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rmb86's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
amy_j18's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
A witty insight into one of my favorite actors. His ability to tell a story translates beautifully in this autobiography and I laughed throughout.
taylorwelton's review against another edition
5.0
Smart, well-written, riotously funny, strikingly personal, masterfully self-deprecating, and perfectly narrated. I enjoyed every minute.
elon's review
4.0
While I was hoping for more Downton and Peru with that title, this was a sweet and funny memoir that I really enjoyed reading. Engaging stories about Hugh, his family and other celebreties, many I have no idea who they are, but still felt living on the pages.
Some chapters were a bit jumpy between subjects, but it never truly felt like a problem.
Some chapters were a bit jumpy between subjects, but it never truly felt like a problem.
pr727's review
I listened to the audiobook, ready by Hugh Bonneville. I did not care for the overly theatrical narration. Did not finish.
nearly_empty_nesting's review
3.0
This was enjoyable. There was a lot of name dropping and I didn’t know who everyone was, other than being in the industry. Perhaps I missed some of the writers intent?
That being said, It did feel like the curtain of Hollywood was pulled back a little through glimpses behind the scenes in the arts and entertainment industry.
That being said, It did feel like the curtain of Hollywood was pulled back a little through glimpses behind the scenes in the arts and entertainment industry.
adamskiboy528491's review
4.0
"Was I hiding under the piano? Or was I just playing?"
[b:Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru|60824917|Playing Under the Piano From Downton to Darkest Peru|Hugh Bonneville|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1662444501l/60824917._SY75_.jpg|95919873] by [a:Hugh Bonneville|2853768|Hugh Bonneville|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is just a sweet memoir from a friendly and talented actor! We learn great detail about his filmography and what happened behind the scenes. He is a surprisingly engaging storyteller! Bonneville also writes with poignancy about his father’s dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor. His story has a lot of heart, care, and humour, and I especially admire how he heaved his family story with the burdens of becoming an actor.
Most of the chapters revolve around the fun, hardworking and sometimes challenging working day-to-day in this kind of career. From Downton Abbey to Notting Hill and Paddington, you can visualise the moment as if it’s happening. Sometimes when a celebrity rights their book, it can be long-winded and seems more like an exercise in naming the other famous people they know. This memoir of his was funny and moving in parts, and Bonneville certainly does not take himself seriously.