Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, “From Here to the Great Unknown,” offers an unvarnished glimpse into the complexities of her life, particularly regarding her experiences with motherhood and the enduring weight of past decisions. The narrative is particularly striking as it begins with a raw and honest reflection on a life-altering abortion, a decision that Presley later characterized as “the stupidest thing I’ve ever done.” Her candid admission transcends mere storytelling; it serves as a poignant commentary on the psychological ramifications many women experience surrounding reproductive choices.
Presley’s focus shifts towards an intense desire for redemption. After the decision she regretted, she meticulously anticipated the moment of conception with her boyfriend, Danny Keough, while aboard a cruise ship. This narrative twist encapsulates the desperation and determination that can accompany profound remorse. Presley’s words reveal a desperate hope that resonates with readers: “I need to be having this child.” Her emotional dialogue with the “lost child” reflects the depths of her turmoil and longing for connection, unearthing a profound maternal instinct intertwined with guilt and despair.
Relationships and Heartbreak
The memoir delves into her relationship with Danny Keough, illustrating the tangled web of love, obligation, and unintentional manipulation that characterized their union. Riley Keough, Lisa Marie’s daughter, recognized this dynamic when she stated, “I didn’t really mean to, but I did” in reference to her arrival. This admission presents an uncomfortable truth about how unplanned pregnancies can fundamentally alter the nature of relationships, particularly when both parties may not fully be on the same page.
Throughout the book, Presley navigates the landscape of loss, both through the tragic death of her son, Benjamin Storm Keough, and the emotional aftermath that followed. Benjamin’s death in 2020 left a lasting scar that Lisa Marie grappled with until her own untimely passing in January 2023. Her heartache is palpable, particularly as Riley recalled her mother passing away from what she described as a “broken heart.” Benjamin’s death not only altered the family dynamic but also reshaped Lisa Marie’s identity as a mother.
Intimate Revelations and Legacy
In addition to her struggles, “From Here to the Great Unknown” unveils startling revelations about Lisa Marie’s life, including the haunting decision to keep her son’s body at home for two months after his passing. This unsettling choice highlights a profound and often unspoken aspect of grief — the desire to maintain a physical connection to lost loved ones, no matter how painful.
Furthermore, the memoir addresses Lisa Marie’s complex relationship with her mother, Priscilla Presley, and the emotional burden of losing Elvis. Lisa Marie’s feeling of being “stuck” after her father’s heart attack illustrates the profound loneliness and confusion that often accompanies the loss of a parental figure, especially when fame casts a long shadow over personal grief.
With the co-authorship of her daughter Riley, who transcribed Lisa Marie’s tapes, the memoir emerges not just as a documentation of a life filled with challenges but as a testament to the enduring bonds of mother and daughter, even amidst tragedy and sorrow. Ultimately, Lisa Marie’s story is one of profound human experience, encapsulating the complexities of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of redemption.