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Billy
Billy [Paperback] Stephenson, Pamela
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
151 people are currently reading
1539 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Stephenson
21 books33 followersDr Pamela Helen Stephenson Connolly is a New Zealand-born Australian clinical psychologist and writer now resident in the United Kingdom. She is best known for her work as an actress and comedian during the 1980s. She has written several books, which include a biography of her husband Billy Connolly, and presents a psychology-based interview show called Shrink Rap on British television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
April 11, 2023
A second read and it was just as good as the first time. Like Billy, I really only need one book that I can read every month and it will be like reading a new book each time as my information retention is pretty useless.
This is not your normal biography as it is written by his wife, Pamela Stephenson. She even says that she was writing this while he was still alive which is odd in itself and was questioning him endlessly (he is still alive as I write this). It sounds like she had enough by the end of it. I bet. I am glad she persevered because it is great.
This is a rags to riches story yet there is so much more. There is a lot of personal information in this book especially around what Billy’s father did to him as a youngster. In their house the living room was turned into a bedroom at night and Billy would share a sofa bed with his father. He woke up one night to find his father interfering with him. This would happen for the next 4 to 5 years.
The rise of Billy from welder on the Clyde to a folk singing banjo player to a stand-up comedian and film star is the stuff of dreams. Stephenson goes over his previous marriage to Iris who he had two children with and the relationship with his mother who abandoned Billy and his sister Florence when they were very little.
She goes over his alcoholism at the time when he was living the life of a rock and roll star. He always wanted to be Keith Richards. How she met him and eventually having children and getting married.
Billy has done so much there is probably another 10 books of stories, but this is good enough. If you are a Billy fan then this book is an absolute must. The pages just whip by. She has done a great job on this book and I have no doubt that Billy is immensely proud of the end product even though it must have been challenging due to the very personal nature of his childhood. You can actually hear Billy in this book which is a wonderful thing.
This is not your normal biography as it is written by his wife, Pamela Stephenson. She even says that she was writing this while he was still alive which is odd in itself and was questioning him endlessly (he is still alive as I write this). It sounds like she had enough by the end of it. I bet. I am glad she persevered because it is great.
This is a rags to riches story yet there is so much more. There is a lot of personal information in this book especially around what Billy’s father did to him as a youngster. In their house the living room was turned into a bedroom at night and Billy would share a sofa bed with his father. He woke up one night to find his father interfering with him. This would happen for the next 4 to 5 years.
The rise of Billy from welder on the Clyde to a folk singing banjo player to a stand-up comedian and film star is the stuff of dreams. Stephenson goes over his previous marriage to Iris who he had two children with and the relationship with his mother who abandoned Billy and his sister Florence when they were very little.
She goes over his alcoholism at the time when he was living the life of a rock and roll star. He always wanted to be Keith Richards. How she met him and eventually having children and getting married.
Billy has done so much there is probably another 10 books of stories, but this is good enough. If you are a Billy fan then this book is an absolute must. The pages just whip by. She has done a great job on this book and I have no doubt that Billy is immensely proud of the end product even though it must have been challenging due to the very personal nature of his childhood. You can actually hear Billy in this book which is a wonderful thing.
June 14, 2017
I have always loved Billy, it's really sad that his last few TV appearances have shown the state of his health. It's really quite upsetting to see. I struggle to laugh even once during any comedy based programmes on nowadays, I just don't find most recent comics humorous, there are a few exceptions but they don't compare to that good old fashioned humour. I love this man! This book got me through a spell in hospital and was just what I needed.
May 21, 2012
My bookclub suggested (along with the 'official' book to read over the summer holidays) we all choose an autobiography to read. I had 'Billy' on my bookshelf and decided on that. I thought I may be a convert to biographies/autobiographies when delving into the first few chapters. These conveyed an eye-opening insight into the poor and harsh tenement living in Glasgow, Scotland where Billy grew up.
Unfortunately, for me the book was spoilt (slightly) by the writer, Billy's wife, Pamela Stephenson's constant name-dropping during the more recent parts of Billy's life which intermingled with stories of his childhood and earlier years. It seemed impossible for her to mention where they were without stating the famous people they spoke to at another famous person's party, who they spent time with at dinner parties and even which famous person one of their children was sick over on a plane ... it became very annoying. (This was a shame as I was rooting for Pamela to win in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' series recently on the TV!!)
The book was written a few years ago now so perhaps she felt the need to confirm both her and Billy's fame at the time. Nevertheless, I found the book interesting and, having not particularly considered Billy's work prior to this, I am now a huge fan! He really is a very talented but damaged guy who has battled throughout his whole life. I would recommend this book. (I think probably us British may enjoy it more than our overseas friends as he is clearly one of our great exports and a little loyalty may come into play.) None-the-less I think all can enjoy this book.
But am I a convert to biographies and autobiographies? I'm sure I'll read more but I'm not there quite yet!
Unfortunately, for me the book was spoilt (slightly) by the writer, Billy's wife, Pamela Stephenson's constant name-dropping during the more recent parts of Billy's life which intermingled with stories of his childhood and earlier years. It seemed impossible for her to mention where they were without stating the famous people they spoke to at another famous person's party, who they spent time with at dinner parties and even which famous person one of their children was sick over on a plane ... it became very annoying. (This was a shame as I was rooting for Pamela to win in the 'Strictly Come Dancing' series recently on the TV!!)
The book was written a few years ago now so perhaps she felt the need to confirm both her and Billy's fame at the time. Nevertheless, I found the book interesting and, having not particularly considered Billy's work prior to this, I am now a huge fan! He really is a very talented but damaged guy who has battled throughout his whole life. I would recommend this book. (I think probably us British may enjoy it more than our overseas friends as he is clearly one of our great exports and a little loyalty may come into play.) None-the-less I think all can enjoy this book.
But am I a convert to biographies and autobiographies? I'm sure I'll read more but I'm not there quite yet!
Read
August 26, 2007Had this book for ages and finally got round to reading it and it didn't disappoint but was shocked to hear about Billy's life as a child and am full of admiration that he has come through it all sane (well if sane is what you'd call Billy Connolly !!!!)Really good book
February 22, 2011
I'd been warned this wasn't a funny read, so that bit wasn't surprising -- although the very *dryness* of the book was (a result of Stephenson's somewhat cold, academic prose). Regardless, and despite being a Connelly fan already, I finished the book with a real warmth towards its subject. I wanted to rush up & give Connelly a big hug, tell him I was sorry there was so much sadness & horror in his childhood, & wish him all the very, very, *very* best.
Stephenson at one point remarks that audiences relate to Billy partly because we recognise his rage. I think that's true. And also his warmth, and his -- a rare trait! -- sheer likeability. It was an exciting, satisfying journey to watch this welder become an international success. I'm not sure I've ever wanted more happiness for a near-stranger than I wanted for Billy when I'd finished this book.
Stephenson at one point remarks that audiences relate to Billy partly because we recognise his rage. I think that's true. And also his warmth, and his -- a rare trait! -- sheer likeability. It was an exciting, satisfying journey to watch this welder become an international success. I'm not sure I've ever wanted more happiness for a near-stranger than I wanted for Billy when I'd finished this book.
November 8, 2019
I love Billy Connolly. And this book provides lots of the painful facts of his upbringing in the tenements of Glasgow. Written by his wife, The book reads like an elaboration of his diaries and journals of tours, friends, hotels, and career. But it isn’t a particularly well written book. Pamela Stephenson’s degree in psychology doesn’t provide much insight into the trauma that was Billy’s life.
February 28, 2008
A great story filled with everyday life lessons. Laugh out loud and cry at the same time.
January 13, 2018
a first-hand look at growing up in extreme poverty and overcoming physical, mental and sexual abuse. the scars this leaves behind become clear in adult life; a wonderful portrayal of a man I greatly admire for his wit and intelligence.
May 31, 2024
The first time I tried to read this I couldn't get into it at all so I approached it this time with a little trepidation, which proved to be unnecessary as I found myself completely caught up in it. Billy Connolly's life is certainly fascinating and often tragic. His childhood was very difficult and it is inspiring to read about the various ways he found to channel that into comedy and other creative pursuits.
January 31, 2017
I think Billy Connolly is a gifted comedian and a decent actor, and I have enjoyed his 'on the road' documentaries too. All of these are referred to in the book, naturally. However, it is something of a book of two halves, at least that is what struck me whilst reading.
Written by his wife Pamela Stephenson, the first 'half' of the book focuses in some detail on Billy's early years and upbringing, and later his life in the dockyards and his stepping onto the scene, so to speak, as a folk singer/comedy artist in the pubs and clubs of the Scotland he calls home. I had not realised what a tragic, abusive childhood he had endured and it is evident throughout the entire book that the results of this have had an effect on his entire life, into adulthood and beyond. They say the best comedians have a background of sadness and perhaps this is true - it certainly appears to be in Billy's case, something his psychologist wife and biographer states herself more than once in the book.
We also meet his first wife and children from that marriage and learn of the heartache and problems of alcohol abuse that had such a telling affect on that relationship.
The second 'half' of the book moves away from the detail of the man's personal life somewhat and refers more and more to his professional achievements. In the last few chapters of the book we are told the titles of the films and tours he took part in and the notable people he, and Pamela, have met and associated with, even become friends with, in the world of film, comedy and rock and roll. I have to admit that the constant allusion to famous people, the casual remarks about having dinner with so and so etc... began to read like name-dropping by the end of the book, especially since such references are thinly applied earlier in the book, but come thick and fast towards the end. I accepted at first that the author making reference to such famous people was by way of showing us the stark contrast between Billy's early life and his later, far more successful one. To show us how far he has come, if you will, but in my view that was a little overdone.
I was fascinated reading about the making of the man and learning of his background and experiences. Having read the book I feel I understand the man a little better, I certainly know more about him. If you are a Billy Connolly fan then this one is for you. If you are not a fan then it is an interesting read in its own right, but there are likely to be several references throughout that you will perhaps not understand.
Written by his wife Pamela Stephenson, the first 'half' of the book focuses in some detail on Billy's early years and upbringing, and later his life in the dockyards and his stepping onto the scene, so to speak, as a folk singer/comedy artist in the pubs and clubs of the Scotland he calls home. I had not realised what a tragic, abusive childhood he had endured and it is evident throughout the entire book that the results of this have had an effect on his entire life, into adulthood and beyond. They say the best comedians have a background of sadness and perhaps this is true - it certainly appears to be in Billy's case, something his psychologist wife and biographer states herself more than once in the book.
We also meet his first wife and children from that marriage and learn of the heartache and problems of alcohol abuse that had such a telling affect on that relationship.
The second 'half' of the book moves away from the detail of the man's personal life somewhat and refers more and more to his professional achievements. In the last few chapters of the book we are told the titles of the films and tours he took part in and the notable people he, and Pamela, have met and associated with, even become friends with, in the world of film, comedy and rock and roll. I have to admit that the constant allusion to famous people, the casual remarks about having dinner with so and so etc... began to read like name-dropping by the end of the book, especially since such references are thinly applied earlier in the book, but come thick and fast towards the end. I accepted at first that the author making reference to such famous people was by way of showing us the stark contrast between Billy's early life and his later, far more successful one. To show us how far he has come, if you will, but in my view that was a little overdone.
I was fascinated reading about the making of the man and learning of his background and experiences. Having read the book I feel I understand the man a little better, I certainly know more about him. If you are a Billy Connolly fan then this one is for you. If you are not a fan then it is an interesting read in its own right, but there are likely to be several references throughout that you will perhaps not understand.
December 5, 2008
I've read several pages and have already laughed out loud a few times.
12/5/08 I purchased this at Manchester airport, the final stop of an Incredible String Band tour of Birmingham, Liverpool, Northampton, Cambridge, Oxford, Leichester, Beverly, New Castle, and Edinburgh to learn more about Billy Connolly, and more about his friendship with Robin Williamson. If you have similar intentions, this is *not* the book for you. Billy's young family life was painful to read about, but he's a survivor. If you can get past Stephenson's recurring name- and place dropping... houses in Los Angeles, in Scotland, in Australia and the realization that Connolly, a shipbuilding welder and friend of the Incredible String Band, would end up comparing his bank account with Sean Connery's, this book is a fast, enjoyable, easy read. Apart from "Mrs. Brown" and a clip from an interview about the Incredible String Band, Connolly's oeuvre has escaped me. Netflix will remedy that, but not satisfactorily. His documentaries are undoubtedly hard to track down. One highlight for me came at page 142: "Robin Williamson wore a red velvet cape and had a pet fox. Women were crazy about him, for he was the most beautiful-looking man they'd ever seen. He would walk through Edinburgh looking like a Renaissance painting of an angel, or a noble medieval Knight of the Round Table. He also had a lovely manner and a beautiful voice." I'd love to see pictures of that! If only Williamson's wife would write about *him*! Unfortunately Billy's clip from "Retying the Knot" on youTube clip has been removed so I can't share it with you.
12/5/08 I purchased this at Manchester airport, the final stop of an Incredible String Band tour of Birmingham, Liverpool, Northampton, Cambridge, Oxford, Leichester, Beverly, New Castle, and Edinburgh to learn more about Billy Connolly, and more about his friendship with Robin Williamson. If you have similar intentions, this is *not* the book for you. Billy's young family life was painful to read about, but he's a survivor. If you can get past Stephenson's recurring name- and place dropping... houses in Los Angeles, in Scotland, in Australia and the realization that Connolly, a shipbuilding welder and friend of the Incredible String Band, would end up comparing his bank account with Sean Connery's, this book is a fast, enjoyable, easy read. Apart from "Mrs. Brown" and a clip from an interview about the Incredible String Band, Connolly's oeuvre has escaped me. Netflix will remedy that, but not satisfactorily. His documentaries are undoubtedly hard to track down. One highlight for me came at page 142: "Robin Williamson wore a red velvet cape and had a pet fox. Women were crazy about him, for he was the most beautiful-looking man they'd ever seen. He would walk through Edinburgh looking like a Renaissance painting of an angel, or a noble medieval Knight of the Round Table. He also had a lovely manner and a beautiful voice." I'd love to see pictures of that! If only Williamson's wife would write about *him*! Unfortunately Billy's clip from "Retying the Knot" on youTube clip has been removed so I can't share it with you.
April 9, 2019
This is great biography of the best comedian by the most suitable person. Who better than Billy's own wife to write a well deserved and respectful biography.
When I read this it was before I really got into Billy Connolly. I had seen a few bits and pieces and loved what I saw but I didn't have access to see anything else. Reading this book gave me so many more insights into his life and work and made me respect him all the more.
Billy's life was not perfect by any means and he had a rough upbringing. The stories and memories Stephenson explores break your heart, make you laugh and actually don't make you close the book pitying Billy at all. You see where he has taken this pain and what he has done with it and you applaud him for pressing on and pushing through it.
There are so many sides of Billy explored in this, from his childhood to his music and comedian days as well as his life with Stephenson. This book is filled with jokes and humerous anecdotes that soften the darker aspects but a true biography is never all smiles and laughter. A brilliant book and an engaging, emotional and entertaining read.
This review was published on my blog Lost in a Good Book
When I read this it was before I really got into Billy Connolly. I had seen a few bits and pieces and loved what I saw but I didn't have access to see anything else. Reading this book gave me so many more insights into his life and work and made me respect him all the more.
Billy's life was not perfect by any means and he had a rough upbringing. The stories and memories Stephenson explores break your heart, make you laugh and actually don't make you close the book pitying Billy at all. You see where he has taken this pain and what he has done with it and you applaud him for pressing on and pushing through it.
There are so many sides of Billy explored in this, from his childhood to his music and comedian days as well as his life with Stephenson. This book is filled with jokes and humerous anecdotes that soften the darker aspects but a true biography is never all smiles and laughter. A brilliant book and an engaging, emotional and entertaining read.
This review was published on my blog Lost in a Good Book
January 5, 2009
I approached this book tentatively - a psychotherapist writing (analysing?)about her husband, but seeing Billy Connolly on the final Parkinson show compelled me to find out a little more about this man who could make me laugh so hard.
The structure of the book is interesting, with a vignette from the present introducing a segment of the past.
I particularly enjoyed the voice of the author which related Billy's story without imposing her own judgements.
The book revealed a gifted human being who lives life passionately and exuberantly. His upbringing was not ideal, but his willingness to grew in understanding of those who mistreated him shows him to be compassionate.
Billy's humour arises from close observation of the human condition. May he long continue to make me laugh.
The structure of the book is interesting, with a vignette from the present introducing a segment of the past.
I particularly enjoyed the voice of the author which related Billy's story without imposing her own judgements.
The book revealed a gifted human being who lives life passionately and exuberantly. His upbringing was not ideal, but his willingness to grew in understanding of those who mistreated him shows him to be compassionate.
Billy's humour arises from close observation of the human condition. May he long continue to make me laugh.
September 17, 2018
Loved this! I recently read Braveheart, the 2nd biography of Billy by his wife, Pamela, so I knew I had to read this one.
Billy had a difficult childhood, and then went to work in his teens, but slowly he moved away from his original welding job and ended up in firstly, a folk group, and then, eventually - as we all know - he became a world-famous comedian. This book tells the story of all that and more; it's filled with heart-wrenching sadness, gut-busting laughs, and a bunch of other stuff that is always entertaining, always interesting, and as far from 'beige' (Billy's greatest dislike is of 'beige' or uninteresting people) as you can imagine.
Wonderfully written, and his story is told here with great love and affection. So worth the read.
Billy had a difficult childhood, and then went to work in his teens, but slowly he moved away from his original welding job and ended up in firstly, a folk group, and then, eventually - as we all know - he became a world-famous comedian. This book tells the story of all that and more; it's filled with heart-wrenching sadness, gut-busting laughs, and a bunch of other stuff that is always entertaining, always interesting, and as far from 'beige' (Billy's greatest dislike is of 'beige' or uninteresting people) as you can imagine.
Wonderfully written, and his story is told here with great love and affection. So worth the read.
July 31, 2009
This was a great book about one of my very favourite comedians.
Back Cover Blurb:
Who is the real Billy Connolly? He's the man who needs no introduction, and yet he is the ultimate enigma. From a troubled and desperately poor childhood in the docklands of Glasgow he is now the intimate of household names the world over. But who is the man behind the myth?
If anyone knows Billy Connolly better than himself, its his wife, Pamela Stephenson.
Back Cover Blurb:
Who is the real Billy Connolly? He's the man who needs no introduction, and yet he is the ultimate enigma. From a troubled and desperately poor childhood in the docklands of Glasgow he is now the intimate of household names the world over. But who is the man behind the myth?
If anyone knows Billy Connolly better than himself, its his wife, Pamela Stephenson.
October 7, 2017
A brilliant biography, all the more insightful for being written by Billy's wife and a psychologist no less! Highly readable, like Billy's stand up the narrative has the intimate feel of being sat in a pub with the subject, telling stories and funny anecdotes, each interspersed with Billy's own reflections and self-debasing comments.
If you're a fan of Billy Connolly then this book truly is a must-read and time well spent
If you're a fan of Billy Connolly then this book truly is a must-read and time well spent
November 4, 2009
This biography of Billy Connolly, written by his wife, is not half as good as it could have been if it had been done as an autobiography by Billy himself. Having said that, it is a good read with an insight into the comedian's early life among the tenements of Glasgow and plenty of pithy quotes from the man himself along the way.
May 29, 2014
Started well, but ended up as my mum said "reading like a CV". I really like Billy Connelly. But found this book slow and a bit boring. Could have been half the length and a much more enjoyable read. As a psychologist it would have been far more interesting if she focused on the influencers at the time in Scotland when Billy was growing up.
December 25, 2011
This was a really interesting read. Billy has had some quite amazing experiences in his life and they are well analysed by his wife, Pamela.
July 27, 2012
The subject is interesting and funny, unlike the author, who is the comedian's wife.
August 11, 2017
Loved the book. Billy is a unique human.
September 26, 2021
Yes, Pamela, we know that you think you're great.
December 26, 2024
Billy Connolly seems to have had a pretty harsh childhood. Some absolutely awful things happened to him including being abandoned by his mother (while their father was away) when he was just 3 years old and his sister was just 5. And that’s just for starters.
Anyway, after working as a welder in a shipyard, he started travelling around singing and occasionally telling jokes. One memorable evening, he forgot the words of a song and stopped playing and instead told the story in the song and everyone loved it. So that was the real beginning of the transition to being a story-telling comedian.
The book details his struggles with alcohol and eventually being able to overcome it with the support of his wife Pamela. He’s been sober ever since dec 30 1985.
The last part of the book is perhaps a bit bland - going through various things he’s done - movies, tours, travel docos.
It was a fascinating look into one of the most famous comedians of our time.
Anyway, after working as a welder in a shipyard, he started travelling around singing and occasionally telling jokes. One memorable evening, he forgot the words of a song and stopped playing and instead told the story in the song and everyone loved it. So that was the real beginning of the transition to being a story-telling comedian.
The book details his struggles with alcohol and eventually being able to overcome it with the support of his wife Pamela. He’s been sober ever since dec 30 1985.
The last part of the book is perhaps a bit bland - going through various things he’s done - movies, tours, travel docos.
It was a fascinating look into one of the most famous comedians of our time.
August 1, 2020
The Big Yin's childhood combined abuse, neglect and poverty, a story told with page-turning compassion by his wife, who goes on to chronicle his rise to fame and fortune until 2002. The chapters covering the folk scene and Billy's partnership with Gerry Rafferty were amazing. I thought the sequences when he was well-known would be less interesting, but they weren't. It was all very enthralling. One of the best biographies I've ever read.
November 28, 2019
I read this book years ago when it first came out. While I loved reading about Billies early life, I would have much rather heard it in his own words, with all the humour he could have brought to it.
It featured too much about the author, and turned into a name dropping excercise, mentioning all the famous people they knew. Disappointing.
It featured too much about the author, and turned into a name dropping excercise, mentioning all the famous people they knew. Disappointing.
September 20, 2020
A personal and professional insight into the life of Billy Connolly from the person who possibly knows him best, Pamela Stephenson. Alongside the words there are photos from the family album of his life.
Described as 'A welder who got away with it'? Personally I prefer to think of him as a comedian, actor and observer of life who for a while was trapped in a welders body.
Described as 'A welder who got away with it'? Personally I prefer to think of him as a comedian, actor and observer of life who for a while was trapped in a welders body.
December 13, 2021
Wonderful!
July 25, 2020
Not a bad bio, not much in the laughs department, considering the subject, but some interesting facts that I didn't know from all the interviews etc. I also liked the ending, a really nice set of words of wisdom from Billy. A little bit of the Psychology from Pam about why Billy is who he is, but still, if you are a fan, a must in the reading cannon.
April 4, 2025
I don't usually listen to abridged audiobooks, but this one was pretty good. I really enjoyed it; although, some parts are difficult to listen to.
July 14, 2017
First of all, I'm going to have a little moan.
Sometimes, before reading a book, I will look through a few reviews, mainly to get an overall opinion. It annoys me to the core when, after reading a few reviews of said autobiography, how many people complain that the star/comedian/actor (delete as appropriate), 'name-dropped' too many times. Well of course they name-dropped. Famous people will hang about with other famous people, just as you will hang about with the people that you have things in common with or work with. If you don't like name-droppers don't read autobiographies! (10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...and breathe).
Billy Connolly is my favourite comedian. Above. All. Others.
In fact, I grew up with him. Not in the literal sense, you understand, but I remember being very small, in the back of my parent's car and excitedly asking if we could listen to him on the 8-track. My father used to look at me through the rear-view mirror and say 'Aye, OK, but don't tell your mother', at which point my mum would look at him from the passenger seat and shake her head in bemusement. We would all then listen intently and laugh until we cried or my dad swerved the car from laughing so hard. That was scary.
To be honest, Billy and my dad have a lot in common. Dad was only 5 years older, they were both from the Glasgow area of Scotland (my dad was born near Hamilton, about 16 miles from Glasgow), and they both started their careers as welders. So you can understand why I like the guy so much. His comedy is very close to my heart. He's a bit like Peter Kay in that respect. His comedy is about real-life situations that we've all been through or things our relatives, particularly our mums and dads have said to us when we were young. ("You'll be laughing on the other side of your face in a minute" or "If you fall off that wall and break your legs, don't come running to me"). So, after seeing this book over many years and not knowing why I hadn't read it sooner, I delved in.
Overall, I liked it. Pamela Stephenson, Billy's wife and biographer, tells the story of the 'Big Yin' (Scottish for the 'Big One'), from his childhood up to 2001, when the book was published. It is a lovely book and as I was brought up in Aberdeenshire, Scotland a lot that was written rang true for me too.
There was one occasion, however, that consisted of maybe three or four pages telling the story of how Pamela grew up and I felt that a little narcissistic. After all, this was a book about Billy Connolly, not Pamela Stephenson. It didn't detract from the story too much though and I wasn't niggled that much. Of course, there were the usual hilarious moments and I found myself laughing out loud, much to the fright of the cat who wondered what the crazy human was doing curled up on the floor.
It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you don't relate to Billy but it is worth a read and you will laugh.
Sometimes, before reading a book, I will look through a few reviews, mainly to get an overall opinion. It annoys me to the core when, after reading a few reviews of said autobiography, how many people complain that the star/comedian/actor (delete as appropriate), 'name-dropped' too many times. Well of course they name-dropped. Famous people will hang about with other famous people, just as you will hang about with the people that you have things in common with or work with. If you don't like name-droppers don't read autobiographies! (10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1...and breathe).
Billy Connolly is my favourite comedian. Above. All. Others.
In fact, I grew up with him. Not in the literal sense, you understand, but I remember being very small, in the back of my parent's car and excitedly asking if we could listen to him on the 8-track. My father used to look at me through the rear-view mirror and say 'Aye, OK, but don't tell your mother', at which point my mum would look at him from the passenger seat and shake her head in bemusement. We would all then listen intently and laugh until we cried or my dad swerved the car from laughing so hard. That was scary.
To be honest, Billy and my dad have a lot in common. Dad was only 5 years older, they were both from the Glasgow area of Scotland (my dad was born near Hamilton, about 16 miles from Glasgow), and they both started their careers as welders. So you can understand why I like the guy so much. His comedy is very close to my heart. He's a bit like Peter Kay in that respect. His comedy is about real-life situations that we've all been through or things our relatives, particularly our mums and dads have said to us when we were young. ("You'll be laughing on the other side of your face in a minute" or "If you fall off that wall and break your legs, don't come running to me"). So, after seeing this book over many years and not knowing why I hadn't read it sooner, I delved in.
Overall, I liked it. Pamela Stephenson, Billy's wife and biographer, tells the story of the 'Big Yin' (Scottish for the 'Big One'), from his childhood up to 2001, when the book was published. It is a lovely book and as I was brought up in Aberdeenshire, Scotland a lot that was written rang true for me too.
There was one occasion, however, that consisted of maybe three or four pages telling the story of how Pamela grew up and I felt that a little narcissistic. After all, this was a book about Billy Connolly, not Pamela Stephenson. It didn't detract from the story too much though and I wasn't niggled that much. Of course, there were the usual hilarious moments and I found myself laughing out loud, much to the fright of the cat who wondered what the crazy human was doing curled up on the floor.
It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you don't relate to Billy but it is worth a read and you will laugh.
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