THE follow-up to the successful 2008 childhood memoir, At My Mother’s Knee, The Devil Rides Out explores Paul O’Grady’s early, pre-fame adult years, the trials and tribulations.
It makes for intriguing, often poignant reading. A rarity in the celebrity genre, he has something to relate to the reader, offering unapologetic, often mischievous tales.
His experiences during this period explain much about his on-screen persona, his confidence and natural relationship with his viewers and chat show guests.
Sympathetic passages about his care work at children’s homes are particularly notable for their humanity and poignancy.
The narrative flows freely as we meet a litany of characters and live through his experiences. Focusing on the jobs he had and the places he’s worked, his relationships, friends and family, O’Grady gives a fresh insight of exploring who he really is, and of course, the creation of Lily Savage.
Refreshing and honestly written, it’s highly recommended – even for non-fans.
James Cleary
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