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A review by radominic
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay
3.0
I would recommend watching the film, Daddy Long Legs, on which the book's plot is lightly based. I think I enjoyed this more because of it. I absolutely adore Fred Astaire, so reading a book based on one of his films sounded like a great plan for my weekend. While I personally enjoyed the film more, I mean it's really had to compete with Astaire, I think this book was sweet and Sam is definitely a character I can relate to on an emotional level.
Now I do think the book should be able to stand on its own without needing to watch/read something else for reference. I actually read the first two chapters and wasn't super impressed by it and almost DNF'd. Luckily I read that it was based on the Daddy Long Legs film. That gave me hope since I am an old movie buff, but I had never seen this film before. So I sat down watched the film (loved it) and it helped me understand where the author was going with her story. And I enjoyed it.
However, if I am to recommend this book, I would highly suggest you watch this film first. You'll have a fun time anyway. Just remember movies, especially staring triple threat performers (singing, acting dancing) will definitely include all three. Those films were made with performances strongly based on vaudeville.
(Astaire film recommendations: Bandwagon, You were Never Lovelier, You'll Never Get Rich, Top Hat.)
Now I do think the book should be able to stand on its own without needing to watch/read something else for reference. I actually read the first two chapters and wasn't super impressed by it and almost DNF'd. Luckily I read that it was based on the Daddy Long Legs film. That gave me hope since I am an old movie buff, but I had never seen this film before. So I sat down watched the film (loved it) and it helped me understand where the author was going with her story. And I enjoyed it.
However, if I am to recommend this book, I would highly suggest you watch this film first. You'll have a fun time anyway. Just remember movies, especially staring triple threat performers (singing, acting dancing) will definitely include all three. Those films were made with performances strongly based on vaudeville.
(Astaire film recommendations: Bandwagon, You were Never Lovelier, You'll Never Get Rich, Top Hat.)