Customer Reviews

Love Is Where It Falls: The Story of a Passionate Friendship

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

 

 

I sat down last night to read a chapter or two of this book that had been recommended to me for over a year. I literally could not put it down and finished it 6 hours later, at 5:00 a.m. It is, quite simply, one of the most moving, beautifully and tenderly and honestly written memoirs I've read in years.

How does one describe a true, deep friendship? What makes it work and what makes it fall apart from time to time? London-1980: Callow, thirty years old (an actor at the beginning of an impressive career) met possibly the most important influence in his life: the seventy year old Margaret (Peggy) Ramsay, the internationally known, respected, feared and beloved theatrical agent.

What follows are the special fireworks of their loving friendship until Ramsay's painful, ugly, difficult death from cancer.

A knowledge and/or love of contemporary British theatre could only add to your enjoyment of this book, but anyone who has lived through an impossible love or friendship with a larger-than-life partner; anyone who has known and lost true love; anyone who enjoys reading beautifully fashioned prose--will treasure this book.

I, frankly, do not understand the reviewers below who feel that Callow shamefully "uses" Ramsay in this tribute to her and their relationship. Isn't that what lovers and dear friends do? Don't we all use each other? And get used by our partners? Not USED UP, mind you. But "used" in the best sense. Isn't that what we're here for? To take chances, risk hurt and be used by those we love? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Perhaps some of my fellow reviewers will consider me not only lacking in conscience, but also misguided and over emotional! I have literally just finished Simon Callow's book and feel compelled to write about it. I purchased my copy after I saw the play by Alan Plater currently running in London's West End, starring Mauren Lipman as Peggy Ramsay. I am half way through my life and this is the first time that a book (prose) has ever reduced, or rather heightened me to tears. I caught nothing of the author's opportunism, but only discovered that there are people who have a passion for life and love in all its many guises and whilst it is clear that many seem suspicious of such depths of feeling or indeed may deny its existence, this book serves as an inspiration and affirmation to those of us who may be deemed foolish enough to recognise and pursue it.

A great writer and talent. This book is also a great memior ofLondon's theatrical scene. Simon didn't use Peggy and Peggy didn't useSimon. Rather, this work is a wonderful testament to a very close and very personal friendship. They were kindred spirits who shared so much in common. Peggy loved art and loved life and part of her mission was to educate Simon and pass her talents and knowledge onto him. This is at once a riveting and at times sad and melancholy piece of writing. Callow really brings Peggy to life and having been to London and being familiar with the West End I could really identify with this work. It paints a fascinating portrait and provides an exclusive insight into London's literary, artistic and theatrical scene. This is a finely tuned and astute piece of work and Callow should be congratulated on producing a sensitive, emotional and beautiful homage to a woman who was indeed talented, strong and influential.

Well, a book is a book, so I feel rather inclined to not include ethics in my review; after all, this is a memoir, and once we open the page, we open into an intensely private and personal world that, in a way, we are privileged to be in. Simon Callow is pretty much a remarkable writer, executing the events in the book with a sort of charm and also a keen observant pen, depicting situations and emotions so we may feel them also. I personally found this book touching and large-hearted, and I think that all these negative remarks about Mr. Callow is only relevant in making us dislike him, instead of helping us to decide whether or not to buy the book.

Love Is Where It Falls is a remarkable book. At a time when memoirs are published by the dozens, here is a book that is beauifully written, honest, tender, decidedly not sensational. Five stars for this stunning book.

I happened upon my review while brousing in September, 2005. This book has stayed with me six years later. It remains one of the best memoirs I have read.

I listened to Simon Callow, in Glasgow, read from this book before buying it and was immediately absorbed by his frankness and honesty in re-telling such an intimate and personal story. Having read the book, it is a cathartic exercise of tribute to a wonderful woman and the relationship he had with her. It is a privilege to share this insight with Mr Callow.

The author certainly lives up to his last name. This is a turgid tale of plain and simple usury, very likely written so the author could continue to sponge off his theatrical agent's name and reputation, even after her death. Opportunist supreme, this Callow Fellow. I don't dispute Callow's talent as a writer, but he's obviously so consumed with his own rise to glory, he can't even see that he played a major role in his gay lover's suicide. And what a bloody disservice he's done poor Margaret Ramsay after all she did for him. Callow has never fulfilled her wishes to scatter her ashes in Venice. Says he's not sure why he's never gotten round to it. I'm convinced it's because he cares about no one but himself. Personally, I would never buy this book, because I would feel as if I, too, was helping to pay Callow's way. Buyer with a conscience, beware.

I was nauseous from reading this book. I ditto the comments of "opportunity is where it knocks." This book was so obscene in that Callow used so many people to get ahead. Waited util they died to capitalize on them. Callow is a creep.