Book Review: And Away… by Bob Mortimer
As soon as I caught wind of Bob Mortimer’s latest offering, And Away…, I knew I had to experience it in the most authentic way possible—through his own voice. After all, there’s something truly special about an author narrating their own life story, especially when that author is a comedic legend like Mortimer. His humor shines through every anecdote, reminiscent of his delightful appearances on Would I Lie To You?, making it practically impossible for me to resist pressing play on this hilarious autobiography.
From the opening lines, And Away… is an absolute romp through Bob’s life, packed with laughter, nostalgia, and a surprising dose of vulnerability. The stories from his childhood and adolescence had me in stitches, often leaving me gasping for breath. Who could forget the tale of the greyhound called ‘The Wedge’? Or the hilarious misadventures with his workmate Brian, who had an interesting attitude towards rubbish collection? Each anecdote teetered on the edge of absurdity, yet they felt so incredibly relatable. Mortimer’s knack for weaving together the bizarre and the mundane made me laugh aloud—much to the confusion of my cat!
But it’s not just laughs that Mortimer delivers. Amid the hilarity, he takes moments to peel back the layers of his life. He speaks candidly about his struggle with shyness and his battles with depression during university. Reading these heartfelt sections felt like a delightful contrast to the laughter—the way he captures both sides of life, the light and the dark, is truly poignant. It reminds us that behind every comedian is a tapestry of experiences, not all of which are comedic. Moments like these added depth to the narrative, making me admire Mortimer even more.
Another aspect that particularly resonated with me was his recounting of the camaraderie he shared with Vic Reeves. The stories surrounding their collaborations, especially on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), brought a grin to my face. The absurd on-set antics and shenanigans were delightful to hear, especially as this show holds a special place in my heart. The mix of joy and embarrassment in his recollections showcased not only their creative chemistry but also the laughs that came from their unique friendship.
Mortimer’s candidness also makes his tales endearing. I often found myself entranced by the way he narrated with such warmth and authenticity—my favorite parts were those where he ventured into the realms of ‘fact or fiction,’ leaving me pondering if he somehow managed to blur the lines brilliantly, as is his style! The beauty of listening to him weave these fantastic narratives is that even in the wildest stories, there’s always a hint of truth hiding just beneath the surface.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend And Away…—especially in audio format—for anyone who enjoys a humorous autobiography narrated by the person who lived it. It’s a wonderful blend of sheer hilarity and heartfelt reflections that transcends mere storytelling. Mortimer’s voice draws you in, invites you to laugh alongside him, and occasionally leaves you contemplating the deeper struggles behind the jokes. It certainly left me feeling connected, entertained, and happy to have spent time in his company—a reminder that sometimes, we all just need a good laugh, along with a little vulnerability.