A review by martakruh
Billy Elliot by Melvin Burgess
4.0
It is always particularly intriguing when a book is written based on an already existing movie. How will an angry facial expression be translated in print when no actual inner monologue from the character was presented to the viewer? The author has the power to change the deep structure of the story completely if they wished, adding too much or leaving important bits out; because Melvin Burgess had worked with Lee Hall's script for this book, the story not only followed the movie to the "t" but also evolved the minor characters' plot lines to give them a much needed voice.
Billy's father Jackie already was a sentimental teddy bear on the inside, and with the help of Burgess's writing, he came alive as an even more loving person who was fuelled by his devotion to Billy's mother. Tony, Billy's brother, whom I have a hard time getting on with in the movie, suddenly turned into this fierce protector of the family whom I couldn't help to empathise with this time. There was even the voice of Billy's boxing teacher, George! All of these characters were very well developed and enriched the plot of the movie, so that I now have a better understanding and greater appreciation for the story as a whole!
Billy's father Jackie already was a sentimental teddy bear on the inside, and with the help of Burgess's writing, he came alive as an even more loving person who was fuelled by his devotion to Billy's mother. Tony, Billy's brother, whom I have a hard time getting on with in the movie, suddenly turned into this fierce protector of the family whom I couldn't help to empathise with this time. There was even the voice of Billy's boxing teacher, George! All of these characters were very well developed and enriched the plot of the movie, so that I now have a better understanding and greater appreciation for the story as a whole!