My Name is Barbra

The long-awaited memoir My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand is finally here, offering an exhilarating, candid, and introspective look into the life of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Spanning almost 1,000 pages, this autobiography takes you on a deeply personal journey from her humble beginnings in Brooklyn to her incredible rise to fame and the myriad joys and tears that have accompanied her remarkable career.

A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER and THE TIMES MUSIC BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023, this book delves into the complex and often challenging world of show business. Streisand reflects with startling honesty on her insecurities, her drive, and the moments that defined her, both on and off the stage. Her ability to recount her experiences with encyclopedic detail—from her onstage outfits to the intricate processes behind her films—creates a vivid tapestry of her life's work.

Critics and celebrities alike have praised My Name Is Barbra. In The Times, her memoir is highlighted for its exhilarating narrative that leaves "blood on the page." Vanity Fair calls it a tome of "startling honesty and self-reflection," while Richard E. Grant, writing for the Sunday Times, describes it as a "Streisand obsessive's dream come true," addressing long-standing rumours and misrepresentations about her life.

Other notable endorsements include Hillary Clinton, who dubs it a "brilliant memoir," and the New York Times, which hails it as a "glorious, exuberant, chatty and candid" account. The New Yorker refers to it as "the mother of all memoirs," and The Observer appreciates its "mystical, messy, bawdy and funny" nature, offering deep insights into Streisand's insecurities and her relentless quest for success.

Beyond the acclaim, My Name Is Barbra serves as a testament to Streisand's varied and successful career. She is one of the few to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), with a voice that is among the most recognisable in popular music. The memoir covers her early struggles in New York nightclubs, her breakout role in Funny Girl, and her groundbreaking work in film, including Yentl, for which she was the first woman to write, produce, direct, and star. It also delves into her endeavours in directing films like The Prince of Tides, her political advocacy, and her cherished relationships, including her marriage to James Brolin.

Barbra Streisand's memoir goes beyond the typical celebrity autobiography, offering readers an intimate and multifaceted portrait of a living legend. It’s an expansive work that reveals the woman behind the sequins and the star that continues to shine brightly in the world of entertainment. Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to her story, My Name Is Barbra is a compelling narrative of a life lived with relentless ambition, extraordinary artistry, and unwavering authenticity.

No entertainer's memoir has been as eagerly anticipated, and with the rich detail and honest revelations contained within, My Name Is Barbra is sure to captivate and inspire its readers for many years to come. ST Bestseller, November 2024.