Customer Reviews

Auntie Mame

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a big fan of the film version of Auntie Mame for many years - I am now an even bigger fan of the original book! Patrick Dennis will make you laugh out loud throughout his witty and blunt portrayal of life with Auntie Mame, a fabulously wealthy women who is particularly adept at being fabulous.

The book has more of an edge than the tame and happy movie does, and tackles several social issues such as anti-semitism, unwed motherhood, class stigmas, prostitution and bigotry. Mame uses fighting words when dealing with Patrick's anti-semitic future in-laws, and Patrick even gets mixed up with a tawdry prostitute for a brief spell. In spite of the weighty subjects the book addresses, Dennis manages to do so respectfully but with an excellent sense of humor. The escapades described in the book are far more daring than those in the film - the print medium allowed Dennis a tremendous amount of freedom. Think of the film (wonderful as it is) as a sanitized, family version of the grittier and funnier novel. You get a better sense of the characters, many of whom are not even mentioned in the movie. Also, many of the film's major characters play only minor roles in the book. Dennis builds a lot of depth into his characters. You can practically hear Mame as you read. I laughed so hard one night my husband told me to get out of bed and read somewhere else (Mame actually gets someone to refer to her by the nickname "Cuddles" - it's too much! You have to read the book to appreciate how funny that is!) I loved it!

Dennis' wry presentation is terrific, and his dialogue is incredibly well written. He has a true gift for comedic writing, while at the same time he manages to not be disrespectful or condescending. Looking back on the content of the book, I don't know how he did it. He's Amazing, and so is Auntie Mame!

When I was twelve I fell under the spell of this marvelous woman, and I'm still hooked. I estimate I've read the book and its equally charming sequel about sixteen times apiece and will undoubtedly do so again. Mame Dennis Burnside is as good as real, believe me. Few literary characters burn quite so brightly. She taught me very early that mild eccentricity is valuable, that small-mindedness is to be fought tooth and nail. In white-bread Oklahoma I knew few Jewish people, and in the chapter on the Upsons I learned a priceless lesson when I was confronted for the first time by anti- semitism, even if it was only in a book. When I got out into the world, I saw that Mame's tolerance was right and just. And if the lessons of the book weren't enough, it is screamingly funny. I couldn't call it great literature, but this delicious novel is probably as valuable a guide as any to personal integrity. Buy the book, read it and pass the word. This one is the real, right thing.

Auntie Mame is just the sort of novel that leaves you dancing for more. I was first introduced to Auntie Mame through the Rosalind Russell film, which is just wonderful. You can imagine how pleased I was to find this book and to know that the adventures went even further than the film. After reading this book, I became so attached to Mame and Patrick that I felt like they were old freinds and I carried the book around with me at all times. They were there when ever I needed to be cheered up or simply bored and there was no one to talk to. Auntie Mame's exploits while extreme are totally believable and you get a distinct feeling for the time period and how it was a time of innocence and innovation. Patrick Dennis has gained a prominent place on my bookshelf.

My mom gave me a copy of Auntie Mame when I was 13. She said it was her favorite book and that it could always lift you out of depression. Guess what -- she was right! 25 years after that gift, I have always kept a copy of this wonderful book close to me. Auntie Mame's adventures, highs and lows, and generally fabulous outlook on life will inspire you to look at life in a totally different way. Buy this book immediately! You will not be sorry! You will become a blithe spirit with a light heart!

In the summer of 1958 at a Drive In in Houston TX, a seven year old boy began a love affair with a woman, Auntie Mame. Mom and Dad could not believe how much I was taken in by this fictional character based on Marion Tanner, Edward Tanner's (AKA Patrick Dennis)aunt. It was years before I knew of the Book that describes a memorable character that would make Reader's Digest blush, and her imfamous escapades. All of which could not be in the movie version. In this age of Neo conservatives, and as Mame puts it Aryans from Derrian, she is a breath of fresh air. The nation could take a lesson from Ms. Mame in the way she looked at situations and people and see the best in both and filter out the worse, or put them in their place. Life is truly a banquet, and there are poor suckers starving to death. But this soon to be 48 year old reverts to the seven year old boy, who like her nephew is still very much in love with Auntie Mame.

This is an extraordinarily funny novel by Patrick Dennis about a woman, who-despite a lot of mishaps conquers her life and never gives in or up. There is a slight supposition that the author pours a lot of autobiographical parts into this novel,which is especially notable in the sequel of this book "around the world with auntie Mame". His portrayal of Mame let her become the prototype of human optimism,who is able to master any kind of situation, fate or illfate, good or bad,which life can bring. She is simply the super woman as regards survival. Auntie Mame should be compusery reading for all disappointed and depressed of this world.

Since I'm WAAAAAAYYY over 13, I can safely say that while
this book is a bit irreverant, it is totally entertaining,
and it is a "must read"...To have an aunt such as Mame was
would be something that a young man would NEVER forget.
A free-spirit, bawdy, bohemian character...well, you
decide for yourself. I highly recommend this one,
even though it's an oldie, as a book that will definitely
make you smile..and that's what life is all about!

This is one of the best books I've ever read. It is about individualism versus conformity with a lot of history thrown in. The peripheral characters are quite well written and the book is extremely funny. Auntie Mame is a memorable character and deservedly so. There are many funny moments but touching ones as well. The character is well-portrayed in the 1958 movie starring Rosalind Russell and also in the Broadway productions starring Angela Lansbury. Just skip the unfortunate movie starring Lucille Ball, which is deadly. However, the book, alone, should be satisfying enough. Definitely one of the five proverbial five books to take to the desert island. Don' skip it.

After all these years, Aunite Mame is still fresh. She teaches the reader the importance of laughter, tolerance and vocabulary. Most of all she rises above struggles to be a loving aunt and a great teacher. Since its out of print- run to the library and get a copy.

If you haven't read this, for heaven's sake do so immediately. Yes, you may know the wonderful movie with Roz Russell or the delightful stage musical (we'll pass over the movie version with Lucille Ball), but the original novel offers unique pleasures you should not miss. I don't know another book that remains as fresh and funny, reading after reading, as AUNTIE MAME does. It's a book I return to every year, and I always wind up laughing again, as if seeing the text for the first time. Over 40 years have done practically nothing to diminish the gloriously intelligent humor in this timeless comedy. With the exception of it's delicious sequel (TRAVELS WITH AUNTIE MAME), there's nothing even remotely like it. And yes, its true -- this book will make you laugh out loud, even in public. If that might embarass you, read it privately at home. Better yet, read it in public anyway. Some people need to be reminded that there can be joy and laughter, even in public places!