The verdict on Stephen Fry's The Fry Chronicles was a respectable 7 out of 10.
The general consensus was that while the memoirs were an enjoyable read, even with the verbose language, they were somewhat lacking in substance. Fry's chronicles were in need of being placed in more of a social and historical context. As it is, from reading the book, it appears as though his life was lived in a vacuum in which the major events of the Eighties didn't really affect him, glossed over as they were. Perhaps they didn't and he does say that he has no real interest in politics and this is evident in the book.
That said, the non-Brits in the group said the memoirs gave them a good insight into the British class system and that Fry's self-awareness and various insecurities/neuroses made them look at the privileged in a less judgemental way, finding sympathy where previously there was none.
Everyone was in agreement that the ending left the reader wanting more, the cliffhanger a teasing appetiser for the next instalment of Fry's life story which, hopefully, we won't have to wait another thirteen years for.
Overall, an entertaining read from the all-round entertainer.
Next up, Norwegian novelist Per Petterson's Out Stealing Horses.
Thank you to the fantastic staff at Le Cercles des Voyageurs for welcoming and accommodating us in the wonderfully atmospheric bibliotheque.
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