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Rating: 
Summary: A fine memior!
Review: A great writer and talent. This book is also a great memior ofLondon's theatrical scene. Simon didn't use Peggy and Peggy didn't useSimon. Rather, this work is a wonderful testament to a very close and very personal friendship. They were kindred spirits who shared so much in common. Peggy loved art and loved life and part of her mission was to educate Simon and pass her talents and knowledge onto him. This is at once a riveting and at times sad and melancholy piece of writing. Callow really brings Peggy to life and having been to London and being familiar with the West End I could really identify with this work. It paints a fascinating portrait and provides an exclusive insight into London's literary, artistic and theatrical scene. This is a finely tuned and astute piece of work and Callow should be congratulated on producing a sensitive, emotional and beautiful homage to a woman who was indeed talented, strong and influential.
Rating:
Summary: A fine memior!
Review: A great writer and talent. This book is also a great memior ofLondon's theatrical scene. Simon didn't use Peggy and Peggy didn't useSimon. Rather, this work is a wonderful testament to a very close and very personal friendship. They were kindred spirits who shared so much in common. Peggy loved art and loved life and part of her mission was to educate Simon and pass her talents and knowledge onto him. This is at once a riveting and at times sad and melancholy piece of writing. Callow really brings Peggy to life and having been to London and being familiar with the West End I could really identify with this work. It paints a fascinating portrait and provides an exclusive insight into London's literary, artistic and theatrical scene. This is a finely tuned and astute piece of work and Callow should be congratulated on producing a sensitive, emotional and beautiful homage to a woman who was indeed talented, strong and influential.
Rating: 
Summary: "USED" IN THE BEST SENSE OF THE WORD
Review: I sat down last night to read a chapter or two of this book that had been recommended to me for over a year. I literally could not put it down and finished it 6 hours later, at 5:00 a.m. It is, quite simply, one of the most moving, beautifully and tenderly and honestly written memoirs I've read in years.How does one describe a true, deep friendship? What makes it work and what makes it fall apart from time to time? London-1980: Callow, thirty years old (an actor at the beginning of an impressive career) met possibly the most important influence in his life: the seventy year old Margaret (Peggy) Ramsay, the internationally known, respected, feared and beloved theatrical agent. What follows are the special fireworks of their loving friendship until Ramsay's painful, ugly, difficult death from cancer. A knowledge and/or love of contemporary British theatre could only add to your enjoyment of this book, but anyone who has lived through an impossible love or friendship with a larger-than-life partner; anyone who has known and lost true love; anyone who enjoys reading beautifully fashioned prose--will treasure this book. I, frankly, do not understand the reviewers below who feel that Callow shamefully "uses" Ramsay in this tribute to her and their relationship. Isn't that what lovers and dear friends do? Don't we all use each other? And get used by our partners? Not USED UP, mind you. But "used" in the best sense. Isn't that what we're here for? To take chances, risk hurt and be used by those we love? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating:
Summary: "USED" IN THE BEST SENSE OF THE WORD
Review: I sat down last night to read a chapter or two of this book that had been recommended to me for over a year. I literally could not put it down and finished it 6 hours later, at 5:00 a.m. It is, quite simply, one of the most moving, beautifully and tenderly and honestly written memoirs I've read in years. How does one describe a true, deep friendship? What makes it work and what makes it fall apart from time to time? London-1980: Callow, thirty years old (an actor at the beginning of an impressive career) met possibly the most important influence in his life: the seventy year old Margaret (Peggy) Ramsay, the internationally known, respected, feared and beloved theatrical agent. What follows are the special fireworks of their loving friendship until Ramsay's painful, ugly, difficult death from cancer. A knowledge and/or love of contemporary British theatre could only add to your enjoyment of this book, but anyone who has lived through an impossible love or friendship with a larger-than-life partner; anyone who has known and lost true love; anyone who enjoys reading beautifully fashioned prose--will treasure this book. I, frankly, do not understand the reviewers below who feel that Callow shamefully "uses" Ramsay in this tribute to her and their relationship. Isn't that what lovers and dear friends do? Don't we all use each other? And get used by our partners? Not USED UP, mind you. But "used" in the best sense. Isn't that what we're here for? To take chances, risk hurt and be used by those we love? HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Rating:
Summary: A passionate buyer with a conscience
Review: Perhaps some of my fellow reviewers will consider me not only lacking in conscience, but also misguided and over emotional! I have literally just finished Simon Callow's book and feel compelled to write about it. I purchased my copy after I saw the play by Alan Plater currently running in London's West End, starring Mauren Lipman as Peggy Ramsay. I am half way through my life and this is the first time that a book (prose) has ever reduced, or rather heightened me to tears. I caught nothing of the author's opportunism, but only discovered that there are people who have a passion for life and love in all its many guises and whilst it is clear that many seem suspicious of such depths of feeling or indeed may deny its existence, this book serves as an inspiration and affirmation to those of us who may be deemed foolish enough to recognise and pursue it.
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