Those of us who grew up listening to Karen Carpenter know there was something truly special about her voice. And those of us who loved Olivia Newton-John know she had a generous heart to match her talent. Now, a new book is bringing those two worlds together in a way that is both moving and long overdue.
A newly released biography, A Little More Love, by Matthew Hild, takes a close look at the life of Olivia Newton-John. The book draws on memories shared by friends, collaborators, and people who knew her personally throughout her career.
Among the most heartbreaking stories in A Little More Love are those surrounding Karen Carpenter. The book reveals details about Newton-John’s attempts to support Carpenter during her private battle with anorexia nervosa. These were quiet, personal gestures — the kind that rarely make headlines but say everything about a person’s character.
Carpenter’s struggle with anorexia was not widely understood at the time. She passed away in 1983, and the world grieved the loss of one of the most beloved voices of our generation. Knowing that Newton-John was reaching out behind the scenes adds a tender new layer to both of their stories.
The Carpenter memories are just one part of what A Little More Love covers. According to reports, the book also explores several other deeply personal chapters of Newton-John’s life, a full portrait of a woman our generation knew and loved for decades.
If you have ever wanted to understand the woman behind Grease and Physical a little more deeply, Matthew Hild’s biography sounds like it might be worth a look.