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Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied with String - My Autobiography
This is the long-awaited autobiography of one of Britain's best-loved and most internationally successful actors. By turns funny, charming, and poignant, here is Michael Crawford's vivid account of his war-torn childhood -- of a loving mother, violent stepfather, and the painfully revealed truth about his absent father. His early memories include being taught to sing by th
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Hardcover
,
330 pages
Published
January 4th 1999
by Century
(first published 1999)
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Community Reviews
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220)
Feb 05, 2015
Lynne Stringer
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiographies-biographies
I have long been a fan of Michael Crawford, and I enjoyed reading about his up and down life. He didn't seem to glorify himself, as some might do, but seemed to give an honest portrayal of himself and his hardships. Recommended.
Oct 03, 2009
Debbie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
autobiography
,
work-reading-group
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I love Michael Crawford and have for years. And I love him even more now after reading his book. Funny, sad, touching, and above all self-deprecating. Under the Phantom's mask lies a lovely human being with a sweet heart. And who knew he was such a great writer? I laughed out loud at some of his stories, and still do at a reread (which I do frequently.)He takes his craft seriously, but not himself. You won't find ego trips here,and with his multi-layered talent, he deserves a few.
Michael's book ...more
Michael's book ...more
Jan 26, 2015
Bettie☯
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
BBC Radio Listeners
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I journeyed to the library to check out the autobiography of my favorite thespian of all time. Needless to say, I was not disappointed when I read it! The way Michael describes his journey through the world of film and stage acting, as well as his personal life, my anxieties as a high school student melt away. Anytime I feel my life is hectic or pointless, I just motion towards my newly acquired personal copy and read through certain passages. The struggle has its awards, as Michael himself has
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I wasn't that excited about reading this. I'd only ever seen him in 'Some mothers do have them' when it used to be on at my nans while we'd wait for my dad to pick us up. But I didn't know anything else about him. I've read 13 autobiographys these past few months and I'm starting to feel abit meh about starting them. However when I got into this one I really liked it. Michael tell's his story well and I love hearing about the stage shows getting put together. I really wish I could see Barnum, so
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I loved Michael in Some mothers do 'ave em and he was amazing as the Phantom so I was keen to read this book.
The man I knew grown up as Frank Spencer is so much more! Love this book. couldn't put it down!
The book got off to a rousing and enjoyable start with vignettes of his colourful family and his own struggles with school and hyperactivity...
I cheered for this disadvantaged youth until he makes it in show biz. (Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Phantom of the Opera).
Then the book deteriorates into name dropping and smarmy reviews of previous directors and fellow actors. An inveterate apple polisher, Crawford sounds as if he's desperate for work.
I found myself skimming and skipping some pages in the ...more
I cheered for this disadvantaged youth until he makes it in show biz. (Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Phantom of the Opera).
Then the book deteriorates into name dropping and smarmy reviews of previous directors and fellow actors. An inveterate apple polisher, Crawford sounds as if he's desperate for work.
I found myself skimming and skipping some pages in the ...more
Insight into theatrical world and appreciation of Michael Crawford's professional skills and how much hard work involved with voice and dance training etc. Business world of USA and UK theatrical choices and pressures. Not an egotistic biography as he shares his faults and comes across as genuinely kindly and family centred. A good read. He's a lot more than the Frank character of 'Some Mothers Do Have them'
This is an enjoyable read. Crawford seems very likeable - funny, self-depreciating, kind. I enjoyed reading about his childhood and his climb to fame. I would have liked to have read more about his experiences in Phantom of the Opera, and his life after that show. (The book ends with his last performance as the Phantom, even though the books was written 9 years later.) Also, I would have liked to learn more about how his faith has impacted his choices.
B brought this home from the library for us. I'll read the first few chapters and then the Barnum & Phantom stuff.
The section on Barnum (several chapters) was longer then anticipated, and very interesting. The section on Phantom seemed shorter by comparison, but I enjoyed it all a lot. Many of the stories I'd heard before in interviews. It brought back a lot of fond memories.
The section on Barnum (several chapters) was longer then anticipated, and very interesting. The section on Phantom seemed shorter by comparison, but I enjoyed it all a lot. Many of the stories I'd heard before in interviews. It brought back a lot of fond memories.
The Phantom's mask is removed for antecdotes about life and the entertainment industry. I'm not usually inclined to read memoirs, but as a theatre geek I wanted a peek into Crawford's experiences in theatre, movies, TV, music studios, and radio. It's written in Crawford's natural tone, meaning more humorous circumstance than pomp, which makes it an enjoyable read.
It took me a long time to finish this because I kept picking it up and putting it down, mostly reading it during lunch breaks at work. There are lots of funny anecdotes in there. Definitely a pleasure to read about the life of this amazing man.
I quite liked Crawford as a singer and liked him as the Phantom. However I was bored rigid with book. It seemed overly superficial somehow with too many twee anecdotes, rather than a coherent timeline of his life and career. Shame too.
best biography I have read so far , I laughed and cried equally, had me gripped from start to finish, from the brilliant title to the end ..I loved every part of this book,
Sep 22, 2012
Ruthanne Davis
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction
,
biography
My all-time favorite singer. What a treat to learn about his life and how he faced each loss and crisis with grace and that delightful British sense of silliness!
Loved it. Was totally Michael Crawford. He sprang from the pages with such honesty. I would recommend this book especially if you like Mr Crawford.
Absolutely loved this book really left an impression on me
Undeniably talented, Crawford comes across as an emotional argumentative diva who cheated on his wife. I sort of wish I hadn't read this :)
May 03, 2008
Louise
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Louise by:
Lukey
Okay...so maybe it isn't technically a "5 star book"...but it sure as hell should be! I mean...MICHAEL CRAWFORD FREAKING WROTE IT!!!
A really candid book from a beloved actor. Warts and all bio. Well told.
very good, light hearted in places, serious in others. a good mix. recommended
Hilarlously entertaining, he really is frank spencer
Really interesting!! Loved it.
Lovely
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Jan 23, 2015 03:30AM