Some critics and writers were not happy about Morrissey’s autobiography gaining Penguin classis status on its first print back in 2012, but after reading it for a third time I can confirm that it deserves to be categorised as classic. What did I expect, the man is a genius writer, and it was never going to be the usual, trivial, biography that litter the shelves each Christmas.
There are no chapters and no clear dates set out for the reader meaning there is a more fluid and poetic feeling to the whole book. It feels as if you are absorbed in to the world of Morrissey, this is cleverly incorporated into the writing style which Morrissey changed for each phase of his life.
When I first read the book I felt I had been on an emotional journey and connected with every character that crossed paths with Morrissey. I cried many times! Moz creates chronology for the reader through his music catalogue, although the days of the smiths are documented in a small portion of the book. The origin behind many of his most famous songs are hinted at throughout the book, which for a fan is a really exciting and interesting read.
The book dispels a lot of myths about Morrissey but also lets fans sneak a peek into the elusive private life of the legend, but skilfully Moz is able to tell the story of his life while remaining intriguing.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Morrissey (obviously) also to anyone who feels like an outsider, or that they don’t belong. It is so insightful to the feelings Morrissey has as a teenager and the struggles he experience.
