Book Review: Madly, Deeply by Alan Rickman

Author: Alan Rickman

Title: Madly, Deeply

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 469

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from a friend

Summary: 

Madly Deeply is a rare invitation into the mind of Alan Rickman—one of the most magnetic, beloved performers of our time.

From his breakout role in Die Hard to his outstanding, multifaceted performances in the Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and more, Alan Rickman cemented his legacy as a world-class actor. His air of dignity, his sonorous voice, and the knowing wit he brought to each role continue to captivate audiences today.

But Rickman’s ability to breathe life into projects wasn't confined to just his performances. As you'll find, Rickman's diaries detail the extraordinary and the ordinary, flitting between worldly and witty and gossipy, while remaining utterly candid throughout. He takes us inside his home, on trips with friends across the globe, and on the sets of films and plays ranging from Sense and Sensibility, to Noël Coward's Private Lives, to the final film he directed, A Little Chaos.

Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Rickman's public and private life. Reading them is like listening to Rickman chatting to a close companion. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.

Madly, Deeply features a photo insert, a foreword by Emma Thompson, and an afterword by Rima Horton.

Review:

I've been a fan of Alan Rickman since I was a wee thing. He was an incredible actor and he seemed like such a fun person to know. I delayed reading this for a bit, but I finally decided to jump in. 

We get to see some snip bits of Alan's life from 1993 to 2016. Emma Thompson, a very close friend, wrote the foreword and his love, Rima, wrote the afterword. 

I love diaries and autobiographies. They are so interesting and seeing a side of a person you never get to see. I still have my cringe school diaries and I tried writing some diaries as an adult but it never stuck. 

Writing a review on a person's inner most thoughts is SO hard. It is extra hard especially if the person is gone. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading more about Alan from Alan's POV. However, I felt like this was never meant to be published. It felt like....SparkNotes. Little notes from Alan to Alan for an autobiography or something. I wish he had had that chance! That would've been amazing! Or maybe if Alan had lived long enough to oversee how his diaries were to be released would've been awesome too. Sadly after his diagnosis he had so much to do and so little time to do it. So freaking sad.

Some entries were really good. I loved reading his thoughts about a show or a movie or a person. I especially loved seeing some bits of his vacations or travels. So cool! I loved seeing things from his POV. He really was an intriguing individual. So witty and introspective. There were sad moments that weighed on him. 

Some entries? I hate saying it but they were...boring. I hate sounding so harsh!!! Again, it just felt like a snapshot or a reminder for himself. I would've loved more explanation or details on certain events. Maybe if he had his hands on the release of this he could've added some additional details or thoughts. 

I did appreciate the afterword and foreword. If you read this, please read both entries. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this for what it is. It felt like little notes for himself and I wish he had had a chance to write his own story. I loved seeing a little bit of the man behind the scenes. He was so intriguing and witty. He was so beloved by so many people. I'll give this 3 stars.