Reflecting on Barry Cryer’s life, his son, Bob Cryer offers a new perspective on the comedy legend in the memoir, “Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow?” With pages filled with love and laughter, the book embodies the personal and professional facets of Cryer’s life. From his early days in Leeds to the complex domestic life he led, Cryer’s journey is depicted through insightful narratives and hilarious anecdotes. The memoir, published by Bloomsbury, contains tales from the golden age of comedy featuring Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise, Spike Milligan, and Les Dawson. It is a delightful read for £9.99.
Helen Lederer’s memoir, “Not That I’m Bitter” published by Mirror Books, possesses a tone of satire with a hint of resentment against her more successful contemporaries. Detailing her experiences in the 1980s comedy and showbiz industry, Lederer’s attempts to draw sympathy seems to fall flat. With a continuous strain of self-destruction, star-studded stories and a desperate grasp for attention, the memoir could be quite exhausting to read. Only those already acquainted with her humour might find this memoir appealing. Priced at £20, it may not be the book to turn you into a fan.
“The Cemetery of Untold Stories” by Julia Alvarez, available at £12.99 through Charco Press, is another literary piece worthy of attention.
“When stories remain incomplete, what does an author do? For Alma Cruz, a Dominican-American novelist, the solution is to craft a metaphorical “graveyard” located within a neighbourhood where her unfinished characters and their narratives can find eternal peace. Yet, Cruz discovers that silencing these characters’ voices proves challenging. This stunningly crafted novel intertwines Cruz’s past and present experiences, her siblings’, and those of numerous individuals whose lives intertwine across the generations. Through this novel, Alvarez showcases her exceptional storytelling abilities, constructing an enchanting and deeply moving story of love and grief that will linger in readers’ minds long after the book has been set aside. – Claire Looby”