Customer Reviews

Alan Rickman: The Unauthorized Biography

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Though there may be information within this book on Alan Rickman's acting career, I offer simply his own words to a fan when presented with this book to sign his autograph to: "I do not sign that awful book."

So, Rickmaniacs, be warned; he hates the book.

If you enjoy Alan Rickman as an actor, Do Not Buy This Book. It is badly written, jumps from subject to subject, repetitive blobs to fill space, and plenty of unrelated "quotes" from no one in particular. I now know way much about Mr. Rickman's, early next door neighbor's 3rd cousin now. Being an American, she happily does not supply definitions for British words and organizations. To add insult to injury, Maureen Paton seems to believe that she can connect his personality to his hair style and that the two of them have "much in common." Buy the time I was half way done (where I stopped reading) Alan Rickman is rendered as the most Pompous Ass on the planet. Is she a fan???

Even 1 star is too much for this awful book. It is quite painfully bad. I am amazed that this book was published at all and I would discourage anyone from buying it. It is poorly written and has absolutely nothing to offer but lame attempts at "dirt" (Alan Rickman gets annoyed once in a while. Oh, the horror!), cheap innuendos and out-of-context quotes from friends and/or enemies.

A book like this is a terrible price to pay for celebrity and I am embarassed to admit that I have read it. Sorry, Alan.

I did so want to enjoy this book -- I absolutely adore Alan Rickman! I should have waited for the authorized version. Much like comparing ground round to a real steak, certainly a book on which he cooperated would have more substance and flavor to it than does this one. The problem is not so much that he didn't participate - it's almost as though the author didn't really, either.

After the prologue which is very nearly the best part of the book, Mr. Rickman's life is neatly divided up into sections, according to years and/or projects. Okay, that's a valid way of doing a biography, except that here, it's such a mish-mosh. Intertwined with a sentence or two from each of many reviews for each of his productions, are slightly longer quotes from friends or co-workers, who were frequently not even connected with the production being discussed. These quotes tend to wander from year to year, as if lost, looking for their rightful place, just as the reader struggles to recall 'who/where was this?' or 'what play/movie/radio program was that?'

The few pictures used are good, but why are there such skimpy explanations for them? Several photos are of groups, and other than Mr. Rickman, almost no one is identified. Strange. And, of all things, no picture at all from his arguably greatest hit 'Les Liaisons Dangereuse'.

The author did her homework, that's for certain. One can only wish she'd had a better grasp of what to do with the accumulated material -- and better access to a larger photo collection.

I picked up this book as I am a great admirer of Alan Rickman's career and was sorely disappointed within the first paragraph. The technique, if that's what the jerky, scattered smattering of unrelated sentences and half formed ideas can be called, resembled nothing close to a decent flow or form. In one sentence the author makes a point blank statement then, in the next, proceeds to contradict it in a way that makes me believe she was oblivious to the first statement.
Not only is her writing style appallingly primitive (and no amount of the thirteen letter words she seemed fond of sprinkling through out the text can hid that fact)but the voice she used to recant this cobbling of rumors and third hand reports bears all the resemblance of a jilted lover.
This mockery was written seemingly without respect for the person but rather as a way to make a profit off of a talented man who prefers to not exploit himself the way this hack seemed to have no qualms in doing.

[...]
This is really badly written and quite stupid. Even if some of this stuff is true, it was a waste of time writing it. It is just unbelievable.

I bought the book because I was fascinated by Rickman's three-dimensional portrayal of Snape in the Harry Potter movies. The books are great. And the character if wonderful to read. On film I really feel a strong compassion for Snape. I was hoping to get some insights into how an ugly, mean character can become so attractive.

There wasn't anything remotely interesting or believable in this book.

If you are truly a fan of Alan Rickman's -- or just interested in him as a wonderful actor -- run, don't walk, AWAY from this offensive drivel!

I am not even going to dignify this tripe with a lengthy review...even a NEGATIVE one (and, if you haven't guessed by now, this IS a negative review). If, indeed, the man is to have an unauthorized biography, let it be worthy of him, and not this nonsense.

Mr. Rickman himself said that he didn't support the book. For people who adore this actor as I do don't buy it!

The reason there is no input from the man himself is because he hates this book. For the Harry Potter fans, I think this book levels with the writings of Rita Skeeter. Wikipedia has a better bio than this book.

Alright Rickmaniacs, I found this book in the seat compartment of a BA flight from LAX to London and let me tell you, now I know why someone left this book behind.
Paton's idea's about Rickman are highly questioned and considering who she used as resources, that does not surprise me.
The style of Paton's writing is Chaotic at best, and was difficult to follow.
If you want to read this book, find a copy to borrow and buy an AR Dvd or CD instead.