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innae's review against another edition
2.0
He is a bit random. Much like just talking to someone...he gets off on a tangent and it takes a but to get back. I am still on his childhood, and really he was not a nice child, by his own account.
A tale of someone who really is not very nice. He seems to have many friends, and spends a good chunk of the book name dropping. I think the best part of the story was after his rape trial, when he really started to realize that everything was not a joke (many things were still jokes, just not everything) His greatest fear was mediocrity...at least he doesn't have to worry about that anymore.
A tale of someone who really is not very nice. He seems to have many friends, and spends a good chunk of the book name dropping. I think the best part of the story was after his rape trial, when he really started to realize that everything was not a joke (many things were still jokes, just not everything) His greatest fear was mediocrity...at least he doesn't have to worry about that anymore.
the_discworldian's review against another edition
3.0
It was kind of a relief to finish this book. Reading it was kind of like having an extended visit from a drunken uncle who has great stories, zero self-awareness, some uncomfortable opinions, and ventures into TMI especially when talking about boobs. Uncle Errol never learns from his mistakes. He pinches your cheeks and causes a lot of awkward moments. He's sipping vodka and fondly believes you think it's water. After several shots from his "water bottle," he starts philosophizing like a drunk college senior. You're never sure whether to believe his stories about the crocodiles and swindling natives in Papua New Guinea.
Uncle Errol's never boring, but you do wind up feeling pretty sorry for him (and any woman who had to deal with him on a regular basis, except maybe Lili Damita, who honestly does sound pretty terrible).
Uncle Errol's never boring, but you do wind up feeling pretty sorry for him (and any woman who had to deal with him on a regular basis, except maybe Lili Damita, who honestly does sound pretty terrible).
deborahdelaurell's review against another edition
3.0
For such a dastardly dude, Flynn is quite charming!
drbetteridge's review against another edition
3.0
I've waited a few years to read this book. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Unlike any autobiography I've read before, you finish thinking you really know the person as if you'd hung around with him for awhile. I'm sure he was a very likeable guy, but he also would have been like that exasperating friend we've all had at some point in our lives. Tall tales, unbelievable claims, name dropping, one upmanship, etc., but you can't dislike him. You have to take this personality as it is. He is a fantastic writer, I'll give him that. Claims of self-education with well educated parents, emancipated minor who sets out on all sorts of adventure- it all comes out in a worldly bit of writing. Very enjoyable, though it does get tiring after a bit. Worth reading anyway.
messbauer's review against another edition
4.0
An unsparing account of a wild life. As a subject, Flynn is at times despicable; as an author, he takes a conspiratorial tone, drawing you in with a wink and a smile as he reveals the best and the worst of himself. You certainly won't be bored reading this-- there are some truly remarkable moments here that wouldn't be out of place in an adventure novel.
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