Moab Is My Washpot a mini review.
I'll start this mini review by stating for the record I'm not a biography person. I like my narratives fictional. That fact stated if any book breaks this rule it is this one.#
Moab is my Washpot is an Autobiography of famous "actor, screenwriter, author, playwright, journalist, poet, comedian, television presenter, film director, and a director of Norwich City Football Club"(~wikipedia)Stephen Fry. It details some very formative events of his early life.
As you would expect from Stephen the writing is impeccable and its easy to get lost in the events he describes even when he breaks the fourth wall (what is the literary version of breaking the fourth wall?) he only drags you back to his Apartment. He cleverly tells his candid tales in a form were it could be a frank discussion with friends, tears and all. It seems quite a cathartic experience for him, and I hope it was. As he says unlike other biographies (auto or not) this is less a finger pointing quest of a hero to succeed against all odds, but Stephens heartfelt apology for anguish he caused those who cared about him and a story in which he sees himself as more of an anti-hero.
As a description of teenage angst it is easily the equal of masterpieces such as The Catcher in the Rye. Though i would love to use the real life example of his redemption from the edge, as proof of the benefit of social justice over social revenge as espoused by the tabloids. Though I'm not overly sure he would appreciate my politicising of his personal triumphs and demons.
I would give Moab is my Washpot 8.5/10. A very good read. Also at less than £3 its a bloody bargain.
The Challenge Update
So I'm back from Cyprus. I took 4 books with the express intention of getting a proper handle on this challenge. Unfortunately this book demanded I take my time with its consumption and it was the only book I managed to finish.
