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yevolem's review
3.0
I watched the film when it was released in 2014 and very much enjoyed it, so when I saw that this existed, I thought I may as well read it and remind myself of how it was since I've enjoyed Ronson's work before as well. In this case it's more an extended promotional piece for the movie, which hadn't yet been released. The page count on Goodreads is mysterious, because it was far shorter than what it shows.
The film is an entirely fictionalized version of events of which the author was personally involved and are summarized within. Instead of being about Frank's life, it instead draws upon the stories of many outsider artists and marginalized musicians, some of whom are briefly described.
Overall it's a fun short work through which I was smiling most of the time while reading. There's just something about dramatized life stories that I seem to enjoy, perhaps more so when it's autobiographical.
I may eventually read the biography Frank Sidebottom: Out of His Head that's mentioned because I do find it all rather interesting. Unfortunately Frank/Chris died from cancer before the film was released. He was penurious. Almost everyone he had been involved with had done well and indeed profited off of him in the end, but as is often the case for those who live outside societal conventions there isn't a happy ending.
Rating: 3.5/5
The film is an entirely fictionalized version of events of which the author was personally involved and are summarized within. Instead of being about Frank's life, it instead draws upon the stories of many outsider artists and marginalized musicians, some of whom are briefly described.
Overall it's a fun short work through which I was smiling most of the time while reading. There's just something about dramatized life stories that I seem to enjoy, perhaps more so when it's autobiographical.
I may eventually read the biography Frank Sidebottom: Out of His Head that's mentioned because I do find it all rather interesting. Unfortunately Frank/Chris died from cancer before the film was released. He was penurious. Almost everyone he had been involved with had done well and indeed profited off of him in the end, but as is often the case for those who live outside societal conventions there isn't a happy ending.
Rating: 3.5/5
riviwriter's review
4.0
I'm a huge fan of Jon Ronson, and this book was not one of my favorites of his. Because the topic is personal and not generally relevant to my life, I struggled to stay interested in the story line. I will definitely see the movie, and maybe that will open things up for me. I listened to the audiobook, and Jon Ronson is such a great narrator. Still, the content was lacking and the story line and timeline was somewhat confusing.
cal_jessamine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
michidoc's review against another edition
4.0
At first I thought it was quite a dull, not interesting at all account of who Frank really was. A mistake I did before, with longer fiction. When I got to the point where Ronson talks about the creative process of the film and how other works influenced it and what really happened to Frank I was hooked and amazed... and it suddenly finished.
What I can say is that Ronson seems a very good author and I definitely what to read some more of his stuff.
About Frank the movie, I think this little book gave me some thoughts to consider, and made me love the movie even more. I definitely recommend it!
What I can say is that Ronson seems a very good author and I definitely what to read some more of his stuff.
About Frank the movie, I think this little book gave me some thoughts to consider, and made me love the movie even more. I definitely recommend it!
dayseraph's review against another edition
4.0
Movie was super weird and enjoyable, and I've enjoyed some of Jon Ronson's other books, so no big surprise that I liked this! It's very short but very interesting! Provides context for the fictionalized Frank in the movie that I appreciated.
ermamac's review
3.0
I'm not exactly sure why this was a book and not a long article, but I like Jon Ronson, so I'll allow it.
bookishgoblin's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite as riveting as th film, but the book sure as hell explains why. It's a nice little look into how writing fiction based on fact can bring in any factual elements it needs or wants to make something great.
mikew66's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
newishpuritan's review
3.0
I read this because I saw Frank Sidebottom many times at Liverpool Polytechnic in the late 80s. Jon Ronson played keyboards in his band throughout this period - but I can't even really remember a band. All my attention was obviously on Frank, who sang, lectured about 'space' or 'puppets', or acted pantomimes like 'Bobbinson Crusoe'.
This is a simple, straightforward account by Ronson, rather light on detail (and the last part is a brief survey of other 'outsider' musical acts). It's poor value, since it's only a few thousand words. But it's affectionate and generous.
In retrospect, it's difficult to explain Frank's appeal - who exactly were the intended audience? He was quite childish and innocent - he studiously avoided innuendo or obscenity - but I can't imagine children enjoying the act. Maybe he was ideal for student bars: places poised between childhood and adulthood.
This is a simple, straightforward account by Ronson, rather light on detail (and the last part is a brief survey of other 'outsider' musical acts). It's poor value, since it's only a few thousand words. But it's affectionate and generous.
In retrospect, it's difficult to explain Frank's appeal - who exactly were the intended audience? He was quite childish and innocent - he studiously avoided innuendo or obscenity - but I can't imagine children enjoying the act. Maybe he was ideal for student bars: places poised between childhood and adulthood.