krista7's review
1.0
"Under the Mat" is a story of the Hart family, well known to wrestling fans as arguably the most important family in the history of the sport. It was written by Diana Hart, most easily identified as the sister to Bret Hart and Owen Hart, sister-in-law to Jim Neidhart, and wife to the British Bulldog. (As she notes early in the book, her father did not want the women in the family to be a visible part of the business.) It was also disavowed by the very same Diana Hart, who claimed her co-writer made up most of the stories.
What's good (maybe): The book certainly doesn't hesitate to illustrate the relentless drugs, alcohol, violence, sexual abuse, and general misbehavior that took place at the highest levels of the business. It also highlights the extent to which the wrestling world is interrelated (both in reality and in terms of extended relationships.)
What's not good: The book is just terribly written--as if someone taped another person drunkenly rambling along. There is no flow, no connection between paragraphs--heck, even connections *within* paragraphs. This had to have been a self-publishing effort, which is why I am surprised anyone bothered to sue over it (as Owen's wife, Martha, allegedly did).
As for the truth of the stories here (or not)--when reading some, the truth is obvious. When reading others (largely referring to the implied jealousy aimed at the author), it's a bit more eyebrow-raising. The author's reaction to the material is telling, too. (Note: She barely goes after a brother who was moving in on pre-teens when he was nearly 40.) So, take the book for what it is: A mish-mash of some truthful bits and a lot more questionable material.
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