Because I have never read any of her other books, I am not really sure why I read Edna O'Brien's memoir. It was a mixed experience, I don't enjoy reading about all the famous people memoirists meet at parties as a rule. There were portions of this book that drew me in, though, despite the luminaries mentioned. One charming story was her encounter with Marlon Brando. I also enjoyed her pride in her sons and her successful struggle to gain custody when her marriage failed. ( )

The New York Times book section ran a feature this week on the best memoirs of the past 50 years, and this was one that jumped out at me, so I read it. I will read any ‘60’s London party girl literary memoir, because of the high likelihood of appearances by Richard Burton, Princess Margaret, Roger Vadim, Robert Mitchum, and Harold Pinter. She delivers. Philip Roth and Jacqueline Onassis are bonuses. ( )

The autobiography of Irish novelist Edna O’brien. The story of her relationship with her parents, the Roman Catholic Church, her marriage and how she began to write. It also recounts her life in London. Vivid, memorable, as all her books are. ( )

I thought parts of the book were truly splendid and some parts were completely tedious. it was one of those books that feels like a huge weight lifted off your shoulder when it is finished. ( )

Well, if you're into the London literary scene circa late 1960s, you'll hear all about the doings of various personages at innumerable parties. Name-dropping? This book has plenty of it. Pinter, the Tynans, McCartney, Sean Connery, Jane Fonda—see what I mean? Other than that, not so interesting. Her lifestyle—I couldn't really relate. I was going to pick up her novels, but now...not so sure. ( )