It Ended Badly

Starred review from June 1, 2015
Journalist Wright debuts with this delightful, high-concept collection of essays. Presented as a self-help manual for the newly single, the book consists of funny, irreverent entries, each devoted to a different famous breakup, from ancient Rome (Nero and Poppea) to the 20th century (Liz Taylor, Debbie Reynolds, and Eddie Fisher). The grim personal details, presented to hilarious effect in pieces with titles like “If You Were Dumped, Read About Edith Wharton and Morton Fullerton,” will make the reader want to delve further into the history, especially when they learn that Anna Ivanova, Empress of Russia, forced her jester to dress like a chicken and pretend to lay eggs when visitors arrived. According to the author, the past is “not that different and certainly not any better” than the present, relationship-wise. Most people go through breakups during which they feel and act terribly. Looking to history provides reassurance that this “is almost never the defining moment of one’s life.” The book teaches even as it entertains, and applies modern psychology to the behavior of its subjects, providing both amusement and consolation to people likely in need of both. Agent: Nicole Tourtelot, Kuhn Projects Agency.

Starred review from October 1, 2015

Wright (New York Observer and New York Post contributor) recalls some of the most dramatic and unbelievable yet true breakups in history, beginning with the murderous Nero and Poppaea and concluding with one of Hollywood's most infamous love triangles; that of Debbie Reynolds, Eddie Fisher, and Elizabeth Taylor. The author also sprinkles in the lesser-known and just as memorable trials of characters such as the eccentric Timothy Dexter. Opening with a juxtaposition of quotes from Buddha and Taylor Swift, Wright quickly establishes the sarcasm and wit that fill the pages, making each chapter read as juicy gossip. Although the 13 stories feature heartbreaking and horrific tales, Wright leaves the reader with positive and hopeful thoughts on love. While this is historical nonfiction, the writing fits right in with the work of comedian authors Tina Fey and Chelsea Handler. VERDICT Wright's ability to blend historical facts with humor will make this book attractive to readers looking for a delightful page-turner, as well as those who enjoy the dynamic people who have been peppered throughout history. [See "Editors' Fall Picks," LJ 9/1/15, p. 29.]--Katie McGaha, Cty. of Los Angeles P.L.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2016

"Happily ever after" did not happen for the 13 couples in this book. Starting with Nero and Poppaea Sabina, winding through the ages to describe the breakups of couples, such as English King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, it is a veritable Who's Who of bad relationships. There are some unbelievable stories here about famous, creative personalities who lived at the edge of society's mores. These rulers, artists, and writers were already larger-than-life, but heartbreak does not distinguish among the rich, poor, and eccentric. Whether their culture tolerated cruelty that was not acceptable in many other time periods (Nero and Poppaea Sabina), condemned homosexuals to a prison sentence or worse (Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas), or even tolerated their bizarre behavior (Oskar Kokoschka and Alma Mahler), each breakup left its mark on the individuals involved. For teens who know their history of popular and literary culture, this book will be a light and breezy read. The author peppers comparisons with contemporary figures, which may motivate readers to head to the nearest Wikipedia article to learn more. There are many interesting rumors, facts, and stories here that certainly can encourage further research into the complete history. VERDICT Definitely hand this title to teens who enjoy talking or reading about history. Also consider suggesting to those who have just broken off an important relationship-it could certainly provide a fascinating perspective.-Connie Williams, Petaluma High School, CA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2015
This delightful coverage of disastrous love affairs is richly, animatedly conversational, with the requisite digressions, to which you just listen and laugh or shudder. Even the illustrations don't escape Wright's pinpoint, sometimes bemused attention; for example, a photo of Oscar Wilde (in his heartbreak chapter with Lord Alfred Douglas, the saddest story in this book ) earns this caption, Oscar Wilde appears to have a Katy Perryesque firework of a flower growing out of his lapel. Wright is the companion to have if your heart is or was broken. She is full of knowledge of history, romantic peccadilloes, and the eras that endured them (or didn't). Best of all, she offers her own wide-ranging takes on the action. Whatever your own history of love found and lost, you will be shaking your head in amazement at how marvelously you have been outdone by these undone humans, ranging from Nero and Poppaea to Edith Wharton to Elizabeth Taylor. An intelligent, often funny, hard-to-put down redaction of romance, a reminder that life is not a fairy tale, and often not even a fair tale. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)