Hello and welcome to MEN’S WEEK on Memoir Armoire. So far my reviews and news have been a little woman-centric, so this week I’m reddressing the balance with only reviews and news re: men and memoirs. First up: a review of The Smoking Diaries…
The first memoir from playwright Simon Gray (RIP), I bought this book a few years ago for my Dad, thinking he would relate. As an ex-nicotine addict himself and self-confessed ‘grumpy old man’ who loves going to the theatre, how could he not enjoy the memoir of a grumpy male playwright who smokes a lot? But although my Dad enjoyed it, I think I liked it even more. I’m not sure why: maybe because Gray’s writing is so good, or because despite his curmudgeonly persona, he’s completely charming. This book is surprising, funny and (when he reflects on his younger brother’s fate) also heartbreakingly poignant. In short, it’s a great read, no matter what your personal relationship with nicotine may be.
Buy it here (or somewhere else).
