For twenty years Gabriel Byrne has been to the forefront of Irish actors and producers internationally. From his appearance in John Boorman's Excalibur in 1981 via Miller's Crossing in 1990 through to Stigmata and End of Days in 1999 and 2000 he has turned his diverse skills and brooding good looks to many different roles.

With Stigmata and End of Days, his appearance on Broadway and the new NBC sitcom, Madigan's Men, which he produced and in which he stars he has hit a new high point in his career.

In vivid cinematic sketches this absorbing memoir presents a series of fascinating glimpses into his public and private life. He leads the reader through his career on stage and screen as both producer and actor. Along the way he shares his impressions of Hollywood, New York and his native Ireland and takes us behind the scenes of his many films.

He has worked with many of the cutting edge directors of international cinema including Jim Jarmusch, Wim Wenders and the Coen bothers and with many of the finest actors of the late twentieth century-Liam Neeson, Kevin Spacey, Gerard Depardieu, John Turturro, Winona Ryder, Susan Sarandon and Christina Ricci to name a few.

Gabriel Byrne's unique narrative style colors every page, mixing colloquial dialogue with evocative descriptions. The result is a frank, intimate account that reveals the man-and the writer-behind the actor's many faces.

All in all, it's a nice story. However, if you read this and "Angela's Ashes" right tight together, you realize something. You realize that even though you thought at first that Gabriel had it kind of bad growing up, he is almost a spoiled little rich kid, compared to Frank McCourt. Let's see some real life, here!


Vivid   April 3, 2001
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I get the impression that Mr. Byrne is superbly sensitive to his surroundings and absorbs everything. I envy his photographic memory and ability to live completely in the moment. :o) This is the perfect book to curl up with under your favorite green soft blanket.


I REALLY LOVE THIS BOOK   November 23, 2000
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

I must say this book really surprised me! I got it as a Christmas present last year, and I never expected it, because I had only been a Gabriel Byrne friend for about three months or so, but after I had read it, I felt I knew Gabriel personally. I have never met him, but I am longing to see him. The book is very well written, so I wonder why he doesn't write more. Probably because he doesn't have time... I'm awaiting his new film or book. Whatever it is, I'll buy it. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed. If you're a Byrne fan, it's a must! If you're not, after reading the book, you will be!