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trib's review
4.0
More than anything, David Niven reminds me of my grandfather. The same cultured voice (although my Papa had a combination of Received Pronunciation and whatever its Kiwi equivalent is, versus Niven’s UK Public School accent), the same approximate age, the impeccable grooming and, most importantly, the fact that he was a raconteur of the first order.
I also remember seeing this book, and Niven’s later memoir Bring On the Empty Horses, on my grandfather’s bookshelves as a child.
Without doubt, Niven’s tale of his early life, time at school (many of them, as he was expelled from several), time in the British Army, both before and after he’d achieved some level of fame in Hollywood, his time in Hollywood mixing with the great names of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and his romances with his first wife, lost tragically and his second, make for a rollicking and enjoyable read.
As you might imagine, Niven is a great storyteller, even if, as it turns out, he’s played a little fast and loose with the accuracy of the facts.
It’s worth noting that Audible also has an audiobook of The Moon’s a Balloon, read by Niven himself. It’s well worth getting, just to hear the voice and imagine him in the various situations he writes of.
I also remember seeing this book, and Niven’s later memoir Bring On the Empty Horses, on my grandfather’s bookshelves as a child.
Without doubt, Niven’s tale of his early life, time at school (many of them, as he was expelled from several), time in the British Army, both before and after he’d achieved some level of fame in Hollywood, his time in Hollywood mixing with the great names of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s and his romances with his first wife, lost tragically and his second, make for a rollicking and enjoyable read.
As you might imagine, Niven is a great storyteller, even if, as it turns out, he’s played a little fast and loose with the accuracy of the facts.
It’s worth noting that Audible also has an audiobook of The Moon’s a Balloon, read by Niven himself. It’s well worth getting, just to hear the voice and imagine him in the various situations he writes of.
stevont's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Fascinating old Hollywood memoir. Totally unrelatable and really interesting as a result.
robinwalter's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
Flashes of humour and of humanity, the most grounded parts were the credible horror stories from boarding school. Overall, not my cup of tea
mtmarriott's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
From what I understand Niven was one for tall tales so most of the anecdotes I take with a grain of salt. Nonetheless he’s a terrific storyteller, I was surprised just how candid he’d be with stuff about his sex life or use of profanity. I should check more of his films out.
maplessence's review
4.0
I read this book many years ago & absolutely loved it.
This time around my enjoyment is slightly clouded by knowing that Niven didn't let facts get in the way of a good story & that he would have been unable to write that his second marriage was deeply unhappy.
Also a lot of the names he drops are now forgotten.
What is still very good & authentic sounding are his childhood memories & his grief at the death of his first wife.
I'd actually be interested in reading one of the biographies (there are at least three) of this complex man.
This time around my enjoyment is slightly clouded by knowing that Niven didn't let facts get in the way of a good story & that he would have been unable to write that his second marriage was deeply unhappy.
Also a lot of the names he drops are now forgotten.
What is still very good & authentic sounding are his childhood memories & his grief at the death of his first wife.
I'd actually be interested in reading one of the biographies (there are at least three) of this complex man.