Is it bad to be left wanting more?
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I've been a huge fan of Tom Baker since my childhood exposure to his wonderfully charismatic performance as Doctor Who in the 70s. I bought this autobiography to enjoy his personality once again and find out more about his perspective and experiences, especially during his time with the show that made him a household name. Having finished reading the book last week, I was left with mixed feelings, though this partly reflects the great affection I feel for the guy.
His legendary irreverence shines through enjoyably during the telling of his story and there are several memorable anecdotes, especially during his early years. In fact, his childhood, education and early career are explored in satisfying depth whereas his glory days as the Doctor feel disappointingly glossed over, despite seven years of potential material to mine. His stint on the show is characterised as one long adrenaline rush - he obviously relished the fame, the admiration of children and parents, and the attention of groupies - but I wanted more anecdotes about the show itself as well as his relationships with cast and crew. These elements are treated rather perfunctorily.
Finally, the period from the end of his Who to the present day makes for a very dull read, mostly consisting as it does of vaguely recalled episodes of heavy drinking in London pubs. I think even Tom himself had become bored by this part of the book. In fact, the sense I have is of a
book that was begun with an enthusiasm and energy that gradually evaporated as he worked his way through his life.
Unexpectedly, there is a regularly recurring sadness and resignation at his own failings, especially in his relationships. I admired his honesty here and I related to his sense of feeling terribly vulnerable to the whims of others but I would dearly liked to have been allowed more detail. For instance, the story of his first marriage is never quite concluded, while his marriage to the gorgeous and witty Lalla Ward is covered in just a few sentences. Perhaps such aspects or events were simply too uncomfortable for Tom to revisit.
I don't agree with the book jacket's claim that it stands comparison with Spike Milligan's autobiography, which is a far more developed and sustained piece of writing. However, it's certainly worth a read if you're already a Baker fan and want to fill some of the gaps in your understanding of his career, or be reacquainted with his wonderfully skewed perspective.
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Admittedly based on incomplete knowledge...
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I had the good fortune to buy the audiobook for 20 pence, as it was being disposed of by the local library. However I only got to hear half of the audiobook - the second tape having broken: hence a price of 20 pence. I buy a great number of audiobooks to listen to in the car and, what the hell! I tried it out. It was absolutely brilliant, and the absence of the second tape a great tragedy. This one tape was one of the most wonderful pieces of life as art, of laugh out loud humour. Since I had that tape I have been desperately been trying to get a complete audiobook, but, unfortunately, I think the Dr Who freaks have set their hearts on it and I have lost my nerve at the internet auctions. I am purchasing the hardback, and look forward to it, but I still wish to get an audiobook to listen to in the stress of inner city traffic.
It has surprised me that Tom Baker is not known as a writer - I don't know if this is because he has not applied himself to it or because of some prejudice against a luvvy in a children's soap.
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Much more than just Doctor Who...
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If this book was written by anyone else, it would be regarded as one of the great media autobiographies. Because, however, the author was Tom Baker, it appeals mainly to Doctor Who fans, and on that score could be very disappointing. If you want to know about Tom's time as the Doctor, there is very little for you here. If, on the other hand, you want to read a book which is hilarious and tragic, terrifying and thought-provoking and paints a picture not only of the actor's London of the 60s & 70s, but also the vanished Liverpool of the post-war years, then find a copy of this and start reading. You are unlikely to stop until he has. Hopefully, with the recent interest in Doctor Who, and Tom's own higher profile thanks to Little Britain and Monarch of the Glen, this will soon be back in print. In the meantime, hunt it down!
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Captures to coarseness of real life!
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This is a great book and had me reading right to the end. It's not too long, and all the way through you sense that Tom is writing about real, ordinary life and not just his own personal experience. Of course, he's had a lot more experience than most of us - but then just how much is the experience of a drama luvvie worth? He loves to tease us with questions like that and it works a treat.
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hilarious!!
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This book is a must for anybody who grew up only knowing tom baker as doctor who. If you expect this book will be a book about daleks and K9 then you will be disappointed. It is, however, a fascinating story of a refreshingly honest person, who has a darker side....
I was glued to it the whole time i was reading it!
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