I think Billy Connolly is a gifted comedian and a decent actor, and I have enjoyed his 'on the road' documentaries too. All of these are referred to in the book, naturally. However, it is something of a book of two halves, at least that is what struck me whilst reading.
Written by his wife Pamela Stephenson, the first 'half' of the book focuses in some detail on Billy's early years and upbringing, and later his life in the dockyards and his stepping onto the scene, so to speak, as a folk singer/comedy artist in the pubs and clubs of the Scotland he calls home. I had not realised what a tragic, abusive childhood he had endured and it is evident throughout the entire book that the results of this have had an effect on his entire life, into adulthood and beyond. They say the best comedians have a background of sadness and perhaps this is true - it certainly appears to be in Billy's case, something his psychologist wife and biographer states herself more than once in the book.
We also meet his first wife and children from that marriage and learn of the heartache and problems of alcohol abuse that had such a telling affect on that relationship.
The second 'half' of the book moves away from the detail of the man's personal life somewhat and refers more and more to his professional achievements. In the last few chapters of the book we are told the titles of the films and tours he took part in and the notable people he, and Pamela, have met and associated with, even become friends with, in the world of film, comedy and rock and roll. I have to admit that the constant allusion to famous people, the casual remarks about having dinner with so and so etc... began to read like name-dropping by the end of the book, especially since such references are thinly applied earlier in the book, but come thick and fast towards the end. I accepted at first that the author making reference to such famous people was by way of showing us the stark contrast between Billy's early life and his later, far more successful one. To show us how far he has come, if you will, but in my view that was a little overdone.
I was fascinated reading about the making of the man and learning of his background and experiences. Having read the book I feel I understand the man a little better, I certainly know more about him. If you are a Billy Connolly fan then this one is for you. If you are not a fan then it is an interesting read in its own right, but there are likely to be several references throughout that you will perhaps not understand.