The Death and Life of Mal Evans: A Novel Paperback – August 24, 2015

Sometimes fiction reveals more truth than fact does. I had a feeling that's what I was experiencing reading Peter Lee's novel. I've not been a huge Beatles fan, and I only knew the basics about them. But reading this book I could hear the dialog in my head -- cavalier attitudes, boyish banter, British accents and all. And I could really identify with Mal. We've all known someone like him, someone who's overly devoted and true, who seems to dream harder than everyone around him, a caretaker, a worrier. His dream feels right, and it earns a rare satisfying closure.Did I cross the line saying I wasn't a Beatles fan? I always thought of John as a pompous ass and I didn't like his voice much. And Paul has too many annoying songs that I can't get out of my head. I bet I'd enjoy having Ringo for a neighbor. I liked George's music the most, though I didn't really appreciate it until after he died. But it was nice to get to know them all a little better, even if in a fictional setting. Based on the end notes, I have confidence the author did his homework.While reading "Mal Evans," I thought I'd put together a soundtrack. Except it's the Beatles, so you can't be a cheapo like me and stream it. Stopping by the CD racks in my local library, I spotted "Concert for Bangladesh" and right behind it "Concert for George" both filed under C for Concert -- how quaint. Listening to "Concert for Bangladesh" I could feel the humble power of George's convictions complemented by his musical energy. First he comes out and cools down the crowd, asking them to be quiet for Ravi Shankar's Indian music. Then after 15 minutes of peculiar twanging he comes out with axes swinging on "Wah-Wah" -- key changes, backup singers and all. Basic lyrics, complex music. That's intrigue. That's the Beatles. Mr. Lee's book has me spinning new CDs and wanting to learn more about the band and its solo artists.I had fun reading "Mal Evans" and you will too. Thanks, Mr. Lee, for piecing together such a nice dream -- one that inspires us to keep reading and learning and listening.

I've read Peter's music blog for years and I have always enjoyed his perspective and taste. When I saw that he had written a fan-fiction novel about the possibility of the Beatles staying together I knew I had to read it. I really enjoyed the novel and if anything I just wanted more. It was a fun, enjoyable, and quick read. This book fulfills the fantasy every audiophile (that I’ve ever known) has when they wonder what it would be like if a beloved band had stayed together longer. What would it take to keep a favorite group together just long enough to add another album or two to our collection. My only qualm was the personal relationship with the main character and his immediate family taking a backseat to his relationship with the Liverpudlians. This is not really a criticism of the author, but the flawed nature of the individual character. This is recommended reading for any fan of the Beatles who wants just a few more days with the quartet together.

This book was a joy from start to finish, yet it brought several tears to my eyes more than once. Some were tears of joy at experiencing an alternate Beatles history, and getting the chance to have just a little more time with them. Some were tears of sadness and loss at the inevitible end of the era. It's obvious that Peter Lee loves The Beatles and their music. HIs insights to individual songs and arrangements, both real and re-imagined are based on a real knowledge and appreciation of the music of both the group and the individuals. Of course this does not always follow the actual timeline of events, but the author acknowledges some changes were made to facilitate the storytelling. However, it's an entirely possible, and perhaps even probable, alternate history, based on years of research.I think any music fan, whether a super Beatle fan or not, would enjoy this look at music history and the contribution of the Fab Four.I cannot recommend this book enough.

What if the Beatles never broke up and went on to produce more music? This is the synopsis of the book, a historical alternative history. Peter Lee has done his research on the Beatles and may I say he has done it well! Lee comes from a musical family and is knowledge of the Beatles musical styles shines through. This is not just a book thrown together about the Beatles and what might have happen, this is a book that took years inside Lee's head as well as his love of the band and what they stood for...a band for all generations! I personally love, alternative history stories. I liken this book to Stephen King's 11/23/63. The only difference is Lee makes this story so believable! He puts the reader inside the minds of each of the Beatles and their assistant Mal Evans. His dialogues among the Fab Four is also so believable. This book is every die-hard Beatles dream of the Liverpool Boys! I know John, George and Mal are looking down on this book and smiling and hope that Paul and Ringo take the time to read it and give Mr. Lee the kudos he deserves!

This book was recommended to me by a friend. I loved it. It reminded me of historical time travel feel that Stephen King's 1963 has. This book is a fictional account of the real-life Mal Evans. While I knew of the Beatles and much of their history, I did not know about Mal Evans. The research that went into writing this - even as a fictional account, was impressive. Peter captures conversations between Mal and the Beatles with such ease that you wonder if he had actually been able to observe any first-hand.This was an easy, enjoyable read. I love the way you can get into the head of Mal and even feel the emotions he might have faced in these scenarios. I also love the complexity he faces when going back in time and things don't work out the way he hopes they will. The synopsis says it best - "tromp through an alternate history, time travel and emphasis on fate vs. free will." Very imaginative and well done! Highly recommend this book for fun weekend reading.

I loved this. As a long time Beatles fan who has read far too much on the subject this well researched alternate Beatles timeline is a joy. Well written and putting a genuine unsung Beatle hero to the fore it all seems likely….. given a few changes to the laws of physics. Now for recreating the additional Beatle albums 😎

I loved this book I just wish there were more fantasy albums. The authors pick of songs for the albums was spot on.