Transforming misery into memory is the goal of this painfully vivid memoir of Linda Ashcroft’s four-year relationship with rock star Jim Morrison. “Wild Child”, based on Ashcroft’s diaries of 1967 through 1971, is a richly detailed memoir that resurrects the soul of Jim Morrison through Ashcroft’s powerful writing voice and detailed descriptions.

Ashcroft claims to have been Morrison’s lover, muse, and confidante for four years preceding his death in 1971. This memoir includes specific details of Morrison’s writing process and gives credit to Ashcroft for inspiring much of the music of The Doors.

In specific, Ashcroft sites her relationship with Morrison as inspiration for the songs, “Riders on the Storm,” “People are Strange” and “Wild Child.”

Much of “Wild Child” takes place in the Central Valley town of Stockton, where Ashcroft lived with her family. Ashcroft’s simple suburban teenage life intertwined with Morrison’s chaotic existence seems at times implausible. However, the evocative writing style of Ashcroft transforms this tale of teen idol worship into a compelling story that transcends the specific details of their relationship.

Ashcroft’s ability to let the story unfold on its own sets this memoir apart from other biographies that editorialize the subject and lose the spirit of the character. Claims have been made that this book may be nothing more than the fantastic longings of an obsessed teenage groupie. The sweet intimate nature of the relationship between Ashcroft and Morrison depicted in “Wild Child” conflicts with much of the media’s representation of Morrison as a womanizing animal. Further complaints stem from the fact that “Wild Child” makes daring statements about the cause and circumstances surrounding the untimely death of Morrison. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this novel to anyone who is willing to cast aside doubt and simply enjoy the ride.