Reviews

And Away... by Bob Mortimer

Only show reviews with written explanations

stephibabes's review against another edition

5.0

I have this kinda outdated self-narrative that "I don't really like autobiographies". I don't know why. If I interrogate it, I adore anecdotes and tales so it scarcely holds water.

Bob Mortimer is a bit of a local and personal legend. When I was young and my parents divorcing I would watch Big Night Out with my Dad and right up until his death would quote the familiar catchphrases to one another. And I think my Dad knew Mortimer was a well educated man and so respected the indulgence of bizarre, surreal and outright childish comedy.

Listening as an audiobook that I borrowed from Middlesbrough library meant that I had the pleasure of hearing Mortimer narrate this himself. He is a fantastic writer and lost nothing of his unique personality in committing it to 'paper'.

It felt like a privilege to have such a heartfelt and personal insight into Bob's life and I found myself in tears on multiple occasions. Both when laughing and when moved.

Barely a chapter passed which I didn't silently reflect on how much my Dad would have enjoyed this autobiography. I feel lucky to have enjoyed it in his place and it evoke such strong memories of my time with my Dad. So thanks for that, Bob.

I borrowed this audiobook digitally from my local library and urge you to do the same to keep up demand and support for libraries.