A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

The heroine of Sarah Waters's audacious first novel knows her destiny, and seems content with it. Her place is in her father's seaside restaurant, shucking shellfish and stirring soup, singing all the while. "Although I didn't believe the story told to me by Mother--that they had found me as a baby in an oyster-shell, and a greedy customer had almost eaten me for lunch--for 18 years I never doubted my own oysterish sympathies, never looked beyond my father's kitchen for occupation, or for love." At night Nancy Astley often ventures to the nearby music hall, not that she has illusions of being more than an audience member. But the moment she spies a new male impersonator--still something of a curiosity in England circa 1888--her years of innocence come to an end and a life of transformations begins.

Tipping the Velvet, all 472 pages of it, is as saucy, as tantalising, and as touching as the narrator's first encounter with the seductive but shame-ridden Miss Kitty Butler. And at first even Nancy's family is thrilled with her gender-bending pal, all but her sister, best friend, and bedmate, Alice, "her eyes shining cold and dull, with starlight and suspicion". Not to worry. Soon Nancy and Kitty are off to London, their relationship close though (alas for our heroine) sisterly. We know that bliss will come, and it does, in an exceptionally charged moment. A lesser author would have been content to stop her story there, but Waters has much more in mind for her buttonholing heroine, and for us. In brief, her Everywoman with a sexual difference goes from success onstage to heartbreak to a stint as a male prostitute (necessity truly is the mother of invention) to keeping house for a brother and sister in the Labour movement. And did I mention her long stint as a plaything in the pleasure palace of a rich Sapphist extraordinaire? Diana Lethaby is as cruel as she is carnal, and even the well- concealed Cavendish Ladies' Club isn't outré enough for her. Kitting Nancy out in full, elegant drag, she dares the front desk to turn them away. "We are here," she mocks, "for the sake of the irregular."

Only after some seven years of hard twists and sensual turns does Nancy conclude that a life of sensation is not enough. Still, Tipping the Velvet is so entertaining that readers will wish her sentimental--and hedonistic--education had taken twice as long. --Kerry Fried, Amazon.com

A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

A revelation, 10 Nov 2008
To be honest, I was dreading reading this novel. I hated the television adaptation and the only reason I did read it is because a friend let me a pile of fiction, it was the last one and I didn't have anything else to read. However, from the moment I began reading I was extremely impressed by Water's confidence writing style and reliable historical research. She is one of the best historical fiction writers I have ever read and I can't rate her highly enough. I believe Sarah Waters deserves to be mainstream. Highly recommended.


Lip Bitingly good, 31 Aug 2008
My Sarah waters virginity was lost with "Fingersmith" (which i adored), so i naturally moved onto Tipping the Velvet. Unlike Fingersmith, there is only one character to focus on. Not that this was a bad thing however; in fact it made the book more intense. You could completly induldge in Nans thoughts, feelings, experiences and heart break. It was a deliciously smooth read which i found impossible to put down and shall re-read over an over. If you want to give your mind something to devour, then let it be Tipping the Velvet. You wont be dissapointed.

I feel I grew up with these two young women, 15 Jan 2008
By Mr. W. Dover "aspiring nobody" (Duesseldorf, Germany) - See all my reviews


This story just takes you right inside the lives of two young women living in Victorian England. These central characters are both experiencing so many new things in their lives, yet they gradually find that they have fundamentally different motives and desires. Either they are greedy for admiration and fame, or they are falling in love for the first time.

Like Sarah Waters' more recent novel "The Night Watch", this book is tragic, but with comic moments and as such I think it a masterwork. Classical in its overarching themes of "coming out of the Garden of Eden" (and no pun intended about Coming out), or coming to terms with the world, it sweeps you along with the journey of the characters. Everything the women experience affects the reader in a way that cannot be described. As a male reader, not aware of any particular preconceptions, I watched & loved the TV series, then had to read the book (albeit several years later though).

A element common to great works of fiction, surely, is that the reader shares the emotions of the central protagonists, for better or worse, along the course of the story. And that's exactly what I found whilst reading this tale. Regardless of sex, or sexual persuasion "Tipping the Velvet" pulls you in and doesn't let go. "Unputtdownable" is a term much overused these days. Whatever your opinion on that, I recommend that if you enjoy historical fiction or not; if you identify with idealistic yet reckless (to use one of Waters' favourite words) heroines or not; if you can't abide people who use others according to their own whims and fancies, or if you find that irrelevant; if you want to escape into another time and place as if you never knew any other life; in short, if you are fond of books that enthrall and entrance, then this is the one for you.

I cannot emphasise enough how deeply this book moved me. It makes you want to go and dance on the stage, like the women do. A wonderful, fulfilling and uplifting story. Ultimately life-enhancing.

A good read, 07 Oct 2007
It's reputation as a Victorian lesbian bodice ripper having preceded it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tipping the Velvet. I needn't have worried - it is an extremely well written book, which drew me into the story and kept me intrigued from the very start.

The main topic of the story is lesbianism in the 1890s, and as such it is pretty graphic at many points. Therefore readers who are upset by homosexuality or descriptive sex scenes of any kind should avoid this book. However, it is very well written with a strong cast of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

I did feel that the story lost some of its momentum in parts 2 and 3, but it was still enjoyable and didn't drag. The ending worked well, and I was left feeling pleased I'd given the book a chance. I would recommend this to any reader over 16, as long as they aren't worried by the sex scenes.

A Lesbo-Victorian Romp, 10 Sep 2007
...as jokingly described by Sarah Waters herself. But oh how much more than that it is. The story is that of Nan Astley, a young and naive oyster girl who falls in love with another woman, thus changing her life forever. We're taken into a great tale of showbusiness, the secret Victorian lesbian underworld, and so much more.
Sarah Waters' usual fantastic writing and imagination brings us yet another brilliant book.

Filled with sex, seduction, pain, heartache, violence, and all in the beautifully described Victorian era, this is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished every word!

A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

A revelation, 10 Nov 2008
To be honest, I was dreading reading this novel. I hated the television adaptation and the only reason I did read it is because a friend let me a pile of fiction, it was the last one and I didn't have anything else to read. However, from the moment I began reading I was extremely impressed by Water's confidence writing style and reliable historical research. She is one of the best historical fiction writers I have ever read and I can't rate her highly enough. I believe Sarah Waters deserves to be mainstream. Highly recommended.


Lip Bitingly good, 31 Aug 2008
My Sarah waters virginity was lost with "Fingersmith" (which i adored), so i naturally moved onto Tipping the Velvet. Unlike Fingersmith, there is only one character to focus on. Not that this was a bad thing however; in fact it made the book more intense. You could completly induldge in Nans thoughts, feelings, experiences and heart break. It was a deliciously smooth read which i found impossible to put down and shall re-read over an over. If you want to give your mind something to devour, then let it be Tipping the Velvet. You wont be dissapointed.

I feel I grew up with these two young women, 15 Jan 2008
By Mr. W. Dover "aspiring nobody" (Duesseldorf, Germany) - See all my reviews


This story just takes you right inside the lives of two young women living in Victorian England. These central characters are both experiencing so many new things in their lives, yet they gradually find that they have fundamentally different motives and desires. Either they are greedy for admiration and fame, or they are falling in love for the first time.

Like Sarah Waters' more recent novel "The Night Watch", this book is tragic, but with comic moments and as such I think it a masterwork. Classical in its overarching themes of "coming out of the Garden of Eden" (and no pun intended about Coming out), or coming to terms with the world, it sweeps you along with the journey of the characters. Everything the women experience affects the reader in a way that cannot be described. As a male reader, not aware of any particular preconceptions, I watched & loved the TV series, then had to read the book (albeit several years later though).

A element common to great works of fiction, surely, is that the reader shares the emotions of the central protagonists, for better or worse, along the course of the story. And that's exactly what I found whilst reading this tale. Regardless of sex, or sexual persuasion "Tipping the Velvet" pulls you in and doesn't let go. "Unputtdownable" is a term much overused these days. Whatever your opinion on that, I recommend that if you enjoy historical fiction or not; if you identify with idealistic yet reckless (to use one of Waters' favourite words) heroines or not; if you can't abide people who use others according to their own whims and fancies, or if you find that irrelevant; if you want to escape into another time and place as if you never knew any other life; in short, if you are fond of books that enthrall and entrance, then this is the one for you.

I cannot emphasise enough how deeply this book moved me. It makes you want to go and dance on the stage, like the women do. A wonderful, fulfilling and uplifting story. Ultimately life-enhancing.

A good read, 07 Oct 2007
It's reputation as a Victorian lesbian bodice ripper having preceded it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tipping the Velvet. I needn't have worried - it is an extremely well written book, which drew me into the story and kept me intrigued from the very start.

The main topic of the story is lesbianism in the 1890s, and as such it is pretty graphic at many points. Therefore readers who are upset by homosexuality or descriptive sex scenes of any kind should avoid this book. However, it is very well written with a strong cast of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

I did feel that the story lost some of its momentum in parts 2 and 3, but it was still enjoyable and didn't drag. The ending worked well, and I was left feeling pleased I'd given the book a chance. I would recommend this to any reader over 16, as long as they aren't worried by the sex scenes.

A Lesbo-Victorian Romp, 10 Sep 2007
...as jokingly described by Sarah Waters herself. But oh how much more than that it is. The story is that of Nan Astley, a young and naive oyster girl who falls in love with another woman, thus changing her life forever. We're taken into a great tale of showbusiness, the secret Victorian lesbian underworld, and so much more.
Sarah Waters' usual fantastic writing and imagination brings us yet another brilliant book.

Filled with sex, seduction, pain, heartache, violence, and all in the beautifully described Victorian era, this is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished every word!

the most boring book i have ever come across, 24 Oct 2008
As a liflong fan of Freddie & Queen,i looked forward to reading more about the legend that is Freddie.After sixty pages,i gave up on this nonsense.Quite obviously written to cash in on one of musics' greats.It is written in a very boring style that irritates containing nothing of interest and should never have been published.Save your hard earned cash and avoid.There are far better books about Freddie out there.

Disappointed, 25 Mar 2008
I'm not a Queen fan but I bought this book by "glücklicher Zufall" - happy accident, after literally stumbling into Freddy's statue in Montreux Switzerland. The Swiss just don't do statues and I was really touched as people came up to kiss and touch this fantastic image of Freddy in what became his adopted city.

Two weeks later in Paris (sorry for blatant name-dropping) I saw the book and bought it immediately. I wanted to know "the real Freddy Mercury" and with wife and kids away I plonked myself down eagerly looking forward to reading this "intimate memoir by the man who knew him best" (Cover page).

Oh dear. A great disappointment.

I found out about lots Freddy's taste in curtains, linens and bathroom fixtures, but precious little I didn't already know about the man. No dirt, no sleaze - not an issue for me, but I just didn't feel I knew this man any better even after 250 pages. It was just mundane and superficial anecdotes. Memorable tales? No.

Sorry Queen fans, there must be better biographies on the market.
But I would say to you - go to Montreux if you've not already been and see how the Swiss have have commemorated this great musician and entertainer. I think you'll enjoy your trip.

A fake story fron fake friend, 07 Nov 2007
This man was officially presented as Freddie close friend. But really he is a servant who made himself famous spreading dirty stories about Freddie private life. And everybody believe in it because his lie officially supported by Queen Productions, Queen official fan club and Queen manager Jim Beach. This man is a total liar, his stories - a total fiction, his photos - cheap fake. The people who worked with photoshop laughed hysterically when they saw this kids created photos with "Freddie and his loves".
So, it's taken from this book.

...this lady arrived in the early part of the concert days with the intention of orally catering of the physical needs of as many people as possible involved in the show. It goes without saying that Freddie had admiration for this woman's severance, technique and capacity!

So, teenagers can buy it! Shame.


Life Behind The Keyhole., 20 Apr 2007
As a card carrying member of the Queen Fan Club, circa 1977, I was really looking forward to reading this. It wasn`t bad, but some of the detail regarding Freddie`s house furnishings was downright dull. I wasn`t really sure whether it was written by the house-keeper of an outrageous rock star or Lloyd Grossman. There is absolutely no scandal or tittle-tattle, and believe me, I was looking forward to tittle-tattle. Freestone mentions how Freddie`s ex-manager had hurt him without going into any detail, I read later that he had sold stories to the press. The book has it`s really good moments such as describing Christmas and New Year at Garden Lodge, and the last years of Freddie`s life. The final times are really poignant. It is obvious the author cared deeply for his subject, and in some ways life at Freddie`s place was like a gay Gracelands. Everyone did their duty whether it was feeding the cats or cooking the dinner. Freddie had nothing to do except be Freddie. And he never got doing that for anywhere near long enough.In the end, the greatest rock star ever seen just faded away because of that awful disease. Interestingly, Freestone makes no reference to his own sexuality, we are unaware whether he is gay, straight or bi. What amazed me was the apparent lack of contact between Queen`s lead singer and the other members of the group. There are some good pictures, although everyone looks the same, short hair and black moustache. It was hard to spot Fred. The most disturbing photo showed a bunch of happy men, all wearing hats, all in the prime of life and all mugging for the camera. It was possible to draw a line through the group to connect Freddie, his ex-manager and one of Freddie`s ex-lovers, and realise they were now all dead. Tragic.

Freddie Mercury The AfterLife by David Evans and Peter Freestone., 03 Mar 2007
I wrote this because all the other reviews seemed to be about the first book and not this second book, so I thought this second book, Freddie Mercury The Afterlife, needed an actual review, so here goes: The front cover is a lovely, sweet picture of Freddie and Miko, the back cover is a portion of the final arrangements made for Freddie. I wasn't expecting to see that and it made me very sad even though I know he has been gone 16 years now. This second book takes up where the first one left off and is a description of Peter (Phoebe) Freestone's life since Freddie's passing. He talks about the various things he has been doing throughout the years. Peter mentions what the people talked about in the first book are doing as of 2003. There are some pictures I hadn't seen before within the book. Peter describes a visit he paid to Garden Lodge in 2003, where he met with Mary Austin and got to see Delilah again. He discusses some of the many books which have been written about Freddie and what he thinks of them. I only mentioned some things, the book contains much more than what I mention. David Evans speaks in it too and there's even Recipes of the different foods that would be made for Freddie.
Personally, it helped me to read this second book because it cleared up some confusion I had about some things written in the first book and too, even if it is silly on my part, it was nice to learn that Peter was okay, I had wondered since reading the first book.

A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

A revelation, 10 Nov 2008
To be honest, I was dreading reading this novel. I hated the television adaptation and the only reason I did read it is because a friend let me a pile of fiction, it was the last one and I didn't have anything else to read. However, from the moment I began reading I was extremely impressed by Water's confidence writing style and reliable historical research. She is one of the best historical fiction writers I have ever read and I can't rate her highly enough. I believe Sarah Waters deserves to be mainstream. Highly recommended.


Lip Bitingly good, 31 Aug 2008
My Sarah waters virginity was lost with "Fingersmith" (which i adored), so i naturally moved onto Tipping the Velvet. Unlike Fingersmith, there is only one character to focus on. Not that this was a bad thing however; in fact it made the book more intense. You could completly induldge in Nans thoughts, feelings, experiences and heart break. It was a deliciously smooth read which i found impossible to put down and shall re-read over an over. If you want to give your mind something to devour, then let it be Tipping the Velvet. You wont be dissapointed.

I feel I grew up with these two young women, 15 Jan 2008
By Mr. W. Dover "aspiring nobody" (Duesseldorf, Germany) - See all my reviews


This story just takes you right inside the lives of two young women living in Victorian England. These central characters are both experiencing so many new things in their lives, yet they gradually find that they have fundamentally different motives and desires. Either they are greedy for admiration and fame, or they are falling in love for the first time.

Like Sarah Waters' more recent novel "The Night Watch", this book is tragic, but with comic moments and as such I think it a masterwork. Classical in its overarching themes of "coming out of the Garden of Eden" (and no pun intended about Coming out), or coming to terms with the world, it sweeps you along with the journey of the characters. Everything the women experience affects the reader in a way that cannot be described. As a male reader, not aware of any particular preconceptions, I watched & loved the TV series, then had to read the book (albeit several years later though).

A element common to great works of fiction, surely, is that the reader shares the emotions of the central protagonists, for better or worse, along the course of the story. And that's exactly what I found whilst reading this tale. Regardless of sex, or sexual persuasion "Tipping the Velvet" pulls you in and doesn't let go. "Unputtdownable" is a term much overused these days. Whatever your opinion on that, I recommend that if you enjoy historical fiction or not; if you identify with idealistic yet reckless (to use one of Waters' favourite words) heroines or not; if you can't abide people who use others according to their own whims and fancies, or if you find that irrelevant; if you want to escape into another time and place as if you never knew any other life; in short, if you are fond of books that enthrall and entrance, then this is the one for you.

I cannot emphasise enough how deeply this book moved me. It makes you want to go and dance on the stage, like the women do. A wonderful, fulfilling and uplifting story. Ultimately life-enhancing.

A good read, 07 Oct 2007
It's reputation as a Victorian lesbian bodice ripper having preceded it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tipping the Velvet. I needn't have worried - it is an extremely well written book, which drew me into the story and kept me intrigued from the very start.

The main topic of the story is lesbianism in the 1890s, and as such it is pretty graphic at many points. Therefore readers who are upset by homosexuality or descriptive sex scenes of any kind should avoid this book. However, it is very well written with a strong cast of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

I did feel that the story lost some of its momentum in parts 2 and 3, but it was still enjoyable and didn't drag. The ending worked well, and I was left feeling pleased I'd given the book a chance. I would recommend this to any reader over 16, as long as they aren't worried by the sex scenes.

A Lesbo-Victorian Romp, 10 Sep 2007
...as jokingly described by Sarah Waters herself. But oh how much more than that it is. The story is that of Nan Astley, a young and naive oyster girl who falls in love with another woman, thus changing her life forever. We're taken into a great tale of showbusiness, the secret Victorian lesbian underworld, and so much more.
Sarah Waters' usual fantastic writing and imagination brings us yet another brilliant book.

Filled with sex, seduction, pain, heartache, violence, and all in the beautifully described Victorian era, this is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished every word!

the most boring book i have ever come across, 24 Oct 2008
As a liflong fan of Freddie & Queen,i looked forward to reading more about the legend that is Freddie.After sixty pages,i gave up on this nonsense.Quite obviously written to cash in on one of musics' greats.It is written in a very boring style that irritates containing nothing of interest and should never have been published.Save your hard earned cash and avoid.There are far better books about Freddie out there.

Disappointed, 25 Mar 2008
I'm not a Queen fan but I bought this book by "glücklicher Zufall" - happy accident, after literally stumbling into Freddy's statue in Montreux Switzerland. The Swiss just don't do statues and I was really touched as people came up to kiss and touch this fantastic image of Freddy in what became his adopted city.

Two weeks later in Paris (sorry for blatant name-dropping) I saw the book and bought it immediately. I wanted to know "the real Freddy Mercury" and with wife and kids away I plonked myself down eagerly looking forward to reading this "intimate memoir by the man who knew him best" (Cover page).

Oh dear. A great disappointment.

I found out about lots Freddy's taste in curtains, linens and bathroom fixtures, but precious little I didn't already know about the man. No dirt, no sleaze - not an issue for me, but I just didn't feel I knew this man any better even after 250 pages. It was just mundane and superficial anecdotes. Memorable tales? No.

Sorry Queen fans, there must be better biographies on the market.
But I would say to you - go to Montreux if you've not already been and see how the Swiss have have commemorated this great musician and entertainer. I think you'll enjoy your trip.

A fake story fron fake friend, 07 Nov 2007
This man was officially presented as Freddie close friend. But really he is a servant who made himself famous spreading dirty stories about Freddie private life. And everybody believe in it because his lie officially supported by Queen Productions, Queen official fan club and Queen manager Jim Beach. This man is a total liar, his stories - a total fiction, his photos - cheap fake. The people who worked with photoshop laughed hysterically when they saw this kids created photos with "Freddie and his loves".
So, it's taken from this book.

...this lady arrived in the early part of the concert days with the intention of orally catering of the physical needs of as many people as possible involved in the show. It goes without saying that Freddie had admiration for this woman's severance, technique and capacity!

So, teenagers can buy it! Shame.


Life Behind The Keyhole., 20 Apr 2007
As a card carrying member of the Queen Fan Club, circa 1977, I was really looking forward to reading this. It wasn`t bad, but some of the detail regarding Freddie`s house furnishings was downright dull. I wasn`t really sure whether it was written by the house-keeper of an outrageous rock star or Lloyd Grossman. There is absolutely no scandal or tittle-tattle, and believe me, I was looking forward to tittle-tattle. Freestone mentions how Freddie`s ex-manager had hurt him without going into any detail, I read later that he had sold stories to the press. The book has it`s really good moments such as describing Christmas and New Year at Garden Lodge, and the last years of Freddie`s life. The final times are really poignant. It is obvious the author cared deeply for his subject, and in some ways life at Freddie`s place was like a gay Gracelands. Everyone did their duty whether it was feeding the cats or cooking the dinner. Freddie had nothing to do except be Freddie. And he never got doing that for anywhere near long enough.In the end, the greatest rock star ever seen just faded away because of that awful disease. Interestingly, Freestone makes no reference to his own sexuality, we are unaware whether he is gay, straight or bi. What amazed me was the apparent lack of contact between Queen`s lead singer and the other members of the group. There are some good pictures, although everyone looks the same, short hair and black moustache. It was hard to spot Fred. The most disturbing photo showed a bunch of happy men, all wearing hats, all in the prime of life and all mugging for the camera. It was possible to draw a line through the group to connect Freddie, his ex-manager and one of Freddie`s ex-lovers, and realise they were now all dead. Tragic.

Freddie Mercury The AfterLife by David Evans and Peter Freestone., 03 Mar 2007
I wrote this because all the other reviews seemed to be about the first book and not this second book, so I thought this second book, Freddie Mercury The Afterlife, needed an actual review, so here goes: The front cover is a lovely, sweet picture of Freddie and Miko, the back cover is a portion of the final arrangements made for Freddie. I wasn't expecting to see that and it made me very sad even though I know he has been gone 16 years now. This second book takes up where the first one left off and is a description of Peter (Phoebe) Freestone's life since Freddie's passing. He talks about the various things he has been doing throughout the years. Peter mentions what the people talked about in the first book are doing as of 2003. There are some pictures I hadn't seen before within the book. Peter describes a visit he paid to Garden Lodge in 2003, where he met with Mary Austin and got to see Delilah again. He discusses some of the many books which have been written about Freddie and what he thinks of them. I only mentioned some things, the book contains much more than what I mention. David Evans speaks in it too and there's even Recipes of the different foods that would be made for Freddie.
Personally, it helped me to read this second book because it cleared up some confusion I had about some things written in the first book and too, even if it is silly on my part, it was nice to learn that Peter was okay, I had wondered since reading the first book.

Put it Straight, 08 Apr 2008
How i loved to read this book. I couldn't actually stand George when i read this. Totally changed my opinion and I was so glad to read the comments about Madonna.....how right can you get it!!

ON a more serious note, well worth the read and not bad like some reviews would make you believe.

painful, 20 Jun 2007
offensive, short , and stuff that should be told only to a therapist, a priest, or a close friend. He hurt a lot of people that really loved him.What a shame,because he was a lot more talented and loved than all those he slagged off. HE could have been on top of the world, instead he chose to be on the bottom.I get the same treatment from my Wallachian Gypsy stepfather, and my ignorant mother, I never really expected such ignorant mentality from the most beautiful boy in the world.

Don't bother to buy this book - Yawn, 10 Apr 2007
I bought this book because I thought Mr O'Dowd would be telling us an interesting and possibly hilarious account of his upbringing and life as Boy George, but alas he comes across as an entirely uninteresting individual who has no real depth of character and his main enjoyment in life is slagging others off. Unfortunately this is one of the very few books I just could not finish - it was that bad!

Take It Like A Gran, 08 Feb 2007

Admittedly, I am not THE biggest Boy George fan - though I follow his progress with interest and raised eyebrows. He has the ability when being creative to entertain and delight. Take It Like A Man was un-put-down-able - as one wanted to hear about the actual events and incidents that took place in his meteoric rise to stardom in the 80's. It was a roller-coaster ride of crazy characters and life changing dramas. A gripping read.

This book, however, seems to be more focused on catty comments and unwarranted opinions, than of actual 'happenings'. Yes, we know you are gay. Yes we know you can't stand Madonna. Yes, we know you are 'controversial'. Nothing new is really covered or ascertained here - except the fact that Boy George comes across as a Queen who has lost her crown and is quite resentful about it too. Even fabulous achievements such as stage show 'Taboo' are marred with a negativity that leaves a nasty taste in ones mouth.

Not half as entertaining or thought-provoking as Take It...... sorry.

A mature book worth reading., 26 May 2005
I found this book a pleasure to read, it is a mature and well written autobiography. Although I'm not a huge fan of Boy George OR Culture Club I found both Take It Like A Man and Straight extremely fascinating and engrossing. I think with his second book he has proved himself to be a talented writer with strong views on spirituality and life, although sometimes it is a bit repetitive, mentioning Madonna one too many times, I think he's right when he says "Thou doth protest too much."

It's a good book, worth a read if you've got nothing else to do.

A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

A revelation, 10 Nov 2008
To be honest, I was dreading reading this novel. I hated the television adaptation and the only reason I did read it is because a friend let me a pile of fiction, it was the last one and I didn't have anything else to read. However, from the moment I began reading I was extremely impressed by Water's confidence writing style and reliable historical research. She is one of the best historical fiction writers I have ever read and I can't rate her highly enough. I believe Sarah Waters deserves to be mainstream. Highly recommended.


Lip Bitingly good, 31 Aug 2008
My Sarah waters virginity was lost with "Fingersmith" (which i adored), so i naturally moved onto Tipping the Velvet. Unlike Fingersmith, there is only one character to focus on. Not that this was a bad thing however; in fact it made the book more intense. You could completly induldge in Nans thoughts, feelings, experiences and heart break. It was a deliciously smooth read which i found impossible to put down and shall re-read over an over. If you want to give your mind something to devour, then let it be Tipping the Velvet. You wont be dissapointed.

I feel I grew up with these two young women, 15 Jan 2008
By Mr. W. Dover "aspiring nobody" (Duesseldorf, Germany) - See all my reviews


This story just takes you right inside the lives of two young women living in Victorian England. These central characters are both experiencing so many new things in their lives, yet they gradually find that they have fundamentally different motives and desires. Either they are greedy for admiration and fame, or they are falling in love for the first time.

Like Sarah Waters' more recent novel "The Night Watch", this book is tragic, but with comic moments and as such I think it a masterwork. Classical in its overarching themes of "coming out of the Garden of Eden" (and no pun intended about Coming out), or coming to terms with the world, it sweeps you along with the journey of the characters. Everything the women experience affects the reader in a way that cannot be described. As a male reader, not aware of any particular preconceptions, I watched & loved the TV series, then had to read the book (albeit several years later though).

A element common to great works of fiction, surely, is that the reader shares the emotions of the central protagonists, for better or worse, along the course of the story. And that's exactly what I found whilst reading this tale. Regardless of sex, or sexual persuasion "Tipping the Velvet" pulls you in and doesn't let go. "Unputtdownable" is a term much overused these days. Whatever your opinion on that, I recommend that if you enjoy historical fiction or not; if you identify with idealistic yet reckless (to use one of Waters' favourite words) heroines or not; if you can't abide people who use others according to their own whims and fancies, or if you find that irrelevant; if you want to escape into another time and place as if you never knew any other life; in short, if you are fond of books that enthrall and entrance, then this is the one for you.

I cannot emphasise enough how deeply this book moved me. It makes you want to go and dance on the stage, like the women do. A wonderful, fulfilling and uplifting story. Ultimately life-enhancing.

A good read, 07 Oct 2007
It's reputation as a Victorian lesbian bodice ripper having preceded it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tipping the Velvet. I needn't have worried - it is an extremely well written book, which drew me into the story and kept me intrigued from the very start.

The main topic of the story is lesbianism in the 1890s, and as such it is pretty graphic at many points. Therefore readers who are upset by homosexuality or descriptive sex scenes of any kind should avoid this book. However, it is very well written with a strong cast of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

I did feel that the story lost some of its momentum in parts 2 and 3, but it was still enjoyable and didn't drag. The ending worked well, and I was left feeling pleased I'd given the book a chance. I would recommend this to any reader over 16, as long as they aren't worried by the sex scenes.

A Lesbo-Victorian Romp, 10 Sep 2007
...as jokingly described by Sarah Waters herself. But oh how much more than that it is. The story is that of Nan Astley, a young and naive oyster girl who falls in love with another woman, thus changing her life forever. We're taken into a great tale of showbusiness, the secret Victorian lesbian underworld, and so much more.
Sarah Waters' usual fantastic writing and imagination brings us yet another brilliant book.

Filled with sex, seduction, pain, heartache, violence, and all in the beautifully described Victorian era, this is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished every word!

the most boring book i have ever come across, 24 Oct 2008
As a liflong fan of Freddie & Queen,i looked forward to reading more about the legend that is Freddie.After sixty pages,i gave up on this nonsense.Quite obviously written to cash in on one of musics' greats.It is written in a very boring style that irritates containing nothing of interest and should never have been published.Save your hard earned cash and avoid.There are far better books about Freddie out there.

Disappointed, 25 Mar 2008
I'm not a Queen fan but I bought this book by "glücklicher Zufall" - happy accident, after literally stumbling into Freddy's statue in Montreux Switzerland. The Swiss just don't do statues and I was really touched as people came up to kiss and touch this fantastic image of Freddy in what became his adopted city.

Two weeks later in Paris (sorry for blatant name-dropping) I saw the book and bought it immediately. I wanted to know "the real Freddy Mercury" and with wife and kids away I plonked myself down eagerly looking forward to reading this "intimate memoir by the man who knew him best" (Cover page).

Oh dear. A great disappointment.

I found out about lots Freddy's taste in curtains, linens and bathroom fixtures, but precious little I didn't already know about the man. No dirt, no sleaze - not an issue for me, but I just didn't feel I knew this man any better even after 250 pages. It was just mundane and superficial anecdotes. Memorable tales? No.

Sorry Queen fans, there must be better biographies on the market.
But I would say to you - go to Montreux if you've not already been and see how the Swiss have have commemorated this great musician and entertainer. I think you'll enjoy your trip.

A fake story fron fake friend, 07 Nov 2007
This man was officially presented as Freddie close friend. But really he is a servant who made himself famous spreading dirty stories about Freddie private life. And everybody believe in it because his lie officially supported by Queen Productions, Queen official fan club and Queen manager Jim Beach. This man is a total liar, his stories - a total fiction, his photos - cheap fake. The people who worked with photoshop laughed hysterically when they saw this kids created photos with "Freddie and his loves".
So, it's taken from this book.

...this lady arrived in the early part of the concert days with the intention of orally catering of the physical needs of as many people as possible involved in the show. It goes without saying that Freddie had admiration for this woman's severance, technique and capacity!

So, teenagers can buy it! Shame.


Life Behind The Keyhole., 20 Apr 2007
As a card carrying member of the Queen Fan Club, circa 1977, I was really looking forward to reading this. It wasn`t bad, but some of the detail regarding Freddie`s house furnishings was downright dull. I wasn`t really sure whether it was written by the house-keeper of an outrageous rock star or Lloyd Grossman. There is absolutely no scandal or tittle-tattle, and believe me, I was looking forward to tittle-tattle. Freestone mentions how Freddie`s ex-manager had hurt him without going into any detail, I read later that he had sold stories to the press. The book has it`s really good moments such as describing Christmas and New Year at Garden Lodge, and the last years of Freddie`s life. The final times are really poignant. It is obvious the author cared deeply for his subject, and in some ways life at Freddie`s place was like a gay Gracelands. Everyone did their duty whether it was feeding the cats or cooking the dinner. Freddie had nothing to do except be Freddie. And he never got doing that for anywhere near long enough.In the end, the greatest rock star ever seen just faded away because of that awful disease. Interestingly, Freestone makes no reference to his own sexuality, we are unaware whether he is gay, straight or bi. What amazed me was the apparent lack of contact between Queen`s lead singer and the other members of the group. There are some good pictures, although everyone looks the same, short hair and black moustache. It was hard to spot Fred. The most disturbing photo showed a bunch of happy men, all wearing hats, all in the prime of life and all mugging for the camera. It was possible to draw a line through the group to connect Freddie, his ex-manager and one of Freddie`s ex-lovers, and realise they were now all dead. Tragic.

Freddie Mercury The AfterLife by David Evans and Peter Freestone., 03 Mar 2007
I wrote this because all the other reviews seemed to be about the first book and not this second book, so I thought this second book, Freddie Mercury The Afterlife, needed an actual review, so here goes: The front cover is a lovely, sweet picture of Freddie and Miko, the back cover is a portion of the final arrangements made for Freddie. I wasn't expecting to see that and it made me very sad even though I know he has been gone 16 years now. This second book takes up where the first one left off and is a description of Peter (Phoebe) Freestone's life since Freddie's passing. He talks about the various things he has been doing throughout the years. Peter mentions what the people talked about in the first book are doing as of 2003. There are some pictures I hadn't seen before within the book. Peter describes a visit he paid to Garden Lodge in 2003, where he met with Mary Austin and got to see Delilah again. He discusses some of the many books which have been written about Freddie and what he thinks of them. I only mentioned some things, the book contains much more than what I mention. David Evans speaks in it too and there's even Recipes of the different foods that would be made for Freddie.
Personally, it helped me to read this second book because it cleared up some confusion I had about some things written in the first book and too, even if it is silly on my part, it was nice to learn that Peter was okay, I had wondered since reading the first book.

Put it Straight, 08 Apr 2008
How i loved to read this book. I couldn't actually stand George when i read this. Totally changed my opinion and I was so glad to read the comments about Madonna.....how right can you get it!!

ON a more serious note, well worth the read and not bad like some reviews would make you believe.

painful, 20 Jun 2007
offensive, short , and stuff that should be told only to a therapist, a priest, or a close friend. He hurt a lot of people that really loved him.What a shame,because he was a lot more talented and loved than all those he slagged off. HE could have been on top of the world, instead he chose to be on the bottom.I get the same treatment from my Wallachian Gypsy stepfather, and my ignorant mother, I never really expected such ignorant mentality from the most beautiful boy in the world.

Don't bother to buy this book - Yawn, 10 Apr 2007
I bought this book because I thought Mr O'Dowd would be telling us an interesting and possibly hilarious account of his upbringing and life as Boy George, but alas he comes across as an entirely uninteresting individual who has no real depth of character and his main enjoyment in life is slagging others off. Unfortunately this is one of the very few books I just could not finish - it was that bad!

Take It Like A Gran, 08 Feb 2007

Admittedly, I am not THE biggest Boy George fan - though I follow his progress with interest and raised eyebrows. He has the ability when being creative to entertain and delight. Take It Like A Man was un-put-down-able - as one wanted to hear about the actual events and incidents that took place in his meteoric rise to stardom in the 80's. It was a roller-coaster ride of crazy characters and life changing dramas. A gripping read.

This book, however, seems to be more focused on catty comments and unwarranted opinions, than of actual 'happenings'. Yes, we know you are gay. Yes we know you can't stand Madonna. Yes, we know you are 'controversial'. Nothing new is really covered or ascertained here - except the fact that Boy George comes across as a Queen who has lost her crown and is quite resentful about it too. Even fabulous achievements such as stage show 'Taboo' are marred with a negativity that leaves a nasty taste in ones mouth.

Not half as entertaining or thought-provoking as Take It...... sorry.

A mature book worth reading., 26 May 2005
I found this book a pleasure to read, it is a mature and well written autobiography. Although I'm not a huge fan of Boy George OR Culture Club I found both Take It Like A Man and Straight extremely fascinating and engrossing. I think with his second book he has proved himself to be a talented writer with strong views on spirituality and life, although sometimes it is a bit repetitive, mentioning Madonna one too many times, I think he's right when he says "Thou doth protest too much."

It's a good book, worth a read if you've got nothing else to do.

Very good read, 28 Jan 2008
A brilliant insight into an alternative career in professional basketball. Whilst Amaechi was not exactly an all star his story is none the less inspiring and unique. The book is not just targeted at basketball fans as its more the biography of an unlikely athlete and the challenges that he faced on and off the court. Don't expect a bling bling insight into the NBA but more an outsiders view from an alternative path. Well written and entertaining this book is highly recommended.

A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

A revelation, 10 Nov 2008
To be honest, I was dreading reading this novel. I hated the television adaptation and the only reason I did read it is because a friend let me a pile of fiction, it was the last one and I didn't have anything else to read. However, from the moment I began reading I was extremely impressed by Water's confidence writing style and reliable historical research. She is one of the best historical fiction writers I have ever read and I can't rate her highly enough. I believe Sarah Waters deserves to be mainstream. Highly recommended.


Lip Bitingly good, 31 Aug 2008
My Sarah waters virginity was lost with "Fingersmith" (which i adored), so i naturally moved onto Tipping the Velvet. Unlike Fingersmith, there is only one character to focus on. Not that this was a bad thing however; in fact it made the book more intense. You could completly induldge in Nans thoughts, feelings, experiences and heart break. It was a deliciously smooth read which i found impossible to put down and shall re-read over an over. If you want to give your mind something to devour, then let it be Tipping the Velvet. You wont be dissapointed.

I feel I grew up with these two young women, 15 Jan 2008
By Mr. W. Dover "aspiring nobody" (Duesseldorf, Germany) - See all my reviews


This story just takes you right inside the lives of two young women living in Victorian England. These central characters are both experiencing so many new things in their lives, yet they gradually find that they have fundamentally different motives and desires. Either they are greedy for admiration and fame, or they are falling in love for the first time.

Like Sarah Waters' more recent novel "The Night Watch", this book is tragic, but with comic moments and as such I think it a masterwork. Classical in its overarching themes of "coming out of the Garden of Eden" (and no pun intended about Coming out), or coming to terms with the world, it sweeps you along with the journey of the characters. Everything the women experience affects the reader in a way that cannot be described. As a male reader, not aware of any particular preconceptions, I watched & loved the TV series, then had to read the book (albeit several years later though).

A element common to great works of fiction, surely, is that the reader shares the emotions of the central protagonists, for better or worse, along the course of the story. And that's exactly what I found whilst reading this tale. Regardless of sex, or sexual persuasion "Tipping the Velvet" pulls you in and doesn't let go. "Unputtdownable" is a term much overused these days. Whatever your opinion on that, I recommend that if you enjoy historical fiction or not; if you identify with idealistic yet reckless (to use one of Waters' favourite words) heroines or not; if you can't abide people who use others according to their own whims and fancies, or if you find that irrelevant; if you want to escape into another time and place as if you never knew any other life; in short, if you are fond of books that enthrall and entrance, then this is the one for you.

I cannot emphasise enough how deeply this book moved me. It makes you want to go and dance on the stage, like the women do. A wonderful, fulfilling and uplifting story. Ultimately life-enhancing.

A good read, 07 Oct 2007
It's reputation as a Victorian lesbian bodice ripper having preceded it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tipping the Velvet. I needn't have worried - it is an extremely well written book, which drew me into the story and kept me intrigued from the very start.

The main topic of the story is lesbianism in the 1890s, and as such it is pretty graphic at many points. Therefore readers who are upset by homosexuality or descriptive sex scenes of any kind should avoid this book. However, it is very well written with a strong cast of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

I did feel that the story lost some of its momentum in parts 2 and 3, but it was still enjoyable and didn't drag. The ending worked well, and I was left feeling pleased I'd given the book a chance. I would recommend this to any reader over 16, as long as they aren't worried by the sex scenes.

A Lesbo-Victorian Romp, 10 Sep 2007
...as jokingly described by Sarah Waters herself. But oh how much more than that it is. The story is that of Nan Astley, a young and naive oyster girl who falls in love with another woman, thus changing her life forever. We're taken into a great tale of showbusiness, the secret Victorian lesbian underworld, and so much more.
Sarah Waters' usual fantastic writing and imagination brings us yet another brilliant book.

Filled with sex, seduction, pain, heartache, violence, and all in the beautifully described Victorian era, this is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished every word!

the most boring book i have ever come across, 24 Oct 2008
As a liflong fan of Freddie & Queen,i looked forward to reading more about the legend that is Freddie.After sixty pages,i gave up on this nonsense.Quite obviously written to cash in on one of musics' greats.It is written in a very boring style that irritates containing nothing of interest and should never have been published.Save your hard earned cash and avoid.There are far better books about Freddie out there.

Disappointed, 25 Mar 2008
I'm not a Queen fan but I bought this book by "glücklicher Zufall" - happy accident, after literally stumbling into Freddy's statue in Montreux Switzerland. The Swiss just don't do statues and I was really touched as people came up to kiss and touch this fantastic image of Freddy in what became his adopted city.

Two weeks later in Paris (sorry for blatant name-dropping) I saw the book and bought it immediately. I wanted to know "the real Freddy Mercury" and with wife and kids away I plonked myself down eagerly looking forward to reading this "intimate memoir by the man who knew him best" (Cover page).

Oh dear. A great disappointment.

I found out about lots Freddy's taste in curtains, linens and bathroom fixtures, but precious little I didn't already know about the man. No dirt, no sleaze - not an issue for me, but I just didn't feel I knew this man any better even after 250 pages. It was just mundane and superficial anecdotes. Memorable tales? No.

Sorry Queen fans, there must be better biographies on the market.
But I would say to you - go to Montreux if you've not already been and see how the Swiss have have commemorated this great musician and entertainer. I think you'll enjoy your trip.

A fake story fron fake friend, 07 Nov 2007
This man was officially presented as Freddie close friend. But really he is a servant who made himself famous spreading dirty stories about Freddie private life. And everybody believe in it because his lie officially supported by Queen Productions, Queen official fan club and Queen manager Jim Beach. This man is a total liar, his stories - a total fiction, his photos - cheap fake. The people who worked with photoshop laughed hysterically when they saw this kids created photos with "Freddie and his loves".
So, it's taken from this book.

...this lady arrived in the early part of the concert days with the intention of orally catering of the physical needs of as many people as possible involved in the show. It goes without saying that Freddie had admiration for this woman's severance, technique and capacity!

So, teenagers can buy it! Shame.


Life Behind The Keyhole., 20 Apr 2007
As a card carrying member of the Queen Fan Club, circa 1977, I was really looking forward to reading this. It wasn`t bad, but some of the detail regarding Freddie`s house furnishings was downright dull. I wasn`t really sure whether it was written by the house-keeper of an outrageous rock star or Lloyd Grossman. There is absolutely no scandal or tittle-tattle, and believe me, I was looking forward to tittle-tattle. Freestone mentions how Freddie`s ex-manager had hurt him without going into any detail, I read later that he had sold stories to the press. The book has it`s really good moments such as describing Christmas and New Year at Garden Lodge, and the last years of Freddie`s life. The final times are really poignant. It is obvious the author cared deeply for his subject, and in some ways life at Freddie`s place was like a gay Gracelands. Everyone did their duty whether it was feeding the cats or cooking the dinner. Freddie had nothing to do except be Freddie. And he never got doing that for anywhere near long enough.In the end, the greatest rock star ever seen just faded away because of that awful disease. Interestingly, Freestone makes no reference to his own sexuality, we are unaware whether he is gay, straight or bi. What amazed me was the apparent lack of contact between Queen`s lead singer and the other members of the group. There are some good pictures, although everyone looks the same, short hair and black moustache. It was hard to spot Fred. The most disturbing photo showed a bunch of happy men, all wearing hats, all in the prime of life and all mugging for the camera. It was possible to draw a line through the group to connect Freddie, his ex-manager and one of Freddie`s ex-lovers, and realise they were now all dead. Tragic.

Freddie Mercury The AfterLife by David Evans and Peter Freestone., 03 Mar 2007
I wrote this because all the other reviews seemed to be about the first book and not this second book, so I thought this second book, Freddie Mercury The Afterlife, needed an actual review, so here goes: The front cover is a lovely, sweet picture of Freddie and Miko, the back cover is a portion of the final arrangements made for Freddie. I wasn't expecting to see that and it made me very sad even though I know he has been gone 16 years now. This second book takes up where the first one left off and is a description of Peter (Phoebe) Freestone's life since Freddie's passing. He talks about the various things he has been doing throughout the years. Peter mentions what the people talked about in the first book are doing as of 2003. There are some pictures I hadn't seen before within the book. Peter describes a visit he paid to Garden Lodge in 2003, where he met with Mary Austin and got to see Delilah again. He discusses some of the many books which have been written about Freddie and what he thinks of them. I only mentioned some things, the book contains much more than what I mention. David Evans speaks in it too and there's even Recipes of the different foods that would be made for Freddie.
Personally, it helped me to read this second book because it cleared up some confusion I had about some things written in the first book and too, even if it is silly on my part, it was nice to learn that Peter was okay, I had wondered since reading the first book.

Put it Straight, 08 Apr 2008
How i loved to read this book. I couldn't actually stand George when i read this. Totally changed my opinion and I was so glad to read the comments about Madonna.....how right can you get it!!

ON a more serious note, well worth the read and not bad like some reviews would make you believe.

painful, 20 Jun 2007
offensive, short , and stuff that should be told only to a therapist, a priest, or a close friend. He hurt a lot of people that really loved him.What a shame,because he was a lot more talented and loved than all those he slagged off. HE could have been on top of the world, instead he chose to be on the bottom.I get the same treatment from my Wallachian Gypsy stepfather, and my ignorant mother, I never really expected such ignorant mentality from the most beautiful boy in the world.

Don't bother to buy this book - Yawn, 10 Apr 2007
I bought this book because I thought Mr O'Dowd would be telling us an interesting and possibly hilarious account of his upbringing and life as Boy George, but alas he comes across as an entirely uninteresting individual who has no real depth of character and his main enjoyment in life is slagging others off. Unfortunately this is one of the very few books I just could not finish - it was that bad!

Take It Like A Gran, 08 Feb 2007

Admittedly, I am not THE biggest Boy George fan - though I follow his progress with interest and raised eyebrows. He has the ability when being creative to entertain and delight. Take It Like A Man was un-put-down-able - as one wanted to hear about the actual events and incidents that took place in his meteoric rise to stardom in the 80's. It was a roller-coaster ride of crazy characters and life changing dramas. A gripping read.

This book, however, seems to be more focused on catty comments and unwarranted opinions, than of actual 'happenings'. Yes, we know you are gay. Yes we know you can't stand Madonna. Yes, we know you are 'controversial'. Nothing new is really covered or ascertained here - except the fact that Boy George comes across as a Queen who has lost her crown and is quite resentful about it too. Even fabulous achievements such as stage show 'Taboo' are marred with a negativity that leaves a nasty taste in ones mouth.

Not half as entertaining or thought-provoking as Take It...... sorry.

A mature book worth reading., 26 May 2005
I found this book a pleasure to read, it is a mature and well written autobiography. Although I'm not a huge fan of Boy George OR Culture Club I found both Take It Like A Man and Straight extremely fascinating and engrossing. I think with his second book he has proved himself to be a talented writer with strong views on spirituality and life, although sometimes it is a bit repetitive, mentioning Madonna one too many times, I think he's right when he says "Thou doth protest too much."

It's a good book, worth a read if you've got nothing else to do.

Very good read, 28 Jan 2008
A brilliant insight into an alternative career in professional basketball. Whilst Amaechi was not exactly an all star his story is none the less inspiring and unique. The book is not just targeted at basketball fans as its more the biography of an unlikely athlete and the challenges that he faced on and off the court. Don't expect a bling bling insight into the NBA but more an outsiders view from an alternative path. Well written and entertaining this book is highly recommended.

A Devasting Read, Highly Recommended, 12 Sep 2008
Being a big fan of Monty's work and after viewing numerous TV documentaries on him, I decided to read his biography which was often quoted as being 'one of the best celebrity biographies ever written'. Knowing his basic bio and the films he starred in, it was a joy to read through the book, discovering Monty's take on his roles, his private life and who he was as a person rather than an actor. The anecdotes and stories told by his friends range from the hilarious to the downright depressing.

He lead an awfully tragic life, some details of which were more sensational than the films he acted in. The story of the latter part of his life, after the car crash which disfigured him, was sometimes painful to read. He seemed intent on destroying himself through drugs, drinks and having relationships with the wrong kind of people. Throughout it all though, he was completely committed to his craft, sometimes saying that it was the only thing which kept him alive. Such a shame that now he is not as well known as actors such as James Dean and Marlon Brando, both of which copied his style throughout their career. A truly interesting and humbling look at celebrity, the cinema world and of course, Montgomery Clift.

this guy inspired the clash, 08 Jun 2000
The book that inspired the writing of 'The Right Profile' on the Clash's epoch-shattering LP, 'London Calling'. On the strength of such evidence alone - without even reading a word - what self-respecting man can resist the temptation to buy this little fella? It happens to be a top read. In a day of anodine, rehab-bore celebrities, it comes as wondrous relief to discover that flawed celebs really are the best.

In praise of Bosworth's Clift, 28 Jul 1999
Patricia Bosworth has written one of the great movie star biographies with her examination of the life and career of Montgomery Clift. Clift was the troubled actor who emerged in the post WW2 era when movie audiences were ready for a new type of star. His first movie was the western Red River in which he co-starred with John Wayne and this meeting of the old style movie hero with the new introverted acting style is nicely illustrated in Bosworth's book. It is fair to say that a direct lineage from modern stars such as Al Pacino and Robert De Niro can be traced back through Brando and James Dean to Clift. The strength of this book though lies in the use of biographical detail. There is much to sensationalize here, dysfunctional family, homosexuality, drugs, drink, bizarre behaviour and relationships with the biggest stars of the era, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Marylin Monroe, Marlon Brando etc., but Bosworth manages to describe Clift's childhood and personal life in enormous detail while using it to help the reader to better understand the subject. The section on the 1956 car accident which disfigured Clift and hastened his decline is particularly moving and the frankness and sympathy with which Bosworth treats Clift's relationship with his Mother, his troubled sexuality and his drink and drugs problems leads to book which is neither a Goldmanesque expose nor a mere fan paean. Ultimately it is a book about how relationships, family, the past etc., can screw you up and it brings to life a complex, flawed, brilliant and unhappy individual.

A fascinating insight, 10 Nov 2008
Knowing very little about John Barrowman other than his work in Doctor Who and Torchwood, this helped me learn much more about him and his life. I had no idea that he was so cheeky! He really has had an extraordinary life, and he recalls it in such an entertaining fashion. I laughed a lot while reading this. And though it concentrates a LOT on musical theatre - which I know zilch about - it didn't matter. It was entertaining anyway. Too short, though.

John = fantastic fantastic fantastic, 24 Sep 2008
A wonderful personal read, you feel as though you are hearing from the guy himself his life experiences. Very inspirational, he makes you think indirectly about your own life...he makes you question if you can do more to be happy and really go after your dreams. I found that this book was more influential and inspiring than some of those book written solely for that purpose.

All together a lovely fun read just like the man himself.. Thanks for sharing these stories with us John.. xxxx

I loved it, 05 Aug 2008
If you've ever seen any of John Barrowman's interviews or show appearances you know he's a funny guy. He's charming, witty, naughty and doesn't censor himself.
That's the same thing that can be said about this book. John openly talks about his life, and does so in typical Barrowman fashion (watch those footnotes, they're extra hilarious!).
The book is great fun, and as a fan I wasn't disappointed.

Superb..., 30 Jun 2008
As a fan of all John's work, from stage to screen, it was wonderful to finally have all the inside information of who he is and where he has been.
I'm not a big reader of books, but I bought Anything Goes and once i'd picked it up i didn't stop. I'd read the entire thing in only a few hours, and have read it again since.
It is highly entertaining, very funny, hugely touching and wonderfully honest. A brilliant story, wonderfully told.

Self praise is no praise!, 28 Jun 2008
Self confidence is a good attribute to have but endless pages of John telling us how beautiful, talented and good looking he is became a bit tiresome. This wasn't a memoir and I didn't see the humour that others have commented on - the best person to read this book will be John himself as he can then massage his ego even further! Not endearing, very shallow, annoying footnotes on every page and not even well written. Needless to say I gave up before the end.

A revelation, 10 Nov 2008
To be honest, I was dreading reading this novel. I hated the television adaptation and the only reason I did read it is because a friend let me a pile of fiction, it was the last one and I didn't have anything else to read. However, from the moment I began reading I was extremely impressed by Water's confidence writing style and reliable historical research. She is one of the best historical fiction writers I have ever read and I can't rate her highly enough. I believe Sarah Waters deserves to be mainstream. Highly recommended.


Lip Bitingly good, 31 Aug 2008
My Sarah waters virginity was lost with "Fingersmith" (which i adored), so i naturally moved onto Tipping the Velvet. Unlike Fingersmith, there is only one character to focus on. Not that this was a bad thing however; in fact it made the book more intense. You could completly induldge in Nans thoughts, feelings, experiences and heart break. It was a deliciously smooth read which i found impossible to put down and shall re-read over an over. If you want to give your mind something to devour, then let it be Tipping the Velvet. You wont be dissapointed.

I feel I grew up with these two young women, 15 Jan 2008
By Mr. W. Dover "aspiring nobody" (Duesseldorf, Germany) - See all my reviews


This story just takes you right inside the lives of two young women living in Victorian England. These central characters are both experiencing so many new things in their lives, yet they gradually find that they have fundamentally different motives and desires. Either they are greedy for admiration and fame, or they are falling in love for the first time.

Like Sarah Waters' more recent novel "The Night Watch", this book is tragic, but with comic moments and as such I think it a masterwork. Classical in its overarching themes of "coming out of the Garden of Eden" (and no pun intended about Coming out), or coming to terms with the world, it sweeps you along with the journey of the characters. Everything the women experience affects the reader in a way that cannot be described. As a male reader, not aware of any particular preconceptions, I watched & loved the TV series, then had to read the book (albeit several years later though).

A element common to great works of fiction, surely, is that the reader shares the emotions of the central protagonists, for better or worse, along the course of the story. And that's exactly what I found whilst reading this tale. Regardless of sex, or sexual persuasion "Tipping the Velvet" pulls you in and doesn't let go. "Unputtdownable" is a term much overused these days. Whatever your opinion on that, I recommend that if you enjoy historical fiction or not; if you identify with idealistic yet reckless (to use one of Waters' favourite words) heroines or not; if you can't abide people who use others according to their own whims and fancies, or if you find that irrelevant; if you want to escape into another time and place as if you never knew any other life; in short, if you are fond of books that enthrall and entrance, then this is the one for you.

I cannot emphasise enough how deeply this book moved me. It makes you want to go and dance on the stage, like the women do. A wonderful, fulfilling and uplifting story. Ultimately life-enhancing.

A good read, 07 Oct 2007
It's reputation as a Victorian lesbian bodice ripper having preceded it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from Tipping the Velvet. I needn't have worried - it is an extremely well written book, which drew me into the story and kept me intrigued from the very start.

The main topic of the story is lesbianism in the 1890s, and as such it is pretty graphic at many points. Therefore readers who are upset by homosexuality or descriptive sex scenes of any kind should avoid this book. However, it is very well written with a strong cast of interesting characters and plenty of twists and turns in the plot.

I did feel that the story lost some of its momentum in parts 2 and 3, but it was still enjoyable and didn't drag. The ending worked well, and I was left feeling pleased I'd given the book a chance. I would recommend this to any reader over 16, as long as they aren't worried by the sex scenes.

A Lesbo-Victorian Romp, 10 Sep 2007
...as jokingly described by Sarah Waters herself. But oh how much more than that it is. The story is that of Nan Astley, a young and naive oyster girl who falls in love with another woman, thus changing her life forever. We're taken into a great tale of showbusiness, the secret Victorian lesbian underworld, and so much more.
Sarah Waters' usual fantastic writing and imagination brings us yet another brilliant book.

Filled with sex, seduction, pain, heartache, violence, and all in the beautifully described Victorian era, this is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished every word!

the most boring book i have ever come across, 24 Oct 2008
As a liflong fan of Freddie & Queen,i looked forward to reading more about the legend that is Freddie.After sixty pages,i gave up on this nonsense.Quite obviously written to cash in on one of musics' greats.It is written in a very boring style that irritates containing nothing of interest and should never have been published.Save your hard earned cash and avoid.There are far better books about Freddie out there.

Disappointed, 25 Mar 2008
I'm not a Queen fan but I bought this book by "glücklicher Zufall" - happy accident, after literally stumbling into Freddy's statue in Montreux Switzerland. The Swiss just don't do statues and I was really touched as people came up to kiss and touch this fantastic image of Freddy in what became his adopted city.

Two weeks later in Paris (sorry for blatant name-dropping) I saw the book and bought it immediately. I wanted to know "the real Freddy Mercury" and with wife and kids away I plonked myself down eagerly looking forward to reading this "intimate memoir by the man who knew him best" (Cover page).

Oh dear. A great disappointment.

I found out about lots Freddy's taste in curtains, linens and bathroom fixtures, but precious little I didn't already know about the man. No dirt, no sleaze - not an issue for me, but I just didn't feel I knew this man any better even after 250 pages. It was just mundane and superficial anecdotes. Memorable tales? No.

Sorry Queen fans, there must be better biographies on the market.
But I would say to you - go to Montreux if you've not already been and see how the Swiss have have commemorated this great musician and entertainer. I think you'll enjoy your trip.

A fake story fron fake friend, 07 Nov 2007
This man was officially presented as Freddie close friend. But really he is a servant who made himself famous spreading dirty stories about Freddie private life. And everybody believe in it because his lie officially supported by Queen Productions, Queen official fan club and Queen manager Jim Beach. This man is a total liar, his stories - a total fiction, his photos - cheap fake. The people who worked with photoshop laughed hysterically when they saw this kids created photos with "Freddie and his loves".
So, it's taken from this book.

...this lady arrived in the early part of the concert days with the intention of orally catering of the physical needs of as many people as possible involved in the show. It goes without saying that Freddie had admiration for this woman's severance, technique and capacity!

So, teenagers can buy it! Shame.


Life Behind The Keyhole., 20 Apr 2007
As a card carrying member of the Queen Fan Club, circa 1977, I was really looking forward to reading this. It wasn`t bad, but some of the detail regarding Freddie`s house furnishings was downright dull. I wasn`t really sure whether it was written by the house-keeper of an outrageous rock star or Lloyd Grossman. There is absolutely no scandal or tittle-tattle, and believe me, I was looking forward to tittle-tattle. Freestone mentions how Freddie`s ex-manager had hurt him without going into any detail, I read later that he had sold stories to the press. The book has it`s really good moments such as describing Christmas and New Year at Garden Lodge, and the last years of Freddie`s life. The final times are really poignant. It is obvious the author cared deeply for his subject, and in some ways life at Freddie`s place was like a gay Gracelands. Everyone did their duty whether it was feeding the cats or cooking the dinner. Freddie had nothing to do except be Freddie. And he never got doing that for anywhere near long enough.In the end, the greatest rock star ever seen just faded away because of that awful disease. Interestingly, Freestone makes no reference to his own sexuality, we are unaware whether he is gay, straight or bi. What amazed me was the apparent lack of contact between Queen`s lead singer and the other members of the group. There are some good pictures, although everyone looks the same, short hair and black moustache. It was hard to spot Fred. The most disturbing photo showed a bunch of happy men, all wearing hats, all in the prime of life and all mugging for the camera. It was possible to draw a line through the group to connect Freddie, his ex-manager and one of Freddie`s ex-lovers, and realise they were now all dead. Tragic.

Freddie Mercury The AfterLife by David Evans and Peter Freestone., 03 Mar 2007
I wrote this because all the other reviews seemed to be about the first book and not this second book, so I thought this second book, Freddie Mercury The Afterlife, needed an actual review, so here goes: The front cover is a lovely, sweet picture of Freddie and Miko, the back cover is a portion of the final arrangements made for Freddie. I wasn't expecting to see that and it made me very sad even though I know he has been gone 16 years now. This second book takes up where the first one left off and is a description of Peter (Phoebe) Freestone's life since Freddie's passing. He talks about the various things he has been doing throughout the years. Peter mentions what the people talked about in the first book are doing as of 2003. There are some pictures I hadn't seen before within the book. Peter describes a visit he paid to Garden Lodge in 2003, where he met with Mary Austin and got to see Delilah again. He discusses some of the many books which have been written about Freddie and what he thinks of them. I only mentioned some things, the book contains much more than what I mention. David Evans speaks in it too and there's even Recipes of the different foods that would be made for Freddie.
Personally, it helped me to read this second book because it cleared up some confusion I had about some things written in the first book and too, even if it is silly on my part, it was nice to learn that Peter was okay, I had wondered since reading the first book.

Put it Straight, 08 Apr 2008
How i loved to read this book. I couldn't actually stand George when i read this. Totally changed my opinion and I was so glad to read the comments about Madonna.....how right can you get it!!

ON a more serious note, well worth the read and not bad like some reviews would make you believe.

painful, 20 Jun 2007
offensive, short , and stuff that should be told only to a therapist, a priest, or a close friend. He hurt a lot of people that really loved him.What a shame,because he was a lot more talented and loved than all those he slagged off. HE could have been on top of the world, instead he chose to be on the bottom.I get the same treatment from my Wallachian Gypsy stepfather, and my ignorant mother, I never really expected such ignorant mentality from the most beautiful boy in the world.

Don't bother to buy this book - Yawn, 10 Apr 2007
I bought this book because I thought Mr O'Dowd would be telling us an interesting and possibly hilarious account of his upbringing and life as Boy George, but alas he comes across as an entirely uninteresting individual who has no real depth of character and his main enjoyment in life is slagging others off. Unfortunately this is one of the very few books I just could not finish - it was that bad!

Take It Like A Gran, 08 Feb 2007

Admittedly, I am not THE biggest Boy George fan - though I follow his progress with interest and raised eyebrows. He has the ability when being creative to entertain and delight. Take It Like A Man was un-put-down-able - as one wanted to hear about the actual events and incidents that took place in his meteoric rise to stardom in the 80's. It was a roller-coaster ride of crazy characters and life changing dramas. A gripping read.

This book, however, seems to be more focused on catty comments and unwarranted opinions, than of actual 'happenings'. Yes, we know you are gay. Yes we know you can't stand Madonna. Yes, we know you are 'controversial'. Nothing new is really covered or ascertained here - except the fact that Boy George comes across as a Queen who has lost her crown and is quite resentful about it too. Even fabulous achievements such as stage show 'Taboo' are marred with a negativity that leaves a nasty taste in ones mouth.

Not half as entertaining or thought-provoking as Take It...... sorry.

A mature book worth reading., 26 May 2005
I found this book a pleasure to read, it is a mature and well written autobiography. Although I'm not a huge fan of Boy George OR Culture Club I found both Take It Like A Man and Straight extremely fascinating and engrossing. I think with his second book he has proved himself to be a talented writer with strong views on spirituality and life, although sometimes it is a bit repetitive, mentioning Madonna one too many time