Customer Reviews
One of the few books which should be bought for 5 pages. - By: P. D. Bridle, 14 Jan 2007 
This book is not a classic, but it deserves a special place on a book shelf. The first chapter, details his hospitalisation (due to an operation) & than the following stroke, & lastly the life after that stroke, that said chapter was probably the most gut renching, clear description of suffering I have read. It hit something which many books miss. His detailing was not soppy but it was also not to "noble", he did not mind mentioning the indignities, humiliations, & embarrassments & so on. Whatever Dirk Bogarde's faults, & it is agreed there were like any of us- many faults, this book & that chapter in particular override the petty faults & problems which surround him.
This book can take a place alongside the many books which should be bought, but also it must surely take a place alongside the very few which should be bought-if only for that said first chapter.
By Nathan P. Bridle (Paul Bridles son)
A good mind, a good writer - By: A. G. Bailey, 12 Dec 2006 
I picked this book up remembering that Bogarde had quite a good reputation as a writer, & now I can see that he deserved it. Because these pieces have come from different sources there is a slight amount of repetition, but otherwise it's hard to fault this as an entertaining read. Home & abroad, Bogarde takes us to many places & it's very pleasant to go along with him for the ride.
another facet of Bogarde - By: , 12 Sep 1999 
Having read Dirk Bogarde's autobiographical works, I picked this up for a bit of light reading & was pleasantly surprised. Particularly in his childhood reminiscences, Bogarde can start to feel a bit cloying. But the book reviews in this collection are a lovely surprise. The man obviously loved reading & his pleasure reallly comes across in his writing. When he likes a book he makes you want to rush out & read it yourself. And when he doesn't, his wit is unexpectedly caustic. I whizzed through this book, enjoying it much more than I thought I would.
Can't go wrong buying this book - By: , 24 Jul 1999 This book ranges from personal anecdotes to book reviews. This was my first real encounter with Bogarde & I feel honored to have undergone such a journey with him. The introduction concerning his reactions to illness & his thoughts on life bring a sentimental mood to the book which is perfectly accompanies the often witty book reviews. Bogarde opens up not only his own childhood world but introduces you to other authors & time periods that you may or may not have been familiar with. I found myself smiling quite a lot. Easy to read & thought provoking.
