By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Priscilla Beaulieu Presley's memoir, "Softly, as I Leave You: Life After Elvis," co-authored with Mary Jane Ross, is a perplexing endeavor that ostensibly aims to chronicle her life post-Elvis but remains ensnared in the gravitational pull of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Despite the passage of decades since Elvis's death, Presley's narrative is inextricably tethered to her former husband, rendering the memoir less an exploration of her individual journey and more a reiteration of a well-trodden tale.

The memoir revisits familiar territory, recounting the couple's courtship that began when Priscilla was a mere 14 and Elvis 24—a relationship dynamic that, by today's standards, raises significant ethical questions. Presley attempts to contextualize this age disparity by asserting that such relationships were commonplace in the South during that era, a justification that feels both antiquated and dismissive of contemporary understandings of power imbalances and consent. This defense is not only unconvincing but also undermines the potential for a more introspective examination of her experiences.

Post-divorce, the memoir ostensibly aims to shed light on Presley's endeavors to forge an identity beyond Elvis's shadow. She delves into her acting career, highlighting roles in "Dallas" and "The Naked Gun" series, and her business ventures, including the transformation of Graceland into a lucrative tourist attraction. However, these narratives are presented with a lack of depth and introspection, leaving readers with a superficial understanding of her personal growth and professional challenges. The memoir's potential to serve as an inspiring account of self-discovery is thus regrettably squandered.

The portrayal of her daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, is particularly troubling. The memoir touches upon Lisa Marie's struggles with addiction and her untimely death, yet these discussions are handled with a detachment that borders on callousness. Presley's narrative fails to convey the profound complexities of their mother-daughter relationship, instead opting for a sanitized version that does a disservice to the memory of her daughter. This lack of emotional depth is a glaring omission in a memoir that purports to be a candid account of her life.

Critics have noted that the memoir reads more like a public relations exercise than a genuine exploration of Presley's life. The Washington Post observes that the book "feels like it was written by someone whose desire to keep up appearances has won out over her desire to be known," resulting in a narrative that is both guarded and unremarkable. Similarly, Kirkus Reviews describes the memoir as "a candid memoir that both embraces and remains captive to the Elvis legacy," highlighting its inability to break free from the confines of her past.

In conclusion, "Softly, as I Leave You" is a memoir that fails to deliver on its promise of providing an insightful look into Priscilla Presley's life after Elvis. Its reluctance to engage in meaningful self-reflection and its persistent focus on Elvis render it a redundant addition to the existing literature on the Presley saga. For readers seeking a profound and authentic narrative of personal growth and resilience, this memoir is a disappointment.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 10/2/2025