Reviews

Nobody's Fool: The Life and Times of Schlitzie the Pinhead by Bill Griffith

bao_bao's review against another edition

funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

readbyashleyd's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

5.0

Shortly after finally being able to watch the cult classic Freaks, I randomly came across this graphic novel and I knew I had to have it! Schlitzie was one of my favourite parts of the movie Freaks, their presence just shone through the camera and completely captured my full attention every time they were on screen. My favourite was the bit about the hat with the feather and I was delighted to see it reacted while reading this. I really had no idea Schlitzie had such a long and prolific career outside of Freaks and getting to learn about it all was so interesting. Seeing how Schlitzie got into the sideshow circuit and their beginnings as one of the most famous “pinheads” was really special and I’m so glad I was able to learn more about them and their life as a performer. The graphic novel format really suited this story so well, it felt like I was watching a biographical movie about Schlitzie and it was the perfect way to bring their fascinating story to life! 

beththebookdragon's review against another edition

4.0

Engaging, compassionately told story of "Schlitzie" a microcephalic person born in the early 1900s who spent a life appearing in circus sideshows. Griffith is straightforward about the uncertainties of Schlitzie's backstory, presents both kind and violent treatment by his "owners" and other members of the circus, and visually portrays Schlitzie's life in detailed and understated line art.

Recommended for teens and adults interested in sideshow people and life and of people who are significantly "different" from the average person.

kellikaos's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

Great read about a great human. I knew about Schlitzie before reading this but didn't know this much. What happened with his adopted sister was beyond sad. Great read for anyone who is interested in historical stuff but doesn't want to read a big book.

vinceyface's review against another edition

4.0

I'm really glad I read this, the world of "Freak Shows" is both fascinating and a bit tragic. Despite being sold into the circus at such a young age, Schlitzie lived a remarkable life. However, reading this is often sad, realizing how terribly we treated those with deformities and mental health issues. A fascinating read, but I think it could have been trimmed down a little, by the end a lot of the different circuses seem to just run together and become repetitive to read about.

p0tat0's review against another edition

4.0

Given how little had been previously documented about Schlitzie's life, Griffith does an incredible job of conveying not only his humanity but the alarming contrast of the nurturing sideshow community with the cruelty of the outside world.

joraud's review against another edition

dark emotional funny informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

4.0

aidencub13's review against another edition

5.0

I watched Freaks when I was younger and absolutely loved everything about it. Schlitzie was a lovable character in the movie for me. I have always had interest in the story behind historic “freaks” that were featured in the original sideshows. I think Griffith did an excellent job detailing Schlitzie’s life in such a way that portrayed him as a person all his on rather than a face lost in history. I think it also showed that he, along with the others featured in the book, are far beyond their headlines and disabilities.

glitterandtwang's review against another edition

5.0

Bill Griffith brings his talents to the story of Schlitzie Surtees, perhaps the best known "pinhead" in all of sideshow history -- you might recognize him from the Tod Browning film Freaks. Griffith draws on historical documents, interviews, and more to piece together a biography of Schlitzie that is at turns humorous, heartfelt, and downright harrowing - I didn't know that he was briefly (and miserably) confined to a county hospital before being returned to the care of Ward Hall and another sideshow manager. There aren't many details included regarding Schlitzie's passing, but it was touching to see that a group of fans got together to purchase a headstone for his grave some years afterward. A really fascinating and worthwhile read - and an essential one for folks interested in the history of sideshow exhibitions.

falka's review against another edition

3.0

This was a super interesting subject but the author seemed to focus on side characters and others stories over Schlitize's. The timeline also jumped around a lot and could have been streamlined.