Very nicely observed slice of comedy and drama from BB. Extremely well written, with amazingly perceptive observations about human relationships. The brilliant sideways turn in the plot (about halfway through) brings into even sharper focus the quirks and peculiarities of the great characters who have been so well established early on. As has been noted, would make a great film or play.
Surprised at the very 'mixed' reviews and ratings for this book, which is dryly witty and well observed. Yes, there are definite similarities to Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, but maybe that says more about the repetition of office life, which is examined so expertly in both books. As for the claims that it's not funny enough, I would disagree. Like Then We Came to the End, Personal Days excels in a well-judged tone of tragicomedy based on sad-but-true reflections that make will perfect sense to office workers and indeed anyone who contemplates the small wonders and banalities of a working life.
Positives: * Wonderful music - incredibly rich and vibrant. * Great value for money - currently £5 for two albums on one CD.
Negatives: * As another reviewer has pointed out, the dates on the back are wrong. The sleeve lists Love Cry as from 1971 and lists The Last Album as from 1969. In fact, Love Cry was recorded in August 1967 and February 1968, and released later in 1968. The Last Album was recorded in August 1969 but not released until 1971, after Ayler's death.
Despite this, the music is so great that it's a five-star album. Timeless! Now I'm off to save up for the £129.99 Holy Ghost box-set...
