Scan barcode
A review by gautamgopalk
Based on a True Story by Norm Macdonald
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.0
Norm Macdonald was a Canadian stand-up comedian, who has a fan base that ardently loves his wit and humour. This book, Based on a True Story: A Memoir, was written by him exclusively for his fans and is a fun work of fiction for them to enjoy. An astute observer of his work could always sense that he was an intelligent man who pretended to be foolish. This book is no exception to that observation. In the guise of a memoir, Norm has written a fictional tale with made up stories from start to finish in which he depicts his character as a greatly exaggerated fool, and takes the reader on a journey that feels like a tight stand-up comedy act.
The writing style is fantastic and this book feels like no other. It is certainly a work of art in which Norm has done something incredibly creative (and funny). Despite the positive qualities, this cannot be enjoyed by anybody but his fans. There is abusive language, disturbing depictions of abuse along with some horrible tales - all in the name of comedy. One has to know Norm's style of humour (and some facts about who he was) to get something funny from this book. It is best to be avoided by the curious reader.
The writing style is fantastic and this book feels like no other. It is certainly a work of art in which Norm has done something incredibly creative (and funny). Despite the positive qualities, this cannot be enjoyed by anybody but his fans. There is abusive language, disturbing depictions of abuse along with some horrible tales - all in the name of comedy. One has to know Norm's style of humour (and some facts about who he was) to get something funny from this book. It is best to be avoided by the curious reader.