Stephen Fry is more well known in this country as the comedy/writing partner of Hugh Laurie, and I have to admit, until the advent of "House" and Hugh Laurie's massive popularity here, I knew very little about him. I realize how unfortunate that is, particularly after reading this book. Stephen Fry is a brilliant, talented actor, comedian, and wordsmith. The Fry Chronicles predominantly covers the years between Cambridge University and the beginning of his writing and acting career. He is a fascinating and witty writer; he paints the written word as if a visual work of art. He can make the most mundane life experiences engaging, and the most compelling of experiences even more so. He details his extreme highs, and profound lows, with honesty and clarity. An engaging read by and about a lovely, thought-provoking man. Stephen and I share one thing, a birthday, albeit eleven years apart, that is where the similarity ends, which is why reading other peoples life stories can be so enlightening I think.It is difficult to criticise this book as Stephen himself points out all of it's flaws several times and I suppose that exposing flaws is exactly what a biography should do ?I learnt several new words, one of them was "braggadocios" which, as I'm sure Stephen would admit, he can be a little guilty of sometimes, OK many times.I listened to the audiobook, which helped I think as I could listen to Stephen read the phone directory. The university section dragged a little for me but the remainder was interesting and insightful.
What do You think about The Fry Chronicles (2010)?
If Stephen Fry were to sell copy he had written for toilet paper, then I would probably buy it.
—shellbellz
