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notlikethebeer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I have SO MANY THOUGHTS about this book.
Firstly, there is a big question - and debate, I guess - about the ethics of such a publication. In his diaries, Rickman comes across as having been quite private (often very scathing of journalists and tired by public attention) - but, more so, he appears very exacting, very particular in a way I guess could be called perfectionism. I don't get the sense that he would want his private diaries published. At the same time, there are moments when he is clearly writing for some kind of audience. Moreover, the foreword by Emma Thompson and afterword by Rima Horton indicate that there was a consensus around publishing the diaries by those closest to him. Cynical Boyfriend has suggested that this might have been motivated by money more than anything, but I'm not so sure. No-one would gain much other than Horton, and she surely must be set up for life, as well as having had her own prosperous career. Much more saliently, Horton and Rickman's adoration of each other is clear throughout. I can't imagine Horton - or anyone close to Rickman - seeking to exploit his memory for money.
Anyway. Enough about the context. I think in general I find this a hard book to review because, for the most part, it wasn't written to be read. At the beginning I didn't think I'd get along with it at all, it was either very dry or quite confusing. It definitely could have done with more editing. Whilst some attempt is made to explain and contextualise, I found this quite hit and miss, and there were sections (particularly Rickman's notes about travel) that could have been cut, or maybe handled otherwise; less of a strictly accurate diary, perhaps, and rather the use of the material to provide something more narrative. Then again, that takes a much wider step from the source. Either way: if you're looking for an autobiography of Rickman, this isn't that. If anything, reading his diaries was heart-breaking in realising that what I wanted was an autobiography, but that will never exist.
With regards to the content, I don't think it's fair or appropriate to comment much. I have made my partner promise that, should my own diaries ever be published, they are to be heavily scrutinised and edited first! There are thoughts in diaries that one never expects to become public. There are ruminations on loved ones and wider events that should probably never see the light of day: I don't think anyone has ever been morally superior in their own journalling (and if they have, that's a red flag). Rickman does, it must be said, come across as difficult to direct! - again, he is so particular and exacting. A true artist, but very forthright in his opinions about how things should be done. It was interesting to read how much of acting he actually didn't like, particularly with regards to Harry Potter (I didn't realise how close he came to quitting the series!). But again, a diary is hardly objective. He most definitely comes across as incredibly caring, fighting for his colleagues and there is an exceptional warmth that shines through the pages even at his most acerbic. It was fun to read about the social circles he moved in, and I must admit that a shiver went through me reading about that legendary conversation with JKR.
Would I recommend this? I don't know. It was hard work! I spent a lot of time Googling names, films, places etc. I nearly gave up several times. There is also the downside that, having read this, I am only more devastated by his death, and the loss of such a force of nature. However, I am so glad to have had the chance to 'get to know' him better.
Firstly, there is a big question - and debate, I guess - about the ethics of such a publication. In his diaries, Rickman comes across as having been quite private (often very scathing of journalists and tired by public attention) - but, more so, he appears very exacting, very particular in a way I guess could be called perfectionism. I don't get the sense that he would want his private diaries published. At the same time, there are moments when he is clearly writing for some kind of audience. Moreover, the foreword by Emma Thompson and afterword by Rima Horton indicate that there was a consensus around publishing the diaries by those closest to him. Cynical Boyfriend has suggested that this might have been motivated by money more than anything, but I'm not so sure. No-one would gain much other than Horton, and she surely must be set up for life, as well as having had her own prosperous career. Much more saliently, Horton and Rickman's adoration of each other is clear throughout. I can't imagine Horton - or anyone close to Rickman - seeking to exploit his memory for money.
Anyway. Enough about the context. I think in general I find this a hard book to review because, for the most part, it wasn't written to be read. At the beginning I didn't think I'd get along with it at all, it was either very dry or quite confusing. It definitely could have done with more editing. Whilst some attempt is made to explain and contextualise, I found this quite hit and miss, and there were sections (particularly Rickman's notes about travel) that could have been cut, or maybe handled otherwise; less of a strictly accurate diary, perhaps, and rather the use of the material to provide something more narrative. Then again, that takes a much wider step from the source. Either way: if you're looking for an autobiography of Rickman, this isn't that. If anything, reading his diaries was heart-breaking in realising that what I wanted was an autobiography, but that will never exist.
With regards to the content, I don't think it's fair or appropriate to comment much. I have made my partner promise that, should my own diaries ever be published, they are to be heavily scrutinised and edited first! There are thoughts in diaries that one never expects to become public. There are ruminations on loved ones and wider events that should probably never see the light of day: I don't think anyone has ever been morally superior in their own journalling (and if they have, that's a red flag). Rickman does, it must be said, come across as difficult to direct! - again, he is so particular and exacting. A true artist, but very forthright in his opinions about how things should be done. It was interesting to read how much of acting he actually didn't like, particularly with regards to Harry Potter (I didn't realise how close he came to quitting the series!). But again, a diary is hardly objective. He most definitely comes across as incredibly caring, fighting for his colleagues and there is an exceptional warmth that shines through the pages even at his most acerbic. It was fun to read about the social circles he moved in, and I must admit that a shiver went through me reading about that legendary conversation with JKR.
Would I recommend this? I don't know. It was hard work! I spent a lot of time Googling names, films, places etc. I nearly gave up several times. There is also the downside that, having read this, I am only more devastated by his death, and the loss of such a force of nature. However, I am so glad to have had the chance to 'get to know' him better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Cancer
lauraloveslemons's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
I wish there had been more of his illustrations throughout, and I found it difficult to keep up with his name dropping!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Chronic illness, Death, Cancer, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Body shaming, Death of parent, Dementia, Medical content, Cursing, and Fatphobia
Minor: Sexual content
annie_e_bea's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
may_lol's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent, and Cursing
madamenovelist's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer and Terminal illness
Moderate: Body horror, Classism, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, Vomit, Fatphobia, Alcohol, Sexual content, War, and Death of parent
Because Alan Rickman was in the film industry, there are mentions of interacting with certain names that might be a bit of a jumpscare if you’re not bracing, such as a positive interaction with Kevin Spacey. Weinstein crops up multiple times but Rickman believes a female colleague’s account of mistreatment.booksalacarte's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
I love Alan Rickman. Listening to these personal diary entries was revealing in a way I’m not sure I was 100% comfortable with, knowing that he was gone before this was published. This is the main reason for the lower stars.
This was such an intimate and interesting look at a man know for his stoicism and British wit. I adored hearing his introspective snippets and lovingly harsh reviews of stage and screen performances of his peers. Looking at the daily life of someone so settled in his life and career without the opportunity flowery editing was fascinating.
It doesn’t replace him and what he could have continued to do in theatre and film.
This was such an intimate and interesting look at a man know for his stoicism and British wit. I adored hearing his introspective snippets and lovingly harsh reviews of stage and screen performances of his peers. Looking at the daily life of someone so settled in his life and career without the opportunity flowery editing was fascinating.
It doesn’t replace him and what he could have continued to do in theatre and film.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, and Grief
genie09's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
issyd23's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
2.0
Not the book he deserved: a really lazy memoir 2🪄 instead of ‘curating diary entries’ (not well curated as it could’ve been an 1/8 of the length - I don’t need his Christmas shopping lists every year!) why not interview Rickman’s friends, family and coworkers and write a biography instead?
Despite the disappointment of this book I enjoyed hearing his opinions/tea/quips about various actors, their performances and their partners. NB Emma Thompson’s foreword was truely a highlight! (why couldn’t the entire book have been like that?)
Things I learnt:
- Kathy Lette is the worlds biggest flirt
- He loves Alanis Morissette and owns a copy of Jagged Little Pill
- He was very anti-Iraq war
- Brian Cox yells too much (on stage)
- Produced the play ‘My name is Rachel Corrie’ about a pro-Palestinian journalist crushed to death by the IDF
- His line ‘take out your wand’ keeps cracking up Helena BC on HP6
- He loves GoggleBox, Don’t tell the bride and Say yes to the dress
- Had a jungle curry at Chin Chin in 2015
- Thinks Melbourne architecture is ‘terrible’
- Emma Thompson is really the best!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
siriface's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Terminal illness, and Cancer
rosalind's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer
Moderate: Grief, Death, Alcohol, and Terminal illness
Minor: Fatphobia, Torture, Medical content, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Sexual content, War, Chronic illness, Classism, Toxic friendship, and Dementia