Alan Barnes

Advantages: Just a brilliant read. You will fly through it!!!
Disadvantages: None at all.

...This is without doubt, the best autobiography I have ever read. I am 28 and have supported Liverpool since 1986. I have read quite a few Liverpool autobiographies in the last year or so and this is without doubt the best one. Ones I have read, which include: - Peter Beardsley - Robbie Fowler - John Barnes - Jan Molby - Alan Hansen - Kenny Dalglish - Gerrard Houllier In my experience, when the above talk about growing up, it can be slightly boring, but Stevie's isn't. If I'm being honest, I'm not 100% sure what it is that is so great about this book, something just grips you and you cannot wait to pick up the book again. This book is honest, funny and interesting, giving insight into the Houllier era, Rafa, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen, it has everything. Stevie also talks frankly about the World Cup preparations, both 2002... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: A great read
Disadvantages:

...This book is a classic. Julian Barnes gives his unique interpretation of life the universe and everything from the perspective of the woodworm and up. I read this book 10 years ago when I was at university and I have been regularly handing it out to friends and relatives as presents ever since. Whilst the literary amongst us may say that Flauberts Parrot or Metroland were Barnes' best achievements it is my opinion that most readers would enjoy this book the most. It is both funny, moving and thought provoking and just writing about it makes me want to read it again. A must for all devotees of late 20th Century literature.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: the depth of the character, believable and each unique
Disadvantages: None i can think of

...Although the characters are finctional,grounded no doubt on Alan's past experience and chance meetings,They are colourful, bright and full of life. Each of the monologues are unique to the next, Bennett creates a world of his own allowing the reader to see through the eyes of his characters and gain an insight into their, more often than not, tragic lives. The alcoholic Vicar's wife, the lady with the dead husband, financially ruined yet continues, All the characters have tragedies, whether this is intentional on Alan Bennett's part or sheer coincedence, when you read this book, the colouful language, the minute discription, attention to detail.allows this book to touch your heart, allows you to identify with the characters and to become inveloped in the world that Alan Bennett created. A marvellous piece of literature... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful