The biographer Tom Bower is known for his sharp, often biting prose, and his latest work, “House of Beckham,” is no exception. From the very first page, Bower sets the tone for what can only be described as a symphony of snide. The book opens at Glastonbury 2017, where David Beckham is seen in deep conversation with Mary Charteris, a 30-year-old party girl known for her presence at cocaine-fueled gatherings. The insinuations are clear, but the evidence is murky, leaving readers to question the fairness of such associations.
Bower’s narrative style is relentless, often sacrificing clarity for sensationalism. After Charteris’s wedding in 2012, Bower notes the public’s reaction to her revealing dress and her stepmother, known as “Lady Mindbender.” The prose is convoluted, leaving readers to wonder about the specifics of these reactions and the identities of those involved. The book relies heavily on tabloid accounts, skating a fine line between insinuation and defamation, often at the expense of coherence.
Back at Glastonbury, Beckham and his eldest son, Brooklyn, are later seen in the same venue as people allegedly taking ecstasy. Bower is quick to clarify that neither Beckham partook, but the insinuation is enough to cast a shadow. The narrative suggests that Beckham’s interactions with Charteris and a glamorous Australian bikini model were less than innocent, but the evidence is flimsy at best.
The book delves into more substantial allegations of Beckham’s infidelity, detailing his interactions with Sarah Marbeck, Celina Laurie, Rebecca Loos, and Danielle Heath. However, these accounts are historical, dating back to 2004, and have been extensively covered in the media. Without new insights or firsthand accounts, Bower’s role is more of an aggregator than an investigator.
One new detail about Rebecca Loos stands out. After a meal at Madrid’s Hard Rock Cafe, Beckham failed to leave a tip, prompting a waitress to write a note expressing her anger. Beckham eventually handed over a thick wad of euros, but Loos saw this as a sign of his double standards. The connection between this incident and Loos feeling played is tenuous, adding to the book’s overall sense of confusion.
The book’s main thesis is that David and Victoria Beckham are obsessed with money, driven by the need to maintain their global brand. Bower alleges tax avoidance and decisions made purely for financial gain, such as Beckham’s move to Real Madrid and later to America. However, these claims are speculative and lack concrete evidence.
One chapter, titled “Phony,” focuses on Victoria Beckham’s failed attempt to launch herself in the US with a $10 million docu-series for NBC. The show was reduced to a single hour and widely derided. Bower paints Victoria as a scheming figure, but the narrative reveals more about the media’s role in creating and then tearing down her image.
A surprising revelation is that David Beckham’s knighthood was allegedly thwarted by his wife’s perceived excesses. Former head of the civil service Bob Kerslake is said to have been irritated by Victoria’s lifestyle, which included multiple houses and servants. This class-coded critique suggests that the Beckhams were not deemed posh enough for such an honor.
Despite the affairs, arguments, and media scrutiny, the Beckhams remain married, a testament to their resilience. However, “House of Beckham” offers little insight into the personal traits that have kept them together. The book is more interested in scandal than substance, leaving readers with a sense of voyeuristic unease.
In summary, “House of Beckham” by Tom Bower is a relentless, often mean-spirited account of the Beckham’s lives. It offers little new information and relies heavily on tabloid sensationalism. While it may satisfy those looking for scandal, it falls short of providing a nuanced or fair portrayal of its subjects.
