Stephen Sondheim: Art Isn't Easy

Daniel Okrent's biography delves into Stephen Sondheim's life from his tumultuous upbringing and parents' divorce through his career as a composer and lyricist.

The book examines Sondheim's complex relationships with collaborators and friends, including a detailed exploration of his partnership with Hal Prince, while analyzing how themes from his personal life—such as dysfunctional families, the search for connection, and artistic pride—are woven throughout his theatrical compositions.

Okrent presents Sondheim with frank honesty, acknowledging both his genius and his imperfections.