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book_concierge's review
4.0
Subtitle: An Irreverent Escapade
Oh, what an absolute delight! I love Mame … she’s outrageous, convivial, adventurous, kind, a bon vivant, prone to exaggeration, unable to resist, unabashedly lacking in marketable skills, and yet full of confidence. She’s also completely and utterly devoted to her nephew, Patrick, who’s been orphaned and placed in her care at the tender age of nine. Oh, what an education he gets!
What started as a few essays in periodicals has been framed into this novel “memoir.” It’s funny and tender, horrifying and enthralling. I was appalled at some of Mame’s escapades, but enthralled by others, and always I was in her corner, cheering her on.
I’ve wanted to read this for years, ever since I had seen the marvelous movie starring Rosalind Russell, and I admit to picturing her throughout the novel.
Oh, what an absolute delight! I love Mame … she’s outrageous, convivial, adventurous, kind, a bon vivant, prone to exaggeration, unable to resist, unabashedly lacking in marketable skills, and yet full of confidence. She’s also completely and utterly devoted to her nephew, Patrick, who’s been orphaned and placed in her care at the tender age of nine. Oh, what an education he gets!
What started as a few essays in periodicals has been framed into this novel “memoir.” It’s funny and tender, horrifying and enthralling. I was appalled at some of Mame’s escapades, but enthralled by others, and always I was in her corner, cheering her on.
I’ve wanted to read this for years, ever since I had seen the marvelous movie starring Rosalind Russell, and I admit to picturing her throughout the novel.
mizzbooks_'s review against another edition
1.0
Okay guys, new rule for me: if the book doesn't really tell me anything withing the first 100 pages, I'm out.
This book is so loved by everybody and I saw that witty funny side of it, but there were more times where I sighed and I was bored, than the times where I actually enjoyed it.
I don't know what I was expecting from this book but it definitly wasn't it.
This book is so loved by everybody and I saw that witty funny side of it, but there were more times where I sighed and I was bored, than the times where I actually enjoyed it.
I don't know what I was expecting from this book but it definitly wasn't it.
ilariarebuli's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookhoardingdragon75's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
letiziadinca's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
marghevv's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
pbraue13's review
4.0
As a small child I would often imagine that I (also named Patrick) would have a fabulous Auntie Mame who would whisk me away on adventures. I loved the film as a kid and have revisited again and again over the years, and I love it even more per each viewing. I had never read the book is was based on and I am so glad I finally did. The Mame Dennis of the original novel is basically there on the screen, but the film doesn't allow her to be as ballsy and outwardly progressive as she is in the novel. Instead of pulling an intentional/unintentional prank on her nephew Patrick's racist/anti-semitic possible future in-laws, she reads them so thoroughly Bianca Del Rio would be proud. The book is also more overt about homosexuality with its references to Fire Island and Mame's own questions about Patrick's sexuality (and there is an inherent queerness/bisexuality to his character in the novel, no wonder considering the books author was also very gay). I love how the book is such a parody and critique of the pretentious and racist upperclass of America, making a complete fool of the Southern family Mame marries into by making the bigoted matriarch a farting, hypocrite and then making the Upsons (the possible future in-laws she tears into) so pretentious and ghastly you're just waiting for them to be taught a lesson. I will say I am sad to notice that the character of Ito and all references to Asian Americans in the book (but even more so in the film) are so dated and racist. Ito in the film is at least played by an Asian actor, but still his character doesn't have any depth and his only purpose is to make offhanded/sometimes creepy jokes and laugh maniacally as he leaves a room. Due to this I have to give the book a 4.5/5 stars. Otherwise it is perfect!
emwerbeach's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
maw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5