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My Life in Pieces
Now in paperback! Winner of the Sheridan Morley Prize for Theatre Biography. An alternative autobiography of the well-loved actor and man of the theater. In My Life in Pieces Simon Callow retraces his life through the multifarious performers, writers, productions, and events that have left their indelible mark on him.
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First published April 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 6, 2013
Labourous, repetitive, but it did not beat me.
My Life in Pieces by Simon Callow presents as an autobiography; in reality it is a collection of his past writings slung together with a bit of glue and face paint. It is truthfully a grouping of articles "pieces", that were written over his lifespan. When Callow can use 10 words he finds a hundred. He brings interpretations to events that have no basis in fact. He is all knowing, understands and shares the deeper meaning of each event he describes. He does so like to hear himself "speak", on paper at any rate.
The book is a series of works he has written in the past and as such they do tend to overlap and repeat in sections. The first part of the book dealing with his childhood is quite informative; I quite enjoyed the bit about visiting the old silent pictures with his Grandmother and his introduction to the theatre.
I would not recommend unless one is a serious Callow fan.
My Life in Pieces by Simon Callow presents as an autobiography; in reality it is a collection of his past writings slung together with a bit of glue and face paint. It is truthfully a grouping of articles "pieces", that were written over his lifespan. When Callow can use 10 words he finds a hundred. He brings interpretations to events that have no basis in fact. He is all knowing, understands and shares the deeper meaning of each event he describes. He does so like to hear himself "speak", on paper at any rate.
The book is a series of works he has written in the past and as such they do tend to overlap and repeat in sections. The first part of the book dealing with his childhood is quite informative; I quite enjoyed the bit about visiting the old silent pictures with his Grandmother and his introduction to the theatre.
I would not recommend unless one is a serious Callow fan.
September 28, 2013
Not only a marvelous actor, with memorable roles in such films as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Amadeus, and Room With A View, Simon Callow is also a terrific writer with several books on acting, as well as biographical works on Charles Laughton, Orson Wells, and Charles Dickens. Less known in Canada is that he is also a prolific writer for British newspapers. This memoir is his life as seen through the many newspaper articles, reviews, and pieces he has written, which talk about his work in the theatre, other actors, writers, and personalities he has known.
This was a very enjoyable read as he's not only a brilliant writer but an astute critic of theatre, society and much else besides. The book is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving. I particularly enjoyed his remembrances of great actors of the previous generation, many of which he's worked with and known personally, as well as playwrights, producers, and the like. Callow has very particular ideas about what the theatre should be and is both passionate and articulate in its defense.
He also infuses the whole enterprise with a delightful sense of humour. This is a writer whom I would virtually read anything that he wrote, knowing in advance that it would be wonderful. - BH
This was a very enjoyable read as he's not only a brilliant writer but an astute critic of theatre, society and much else besides. The book is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving. I particularly enjoyed his remembrances of great actors of the previous generation, many of which he's worked with and known personally, as well as playwrights, producers, and the like. Callow has very particular ideas about what the theatre should be and is both passionate and articulate in its defense.
He also infuses the whole enterprise with a delightful sense of humour. This is a writer whom I would virtually read anything that he wrote, knowing in advance that it would be wonderful. - BH
could-not-finish
July 12, 2015Interesting, but overpowering.
January 7, 2020
Simon Callow’s “Alternative Autobiography” My Life in Pieces was one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a long time. Hearing stories from behind the curtain about the 1960s–1970s London theater scene was intriguing and delightful. Callow was lucky to get a job at theaters long before his acting career, which gave him both insight and inspiration into the real world of acting. The book is rich with anecdotes encountering theater royalty, and many younger actors who later became household names. The story grows in interest as he moves from observer to dramatic artist, sharing his fascinating experiences as he rises in his own brilliant acting career.
Callow intersperses his narrative with relevant pieces he had written in the past, which fit nicely into the autobiographical storyline. These interspersed biographical pieces were usually about other people (reviews of others’ works, tributes, even obituaries). They were fun in themselves, but they also helped show the progression of Callow’s intellectual life. They could constitute their own “Collected Works” and in fact seemed reminiscent of the late great Lytton Strachey’s “Biographical Essays” from the 1920s (published in 1969). It would be a perfect kind of vehicle for Callow’s biographical essays as well.
John Gielgud is at the center of some of the most memorable anecdotes of Callow’s encounters with the theater’s brightest lights. Callow has written very perceptive analyses and heartfelt reminiscences of Gielgud, as well as some very entertaining anecdotes. I pick those out because they were my favorites. But all of Callow’s essays-within-an-autobiography had that flavor: perceptive and heartfelt. Callow is both sharp observer and compassionate colleague to his subjects. Within the autobiography, they comprise a wonderful book-within-a-book.
Still, first and foremost, there is the autobiography proper. Callow tells a wonderful story that mingles heartache and joy through his own life growing up, gradually becoming an artist. His childhood between London and Rhodesia was partly painful, partly ideal training ground for a future actor, though it may not have felt like it at the time. Callow shined in challenging circumstances, seizing every opportunity to perform and to entertain others. He was honing his craft from toddlerhood. And in the fullness of time, the result became genius.
Callow is, by the most stringent definition of the term, an artist. The common theme throughout his life is art, especially the art of acting. Having seen his amazing one-man shows playing Charles Dickens, and playing Charles Dickens playing Dickensian characters, and having seen Callow in films and TV shows over the years, it made reading his autobiography all the more exciting and rewarding. Callow’s brilliant and sublime talents obviously come from painful, determined dedication and discipline, as well as the true gift that sets great artists apart. Callow is one of those great artists.
Now, having read My Life in Pieces, and having read Callow’s full-length biography of Charles Dickens, I see that his talent equally spills into the literary arts.
If you love the world of theater and acting, or you love a great story, or you just love great writing, I wholeheartedly recommend Simon Callow’s “Alternative Autobiography” My Life in Pieces.
Callow intersperses his narrative with relevant pieces he had written in the past, which fit nicely into the autobiographical storyline. These interspersed biographical pieces were usually about other people (reviews of others’ works, tributes, even obituaries). They were fun in themselves, but they also helped show the progression of Callow’s intellectual life. They could constitute their own “Collected Works” and in fact seemed reminiscent of the late great Lytton Strachey’s “Biographical Essays” from the 1920s (published in 1969). It would be a perfect kind of vehicle for Callow’s biographical essays as well.
John Gielgud is at the center of some of the most memorable anecdotes of Callow’s encounters with the theater’s brightest lights. Callow has written very perceptive analyses and heartfelt reminiscences of Gielgud, as well as some very entertaining anecdotes. I pick those out because they were my favorites. But all of Callow’s essays-within-an-autobiography had that flavor: perceptive and heartfelt. Callow is both sharp observer and compassionate colleague to his subjects. Within the autobiography, they comprise a wonderful book-within-a-book.
Still, first and foremost, there is the autobiography proper. Callow tells a wonderful story that mingles heartache and joy through his own life growing up, gradually becoming an artist. His childhood between London and Rhodesia was partly painful, partly ideal training ground for a future actor, though it may not have felt like it at the time. Callow shined in challenging circumstances, seizing every opportunity to perform and to entertain others. He was honing his craft from toddlerhood. And in the fullness of time, the result became genius.
Callow is, by the most stringent definition of the term, an artist. The common theme throughout his life is art, especially the art of acting. Having seen his amazing one-man shows playing Charles Dickens, and playing Charles Dickens playing Dickensian characters, and having seen Callow in films and TV shows over the years, it made reading his autobiography all the more exciting and rewarding. Callow’s brilliant and sublime talents obviously come from painful, determined dedication and discipline, as well as the true gift that sets great artists apart. Callow is one of those great artists.
Now, having read My Life in Pieces, and having read Callow’s full-length biography of Charles Dickens, I see that his talent equally spills into the literary arts.
If you love the world of theater and acting, or you love a great story, or you just love great writing, I wholeheartedly recommend Simon Callow’s “Alternative Autobiography” My Life in Pieces.
March 24, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the opening line. Simon Callow is so articulate and his diction is perfect. He gives us a fabulous insight to his fellow actors, their lives and contribution to theatre. I was sad when this book came to an end and I would recommend it to anyone who has the slightest interest in British theatre and acting to give it a go.
August 19, 2017
Pixilated Autobiography or Silhouette?
Interesting idea, to construct a professional memoir by assembling pieces written throughout an actor and writer's career. Enjoyable read, but not to be consumed in one or two sittings.
Interesting idea, to construct a professional memoir by assembling pieces written throughout an actor and writer's career. Enjoyable read, but not to be consumed in one or two sittings.
October 25, 2024
Such an insightful book that seems to touch the lives of all the most famous actors to have graced the silver screen and theatres.
December 28, 2014
This isn't exactly an autobiography, more an account of Callow's life illustrated by pieces he has written for newspapers and magazines (now do you get the joke in the title?). You could say that it's an innovative way to republish his journalism, or you might think it's a lazy way to knock out an autobiography. And you'd be right. Either way.
Callow's prose isn't quite fussy, but there is a sense of correctness in his style and worthiness in his treatment of his subjects. Still, I doubt that he is being dishonest: he loves the theatre and the people in it, and he has some amazing insights. He can be critical, but without sacrificing the affection and admiration he genuinely seems to feel for those he has met and worked with. His writing is good enough that you forgive the formality that makes some pieces - usually those on less interesting subjects - rather hard work.
My Life In Pieces will mostly appeal to theatre lovers, but even they might find it a bit long. Even so, there are some glorious moments and I'm glad to have it on my bookshelf. In the end, it's less of an autobiography and more like a professional memoir. Take that as a criticism or a recommendation, whichever works for you.
Callow's prose isn't quite fussy, but there is a sense of correctness in his style and worthiness in his treatment of his subjects. Still, I doubt that he is being dishonest: he loves the theatre and the people in it, and he has some amazing insights. He can be critical, but without sacrificing the affection and admiration he genuinely seems to feel for those he has met and worked with. His writing is good enough that you forgive the formality that makes some pieces - usually those on less interesting subjects - rather hard work.
My Life In Pieces will mostly appeal to theatre lovers, but even they might find it a bit long. Even so, there are some glorious moments and I'm glad to have it on my bookshelf. In the end, it's less of an autobiography and more like a professional memoir. Take that as a criticism or a recommendation, whichever works for you.
March 20, 2016
Wonderfully written collection of previous articles strung together with back story, commentary, and perspective. Great perspective on many of the greats of British theater. Very enjoyable. Loved the bit when the young Simon joins a company and one of the "elderly horrors" comes and asks him a question. Callow doesn't remember what he replied, but whatever he said it caused the elderly actor to shout back to his compatriots, "As a row of tents!"
July 20, 2011
Wonderfully written...Simon Callow tells intimate details of his early life, entering the theater and people he knew including Olivier and many other greats. He is able to involve the reader in the experience of being in the theater world from the wonder of it to maybe the not so good parts as well. Would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves theater!
September 21, 2011
Loved this - even though it is basically a collection of anecdotes and reprints of articles, book forwards, etc strung loosely together. I am now on the hunt for Callow's "first" biography "Being an Actor".
keep-in-mind
April 24, 2011_My Life in Pieces_ (2011) by Simon Callow (actor)
Added 4/23/11. Keep in mind.
GR description: "Simon Callow writes with perceptiveness, wit and flair about the remarkable people he has encountered in the course of his career."
Added 4/23/11. Keep in mind.
GR description: "Simon Callow writes with perceptiveness, wit and flair about the remarkable people he has encountered in the course of his career."
January 5, 2015
He tends to waffle but simon knows his craft
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews