by the shared trauma of having their worlds shattered at a young age. Leslie eloquently explores their deep-seated longing for emotional connection, both with each other and with the millions who would eventually listen to their music. The pop song, in their hands, became a vessel into which they poured the full spectrum of human emotion – grief, euphoria, and everything in between. When words failed them, they sang.

Even after the acrimonious break-up of The Beatles, Leslie reveals the enduring musical dialogue that continued, albeit at a distance, in songs laced with recrimination, regret, and lingering affection. Drawing on recently unearthed footage and recordings, Leslie offers a startlingly fresh perspective on these two iconic figures. His majestic and thoroughly enjoyable biography compels us to see and, crucially, hear Lennon and McCartney anew, offering profound insights into the enigmatic nature of creativity, the complexities of collaboration, and the enduring power of human connection. This is a vital and deeply rewarding read for any Beatles enthusiast and anyone fascinated by the alchemy of creative partnership.