summary ofSomebody to LoveBook by Matt Richards, Mark Langthorne

first KEY POINT

Society creates norms that can often lead to us living in falsehood, live your authentic self

In the 70s, it wasn't trendy or accepted to be openly gay, especially in the UK. This is where our story starts, and we meet young Freddie Mercury as he and his ragtag band of friends try to break into the music business with their unique and impressive talents.

Mercury had struggled with his sexuality for a long time, unable to reconcile if it was indeed “normal” to have romantic feelings for another man. Mercury himself had a somewhat strong connection to his roots and upbringing. Born to religious and conservative Indian parents, Bomi and Jer Bulsara in Zanzibar, he spent his childhood in India in boarding school.

Regardless of how little time he spent with his parents, Mercury cultivated a profound respect for them, their religion, and their culture. Bomi and Jer were members of the Zoroastrian faith, and they had strong beliefs on what was considered right and wrong. They may have unknowingly instilled these values into Mercury at some point in his life, but in any case, it formed the core of the adult he'd become; ashamed, afraid, and in disguise.

Mercury would later return to Zanzibar before fleeing to England with his family, a move that would open the door to wanton exploration and a long path of self-discovery and reinvention. He had always been adept in the musical arts, even as far back as boarding school. Blessed with the rich vocal gifts of his Persian heritage, Mercury had the voice of an angel, and he knew how to use it.In the following chapters, we shall dig deeper beyond the allure and porcelain finish Mercury put up, far into the dark underbelly. The summary reveals his life, struggles with his sexuality, the music industry, and the illness that would ultimately bring his boisterous tale to an end.