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A Reader's reviews
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-04-14 03:17:33 for Diaries: The Python Years 1969-1979.
(Language: English)
  
Fascinating insight into the relationships between the Pythons, delivered with enough wit and heart to keep you hooked throughout.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-08-30 05:54:01 for The True History of the Elephant Man.
(Language: English)
A fascinating book that delves deep into the mythology with inexhaustive research to present the most scupulous account available. What makes it even more interesting than the facts on offer is just how much of the myth actually matches the truth. The the noble, courageous character of Joseph Merrick was in every way in contrast with his hideous 'outer shell.' That his grim early life did not embitter him but only served to increase his childlike wonder of the world denied him. That he was an avid reader and dreamer, escaping to magical worlds of heroism and romance that his own existence and experiences never afforded him. After the owner of a 'Freak Show' in Belgium disowned Merrick and stole all his money, he managed to get back to London (no mean feat), being saved from death from the great surgeon Frederick Treves; who's own encounters with 'The Elephant Man' are included in the Appendix and need to be read to fully appreciate the book; as fresh and profoundly moving today as it was over 100 years ago when he wrote it. The book takes the interesting and accessible approach of presenting each major protagonist and viewpoint in a seperate chapter. This allows you to consider the ethical issues within the values not of the present day, but of the late 19th Century landscape in which it takes place. Overall an excellent book, that is as interesting, challenging and moving as it is informative.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-27 12:24:54 for 1984 Nineteen Eighty-Four.
(Language: English)
An incredible book, utterly haunting and powerful. My heart was leaping out of my chest in parts, and I don't think I've ever been as scared by a book as I was by the end of this one! Truly worthy of it's classic status because there's nothing quite like it. I don't think I'll ever trust anyone or anything again! Haha.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-08-27 04:42:01 for Complicated Shadows: The Life and Music of Elvis Costello.
(Language: English)
A labour of love, with no corner unturned. The author is completely meticulous in looking both at the complex man himself and the amazing body of work he has amassed since the visceral new wave days. I liked the 'warts and all' approach too; it didn't make him out to be a saint like a lot of these biographies do. Very readable and interesting.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-15 02:57:59 for The Diary of a Young Girl.
(Language: English)
An amazing book.Anne confides so honestly in her diary (whom she calls Kitty), it does feel like she is talking directly to you the reader personally.You become so immersed in it that you feel somehow you are privy to this world in the pages, as if you're the first person to ever read it.Rarely do you feel that this is a person writing over 60 years ago.All the problems that she has most teenagers today I'm sure could relate to, it certainly took me back in that way!There is an overwhelming heart to the book.This is a real book, written by a real person, albeit living in very surreal circumstances.Her wonderful character, sometimes wistful and dreamy, sometimes philisophical and contemplative, sometimes sharp.Yet always her warmth permeates the pages.It's not just a sad book(although obviously the ending is very sad)it is funny, romantic, frightening and inspiring.I'll never forget this book, and I strongly recommend it to anyone.
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