Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman by Alan Rickman
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Web ID: 15160563If you're a fan of his, get it!
The foreword of these curated diary entries is by Emma Thompson. It’s written after he died in 2016. The afterword by his wife. The diary entries span 1993-2015, not every single one or every day, but a general feel. Prying into someone’s edited diaries… well, it’s not like you’re going to see confessionals; you’ll see mostly the day-to-day. The minutiae, the last minute jotted down thought. Sometimes you’ll see a glimpse of feelings toward something if you read between the lines; sometimes it’s clear as day. Feelings toward, for example, his participation in the Harry Potter films is one of the most interesting aspects for me. Seeing entries about things that connect with me, like Rickman going to see one of my favorite plays “The History Boys” by Alan Bennett in 2004 (I wouldn’t see it for nearly a decade after ) or fly into my home state in the US and talk about what he saw while walking around… it was interesting, but nevertheless one of those things bordering on parasocial However, since this is an edited and approved collection, it’s not much of a pry. I think he would’ve been confused as to why anyone would be interested in his notebook jottings. You’ll see notes about Famous People — lots and lots of names. A lot. Day to Day Stuff — Lunches here, plays there, car ride here, meeting the royals…. on the red carpet or winning a huge award, no big deal Acting / Job — Movies, producers, theatre, writers, calls, ideas Harry Potter — yes, a handful of HP. My favorite is about the famous Snape slap on Harry + Ron’s heads Thoughts — true thoughts about things, not always positive. Sometimes outright snarky or in disagreement with someone or something Try it if you’re a fan and haven’t read it yet. It may be something you’re surprised to enjoy. The last act of Alan Rickman.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
undecided
I was initially excited to see a book with Alan Rickman’s handsome face and deep soulful eyes on it. I admit I did not read enough before my purchase to realize it was is his actual diary. Being an American, there are many names and places that I do not recognize and it soon became too much of a task to figure out that puzzle. Regardless, I continued to read. There a few smatterings of humor. Surprises will be found if you take the time to read and find them. All in all, however, I feel like it wasn’t my place to read something so personal. I’d have much preferred to read an actual biography of his life and works. I have to wonder, since I did not see it mentioned in the book, if proper permissions were granted to publish it.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Rickman was a genius
I went on a journey with this. Originally I was disappointed because I didn't realize it was literally Rickman's diaries, and I had been expecting essays or more specific directed thoughts. Once I accepted it, I found it challenging to read, going back and forth between being very interested in certain topics (Galaxy Quest, Harry Potter), feeling like a voyeur, and not caring about all the name-dropping he does. Toward the end when I realized we were heading toward his early death it took on kind of a morose quality. At any rate I'm glad to have read it. Rickman was always an interesting figure for me, someone whose work I generally appreciated (Die Hard is my favorite movie of all time), so seeing behind the curtain was worthwhile. He was supremely dedicated to the craft(s) of acting, filmmaking, and the theater, had no patience for idiot celebrities and politicians, or the worst parts of the press, and truly loved his friends. Definitely worth reading, but maybe skim through some of the longer parts about who he's having dinner with.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Good Reading
A fascinating man in an everyday setting. I love reading the diaries of famous people. Not because I want to learn something salacious. No, it’s because I want to see the person as a person–not the image on a screen. This book does that. Granted, its Rickman’s diaries and I have no doubt he ever expected them to be made public. That’s kind of what made them fantastic and magical to me. It’s just him. Just his thoughts, his boringness, his sometimes snarly comments…it’s just him. It’s what he does day-to-day. To some, this will not be an explosive read, but a boring one. He goes to fittings, struggles with depression and not feeling well. He talks about friendships and some might think name drops, but how can one name drop when they’re talking about being with the people they work with? The most touching part of the book wasn’t even his writing, to be honest. This was a full four star read throughout, but what really tipped it over the edge for me was the afterward by his partner, Rima Horton. She writes about his last days, the decline when the cancer was too great, how he planned his own funeral and insisted on having “Uptown Funk” played that day. It made me love this actor even more. I’d already been a fan, but seeing the human side, really helped. If you want to learn great new stories about Alan Rickman from his own hand, then this might be the book you’re looking for. I recommend it heartily. originally posted at long and short reviews
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Bit chaotic
Been a huge fan and admirer of his since 1991- love the insight and gaining knowledge of who Alan was ! He’s funny! Which is a tad shocking. The layout is so so though .
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Amazing book
A raw, beautiful look into the incredible mind of Alan Rickman. A perfect tribute for every fan of his.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Alan Rickman
I loved Rick in Sense and Sensibility, and I think he was a brilliant actor, so I purchased the ebook on presale. Well, I was disappointed to find out that so far from what I read, there is just gibberish from Rick’s diaries! I thought I was going to read about his life story, and that may come eventually but so far, I’m not impressed.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com