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kilkenni's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Don't expect too much from these diaries. They rarely offer an insight into Rickman's thoughts on characters. He was very brief with his entries. But they offer an interesting look at his personality. Funnily enough, while I thought that, judging by his diaries, I would be too intimidated to talk to him, reading them was like listening bits of intimate conversation with him. I admit I cried in the end. It is also a great example of what an actor's life is. Very demanding, certainly not for everyone, but thankfully Rickman was passionate about it. And I loved his dry humour
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer and Death
cjmattos's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
This wasn't a book I read easily. As a person who's been journaling since, at least, 10 yo, it's hard not to compare writing styles - which, I recognise, is a pretty unfair way to judge a book filled with diary entries. It is, I would say, AR's writing style, which kind of matches his personality (from what his writings transpired): brass, unfiltered, sassy, literally straight to the point. There's pretty much no "poetry", just the description of things, people, feelings, as they were.
AR was also as much a critic of himself, as he is of others. At times, especially when in the director chair, he could be particularly demanding of himself. In one breath he can be critical of a fellow actor's performance, and in the next he was giving the most raw, sincere praise. And you can tell it's all really honest, because why would one lie in their own journal?
It was great to get his thoughts in some of his most famous parts - Severus Snape,or me, particularly -, but also, at times, exastig to try to understand who was who. Sure, there are some recurrent names and a few very well know by the general public, but as someone from outside of the acting business, it can he hard to match the name to the face (Google was a good friend with this book).
In the end, what stuck in my mind was of how said it was that he was writing his day to day life, not knowing he would be dead in 10 years time, or 5, or 2. It puts in perspective how one's life is so utterly fleeting. I am glad he passed away peacefully and, hopefully, feeling loved, by Rima, his friends, his fans (though he'd probably roll his eye at the thought of strangers weeping his passing).
AR was also as much a critic of himself, as he is of others. At times, especially when in the director chair, he could be particularly demanding of himself. In one breath he can be critical of a fellow actor's performance, and in the next he was giving the most raw, sincere praise. And you can tell it's all really honest, because why would one lie in their own journal?
It was great to get his thoughts in some of his most famous parts - Severus Snape,or me, particularly -, but also, at times, exastig to try to understand who was who. Sure, there are some recurrent names and a few very well know by the general public, but as someone from outside of the acting business, it can he hard to match the name to the face (Google was a good friend with this book).
In the end, what stuck in my mind was of how said it was that he was writing his day to day life, not knowing he would be dead in 10 years time, or 5, or 2. It puts in perspective how one's life is so utterly fleeting. I am glad he passed away peacefully and, hopefully, feeling loved, by Rima, his friends, his fans (though he'd probably roll his eye at the thought of strangers weeping his passing).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, and Terminal illness
studiomikarts's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
2.5
For some time I had this book on my wishlist, as something I wanted to own, but then I spotted it at my local public library and decided to read it that way. Thank goodness I did. Although I loved Alan Rickman's work (particularly in Dogma and Harry Potter) reading his diaries ended up being a major chore. The foreword and introduction by the editor were excellent, but the meat of this massive tome was very hard to read, both logistically and cognitively. Until about 35% in, when the entries began to mention movies I was familiar with, it barely kept my attention. It wasn't all bad, I want to make clear. There were many moments when I laughed out loud, others that encouraged me as a storyteller, and still others that made me think (especially, seeing the way he lived his life, it's actually no surprise Alan Rickman succumbed to illness in the end. Rather than thinking he was taken from us too soon, I now think it's a miracle he lasted so long). All said, the final line in the afterword did make me tear up 🥲 Thank you for all the joy you continue to bring into the world, Alan Rickman.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Cancer, Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Medical content, Death of parent, and Alcohol
cordelia_gretson's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
1.5
Far from I thought it would be and what I was hoping for. A lot of laundry lists of day to day life, a list of flight times and destinations, food eaten, admittedly too many drinks consumed, and a sadly long list of friends, family, and colleagues dying.
Interesting to hear his views on ongoing projects, opportunities turned down, and brutal honesty when reviewing productions, shows, movies, music, and other actors. Overall he was more interesting and likable in interview and press clippings. I may know more about his life, but I don’t feel like I’ve gained anything in any aspect from deep diving into a beloved actor’s life.
Interesting to hear his views on ongoing projects, opportunities turned down, and brutal honesty when reviewing productions, shows, movies, music, and other actors. Overall he was more interesting and likable in interview and press clippings. I may know more about his life, but I don’t feel like I’ve gained anything in any aspect from deep diving into a beloved actor’s life.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, and Death of parent
callidoralblack's review
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Death, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
pilvinentaivas's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Terminal illness, and Medical content
Minor: Gun violence, Vomit, Mass/school shootings, and Death of parent
notlikethebeer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I have SO MANY THOUGHTS about this book.
Firstly, there is a big question - and debate, I guess - about the ethics of such a publication. In his diaries, Rickman comes across as having been quite private (often very scathing of journalists and tired by public attention) - but, more so, he appears very exacting, very particular in a way I guess could be called perfectionism. I don't get the sense that he would want his private diaries published. At the same time, there are moments when he is clearly writing for some kind of audience. Moreover, the foreword by Emma Thompson and afterword by Rima Horton indicate that there was a consensus around publishing the diaries by those closest to him. Cynical Boyfriend has suggested that this might have been motivated by money more than anything, but I'm not so sure. No-one would gain much other than Horton, and she surely must be set up for life, as well as having had her own prosperous career. Much more saliently, Horton and Rickman's adoration of each other is clear throughout. I can't imagine Horton - or anyone close to Rickman - seeking to exploit his memory for money.
Anyway. Enough about the context. I think in general I find this a hard book to review because, for the most part, it wasn't written to be read. At the beginning I didn't think I'd get along with it at all, it was either very dry or quite confusing. It definitely could have done with more editing. Whilst some attempt is made to explain and contextualise, I found this quite hit and miss, and there were sections (particularly Rickman's notes about travel) that could have been cut, or maybe handled otherwise; less of a strictly accurate diary, perhaps, and rather the use of the material to provide something more narrative. Then again, that takes a much wider step from the source. Either way: if you're looking for an autobiography of Rickman, this isn't that. If anything, reading his diaries was heart-breaking in realising that what I wanted was an autobiography, but that will never exist.
With regards to the content, I don't think it's fair or appropriate to comment much. I have made my partner promise that, should my own diaries ever be published, they are to be heavily scrutinised and edited first! There are thoughts in diaries that one never expects to become public. There are ruminations on loved ones and wider events that should probably never see the light of day: I don't think anyone has ever been morally superior in their own journalling (and if they have, that's a red flag). Rickman does, it must be said, come across as difficult to direct! - again, he is so particular and exacting. A true artist, but very forthright in his opinions about how things should be done. It was interesting to read how much of acting he actually didn't like, particularly with regards to Harry Potter (I didn't realise how close he came to quitting the series!). But again, a diary is hardly objective. He most definitely comes across as incredibly caring, fighting for his colleagues and there is an exceptional warmth that shines through the pages even at his most acerbic. It was fun to read about the social circles he moved in, and I must admit that a shiver went through me reading about that legendary conversation with JKR.
Would I recommend this? I don't know. It was hard work! I spent a lot of time Googling names, films, places etc. I nearly gave up several times. There is also the downside that, having read this, I am only more devastated by his death, and the loss of such a force of nature. However, I am so glad to have had the chance to 'get to know' him better.
Firstly, there is a big question - and debate, I guess - about the ethics of such a publication. In his diaries, Rickman comes across as having been quite private (often very scathing of journalists and tired by public attention) - but, more so, he appears very exacting, very particular in a way I guess could be called perfectionism. I don't get the sense that he would want his private diaries published. At the same time, there are moments when he is clearly writing for some kind of audience. Moreover, the foreword by Emma Thompson and afterword by Rima Horton indicate that there was a consensus around publishing the diaries by those closest to him. Cynical Boyfriend has suggested that this might have been motivated by money more than anything, but I'm not so sure. No-one would gain much other than Horton, and she surely must be set up for life, as well as having had her own prosperous career. Much more saliently, Horton and Rickman's adoration of each other is clear throughout. I can't imagine Horton - or anyone close to Rickman - seeking to exploit his memory for money.
Anyway. Enough about the context. I think in general I find this a hard book to review because, for the most part, it wasn't written to be read. At the beginning I didn't think I'd get along with it at all, it was either very dry or quite confusing. It definitely could have done with more editing. Whilst some attempt is made to explain and contextualise, I found this quite hit and miss, and there were sections (particularly Rickman's notes about travel) that could have been cut, or maybe handled otherwise; less of a strictly accurate diary, perhaps, and rather the use of the material to provide something more narrative. Then again, that takes a much wider step from the source. Either way: if you're looking for an autobiography of Rickman, this isn't that. If anything, reading his diaries was heart-breaking in realising that what I wanted was an autobiography, but that will never exist.
With regards to the content, I don't think it's fair or appropriate to comment much. I have made my partner promise that, should my own diaries ever be published, they are to be heavily scrutinised and edited first! There are thoughts in diaries that one never expects to become public. There are ruminations on loved ones and wider events that should probably never see the light of day: I don't think anyone has ever been morally superior in their own journalling (and if they have, that's a red flag). Rickman does, it must be said, come across as difficult to direct! - again, he is so particular and exacting. A true artist, but very forthright in his opinions about how things should be done. It was interesting to read how much of acting he actually didn't like, particularly with regards to Harry Potter (I didn't realise how close he came to quitting the series!). But again, a diary is hardly objective. He most definitely comes across as incredibly caring, fighting for his colleagues and there is an exceptional warmth that shines through the pages even at his most acerbic. It was fun to read about the social circles he moved in, and I must admit that a shiver went through me reading about that legendary conversation with JKR.
Would I recommend this? I don't know. It was hard work! I spent a lot of time Googling names, films, places etc. I nearly gave up several times. There is also the downside that, having read this, I am only more devastated by his death, and the loss of such a force of nature. However, I am so glad to have had the chance to 'get to know' him better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Death
lauraloveslemons's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I wish there had been more of his illustrations throughout, and I found it difficult to keep up with his name dropping!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Cursing, Fatphobia, Medical content, Dementia, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
annie_e_bea's review
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
may_lol's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, and Death of parent