I really wanted to like this but sadly this was not the book for me. Written in a lyrical almost disjointed style I found it hard to get into and kept skipping bits hoping it would get better but the writing style just kept putting me off.

A pass from me.

This Memoir was antithetical to what I was expecting. Whenever I saw that Byrne was to appear on Broadway, I moved heaven and earth to get tickets. So it wasn’t unreasonable to think his Memoir would give some insight into the character he played in “Moon for the Misbegotten” and how he paired and fared alongside his co-star Cherry Jones. I wanted to understand where and how he found the chops to take on “Long Days Journey Into Night”. After all, he is an accomplished actor of the Irish persuasion interpreting Eugene O’Neill, an American playwright and writer of Irish descent. They both draw from tragedy and experience with the downtrodden. Byrne admits to finding refuge in imagination, stories being his safety net from hurt and loneliness.

Oh well, I didn’t find the answers I was seeking but I did wade through the most extraordinary stream of consciousness and was better able to see the man as a whole, well as much as he allowed. But damn I really would love to know what he thought about O’Neill and those parts he played to near perfection.

Thank you NetGalley and Grove Press for a copy

I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Byrne writes in an easy, conversational way with stark honesty about his childhood, schooling and his start in the world of acting. Some may be put off by the frequent time jumps as Byrne moves through different parts of his life, but I personally did not feel that this detracted from his story. Overall, a brave, honest and engaging read that does not shy away from the more difficult experiences of Byrne's life.

I enjoyed this book because it was so inclusive of how Mr. Byrne's childhood influenced and effected him. It gave me insight into life in Ireland , both personally and politically. I never felt Mr. Byrne was bragging but more explaining and sharing his life and his thoughts.

This was an eloquently told story of Gabriel Byrne . Well written and inspiring , I couldn't put it down .

A very engaging and well-written memoir. The actor’s strong educational background is very evident as he recalls his strict Catholic upbringing and all the factors in his life that brought him such success as a respected actor.

From all biographies I read so far, I think this is the one that resonated with me on almost all levels. It touched me in a way I did not expect.

First of all, the writing: it reminded me of Robert R. McCammon' Boy's Life. The same beautiful, warm, onest and sometimes heartbreaking writing, told by a mature man through the eyes of his younger self. You cannot but be immersed completely into the story of this Irish child. His tales, mischiefs, small joys and tragedies makes the reader live his life too. Some are told through the eyes of his mother, father, different neighbours or random acquaintances, intertwined with bits and pieces from behind the scene, some hilarious, some sad, some life changing.

I don't want to spoil the pleasure of reading it by giving more details. It's one of those small books which make you savour every word, even if some are heartbreaking.

Gabriel Byrne has another great talent beside acting; he's a born storyteller. Wholeheartedly recommended.

WALKING WITH GHOSTS, by Gabriel Byrne, was uniquely different from your typical ghost story. The first few pages grabbed me as he talked about his dreams. I pictured those green fields, and watched the river as it gently flowed by, and actually heard the rippling of the water, and felt the warmth of the golden sun. It was as if I was there for a moment on that beautiful lazy carefree day.
Then suddenly as I delved deeper the scene had changed. the picture was no longer the same. Gone were those beautiful lazy days of long ago. Something else had taken its place. I felt the sadness there.

Reading further into the book people from the past came more quickly into view. Neighbors, families, and friends. Especially this one house he talked about stayed in my mind as he walked through the woods and looked through lace curtains and saw furniture covered with sheets, like ghosts, buckets catching the rain from a leaky roof. A picturesque scene of water falling drop by drop making small splashes, and an old piano rotting away in the corner. I actually saw his childhood dream come to life there. Heard the laughter, music, and people talking. That, to me, was a forgotten memory filled with strong details, because that scene seemed so melancholy. So forgotten. Then just as suddenly brought to mind as he gazed inside; as if the scene was awaken from a deep sleep and took him back to another time. There were other sad scenes; especially the one concerning his brother. That one, I thought: could have ended tragically.

There were also some happy scenes; like thoughts of home, when his grandmother took him to watch picture shows. His father teaching him to ride a bicycle. I am glad the author took this reader down a path of enjoyable memories belonging to a former time. An unforgettable read!

I had some hesitation about reading this book because not all memoirs by actors are my cup of tea, but my concern was completely unfounded. By any measurement, this is a marvelous book. It's not a year-by-year type of autobiography but more a story told in vignettes. The language so perfect for each experience being described. During good times in childhood, the reader can feel the security and love. In insecure times, especially in adolescence, Byrne writes with a more edgy, fearful vocabulary. I especially liked his way of writing dialogue without he said, she said; just lines of speech alternating between speakers with perfect transcription of Irish expressions. So much personality among "characters", so much humor, even the terseness of speakers not comfortable with their emotions. I can't imagine any improvement possible. It helps to have at least a smattering of Irish, but no worries if you don't. Just a terrific book that I'll no doubt read again.

Eloquently written and skillfully crafted, Mr. Byrne tells his tumultuous story. This is a memoir that focuses on the minutiae instead of the "big" events that propel us forward. If you are a fan of Mr. Byrne, I recommend you read this memoir; if not, I recommend you read it anyway.

This was a very thoughtful, almost poetic book that surprised me! I like Gabriel Byrne but am not a superfan, yet having read this, I come away with a much better picture of the author and actor and would certainly recommend this this anyone looking for an engaging read!

Gabriel Byrne makes it obvious that Ireland is the land of storytellers. His writing is beautifully poetic, even when sharing darker stories about alcoholism, sexual abuse, and poverty. I didn't always enjoy the "stream of conciousness" flow of the story - a lot of jumping back and forth - but overall, "Walking with Ghosts" is an interesting dive into Byrne's life outside of Hollywood.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Finished Walking With Ghosts: A Memoir by Gabriel Byrne, the Irish Director, Producer and Actor. I was fortunate to get access to this book, due out on January 12, 2021. This book enthralled me. Byrne’s descriptions of his life are poetic, his use of language brilliant. He overcame a less than ambitious start in life after being asked to leave the seminary at age 16 after five years, alcoholism and other challenging experience before discovering his calling in performance.I was impressed by the number of movies and plays he appeared in and fascinated by the sheer number of famous actors he worked with. I admire him greatly after reading this book for his authenticity, a truly remarkable tale, well told.

Found it enjoyable as I like Gabriel Byrnes. But I don't think that people who don't know the actor would enjoy it. The author skips around in time and some parts are interesting; other parts not so much.

This reads more like random thoughts, insights and memories than a true autobiography... and I love it. So often these 'celebrity books' have shallow insights about their careers and a brief touch of their lives, never much about the bad unless it ultimately shaped them into the fine, fine actor they'd become. This book is like having a long, winding and twisting interview with the man. Seeing what he touches on next, good and bad, warts and all. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Grove Press
Pub. Date” Jan. 12, 2021

Let me begin this review by saying that I wanted to read this book because Gabriel Byrne has always been one of my Hollywood crushes. I went in thinking I was about to read the usual gossipy, self-centered Hollywood memoir. What I ended up reading was Irish poetry, written as an autobiography. Byrne lyrically describes growing up in the 1950s and 60s in working-class Dublin within a devout Catholic family where he is the eldest of six siblings. From the beginning of the book, it is clear that Bryne had no intention to write about his fame. There is no hint of self-indulgence or vanity. When he does talk about his accomplishments as a successful actor, film director, and film producer, they are mentioned as an afterthought. Unlike many famous actors, there is no “look at and love me” feel. When he is frank about his alcoholism, and now being sober for over twenty years, again he is not going for a dramatic downfall Hollywood vibe. Instead, in moving poetic prose, he compares how his emotions were similar when opening a theater and bar door. In this very original memoir that is often as sad as it is humorous, Byrne shows us his soul. Turns out, the handsome actor is also a talented writer. He possesses a unique descriptive power in telling us about the many years of his career. If you are looking for an “Inside Out,” Demi Moore type of memoir this one is not for you. If you are looking for a surprisingly well-written autobiography, this is your book. Before reading Byrne’s life story, his face is what impressed me. After reading his poignant memoir, I now admire him the person, and of course his writing ability. However, I still think he is easy on the eyes.

“Walking With Ghosts” an autobiography by Gabriel Byrne, is an unique telling of one’s own life journey. The author is an Irish actor of some renown and his story is told in “story balloons” as contrasted to most autobiographies that take a linear road from birth to late-in-life. About 1/3 of the way through reading the book my mind suddenly shouted “poetry.” And these anecdotes that make up the book are more poetry than narrative. That is true specifically in the telling of Mr. Byrne’s childhood events that take up a large part of the narrative. You will learn about growing up in poverty, a sensitive telling of sexual abuse, his dramatic insecurities in his talent and his looks, and his own war with alcoholism.
Thanks to NetGalley for this fascinating story: and it has left me hoping Mr. Byrne writes a follow up book (soon!) with any number of additional stories from an interesting life, mostly well-lived.

Gabriel Byrne travels with ghosts from his past; we all do. He carries the weight of choices made along the way. His description is rich in detail: I saw the places and I knew the people he described. He has a melancholic soul with a humorous perspective on life. Feeling an outsider in life, he never admits this to anyone, only himself and the reader. At times I felt I was hearing a confession, revealing moments of deep regret. He is discreet. This is not a tell-all; rather, an explanation of who he is and how he became this person. He has a poetic style, an evocative tone and, for this reader, an honest, sincere approach.

I wasn’t very familiar with the author’s acting career however this didn’t spoil the enjoyment of this memoir. The story of his life is told in fragments and as reminiscences. There was so much honesty shared which reinforces the notion that no one’s life is perfect and we all suffer and find joy whether we are famous or not.

Byrne has an ability to make simple words flow off the page like magic. Each sentence is like poetry. The depths of his self-reflection and honesty touches the soul.