I watched the movie (What's love got to do with it) when I was a teenager and it left a big impact. I recently watched it again and was so impressed by the story that I just had to get the book.
The book is a lot less graphic in its description of violence and violence is not the predominant theme. It depicts Tina's background, her rise to fame, her life as a member of Ike's band, and her relationship with Ike and his many mistresses.
The story is mainly told by Tina and some of her family, close friends and business associates. Kurt Loder ties everything together neatly and his contributions remain minimal with the exception of the first chapter where he does spend an awful long time describing the pastures and flowers etc. Once Tina starts getting into her story, however, the book reads like a train and just becomes impossible to put down. A real page turner!
Whereas the movie fails to explain why Tina remained (for so long!) with her abusive husband, the book provides the background needed and offers an insight into why people fail to escape abusive relationships. Love not always has much to do with it.
Because of Ike's excessive number of mistresses and often changing band members, I got a bit confused sometimes as to who was who. A full list of names and a brief description is provided but since it's at the back of the book, I didn't notice it until I had finished the story!
What a story, what a read, and most of all, what a woman! I've never been a big fan but I'm keen to go see a Tina Turner show now!
