Last week I started reading the biography of Om Puri (the renowned actor). There is a lot of content in the book, but at some level it was a disappointing biography. The content presentation was more like a newspaper column - no literary merit. Biographies need sustained writing style and must have strong structure, flow and narrative, but these elements went missing. Having strong content alone does not make for a good biography.
In the same breath, I must admit that there were interesting nuggets and details that came to light about this wonderful actor who has scaled peaks plainly on merit and competence - his acting skills.
The fact that he actually pulled rickshaws on the streets of Kolkatta for months as preparation for his role in 'City of Joy" (LaPierre's book) was staggering. Nandita Puri brings out many facts and it is an honest biography. That needs to be lauded. Neither is it seeping with humility nor is it a narcissistic presentation - it is just shared.
It is definitely a good read, but could have been a lot better had the narrative been taut, structure tight and flow organized!
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