Karen
By Kelsey Grammer
Publisher: Harper Select
The Emmy Award-winning actor recounts the murder of his younger sister, who was 18 years old at the time, in 1975.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Kelsey Grammer's memoir, "Karen: A Brother Remembers," is a deeply personal account of his sister's tragic murder and its profound impact on his life. Grammer, renowned for his portrayal of Dr. Frasier Crane, ventures into the literary realm with this narrative, aiming to honor his sister's memory and share his journey through grief.
The memoir recounts the harrowing events of July 1, 1975, when 18-year-old Karen Grammer was abducted, raped, and murdered in Colorado Springs. Grammer delves into the depths of his sorrow, attempting to navigate the complex emotions that accompany such a loss. He describes the book as "a vibrant, visceral, saturated, honest, ecstatic recounting of my sister’s days until her final desecration," emphasizing its focus on celebrating Karen's life rather than solely mourning her death. ([streetinsider.com](https://www.streetinsider.com/Business%2BWire/Kelsey%2BGrammer%2Bto%2BRelease%2BKaren%3A%2BA%2BBrother%2BRemembers%2Bwith%2BHarper%2BSelect%2Bon%2BMay%2B6%2C%2B2025/24065190.html?utm_source=openai))
However, the execution of this tribute is marred by a lack of structure and coherence. The narrative is riddled with repetitive, stream-of-consciousness passages that test the reader's patience. Grammer's unfiltered approach results in jarring digressions, including unsolicited commentary on unrelated topics, which detract from the memoir's central theme. A particularly perplexing element is the inclusion of a spirit medium named Esther, who purportedly channels Karen's voice, instructing Grammer to write the book. This choice introduces a layer of skepticism and diminishes the memoir's credibility. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kelsey-grammer/karen/?utm_source=openai))
The prose is often overwrought, with passages that veer into melodrama. For instance, Grammer writes, "She led me to this tale and leads me in it. I try to hear her. I try to honor her, climbing to where I see her high above me. Where Karen is today is a lofty place. And I am listening as I climb. She is Legend. Maybe the whole Valhalla thing is true. Maybe our Viking blood carries it." Such florid language, while perhaps cathartic for the author, may alienate readers seeking a more grounded and relatable narrative. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kelsey-grammer/karen/?utm_source=openai))
Furthermore, the memoir's disorganization is evident in its metanarrative asides, where Grammer addresses the reader directly, suggesting they put the book down if his style doesn't resonate. This self-awareness, rather than endearing, comes across as dismissive and undermines the reader's engagement. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/kelsey-grammer/karen/?utm_source=openai))
In conclusion, while "Karen: A Brother Remembers" is undoubtedly a heartfelt endeavor to honor a beloved sister, it falls short in its execution. The lack of editorial discipline results in a disjointed and, at times, frustrating reading experience. Readers seeking a coherent and compelling memoir on loss and healing may find this work lacking.
Recommendation: Not recommended.
written on: 5/15/2025