At first, I wondered if I would be able to get into diary entries...a little cryptic, not so spelled out. Then I was hooked. I felt a sense of who this person was and perhaps some insights into how they worked and saw the world. And I absolutely MINED the book for movies, books, and people that I can watch, read, and read about. That alone is worth the time spent. Recommend a kindle or hardback so that you can see the drawings that were included. This one will stick with me.

I couldn't love Alan Rickman more after reading this. There were hilarious entries about him being SO grumpy over various movies/plays he saw or actors he worked with during a project. We learn what JKR told him all those years ago about Snape. He waffled between being neutral about being in Harry Potter (mentioned he was a glorified background actor at one point) to being tired of the same questions about it. His view of Daniel Radcliffe really changed over the years, which was nice. There were sad and sweet entries about fellow actors and those he lost around him. I had no idea he was so close with Natasha Richardson and the entries after her death seemed to have hit him the hardest. I appreciate that Rima spoke about his last days to show how determined he was to stay normal. He was surrounded by so many wonderful friends. This was a great personal look into Alan Rickman's life.

It feels wrong to give a rating to someone's diary. That said, to get a glimpse into the life and mind of someone you admire is a rare treat. What a life. Alan Rickman lived his, it seems, to the fullest. His schedule was dizzying, filming one project, while editing the most recent, press junket tours, while rehearsing for the next. He was constantly on the move, flying to LA, NYC, Italy, South Africa, the Caribbean. Much of the traveling for work, but still regularly finding time for vacationing and trips with his love, Rima. A great talent, taken too soon.

Not much insight into the man, admirable though he may be. Also found it difficult to keep track of names - sometimes first names, sometimes nicknames, sometimes just initials, all for the same person! Had to keep looking up who was who on google or imdb. He was very much a theatre snob and contemptuous of those whose "process" he didn't approve of. Still quite fond of the man, the actor. Just not the book.

These diaries were not written with publication in mind and to be honest it shows. That said, things I personally took from reading them:

-I had no idea that Rickman was best friends with Ruby Wax. This was on a par with finding out after her death that James Blunt was good friends with Carrie Fisher and used to live with her. Worlds combined which I did not expect.
-I also had no idea how staunchly political he was. Following both UK and US politics very closely and frequently socialising with the very top of UK left/liberal politicians including the Blairs, Kinnocks, Milibands, etc
-He was offered the chance to run the Nottingham Playhouse but declined
-How strongly involved in stage theatre he remained later in his career even after becoming such a huge screen star
-Fans sang "Snape, Snape, Severus Snape" outside the last premiere and the way he wrote it suggested he was aware of the song. This gave me a good giggle for some reason!

As an elder millennial, Rickman's screen roles punctuated our cultural landscape so strongly: Hans Gruber, the Sheriff of Nottingham, Severus Snape, etc. I will always remember the day his death was announced. I was on the train to London to see a gig with my friend Isobel and I was sat at a four-seater table. Opposite me was another girl, about my age or maybe a little younger, and I noticed her Labyrinth t-shirt, I assumed being worn in memory of David Bowie who had only recently died too. I was browsing social media when the story came up and I text the news to Isobel immediately. Just a minute or two later, the girl sat across from me gasped and put her hand to her mouth. I said "Alan Rickman?" and she said yes. We had a chat about it and a little cry together over the news. I sometimes wonder if she remembers it too. An older lady also sat at our table thought we were a bit melodramatic