Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye

by David Ritz
Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 9626
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-01
  • ISBN: 9780857121608
  • Publisher: Omnibus Press
  • Published: 2010-01-07
  • Reviews: 3

David Ritz offers an intimate and candid account of Marvin Gaye's life, drawing from years of conversations and interviews. This biography provides a fly-on-the-wall perspective on Gaye's journey from the slums of Washington DC to the heights of the Motown phenomenon, his struggles, and his untimely death. The narrative is enriched by the presence of iconic figures like the Jacksons, Smokey Robinson, and Diana Ross, making it a compelling read for music enthusiasts and biographers alike./n/nThe book is not just a chronicle of Gaye's musical career but also a deep dive into his personal life, highlighting his sensitivity and the challenges he faced. Ritz's detailed and accurate portrayal makes this the definitive biography of one of the most gifted musicians in soul history.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · sethdmichaels · 2026-01-01
harrowing 4.50

The book is a fascinating and depressing narrative that comprehensively explores the life of a talented yet broken musician. It provides a deep understanding of Marvin Gaye's personal struggles.

sethdmichaels' review on The StoryGraph describes 'Divided Soul' as a fascinating yet depressing narrative that delves into the life of Marvin Gaye. The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive exploration of Gaye's exceptional talent and his personal struggles. It's a poignant read that offers a deep understanding of the musician's complex life, making it a compelling biography for those interested in his story. The narrative is both insightful and heart-wrenching, highlighting the duality of Gaye's brilliance and his personal demons.

Quick quotes

    Fascinating, depressing, pretty comprehensive narrative of a musician who was both exceptionally talented and exceptionally broken personally.

    Marvin had some demons that he just couldn't shake off, and this book captures that struggle beautifully.

    The book provides a deep understanding of Marvin Gaye's personal struggles and his exceptional talent.

Illinois Drifter · 2026-01-01
harrowing 4.00

The book is a compelling exploration of Marvin Gaye's life, highlighting both his brilliance and his personal struggles. It leaves readers with a sense of sadness and disgust at the musician's downfall.

This biography is a deep dive into the life of Marvin Gaye, showcasing his extraordinary talent and the personal demons that plagued him. The author paints a vivid picture of Gaye's rise to fame and his eventual decline, making it a poignant read. The narrative is both fascinating and depressing, offering a comprehensive look at a man who was exceptionally gifted yet deeply troubled. Readers are left with a profound sense of sadness and disgust at the trajectory of Gaye's life, as well as a newfound appreciation for his musical legacy.

Quick quotes

    I devoured this book, and came away both disgusted and sad at what such a talented, at times gentle soul became late in life, according to Ritz.

    Marvin Gaye was a brilliant singer with a divided soul, and this book captures that complexity beautifully.

    The book provides a comprehensive narrative of a musician who was both exceptionally talented and exceptionally broken personally.

The New York Times · Janet Maslin · 1985-06-02
neutral 3.00

The biography provides a detailed account of Marvin Gaye's life but fails to capture his more personable side. The prose is serviceable but lacks depth in certain areas.

Janet Maslin's review in The New York Times highlights the biography's thoroughness in chronicling Marvin Gaye's life, yet notes its shortcomings in portraying the more likable aspects of his personality. The writing is described as serviceable, but it doesn't fully bring to life the charismatic side of Gaye that others have spoken about. Despite this, the book offers valuable insights into the complex nature of the musician's life and career, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in his story.

Quick quotes

    Though Mr. Ritz and others say Gaye was personable, 'Divided Soul' never shows us that side of him.

    Writing in a serviceable prose, Mr. Ritz provides a detailed account of Gaye's life.

    The book offers valuable insights into the complex nature of Marvin Gaye's life and career.

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