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Robin Williams cover art

Robin Williams

By: Emily Herbert
Narrated by: Marston York
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Publisher's Summary

With his twinkling eyes, boundless energy and unrivalled natural wit, Robin Williams was the comedian who brought laughter to a generation.

Through roles in cherished films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, Aladdin and Hook, he became the genial face of family comedy. His child-like enthusiasm was infectious, sweeping viewers away. Allied to his lightning-quick improvisation and ability to riff lewdly off any cue thrown at him, Robin was that rare thing - a true comic genius who appealed to adults and children equally.

He could also play it straight, and empathetic depth came to him naturally. A poignant performance in Good Will Hunting won him an Academy Award whilst his masterfully chilling turn in psychological thriller Insomnia shocked audiences and hinted at a darker side.

What truly caught the imagination, though, was his good-heartedness. Warmth radiated from him on-screen, but he was legendary for his off-screen acts of selfless generosity. Where most Hollywood A-listers demand outrageous pampering in their contract riders, he always insisted that the production company hire a full quota of homeless people to help make his movies.

But behind the laughter lay a deeply troubled man, and tragedy would follow. At midday, on 11th August 2014, Robin Williams was pronounced dead at his California home. The verdict was suicide. He had battled depression and addiction for many years and was allegedly beset by financial difficulties.

Virginia Blackburn's sensitive and thoughtful biography celebrates his genius and warmth, but also attempts to understand what could have driven such a gentle and gifted man to so tragic an end.

©2018 Emily Herbert (P)2018 W. F. Howes Ltd

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What listeners say about Robin Williams

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

Wonderful narrator , great story . A must listen for any fans of Robin Williams . Sad but also many laughs

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

An interesting and emotional read

I enjoyed that it follows the highs and lows of his career. Told from the point of view of an outsider. I did find the narrator very easy to tune out from so missed a lot of it at times. Not quite as engaging as other biographies I have read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully done

Absolutely loved it, the book actaully gave you up & downs just like robin did in his life. It is a true dedication to the amazing & wonderful man he truely was.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Intriguing

I found this book to have a magnatude of emotions, ranging from happiness to fascination to grief and sadness to bewilderment and everything in between. I loved hearing/ reading about his early life and the start of his career but was absolutely sadden to hear he felt alone through out his life. It made me realise that he was a very complicated man and the world lost an amazing comedian / actor the day he died

i would recommend this to everyone

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

interesting

interesting to hear about Robin's life but left me sad at times .... Good there was a few jokes at the end

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating and a little bit sad

The life of robin williams- a brilliantly talented generous man but so sad at his core. Well worth a listen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A good telling of an impressive man.

I found the narrator appropriate and easy to listen to.
The story occurs as honest and open.
I’m glad I listened to this one .

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Best to pick up the book and read your self.

I would prefer to read this book myself than listen to this audio book. A wonderful man’s life sounds so robotic from the voice supplied.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Boring commentary of Robin Williams’ movie history & not much else

This book was a huge disappointment. It’s pretty much just a boring commentary on all of Robin’s movies. I loved Robin Williams as an actor/performer & I don’t think this book did his life any justice. Not even 1 word about the real reason of his death being Lewy Body Dementia & only basic information about his childhood & family/marriages that I’ve read elsewhere in news articles and magazines or in interviews anyway. Nothing new in this book. It’s like the author just summarised everything we all know about Robin Williams & put it in a book. Don’t waste your money.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Feckless book about a remarkable man

This book somehow manages to pad out the life and work of a truely remarkable man and turn it into a stodgy Wiki entry completely lacking in story or insight.

Avoid.

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