I Was Better Last Night

I Was Better Last Night is a candid and uproarious memoir that delves deep into the life of Harvey Fierstein, a cultural icon, gay rights activist, and a four-time Tony Award-winning actor and playwright. This New York Times Bestseller unveils a treasure trove of never-before-told stories that chronicle the personal and professional journey of Fierstein, known for his legendary career that spans Broadway, Hollywood, and beyond.

From the humble beginnings in community theatre in Brooklyn to the dazzling lights of Broadway and the extravagant world of Hollywood, Harvey Fierstein's career has been nothing short of extraordinary. His contributions to hit plays, films, and TV shows such as Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Cheers, La Cage Aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy, Newsies, and Kinky Boots have earned him a revered spot in the annals of entertainment history. In his memoir, Fierstein reveals that even those closest to him have never heard many of the heartfelt and hilarious tales of his personal struggles, sex and romance, and his celebrated career that populate these highly entertaining pages.

I Was Better Last Night bares the intimate life of this unconventional child, from his 1952 Brooklyn roots to the avant-garde scenes of Andy Warhol and the Theatre of the Ridiculous, to the significant moments of the gay rights movements of the seventies and the harrowing AIDS crisis of the eighties. The narrative continues through decades marked by addiction, despair, and an ultimate journey to triumph.

Fierstein’s frank and open recollections provide a rich and vivid insight into downtown New York City's vibrant life, the evolution of gay culture, and the theatre's transformative evolution, of which he has been a defining figure. Additionally, the memoir offers a moving account of his family’s journey towards acceptance and understanding.

I Was Better Last Night is infused with wisdom and experiences culled from a life punctuated by mistakes and triumphs. The stories come together to paint a portrait of an astonishingly colourful and meaningful existence. Readers are fortunate to experience Fierstein’s unique and instantly recognisable voice on the page, as engaging, outrageously funny, and touchingly vulnerable as ever.