Forever Lucy: The Life of Lucille Ball

In 1959, the marriage between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz ended, which ended as well their portrayal of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, the happy couple of the hugely successful I Love Lucy show. Both were involved with others, according to Morella and Epstein, who also relate scandalous goings-on of the couple's son and daughter. Indeed, from the prologue through the conclusion, the authors stress sensational aspects of the comedienne's life. They also report on congressional hearings at which Ball, who was suspected of communistic leanings during the Cold War, was examined, her childhood and early strivings in Hollywood as a contract player, etc. The book includes numerous other details of her career: her next successful series, The Lucy Show ; her leadership of the production company Desilu; her lasting second marriage; performances on stage and in films. Interestingly, nearly all the authors' sources are anonymous, described as ""associates'' or ``friends.'' (October 15)