Book Review: And Furthermore by Judi Dench

• W & N Non Fiction

• 9780297859673

• $45.00

• Hardback

• October 2010

• 320 pages

• Biography: Arts & Entertainment



One of the world's most loved actresses tells her story, in her own words.

From the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama, it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star.She became a household name via television, thanks initially to a sit-com, A Fine Romance, in which she played alongside the actor Michael Williams, whom she married in 1971. She has since made nine series of the beloved sit-com, As Time Goes By.Her film credits include Ladies In Lavender (opposite Maggie Smith), Notes on a Scandal and Shakespeare in Love, in which she played Queen Elizabeth, a role which gained her a Hollywood Oscar. But it is her role as 'M' in six James Bond films beginning with Goldeneye in 1995 that has gained her worldwide recognition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Judi Dench is the foremost actress in the British theatre. She was created a DBE in 1988 and a Companion of Honour in 2005



Review

Because Judie authorized this novel and it is written from recorded sessions it is suggested that you read it as if Judi was telling you her life story and I think this is the best way to appreciate it.

The novel starts from 1934 and goes to 2009. Being a connoisseur of British TV and Movie I really enjoyed some of the stories, but if you know nothing about the entertainment business in England from 1950 to 1980 you might find the book a bit tedious at the start.

Through the whole book there are no scandalous stories or gossip, only life changing moments and good laughs. At first I was a little bit disappointed, but as I read on I began to enjoy the fact there was no bitching.