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This Much is True
BAFTA-winning actor, voice of everything from Monkey to the Cadbury's Caramel Rabbit, creator of a myriad of unforgettable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, Miriam Margolyes, OBE, is the nation's favourite (and naughtiest) treasure. Find out how being conceived in an air-raid gave her curly hair; what pranks led to her being known as the naughtiest girl Oxford High School ever had; how she ended up posing nude for Augustus John as a teenager; why Bob Monkhouse was the best (male) kiss she's ever had; and what happened next after Warren Beatty asked 'Do you fuck?'
From declaring her love to Vanessa Redgrave to being told to be quiet by the Queen, this book is packed with hilarious stories. With a cast list stretching from Scorsese to Streisand, a cross-dressing Leonardo di Caprio to Isaiah Berlin, This Much Is True is as full of life and surprises, as its inimitable author.
From declaring her love to Vanessa Redgrave to being told to be quiet by the Queen, this book is packed with hilarious stories. With a cast list stretching from Scorsese to Streisand, a cross-dressing Leonardo di Caprio to Isaiah Berlin, This Much Is True is as full of life and surprises, as its inimitable author.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2021
2965 people are currently reading
15448 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Margolyes
137 books445 followersBorn in Oxford, England in 1941 & educated at Newnham College, Cambridge, Miriam Margolyes is a veteran of stage and screen, an award-winning actress who achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic. Winner of the BAFTA Best Supporting Actress award in 1993 for The Age of Innocence, she also received Best Supporting Actress at the 1989 LA Critics Circle Awards for her role in Little Dorrit and a Sony Radio Award for Best Actress in 1993 for her unabridged recording of ‘Oliver Twist’. She was the voice of the Matchmaker in Mulan & Fly, the mother dog, in Babe.
Her voice work has been internationally acclaimed & she is regarded as the most accomplished female voice in Britain: she has recorded many audio books including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, Alice in Wonderland & Alice Through the Looking-Glass, Matilda, Pinnocchio, The Worst Witch series, The Queen & I (one of the best-selling audio books in the world) The Little White Horse, The Sea, Troy & Wise Child ).
Her voice work has been internationally acclaimed & she is regarded as the most accomplished female voice in Britain: she has recorded many audio books including Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, Alice in Wonderland & Alice Through the Looking-Glass, Matilda, Pinnocchio, The Worst Witch series, The Queen & I (one of the best-selling audio books in the world) The Little White Horse, The Sea, Troy & Wise Child ).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,417 reviews
October 4, 2021
It should 3.5 stars maybe.
It's odd isn't it, that when you've enjoyed someone's work and see their autobiography, you'd think you'd love it. I'm afraid it put me off reading any more about Ms Margolyes. The fact that she won't care what I think is just fine.
I know she loves talking about sex and likes to shock but just when you think you've left behind the interminable "sucking off" of Cambridge, Footlights and early jobs days, she keeps introducing it. It became boring. I just didn't care who or why or when.
Then there is the "staunch socialist" who cosies up to royalty and describes Lady Solti as someone she could have been friends with in another life even though she couldn't understand a word she said.
The final nail in the coffin is the complete lack of understanding a situation ie. When QE2 tells you to shut up, you shut up, not because she's the queen but because you're being rude. I won't even go into the idiocy of tearing up a parking fine and abusing policemen or pouring water over a young man's head.
I still admire her work and her forthright attitude but I could quite cheerfully never hear one more word about her personal life.
It's odd isn't it, that when you've enjoyed someone's work and see their autobiography, you'd think you'd love it. I'm afraid it put me off reading any more about Ms Margolyes. The fact that she won't care what I think is just fine.
I know she loves talking about sex and likes to shock but just when you think you've left behind the interminable "sucking off" of Cambridge, Footlights and early jobs days, she keeps introducing it. It became boring. I just didn't care who or why or when.
Then there is the "staunch socialist" who cosies up to royalty and describes Lady Solti as someone she could have been friends with in another life even though she couldn't understand a word she said.
The final nail in the coffin is the complete lack of understanding a situation ie. When QE2 tells you to shut up, you shut up, not because she's the queen but because you're being rude. I won't even go into the idiocy of tearing up a parking fine and abusing policemen or pouring water over a young man's head.
I still admire her work and her forthright attitude but I could quite cheerfully never hear one more word about her personal life.
December 21, 2021
Miriam Margolyes is, by her own admission, a show off, an attention seeker and an exhibitionist. She says, I hope people will like me, but if they don’t, I want them to notice me. Anyone who has watched her interviews on British television knows what a ‘potty mouth’ she has. American tv wouldn’t allow the language she uses. She finds America a prudish country. After reading this, I’m wondering if I should redefine myself as a prude!
Celebrities who write autobiographies can choose to reveal as much or as little as they choose of that part of their lives lived off stage. Most, like all of us, have skeletons in their closets and can choose to leave them there or not. They might consider that most of their reading audience will be fans to some degree or other and so might not wish to know things that would lessen them in their eyes. Miriam Margolyes has no such filter. I would rather not have known about her lifelong enjoyment of providing certain services to men, some she knew, some she didn’t (think Monica Lewinsky!). I don’t judge her actions - it was always her choice - but I wish I didn’t know. I’d also rather not have known about her foul temper and I find her repeated use of certain 4 letter words gratuitous and frankly childish. We are, however, talking about a very successful woman and one who was joined on her birthday by 85 of her ‘closest friends’, some of whom she has retained since her schooldays. It’s beyond me how anyone could be close to 85 individuals but she clearly has very loyal and loving friends and that says a great deal as I’m sure they know her warts and all.
Much of the book is a review of her career and I enjoyed the little tidbits of gossip about fellow actors and directors here and there. She doesn’t mince her words when discussing those she didn’t like. I know it is only her opinion but some were people I’d grown up admiring and, as with some of her own behaviours, I’d rather not have known about their darker sides. My favourite chapters were those in which she discussed politics. She is not afraid to air her views and I found myself agreeing with many of them. She is an intelligent, articulate woman and I could have enjoyed longer discussions on some subjects.
Overall, this is an interesting autobiography. She has led a varied and interesting life and hopefully has several more years left. I feel very conflicted about whether I’m glad I read it or not and can only say that I’m glad I read parts of it but sorry I read others. Perhaps it’s better not to know too much about those we admire lest they start to teeter on their pedestals.
Celebrities who write autobiographies can choose to reveal as much or as little as they choose of that part of their lives lived off stage. Most, like all of us, have skeletons in their closets and can choose to leave them there or not. They might consider that most of their reading audience will be fans to some degree or other and so might not wish to know things that would lessen them in their eyes. Miriam Margolyes has no such filter. I would rather not have known about her lifelong enjoyment of providing certain services to men, some she knew, some she didn’t (think Monica Lewinsky!). I don’t judge her actions - it was always her choice - but I wish I didn’t know. I’d also rather not have known about her foul temper and I find her repeated use of certain 4 letter words gratuitous and frankly childish. We are, however, talking about a very successful woman and one who was joined on her birthday by 85 of her ‘closest friends’, some of whom she has retained since her schooldays. It’s beyond me how anyone could be close to 85 individuals but she clearly has very loyal and loving friends and that says a great deal as I’m sure they know her warts and all.
Much of the book is a review of her career and I enjoyed the little tidbits of gossip about fellow actors and directors here and there. She doesn’t mince her words when discussing those she didn’t like. I know it is only her opinion but some were people I’d grown up admiring and, as with some of her own behaviours, I’d rather not have known about their darker sides. My favourite chapters were those in which she discussed politics. She is not afraid to air her views and I found myself agreeing with many of them. She is an intelligent, articulate woman and I could have enjoyed longer discussions on some subjects.
Overall, this is an interesting autobiography. She has led a varied and interesting life and hopefully has several more years left. I feel very conflicted about whether I’m glad I read it or not and can only say that I’m glad I read parts of it but sorry I read others. Perhaps it’s better not to know too much about those we admire lest they start to teeter on their pedestals.
February 16, 2025
Ah, Miriam Margolyes, like many I know you so well from your Graham Norton interviews and travel documentaries. You have a way of approaching and interviewing people from all walks of life, drawing out so much from them.
You can often get away with talking dirty and swearing. I’m glad to hear it’s not orchestrated for the camera, that it’s not showing off or to get a reaction – that it’s truly how you are.
In the introduction we hear that your lifelong partner, your soul mate, asked you not to let this book be like a Graham Norton segment where you talk smutty, instead talk more about things that matter. You gave us both.
I expected the smut but have to admit it comes off much better when you say it with a cheeky grin rather than reading it in print.
I’ve often thought (and said) autobiographies should be all about what people want to say without an editor interfering, but I think in this case ‘This Much Is True’ could have done with a bit of ‘trimming’.
The chapter headings offered promise – most delivered. I enjoyed the last few chapters the most; addressing the dirty talk, getting old and the fraught geo-politics in the Middle East, including how you have dealt with criticism, raised in a Jewish family who also sticks up for the Palestinians.
Given this autobiography was released in 2021, I do wonder how Miriam Margolyes is philosophising, analysing and fretting over the current situation in that region.
3.5 stars.
You can often get away with talking dirty and swearing. I’m glad to hear it’s not orchestrated for the camera, that it’s not showing off or to get a reaction – that it’s truly how you are.
In the introduction we hear that your lifelong partner, your soul mate, asked you not to let this book be like a Graham Norton segment where you talk smutty, instead talk more about things that matter. You gave us both.
I expected the smut but have to admit it comes off much better when you say it with a cheeky grin rather than reading it in print.
I’ve often thought (and said) autobiographies should be all about what people want to say without an editor interfering, but I think in this case ‘This Much Is True’ could have done with a bit of ‘trimming’.
The chapter headings offered promise – most delivered. I enjoyed the last few chapters the most; addressing the dirty talk, getting old and the fraught geo-politics in the Middle East, including how you have dealt with criticism, raised in a Jewish family who also sticks up for the Palestinians.
Given this autobiography was released in 2021, I do wonder how Miriam Margolyes is philosophising, analysing and fretting over the current situation in that region.
3.5 stars.
September 16, 2021
Any fans of Miriam know this is going to be an absolute hoot and it really is. My first laugh out loud moment was page 2 and this continued at odd funny moments throughout. Great insight into her university time, her radio work, voiceover. I suspect most of us will pick this up to see what on earth she'll say that's shocking in print and believe me this does not disappoint and is littered with comic shocking genius. I won't spoil a word as it wouldn't give her words justice. Comic gold, insightful.
September 20, 2021
I love Miriam. I saw her interview with Graham Norton, and listened to her appearance on Louis Theroux’s wonderful podcast and I worried that she might have shared all her best stories already, but this was so enjoyable and so well written and there were *so* many more stories. And to hear it read by Miriam herself on Audible was an extra special treat. Yes, there are C-bombs and F-bombs so you won’t be disappointed on that front, but she also recounts very emotional moments with genuine and touching honesty. I see there’s 1 star review…I bet it’s from one of those Footlights guys (although she says Graham Garden apologised and I see there was an apology of sorts from Bill Oddie on Twitter). After listening to Miriam perform Bleak House I couldn’t shake that her prose was another Dickens. Until another C-bomb shook me out of my reverie. A great read/listen.
October 10, 2024
I'm not a big fan of memoirs or non-fiction in general, and as someone from outside the UK, I didn't really know who Miriam Margolyes is. I knew her from two movies: The Age of Innocence and Harry Potter. It seems I've seen her in more than that, and as a cinephile, I enjoyed the gossip about Barbra Streisand, Warren Beatty, and a lot of English stars. Of course, the real reason I was interested in this book was because of Graham Norton, and unsurprisingly, there's a lot of dirty talk here too. But there's also a lot of thoughtfulness, including a surprisingly critical discussion about the Israel-Palestine situation. I would love to hear more from Miriam. She's the kind of person who always has a good story to tell, and I appreciate that I now know more about who she is behind the public persona.
April 11, 2023
“Happily, my teenage years behind me, I went to university and there I realised that I had a spark of something that was more valuable than beauty: I had energy, and energy is always attractive.”
If you have seen Miriam's infamous interviews, particularly the Graham Norton ones, you'll have an idea what to expect from this book, in a sense at least. There is lots of cheeky humour, startling confessions, sexual escapades etc. But there is a lot more to it too. I really felt like I had a sense of her as a person by the time I finished listening, and while I was already a fan, this really cemented that.
She talks about her relationship with her parents. She seems devoted to them, especially to her mother. She talks about her regrets about telling her parents she is gay and I thought her points were unexpected but I got where she was coming from. That you have a right to live your life, but you can't force others to accept it. (I hope this was her point anyway!) She feels she caused her mother to have her stroke, and I have a great deal of sympathy for her, as that would have been extremely difficult.
Her relationship with her partner Heather was heartening to read about. Apart from a brief split due to infidelity on Miriam's part (she began therapy afterwards and they reconciled) they have been together for more than 50 years.
“My happiest moments, really, are just lying in bed with her and gazing at the ceiling and talking about anything and everything. That's my biggest joy.
It may be that we will only actually finally get to achieve that when we're both in an old people's home together. I always had the idea that we would build our own and gather all our friends there, and that's what I'd still like to do. There would be a library and a garden and memories shared. And animals. And a swimming pool, with easy steps down.”
I also really enjoyed her discussions about being Jewish. There were many quotes I loved from this section, which typically I would include in a review. Since I listened to the audio, for now I'll have to leave it and simply assure you they were interesting.
There were so many sentences and paragraphs that I connected to in this book, which is why I do want to buy a physical copy and return to it eventually, so I can mark those pages and return to those words whenever I want. However, I do also recommend the audio. Her voice is wonderful to listen to and I missed her when I reached the end. I spent my bonus Christmas Audible credit on this book and it was absolutely worth it!
“I decided that I must never let an unhappiness go unremarked or uncomforted again, and if I saw anybody unhappy, I would talk to them.”
*******
“Friends bring out the best in me, and what's what I cherish: they make me feel that I am worth knowing.”
*******
“I have a silly habit of making knee-jerk and somewhat dogmatic statements which are rapidly proved wrong.”
*******
Interview:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2...
A review I enjoyed:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
If you have seen Miriam's infamous interviews, particularly the Graham Norton ones, you'll have an idea what to expect from this book, in a sense at least. There is lots of cheeky humour, startling confessions, sexual escapades etc. But there is a lot more to it too. I really felt like I had a sense of her as a person by the time I finished listening, and while I was already a fan, this really cemented that.
She talks about her relationship with her parents. She seems devoted to them, especially to her mother. She talks about her regrets about telling her parents she is gay and I thought her points were unexpected but I got where she was coming from. That you have a right to live your life, but you can't force others to accept it. (I hope this was her point anyway!) She feels she caused her mother to have her stroke, and I have a great deal of sympathy for her, as that would have been extremely difficult.
Her relationship with her partner Heather was heartening to read about. Apart from a brief split due to infidelity on Miriam's part (she began therapy afterwards and they reconciled) they have been together for more than 50 years.
“My happiest moments, really, are just lying in bed with her and gazing at the ceiling and talking about anything and everything. That's my biggest joy.
It may be that we will only actually finally get to achieve that when we're both in an old people's home together. I always had the idea that we would build our own and gather all our friends there, and that's what I'd still like to do. There would be a library and a garden and memories shared. And animals. And a swimming pool, with easy steps down.”
I also really enjoyed her discussions about being Jewish. There were many quotes I loved from this section, which typically I would include in a review. Since I listened to the audio, for now I'll have to leave it and simply assure you they were interesting.
There were so many sentences and paragraphs that I connected to in this book, which is why I do want to buy a physical copy and return to it eventually, so I can mark those pages and return to those words whenever I want. However, I do also recommend the audio. Her voice is wonderful to listen to and I missed her when I reached the end. I spent my bonus Christmas Audible credit on this book and it was absolutely worth it!
“I decided that I must never let an unhappiness go unremarked or uncomforted again, and if I saw anybody unhappy, I would talk to them.”
*******
“Friends bring out the best in me, and what's what I cherish: they make me feel that I am worth knowing.”
*******
“I have a silly habit of making knee-jerk and somewhat dogmatic statements which are rapidly proved wrong.”
*******
Interview:
https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2...
A review I enjoyed:
https://www.theguardian.com/books/202...
October 4, 2021
It's pretty much Miriam telling you about different men she's 'sucked off' or offered to 'suck off' in each chapter.
October 10, 2021
I'm so conflicted by this book. On one hand, I adore Miriam and couldn't wait to get my hands on this. She's lead such an extraordinary life and it was genuinely interesting to read about. On the other hand, in spite of this book being relatively short, I did find myself becoming bored during a number of the stories. I enjoyed the parts about Miriam's film career and found the retelling of her childhood compelling, but so many stories about the people she has met along the way felt like unnecessary waffle. The non-linear narrative was sometimes confusing, and some of the content was quite frankly depressing in light of the Me-Too movement. I do love Miriam, but, unfortunately, the television & podcast promotion she's done for this book gripped me more than the book itself.
October 31, 2021
Wow, well, this was some book (and no, not in a good way!)
Overweight, mouthy narcissist seeks whole world to suck their dick, drop their name and publicly kiss their arse or revile them.
Margolyes is a walking contradiction. She says one thing then does the opposite. The only thing she is consistent in, is her self-congratulation and her seeming willingness to handle men's cocks!
No thanks.
Overweight, mouthy narcissist seeks whole world to suck their dick, drop their name and publicly kiss their arse or revile them.
Margolyes is a walking contradiction. She says one thing then does the opposite. The only thing she is consistent in, is her self-congratulation and her seeming willingness to handle men's cocks!
No thanks.
October 2, 2021
I must be honest: I didn't finish the book, finding it sometimes boring, completely unfiltered, and suffering from a case of "overshare". About halfway through, I skipped around and chose chapters I thought might be more engaging. I'm not sure what I'd expected, but its rawness surprised me. I'm not a prude by any means. BUT, did I have to know how many men she had "sucked off" (her words) throughout her high school and university years? She wrote openly about her lesbianism, a defining part of who she is, but with a dignity that I found missing in the retelling of her male encounters.
I enjoyed her stories of her childhood and early years as a radio and then stage actress. I was most interested in her relationship to her Jewish traditions and culture. Her condemnation of antisemitism was strongly expressed as was her support of the Palestinians, which has brought her fierce opposition by many within the Jewish community. Her devotion to her parents was evident in everything she wrote, as in her life-long friendships with the men and women who earned her support and loyalty. These aspects of her memoir, however, were not enough to hold my interest through the lists of performances, some successful and some disasters, and the long list of fellow actors with whom she appeared.
I enjoyed her stories of her childhood and early years as a radio and then stage actress. I was most interested in her relationship to her Jewish traditions and culture. Her condemnation of antisemitism was strongly expressed as was her support of the Palestinians, which has brought her fierce opposition by many within the Jewish community. Her devotion to her parents was evident in everything she wrote, as in her life-long friendships with the men and women who earned her support and loyalty. These aspects of her memoir, however, were not enough to hold my interest through the lists of performances, some successful and some disasters, and the long list of fellow actors with whom she appeared.
October 17, 2021
This is a fun biography of successful actress Miriam Margoyles. I have not watched a lot of the the actresses work but have always found her television interviews honest and fun so expected an entertaining read. Well I certainly got that and a lot more, I found it interesting to read about her unconventional upbringing and college days. For anyone who has watched her interviews on the Graham Norton show know exactly what to expect, honest, funny tales with nothing held back.
In my opinion the book was better than I expected, I was concerned it may be too over the top with saucy recants but like I say it was much more than that. Plenty of name dropping as you would expect from a successful career working with the top stars but very interesting.
With Miriam you get the stories straight and true with no holding back which may not always be what people want to hear. If she doesn’t like someone or agree with what they say she tells them. No beating around the bush or holding back which makes it a far more informative account.
In my opinion the book was better than I expected, I was concerned it may be too over the top with saucy recants but like I say it was much more than that. Plenty of name dropping as you would expect from a successful career working with the top stars but very interesting.
With Miriam you get the stories straight and true with no holding back which may not always be what people want to hear. If she doesn’t like someone or agree with what they say she tells them. No beating around the bush or holding back which makes it a far more informative account.
May 28, 2023
Seriously. No filters. NO filters. I can’t emphasise that enough because some will read this and be astonished how, er, willing she has been to help out chaps in need. For someone whose sexual direction is not men, she seems to regard “helping them out” as a functional act. It will shock those not expecting it. Be warned.
So, Ms Margoles is 80 years old and describes herself as a short fat lesbian but she is also a talented performer with an astonishing history in her craft.
A life story from her youth in a slightly rigid (but not overly religious) family through her time at school and University and then via radio into acting. A look at the roles she has had will surprise you, as will the commercials you would never have associated with her voice. She has, as mentioned, no filters and does not suffer fools gladly (expect swearing like a trooper). You feel she is very loyal to her friends and the people she likes, but quite verbal about those she doesn’t.
I’ve described this book to people as “you will be astonished, but like it less than you think you will”. A real talent and force of nature, I suppose when you get to 80 it doesn’t matter what you say and who you might offend, but have no doubts this is a very honest autobiography and not for the faint hearted.
So, Ms Margoles is 80 years old and describes herself as a short fat lesbian but she is also a talented performer with an astonishing history in her craft.
A life story from her youth in a slightly rigid (but not overly religious) family through her time at school and University and then via radio into acting. A look at the roles she has had will surprise you, as will the commercials you would never have associated with her voice. She has, as mentioned, no filters and does not suffer fools gladly (expect swearing like a trooper). You feel she is very loyal to her friends and the people she likes, but quite verbal about those she doesn’t.
I’ve described this book to people as “you will be astonished, but like it less than you think you will”. A real talent and force of nature, I suppose when you get to 80 it doesn’t matter what you say and who you might offend, but have no doubts this is a very honest autobiography and not for the faint hearted.
January 18, 2022
I hope people will like me, but it they don't, I want them to notice me.
On the basis of this memoir, I'd say that Miriam Margolyes has achieved her goal. This extremely talented, hilarious, colorful (sometimes vulgar), forthright octogenarian has been large and in charge since childhood. It's impossible for others not to notice her and, once they do, most like her a great deal indeed; the Queen of England being a notable exception to the rule.
This book won't be everyone's cup of tea. There is a lot of detail about theatrical production, studio voice-over work, Jewish culture and cuisine, and how to promote oneself professionally. I find these interesting topics and so was seldom bored. Ms. Margolyes is a collector of people (with over 11,000 contacts in her phone). As is always the case with such social butterflies, not every one of the friends and acquaintances that delights her will be equally charming to her reader. She, however, is fascinating.
Oh, and the accompanying photos are wonderful.
3.5 stars
On the basis of this memoir, I'd say that Miriam Margolyes has achieved her goal. This extremely talented, hilarious, colorful (sometimes vulgar), forthright octogenarian has been large and in charge since childhood. It's impossible for others not to notice her and, once they do, most like her a great deal indeed; the Queen of England being a notable exception to the rule.
This book won't be everyone's cup of tea. There is a lot of detail about theatrical production, studio voice-over work, Jewish culture and cuisine, and how to promote oneself professionally. I find these interesting topics and so was seldom bored. Ms. Margolyes is a collector of people (with over 11,000 contacts in her phone). As is always the case with such social butterflies, not every one of the friends and acquaintances that delights her will be equally charming to her reader. She, however, is fascinating.
Oh, and the accompanying photos are wonderful.
3.5 stars
November 11, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
4.5 glorious stars
Woweee Miriam. I knew this was going to be wild as I’m obsessed with her interviews on The Graham Norton Show. This absolutely didn’t disappoint. Every other page had me in stitches. She writes with such warmth you feel like you’re talking to an old friend over coffee, even during the difficult moments.
It’s fascinating to read a memoir by such a colourful character. I was worried I’d heard most of Miriam’s stories already, but there are hundreds more & in much finer detail.
She doesn’t hold back (which, if you’re familiar with her, you’ll know to expect) with anything. The language will turn the air blue, so be prepared..
But, she is wonderfully and absolutely unapologetically, herself & I love her more than ever thanks to this hilariously insightful book.
4.5 glorious stars
Woweee Miriam. I knew this was going to be wild as I’m obsessed with her interviews on The Graham Norton Show. This absolutely didn’t disappoint. Every other page had me in stitches. She writes with such warmth you feel like you’re talking to an old friend over coffee, even during the difficult moments.
It’s fascinating to read a memoir by such a colourful character. I was worried I’d heard most of Miriam’s stories already, but there are hundreds more & in much finer detail.
She doesn’t hold back (which, if you’re familiar with her, you’ll know to expect) with anything. The language will turn the air blue, so be prepared..
But, she is wonderfully and absolutely unapologetically, herself & I love her more than ever thanks to this hilariously insightful book.
November 28, 2021
I’m giving this a tentative 3 stars, and know that my review may prove to be a touch controversial…
Margolyes has undeniably led an incredibly full and interesting life. I was desperate to pick up a copy and read it; but when I saw the audiobook available, I couldn’t help myself. I dived straight in, shelving my other current reads.
To begin with, it was fascinating to read about a life so vastly different from my own. I loved the family history, the stories from her childhood, and the exploration of her Jewish roots. On top of this, it was clearly self-written, and brimming with her quirky, frankly honest and hilarious personality whilst also at points being deep and meaningful. She is full of praise and love for so many people in her life. I was completely hooked.
However, as I read on, I began to fall out of love with it. It felt very “shock factor” at points; I know that this is her signature, but it felt like this wasn’t as authentic, and instead an attempt to please the audience who love her from her outrageous Graham Norton interviews. It began to grow repetitive.
It also began to read as an account of incredible privilege. This in itself isn’t a bad thing, but some parts of the book seemed to border on real narcissism (e.g. the part when she abused a police officer or poured water on a random man) - this made it a struggle to relate to her, especially when she would then get off the hook by demanding better treatment on account of her being an actress.
The other thing that I wasn’t so keen on was using the book as an opportunity to settle scores. Publicly slating people in such a forum feels like poor taste; it’s good to call out terrible behaviour (e.g. the awful misogynistic treatment in Footlights) but name and shaming in such a way just doesn’t sit well. It feels like it reflects badly on the person writing, rather than actually drawing attention to the problematic behaviour.
I almost didn’t finish the book, but I am glad I persisted with it, as her insights into politics towards the end were incredibly interesting.
Overall, I am a bit disappointed by this read, which broke my heart as I adore Margolyes.
Margolyes has undeniably led an incredibly full and interesting life. I was desperate to pick up a copy and read it; but when I saw the audiobook available, I couldn’t help myself. I dived straight in, shelving my other current reads.
To begin with, it was fascinating to read about a life so vastly different from my own. I loved the family history, the stories from her childhood, and the exploration of her Jewish roots. On top of this, it was clearly self-written, and brimming with her quirky, frankly honest and hilarious personality whilst also at points being deep and meaningful. She is full of praise and love for so many people in her life. I was completely hooked.
However, as I read on, I began to fall out of love with it. It felt very “shock factor” at points; I know that this is her signature, but it felt like this wasn’t as authentic, and instead an attempt to please the audience who love her from her outrageous Graham Norton interviews. It began to grow repetitive.
It also began to read as an account of incredible privilege. This in itself isn’t a bad thing, but some parts of the book seemed to border on real narcissism (e.g. the part when she abused a police officer or poured water on a random man) - this made it a struggle to relate to her, especially when she would then get off the hook by demanding better treatment on account of her being an actress.
The other thing that I wasn’t so keen on was using the book as an opportunity to settle scores. Publicly slating people in such a forum feels like poor taste; it’s good to call out terrible behaviour (e.g. the awful misogynistic treatment in Footlights) but name and shaming in such a way just doesn’t sit well. It feels like it reflects badly on the person writing, rather than actually drawing attention to the problematic behaviour.
I almost didn’t finish the book, but I am glad I persisted with it, as her insights into politics towards the end were incredibly interesting.
Overall, I am a bit disappointed by this read, which broke my heart as I adore Margolyes.
September 26, 2021
I loved this book read beautifully and outrageously by Miriam, an amazing woman who is an example to us all. She does not hold back with her stories or her views on everyone and everything and is happy to tell us when someone was or is wonderful or equally when they are horrible or even evil people. Very enlightening! The only sadness is that she has lost so many close friends and family now which is the problem with loving a long life. I hope we have Miriam in our lives for many more years. Her 100th birthday party would be fun.
November 20, 2021
Delightful memoir from one of the greatest character actresses of all time! If you aren't familiar with the name, think of Professor Sprout in Harry Potter, Mother Mildred in Call the Midwife, Lady White Adder in the Black Adder. Her list of accomplishments would fill pages and pages. She is honest, irreverent, loving, bawdy, profane, and an absolute delight. Be sure to listen to her on audible.com.
December 18, 2021
It might but true but it’s vulgar and boring. It strange that an educated woman would think that constantly writing about who she ‘sucked off’ and ‘tossed off’ would be something that people would be interested in.
I think Miriam will have lost lots of fans as the jolly, straight talking actress comes across as a vulgar, conceited and nasty woman.
I think Miriam will have lost lots of fans as the jolly, straight talking actress comes across as a vulgar, conceited and nasty woman.
February 11, 2022
There's a lot I could say about this book, but I feel like it has taken up enough of my life as it is.
In short. Skimmed from about half way.
I'd say I enjoyed about 3 chapters in total. Just found it unbearably boring. She's old and clearly wrote this for herself which is obviously fine, but how didn't an editor pick up on the fact she goes into minute detail about people I couldn't give a fuck about for what seemed like the majority of the book. I had heard lots of good things about the book but I just was not the target audience at all.
In short. Skimmed from about half way.
I'd say I enjoyed about 3 chapters in total. Just found it unbearably boring. She's old and clearly wrote this for herself which is obviously fine, but how didn't an editor pick up on the fact she goes into minute detail about people I couldn't give a fuck about for what seemed like the majority of the book. I had heard lots of good things about the book but I just was not the target audience at all.
August 18, 2024
4.5⭐️ = Good.
Paperback.
Sometimes autobiographies are a little heavy going but this wasn’t. I enjoyed hearing all about her parents and their backgrounds.
Yes, this may not be for you if you are offended by sexual language and swearing… which funnily enough I often turn away from myself. Miriam is Miriam and I admire her for her honesty , her desire to learn about others and their beliefs and for her ‘ never grow old gracefully’ ethos.
I will say that if you are of a younger generation you might find this harder to read as many of the people Miriam talks about are of the older generation.
Paperback.
Sometimes autobiographies are a little heavy going but this wasn’t. I enjoyed hearing all about her parents and their backgrounds.
Yes, this may not be for you if you are offended by sexual language and swearing… which funnily enough I often turn away from myself. Miriam is Miriam and I admire her for her honesty , her desire to learn about others and their beliefs and for her ‘ never grow old gracefully’ ethos.
I will say that if you are of a younger generation you might find this harder to read as many of the people Miriam talks about are of the older generation.
October 9, 2021
Parts of this are excellent (her early life, her relationship with her partner) but the rest became tiresome and repetitive. If I had to read one more story about her sucking or tossing someone off I would have flung the book as far away as I could manage.
November 29, 2022
In the words of Stephen Fry (and probably everyone who ever interacted with Ms Margolyes): ���Oh Miriam!”
This was fantastic. Like most people my age I know Miriam Margolyes from Harry Potter and The Graham Norton Show. She is brilliant in both. In her autobiography, we learn lots more about her background, her family, her Jewish roots, her education … and it is fascinating and wonderfully narrated. It is witty, informing, intelligent, sometimes tragic, and oh so - SO - naughty.
Some parts I enjoyed more than others, especially since I didn’t know most of the artists from the 70s and 80s she talks about (and there’s a lot of name-dropping). But I also knew plenty others (like Maggie Smith and Ian McKellen - or when she calls William Hurt an asshole and Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘a pig of a man’), and I loved those parts.
If you can, listen to the audiobook. She reads it herself and I think I enjoyed it so much more because of that. Her diction and accent really are perfect (as she never tires to mention), and there is so much heartfeltness there. Sometimes I laughed out loud and clapped a hand over my mouth in shock - but that’s Miriam Margolyes for you. She is so wonderfully honest, and a little bit show-off-y (she also mentions that), and I loved her for it. There is no false modesty, she admits it when she knows she’s done a job well - no, she owns it. She will call out famous people who everybody else bootlicks, and that is so refreshing. But she’ll also give credit where credit is due. She is fair and speaks out if something is not right. For Miriam Margolyes it doesn’t matter that she’s a woman, that she’s Jewish, that she’s old, or that she’s fat - if she thinks you’ve done something horrible or if you’ve been rude, she’ll have none of it and will tell you right to your face. And I admire that. If I get the privilege to live to her age, I’d be happy if I was half as unashamedly myself as she is. She is an absolut delight.
One thing I will warn you about, though: be prepared to see mental images of Professor Sprout sucking off random men and farting in public -
if you can live with that, you’ll love this book.
(Prudish Americans won’t like this book - and MM has something to say about them, too.)
This was fantastic. Like most people my age I know Miriam Margolyes from Harry Potter and The Graham Norton Show. She is brilliant in both. In her autobiography, we learn lots more about her background, her family, her Jewish roots, her education … and it is fascinating and wonderfully narrated. It is witty, informing, intelligent, sometimes tragic, and oh so - SO - naughty.
Some parts I enjoyed more than others, especially since I didn’t know most of the artists from the 70s and 80s she talks about (and there’s a lot of name-dropping). But I also knew plenty others (like Maggie Smith and Ian McKellen - or when she calls William Hurt an asshole and Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘a pig of a man’), and I loved those parts.
If you can, listen to the audiobook. She reads it herself and I think I enjoyed it so much more because of that. Her diction and accent really are perfect (as she never tires to mention), and there is so much heartfeltness there. Sometimes I laughed out loud and clapped a hand over my mouth in shock - but that’s Miriam Margolyes for you. She is so wonderfully honest, and a little bit show-off-y (she also mentions that), and I loved her for it. There is no false modesty, she admits it when she knows she’s done a job well - no, she owns it. She will call out famous people who everybody else bootlicks, and that is so refreshing. But she’ll also give credit where credit is due. She is fair and speaks out if something is not right. For Miriam Margolyes it doesn’t matter that she’s a woman, that she’s Jewish, that she’s old, or that she’s fat - if she thinks you’ve done something horrible or if you’ve been rude, she’ll have none of it and will tell you right to your face. And I admire that. If I get the privilege to live to her age, I’d be happy if I was half as unashamedly myself as she is. She is an absolut delight.
One thing I will warn you about, though: be prepared to see mental images of Professor Sprout sucking off random men and farting in public -
if you can live with that, you’ll love this book.
(Prudish Americans won’t like this book - and MM has something to say about them, too.)
January 2, 2022
What a way to start the year! I bought myself this book for Christmas 'bookflood' and have been reading it with great joy through the whole holiday season. Miriam is hilarious, raunchy, sharp and shameless. She spills ALL the tea on the various celebs and actors she has worked with over the years, and takes no prisoners.
The chapters are short, succinct and organised beautifully by theme with the occasional nod to chronology so you feel by the end that you really have absorbed her WHOLE life, everything and everyone she's ever loved.
I highly recommend this, it's hard to imagine anyone who would not enjoy this book (oh, as long as you have a very open mind about language, MM is extremely rude in the most beautifully casual way).
The chapters are short, succinct and organised beautifully by theme with the occasional nod to chronology so you feel by the end that you really have absorbed her WHOLE life, everything and everyone she's ever loved.
I highly recommend this, it's hard to imagine anyone who would not enjoy this book (oh, as long as you have a very open mind about language, MM is extremely rude in the most beautifully casual way).
August 8, 2022
Oh dear.
They say “never meet your heroes.”
While Miriam wasn’t a hero of mine, I did admire her from afar.
And I dearly wish I hadn’t read this autobiography.
She comes across as conceited, mean spirited, and overall one of the nastiest character assassins I have ever have the misfortune to encounter.
I kept reading, hoping I would find something to redeem her, and this book.
Nothing.
What a disappointment.
They say “never meet your heroes.”
While Miriam wasn’t a hero of mine, I did admire her from afar.
And I dearly wish I hadn’t read this autobiography.
She comes across as conceited, mean spirited, and overall one of the nastiest character assassins I have ever have the misfortune to encounter.
I kept reading, hoping I would find something to redeem her, and this book.
Nothing.
What a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2022
This is not a funny book, if anything, it's mostly a sad book. Not that I didn't laugh at some bits, but nothing like the interviews she gives, if that's what you're expecting.
Didn't expect to get bored, but I did. And a lot.
Her politics are admirable.
Wish it had a lot more "smut".
Got jealous of her friends, she's a great friend to have.
Didn't expect to get bored, but I did. And a lot.
Her politics are admirable.
Wish it had a lot more "smut".
Got jealous of her friends, she's a great friend to have.
October 18, 2021
While reading the book, I kept thinking that it was really something to pass on to her therapist, if she was still seeing one, rather than publishing it for all to read. I enjoyed quite a bit of what I read, found much of it fascinating, but was also concerned about things too.
I felt there needed to be more work with a therapist about her unsettling relationship with her unbalanced mother. It was too intense, too intimate, and bordered on incest. Her mother's exhibitionism, narcissism and emotional instability was encouraged in the daughter.
(I've added this bit later, unsure if I should include it when I first wrote the review, but here goes: I had alarm bells ringing in my head multiple times while reading about her mother, that she was possibly a closeted lesbian, with all the anxiety that brings.)
The overwhelming need for approval, attention and affection MM describes is neurotic to an extreme, and unhealthy, but it seems somewhat soothed by her friendships. But there was the impression that it affected her life in more bad ways than good, at certain times in her life.
Her inability for much of her life to link sex and emotion, and her early life promiscuity, are quite alpha-male, but also reminded me of people who were sexually abused as children, so it made it uncomfortable reading. That lack is not something that leads to happy romantic relationships, and she admits that it is only with therapy that she she managed to salvage her partnership with her beloved Heather, so I was surprised she continued to celebrate it in her book.
I would have preferred the book without the sex and farts, not because I'm prudish, which I'm not, but because I felt it distracted and detracted from the very real accomplishments of the actor, entertainer and businesswoman. Her therapist called actors 'talented toddlers' and there is certainly that impression, one that overwhelms at times.
I was disappointed that she took all the blame for being overweight. She was conceived during WWII and the blitz, was born during food shortages and rationing, and grew up for many years during rationing. Many, many studies have shown that people under these circumstances often have their metabolism set very low while in the womb, with a shorter period between digestion and the storage of fat, making weight gain swift and high. Her weight issues sound like metabolic issues, out of her control. Her weight loss successes suggest this is the case too. Check out the studies on the children born to women who were pregnant during the Dutch Hunger Winter as WWII came to a close, and you'll see that she probably should not be taking all the blame, as if it were a character flaw.
I would have enjoyed more accounts of her working with actors and other creative people from more of her oeuvre. I felt she skipped over quite a bit of interesting work and people, trying too hard to relate funny stories, as if she were on a talk show. A bit more of actor, producer, director gossip, or how she came to join projects would have been interesting. I thought she was excellent when describing how she creates a performance on stage. And she certainly seems a director's dream in her willingness to accept direction when working in film, too.
The political views expressed are those of a Humanist. I would never condemn someone who put the welfare of people foremost. I like Humanists. They cut through all the other "isms" to the only one that really counts, Humanism.
I've read quite a few actor bios now, and I'm always amazed that they plan on working to the end, rather than retiring and enjoying the spoils of their hard work, with their loved ones. Perhaps it is a generational thing. Her partner refuses to retire too. And that generation changed the laws so they didn't HAVE to retire at 65, so they could keep working forever. My later generation isn't like that, and actually has suffered less opportunity because of their refusal to retire, so I just found it odd that she continued to worry about acting gigs at the age of 80.
It might seem that I didn't enjoy the book, from these concerns I write here, but that is not true. It was a frighteningly honest look at the life of another person, one who grew up and lived a life very different from my own. Exposing oneself to these different lives is the basis of Humanism. I suspect that may have been one of her intentions in being so honest, to encourage her readers' humanism. If so, well done MM!
I felt there needed to be more work with a therapist about her unsettling relationship with her unbalanced mother. It was too intense, too intimate, and bordered on incest. Her mother's exhibitionism, narcissism and emotional instability was encouraged in the daughter.
(I've added this bit later, unsure if I should include it when I first wrote the review, but here goes: I had alarm bells ringing in my head multiple times while reading about her mother, that she was possibly a closeted lesbian, with all the anxiety that brings.)
The overwhelming need for approval, attention and affection MM describes is neurotic to an extreme, and unhealthy, but it seems somewhat soothed by her friendships. But there was the impression that it affected her life in more bad ways than good, at certain times in her life.
Her inability for much of her life to link sex and emotion, and her early life promiscuity, are quite alpha-male, but also reminded me of people who were sexually abused as children, so it made it uncomfortable reading. That lack is not something that leads to happy romantic relationships, and she admits that it is only with therapy that she she managed to salvage her partnership with her beloved Heather, so I was surprised she continued to celebrate it in her book.
I would have preferred the book without the sex and farts, not because I'm prudish, which I'm not, but because I felt it distracted and detracted from the very real accomplishments of the actor, entertainer and businesswoman. Her therapist called actors 'talented toddlers' and there is certainly that impression, one that overwhelms at times.
I was disappointed that she took all the blame for being overweight. She was conceived during WWII and the blitz, was born during food shortages and rationing, and grew up for many years during rationing. Many, many studies have shown that people under these circumstances often have their metabolism set very low while in the womb, with a shorter period between digestion and the storage of fat, making weight gain swift and high. Her weight issues sound like metabolic issues, out of her control. Her weight loss successes suggest this is the case too. Check out the studies on the children born to women who were pregnant during the Dutch Hunger Winter as WWII came to a close, and you'll see that she probably should not be taking all the blame, as if it were a character flaw.
I would have enjoyed more accounts of her working with actors and other creative people from more of her oeuvre. I felt she skipped over quite a bit of interesting work and people, trying too hard to relate funny stories, as if she were on a talk show. A bit more of actor, producer, director gossip, or how she came to join projects would have been interesting. I thought she was excellent when describing how she creates a performance on stage. And she certainly seems a director's dream in her willingness to accept direction when working in film, too.
The political views expressed are those of a Humanist. I would never condemn someone who put the welfare of people foremost. I like Humanists. They cut through all the other "isms" to the only one that really counts, Humanism.
I've read quite a few actor bios now, and I'm always amazed that they plan on working to the end, rather than retiring and enjoying the spoils of their hard work, with their loved ones. Perhaps it is a generational thing. Her partner refuses to retire too. And that generation changed the laws so they didn't HAVE to retire at 65, so they could keep working forever. My later generation isn't like that, and actually has suffered less opportunity because of their refusal to retire, so I just found it odd that she continued to worry about acting gigs at the age of 80.
It might seem that I didn't enjoy the book, from these concerns I write here, but that is not true. It was a frighteningly honest look at the life of another person, one who grew up and lived a life very different from my own. Exposing oneself to these different lives is the basis of Humanism. I suspect that may have been one of her intentions in being so honest, to encourage her readers' humanism. If so, well done MM!
September 5, 2023
I *almost never* give five star reviews to memoirs written by stars because they are (a) almost never written by them and (b) almost never truly a memoir in the true sense.
This book is different. I interviewed Miriam for my Salon (the podcast is online) and for my Big Scottish Book Club TV show (you can find it on BBC iplayer). Both times she revealed depths which are often concealed by her frankness and hilarity. All of which are part of who she is.
Obvs, whe’s an award-winning actor and creator of unforgettable characters from Gertrude Stein to Lady Whiteadder. She’s a national treasure, Jewish icon and lesbian trailblazer. And she’s made us wait until now for her extraordinary story. Which is even richer and stranger than any of her roles. From declaring love to Vanessa Redgrave to being shhshd by the Queen, from Scorsese to Streisand. This Much Is True she claims. Is it?
She writes: ‘I decided very early on in life strongest position was to be completely open.’ This haunts her at school and at Cambridge, where she fights to rise above horrible bullying. But on she goes being herself and being honest, even when it hurts herself and others. She is not the hero of her own story.
I enjoyed the painfully honest depicition of her mum, Ruth a ‘dedicated social climber’. Miriam was born late - her mum was terrified of childbirth, she even said she wanted to have an abortion but then when Miriam arrived she never let her go. I wonder how her attitude affected Miriam's decision not to have children.
She pulls no punches about her uni experiences: ‘It was at Cambridge that I became who I am.’ How? Well, she finds her community and her callling. But she also experiences the cruelty and vileness of bullies. A lifechanging moment occurs where she sees a fellow student utterly broken and sad and wonders what might have happened if she had intervened so she 'commits to never letting unhappiness go unnoted or helped.' Also: ‘My prowess at oral sex was well known at Cambridge.’
Her memories of coming out and fighting inequality at work, in the law, in her own social group are formative and powerful and I found them inspiring: ‘I’m glad I’m gay. I formally became a lesbian in the summer of 1966’. She wore a badge to the BBC in the 1970s that said 'gay yids group'. She writes: '‘I push being Jewish down peoples throats it’s my way of saying Hitler didn’t win I’m still here and I’m still saying I’m a Jew so you can’t ignore me.’
I was happy to read that, for decades now, she has been in loving relationship with her partner Heather, the bedrock of her life and her great love.
This would make an excellent bio-pic but who would dare play Miriam!?
This book is different. I interviewed Miriam for my Salon (the podcast is online) and for my Big Scottish Book Club TV show (you can find it on BBC iplayer). Both times she revealed depths which are often concealed by her frankness and hilarity. All of which are part of who she is.
Obvs, whe’s an award-winning actor and creator of unforgettable characters from Gertrude Stein to Lady Whiteadder. She’s a national treasure, Jewish icon and lesbian trailblazer. And she’s made us wait until now for her extraordinary story. Which is even richer and stranger than any of her roles. From declaring love to Vanessa Redgrave to being shhshd by the Queen, from Scorsese to Streisand. This Much Is True she claims. Is it?
She writes: ‘I decided very early on in life strongest position was to be completely open.’ This haunts her at school and at Cambridge, where she fights to rise above horrible bullying. But on she goes being herself and being honest, even when it hurts herself and others. She is not the hero of her own story.
I enjoyed the painfully honest depicition of her mum, Ruth a ‘dedicated social climber’. Miriam was born late - her mum was terrified of childbirth, she even said she wanted to have an abortion but then when Miriam arrived she never let her go. I wonder how her attitude affected Miriam's decision not to have children.
She pulls no punches about her uni experiences: ‘It was at Cambridge that I became who I am.’ How? Well, she finds her community and her callling. But she also experiences the cruelty and vileness of bullies. A lifechanging moment occurs where she sees a fellow student utterly broken and sad and wonders what might have happened if she had intervened so she 'commits to never letting unhappiness go unnoted or helped.' Also: ‘My prowess at oral sex was well known at Cambridge.’
Her memories of coming out and fighting inequality at work, in the law, in her own social group are formative and powerful and I found them inspiring: ‘I’m glad I’m gay. I formally became a lesbian in the summer of 1966’. She wore a badge to the BBC in the 1970s that said 'gay yids group'. She writes: '‘I push being Jewish down peoples throats it’s my way of saying Hitler didn’t win I’m still here and I’m still saying I’m a Jew so you can’t ignore me.’
I was happy to read that, for decades now, she has been in loving relationship with her partner Heather, the bedrock of her life and her great love.
This would make an excellent bio-pic but who would dare play Miriam!?
December 14, 2021
I've been such a fan of Miriam for a while now and this book was really a lot better than I expected and I'm glad i did.
Miriam goes through her entire life story and also her career in Radio, Television and Film that she has been involved in. It has been such an extraordinary life that this woman who's been unapologetically herself and hasn't changed at all which is what i made me like her and continue to like her. I've really only known her for the role of Professor Sprout in Harry potter which she is high recognised from but i also found out a few other things that i've seen that she has also been in and so many more new things that I would like to try and find and see.
She holds nothing back and if you have seen her Graham Norton interviews you would know what you would have in store and boy her stories are some interesting and will have you in stitches. Hearing stories from her college days and her early career with some very naughty antidotes it goes to show how normal and unfiltered this woman is. Miriam also is a Lesbian who came out a little later in her 20s and she definitely came out in a time where it was never talked about and frowned upon in society for the time but hearing about it really opened my eyes up more.
One thing that I really found disheartening is hearing her say that she should have never come out to her parents and feels guilty and believes that's what killed her mother. For someone who tells it like it is and lives her life with no shame it was very sad to hear those words come out of her mouth.
If you pick up any autobiography go pick this one up because Miriam Margolyes has so many laugh out loud stories and is such a beautiful story teller that this book will leave you in fits of laughter and joy.
Miriam goes through her entire life story and also her career in Radio, Television and Film that she has been involved in. It has been such an extraordinary life that this woman who's been unapologetically herself and hasn't changed at all which is what i made me like her and continue to like her. I've really only known her for the role of Professor Sprout in Harry potter which she is high recognised from but i also found out a few other things that i've seen that she has also been in and so many more new things that I would like to try and find and see.
She holds nothing back and if you have seen her Graham Norton interviews you would know what you would have in store and boy her stories are some interesting and will have you in stitches. Hearing stories from her college days and her early career with some very naughty antidotes it goes to show how normal and unfiltered this woman is. Miriam also is a Lesbian who came out a little later in her 20s and she definitely came out in a time where it was never talked about and frowned upon in society for the time but hearing about it really opened my eyes up more.
One thing that I really found disheartening is hearing her say that she should have never come out to her parents and feels guilty and believes that's what killed her mother. For someone who tells it like it is and lives her life with no shame it was very sad to hear those words come out of her mouth.
If you pick up any autobiography go pick this one up because Miriam Margolyes has so many laugh out loud stories and is such a beautiful story teller that this book will leave you in fits of laughter and joy.
August 10, 2022
The moral of the story is DON'T BUY A BOOK BECAUSE SOMEONE IS FUNNY ON A CHAT SHOW. Miriam Margolyes is an awful writer; this book is all over the place and full of contradictions and repetition. There are some funny stories, true, but these do not make up for the sheer awfulness of the writer. She warbles on about her disadvantaged background: WHAT? She went to a private school. Her dad was a doctor. She went to Cambridge. She is entirely trapped in her own view of herself and the world around her with reality barely getting a look-in. For example, she thinks she's not aggressive and sees that as the sole preserve of men ( by the way, any man writing this book would probably not have got it published) but gives examples of hitting a stranger on a train as she wanted his seat and sitting on another man on a subway train. Ouch! She is alternately English, Australian, European and finally Jewish - but not a practising Jew as she doesn't believe in the God stuff. What she is is a cherry-picker flitting from one identity to another: a lesbian who gives bjs to strange men; overweight and angry at herself for it on one page then singing the praises of body-postive fat people a few pages later. I used to work with kids in care. Their experiences led many of them to act out aggressively, sexually, verbally through self-harm and inability to trust or attach. I got that. I understood it. I do not understand Miriam Margolyes one jot - an overpaid, self-centred, name-dropping lovie of the worst type who congratulates herself for saying it as it is (in her opinion) about people she has worked with but wah wahs from the rooftops when it's done to her. Horrible. Shudder.
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