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Dear Me (Arrow Autobiography)

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 293 ratings · 23 reviews
Sir Peter Ustinov's beautifully crafted autobiography is told with exquisite wit and insight. From his birth in April 1921, it spans his extraordinary career as actor, playwright, film star and director, confirming his early belief that he is 'irrevocably betrothed to laughter'. Ustinov's renowned gift for mimicry is exploited to the full in Dear Me . Eccentric relatives, s ...more
Kindle Edition , 384 pages
Published May 31st 2011 by Cornerstone Digital (first published October 3rd 1977)
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Tony
47. Ustinov, Peter. DEAR ME. (1977). *****. It was always a delight to watch Peter when he appeared on TV as a guest on one or another of the talk shows. He was a consummate conversationalist. He always had scads of stories to tell – both about himself and about his friends and acquaintences. In this memoir, he traces his family tree from his great-great-grandfather, Michael Adrianovich Ustinov, who lived to be 108 (concservative estimate), built 16 churches in his town, and left his estate inta ...more
Karl Jackson
No idea how I came across this book. Turns out to be an absolute gem. The funniest autobiography I have read. Ustinov is very witty. This book makes fantastic light reading.
Joy H.
RE: _Dear Me_ by Peter Ustinov
I believe I discovered this book in the bibliography of _Royal Feud_.

An Amazon customer review by Thomas Duff says:
===============================================
"Dear Me by Peter Ustinov is an autobiography of the actor/screenwriter/playwright. I'm not a big film fan, and I can't say I've seen any of his acting roles or stories. But as an avid reader, I greatly enjoyed his way with words. The book takes you from his birth through 1977 when it was penned. The writin
...more
Ron
Fascinating autobiography of one of my favorite actors. A genuine renaissance man and raconteur. If you enjoyed seeing him interviewed on shows like Dick Cavett etc., you'll love this book. Acting aside, if you're a fan of humorous fiction, check out his novel KRUMNAGEL. (If you can find a copy.)
DubaiReader
Depends on your sense of humour.

I listened to an abridged version of this book and couldn't get through the first CD (1 star from me). Fortunately for Mr Ustinov, my husband put it in his car and absolutely loved it (5 stars from him), so the book gets 3 stars on average.

I found his 'hilarious' anecdotes tedious and rambling, my husband, on the other hand, though he was hugely amusing and, knowing many of the famous people who he name drops, was immediately drawn in.

My husband has a typically ma
...more
Susan Yessian
I remember Peter Ustinov as a frequent talk show guest years ago on the Merv Griffin show. He was a brilliant conversationalist and raconteur. This memoir doesn't disappoint. His anecdotes and observations are a joy to read.
TØny Hine
You can hear the great man talking to you from the pages. I love all the little stories. The one I will remember most is about the dog called "Colonel"
Frances
An interesting and informative memoir of a very nice man. Such an interesting and well-travelled life.
Peter
Having just finished a ballet memoir (Irina Baronova's), which like most dance books showed how focused (narrowminded/self-centered?) dancers tend to be, Ustinov's was a breth of fresher air. His anecdotes were not only funny but illuminating of the human condition and of the world in general and not only served to paint the picture of his immediate daily life.
Louise Armstrong
I thought this was dull. Although he can write, he didn't actually tell you anything. Had dinner with Frank Sinatra. So??? What happened???? One or two funny anecdotes but no personal information about acting or his feelings.
Marwan Asmar
This book is delighful, the man is a pleasure to read, he is wity, humorous and innovative with a sense of flair for the mirth but quite responsible in his approach....An extraordinary background....
Gill
I wouldn't have picked to listen to this book. I am glad it was given to me...to make me listen...as I enjoyed it. It was interesting and in some places had me laughing out loud!
Carol
As you can expect, this book is full of great stories and insights. It does get preachy, however, which is also a chance for insight.
Mike
the best biography i have read...the only substitute for hearing Ustinov telling the stories in interviews. The finest raconteur
Kay
Droll but self-indulgent memoir. Still, it definitely has its moments. And what a life! We should all lead such a full one.
Sharon
Amusing tales in parts, but I must confess, I found this more intresting the first time I read it
Jeffrey
A gently humorous and self-deprecating autobiography of a very accomplished actor and author.
Pandafeet
Not something I would usually go for but this was delightful. Beautifully written.
Mary
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Sir Peter Alexander Ustinov, CBE, was a British actor, writer and dramatist.

He was also renowned as a filmmaker, theatre and opera director, director, stage designer, screenwriter, comedian, humorist, newspaper and magazine columnist, radio broadcaster and television presenter.

A noted wit and raconteur, he was, for much of his career, a fixture on television talk shows and lecture circuits, as wel
...more
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