Like many people my age, I came to know Patrick Stewart through Star Trek: The Next Generation. I knew he worked in British theatre, and I’ve always been an admirer of their theatre tradition, and I recognized him from Excaliber, a movie I love, and Dune, a movie I watched because I love the book and I’m a big fan of Sting. (Stewart’s anecdote about meeting Sting is quite funny, as is his meeting with David Lynch.) I’d also seen him in Macbeth on Broadway. Still, I wasn’t sure I would be all that interested in his autobiography. Once I started reading, however, it didn’t take me long to realize that this is an excellent book, and he doesn’t get to Star Trek for over 300 pages have passed.
Reading about Stewart’s childhood is quite eye-opening: the handful of rooms, the outside toilet (where he did most of his reading, no matter the weather), the abusive father. He got into the theatre at a young age and got himself into acting camps and, ultimately, acting school. Frankly, I am always amazed at how seriously the Brits take their acting, as evidenced by how many great actors have learning experiences like Stewart’s. Also, why I think British actors, as a whole, easily outshine their American counterparts. His stories of his theatre work are some of the best in the book. I love his stories about going on tour with Vivien Leigh and auditioning for the Royal Shakespeare Company especially.
He is generally frank about his relationships, and his stories are not gossipy, which I like. He is willing to take the blame for his mistakes, and generally seems to understand his fault in the break-up of his first two marriages. I don’t think he does a particularly good job of getting himself off the hook with the “but we’re in love” approach to his current, much, much younger wife nor with what appears to be the strain between him and his children, but you can’t really expect much more than he tries to give us here.
Overall, this is a wonderful autobiography, made better by the fact that he seems to have written the entire thing on his own. (I hope I’m not misled on this.) He has many wonderful stories to tell, and he does it well. His insights into the stage, what makes a show work, and Hollywood are all fascinating and fun. I wasn’t sure I would make it through this one, but it is a joy to read.
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Can't wait to read
Haven't read yet but it will be phenomenal just like Sir Patrick Stewart is.However my new book came with page five sticking up and out when I opened the package and it's creased and ripped. So buyer beware.5 for the book -1 for the ripped page.
Top reviews from other countries
Marianne Ono
Funny, heartfelt and fascinating
Reviewed in Canada on January 27, 2024
Dana
Encantada con el libro. Llegó en excelente estado.
Reviewed in Spain on February 1, 2024
Cllr Chris Burke MBA
An Exceptional Biography
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2023