This book is once again proof that all Irish are poets. In language that evokes a sensual capture of his life, Gabriel Byrne describes what forces led him to be one of Ireland's most successful exports to the world of entertainment in many disciplines, winning awards and notice whether on stage or screen. In a most clever fashion, revealing much internal growth and purpose without betraying any of the details he wishes to keep to himself, it reminded me mostly of Wendell Pierce's memoir The Wind in the Reeds. Still, upon completion, I felt I knew the man better without a bit of superfluous, gossipy material. His accomplishments are wide and varied and have garnered him many many fans, but even the best known are only referred to in passing as they reflect on what was occuring in his life at the time. Highly recommended as a thoughtful memoir of depth and art.

As a fan of Mr Bryne I was happy to read his book. It's a fragmented memoir of his childhood, his Irish roots, his parents, family and short-lived stint in seminary. There is a love for cinema from his early years but the book doesn't really go deep into Bryne's film career. A handful of starts are mentioned, Ava Gardner, Richard Burton, Lawrence Olivier. He mentions The Usual Suspects more as an anecdote to the irony of fame and what acting really is all about. There comes much drinking and fights before he gains sobriety (20 years now). No mention of wives, children or much else. In Treatment, the HBO drama he starred in gets little more than a paragraph.
I would recommend this as a free association think piece.