Written and Narrated by Tom Felton
6 Hours 36 Minutes
Released October 2022
I’ve been bobbing back and forth between memoir, spirituality, and thriller audiobooks and my to-listen list is almost going to be as long as my to-read list soon. So I made sure to pick this one up before I got overwhelmed and it landed at the bottom of my pile to languish with all of my other intended books.
I’ve no real idea why I felt like I needed to listen to this one, especially since I didn’t find much appeal in the last celebrity memoir I read. I’m not a huge Harry Potter fan, even though I enjoyed the movies (I’ve not read the books). Maybe I just liked Draco Malfoy’s character, or it might have felt like a good investment of an Audible credit. Whatever the reason, it was a solid decision.
As might be expected, there was a lot of material about his time on the set of Harry Potter, including some interesting behind the scenes impressions of the more famous adult actors. As well, a lot of emphasis on his attempt to have a “normal” teenage life (which seemed to involve mostly pranking and getting in trouble but – teenagers). What I hadn’t realized is that he was also in The Borrowers and Anna and the King, nor that he began acting at around the age of six. Apparently, never seriously. He seemed to have been able to take it or leave it. So I figure he’s either extremely self-deprecating, there must be prominent Jupiter placements in his birth chart and/or acting is just what he was meant to do, since he never seemed to put himself out there yet rose to stardom anyway. Although, I’m a little shocked he wasn’t more well recognized during the height of the Harry Potter movie craze.
In the six and a half hours, we’re treated to his entire acting career (thus far – he’s only in his thirties), as well as his family, relationships, and mental health crises. Crises may be a bit strong, but he’s certainly had his share of issues that he’s dealt with and that might be the reason he comes across as very down to earth. Personally, those last few chapters are what were most interesting to me, with the exception of the bits on Alan Rickman.
Definitely worth picking up and for this one, I’m glad I did listen to the audiobook rather than read it.
4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Until next time, thank you for visiting.
Ann Dudzinski 