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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
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
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
heatherjm's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
3.0
There was a lot of missing context. I wish the editor had added more detail of how he knew certain people. Since most of his 1990s movies are difficult to find now, I skipped to the movies I’ve actually seen. I wanted to read a biography of Alan Rickman instead.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Death
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
annataeko's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
It was nice meeting you, Alan, through your own words.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
staceyinthesticks's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Cancer
fiona_gs's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Inspiring insight into this actor and with so few words can paint a picture of someone or review of a work with a swipe of this pen. Love the audio version thankful Audible had the visual page imaging as PDF. the afterward read by his widow just brought me to tears and made the audio interview with Alan or the more haunting,
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness and Death
kayjaybeereads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
I don’t believe these entries were meant to be published. The author admitted as such in the foreword which made the whole thing awkward to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death