For horror fans, Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark, is an icon and a staple of the genre. From her beautifully teased black hair and vampy dress to her valley girl comedic wit, she’s the best part of watching late-night TV classic horror movies. Her memoir, “Yours Cruelly, Elvira,” is entertaining in numerous ways. It’s a mix of raw emotion, storytelling, triumphs, letdowns, and heartbreak, all while revealing Cassandra Peterson’s journey leading up to and following her iconic Elvira character.
The book delves into Peterson’s challenging childhood and the development of her strong work ethic. We hear about her time as a young go-go dancer, her encounter with none other than the King himself, Elvis Presley, her experiences working in Rome, and how she conceived the character of Elvira.
“Yours Cruelly, Elvira” isn’t just about Hollywood glitz and glam. Peterson opens up about the struggles of being a woman in show business, the grueling process of creating the Elvira character, the disappointments in Hollywood, and the complexities of producing her own movie.
But the memoir’s heart lies in Peterson’s resilience. It’s a story of overcoming adversity, both physical and emotional, and achieving success on her own terms.
Whether you’re a die-hard Elvira devotee or simply someone who enjoys a captivating autobiography, “Yours Cruelly, Elvira” is a must-read. It’s a darkly funny, refreshingly honest look at the life of a woman who dared to be different and carved her own path to becoming a pop culture legend.
“Yours Cruelly, Elvira” is available in both print and audio version and was published in 2021. I personally listened to the audio version and the Mistress of the Dark is the narrator. This added to the enjoyment of the book, being able to hear it in her own voice!
For my book reviews, check out my blog about Sylvester Barzey’s book “Camp Lanier” here.