Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years

I'm about two thirds through this now and will finish it. After the Thatcher: the Downing Street Years (half way through; untouched for 5 years). Says it all really...
I think I feel the need for a Grisham (comfort reading) first though.
I can't say I'm thoroughly enjoying this. Palin can come across as pretty smug throughout this book and seems to enjoy carrying a large chip on his shoulder as far as John Cleese is concerned. In fact, the most interesting parts of this are his barely concealed barbs at Mssrs Cleese (too greedy), Idle (too lazy, flakey) and Chapman (too promiscuous, drinks too much). Palin gets caught up in a "them against" us battle in the Pythons with the more hardworking two Terry's (Jones mainly) in his gang....
Whilst it's a large book, I do feel there are gaps here, weeks at a time missing where you do wander the hell he was up to.
He documents his relationship with his father well, his steady decline in health is very sad, but dealt with in true British middle class fashion by the son. The film writing and making sequences are very interesting and occasionally entertaining but hardly make it a page turner.
Not bad. I'm sure I'll finish it one day...

What Michael did first (0/0 people found this helpful)

A well-written, occasionally funny collection of ten years of Michael Palin's diary of his first life as a member of the Monty Python team. It's not an autobiography so it hasn't been written with an eye on sales figures. It's simply his personal diaries which track the daily routines and thoughts of Michael's life.
Although it's not as zany as his Python persona but more of the gentle humour in his excellent Ripping Yarns and later travel shows, it's still a worthwhile read.
I'm not sure why the book ends before the Meaning of Life but it suggests a sequel is likely. I look forward to that being published.

Great Read! (0/0 people found this helpful)

I found these diaries fascinating. Watching as Palin developed as an artist, a family man, a businessman and friend was a real pleasure. I enjoyed reading about his kindness and integrity, and appreciated his many observations of England's political and cultural developments. There was plenty of name-dropping as his fame grew, but it never seemed as if he got caught up in being a 'star'. I can't wait for the next installment!

Where's the sauce (0/0 people found this helpful)

I've always been a fan of Michael Palin and have been reading this book with interest. But where are the scandles, dishing the dirt? he mentions Graeham Chapman been boozed up on more than a number of occasions and John Cleese's motivation of money, but not a lot else of the Python's rock and roll status they enjoyed in the UK and USA. Where are the groupies the amusing stories? not here I'm afraid.

Just factual accounts of Micheal's day to day life and details of what was a very productive and creative time for him and for the Python shows, live performances and films.

Dull As Dishwater (3/7 people found this helpful)

Why publish these? They are incredibly dull, read with little or no enthusiasm. Palin comes across as rather shallow, which I'm sure he's not. For diehard fans only I'd say.

Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years

Michael Palin

Reader Reviews:

Palin to significance (0/0 people found this helpful)

What Michael did first (0/0 people found this helpful)

Great Read! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Where's the sauce (0/0 people found this helpful)

Dull As Dishwater (3/7 people found this helpful)

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