Pictures in My Head

By: Gabriel Byrne

Narrated by: Gabriel Byrne

Dublin-born actor Gabriel Byrne shares his life in this frank and absorbing collection of memories and episodes. He leads you from his youth through his career on stage and screen and his current work as a producer and actor. Along the way, he gives his impression of Hollywood, New York, and his native Ireland, and provides insights on famous actors such as Richard Burton. His unique narrative style, a blend of colloquial dialogue with evocative descriptions, provides an intimate account of the man - and the writer - behind the actor's many faces.©1994 by Gabriel Byrne (P)1995 Dove Audio, Inc.

Pleasantly surprised - not your average memoir

What made the experience of listening to Pictures in My Head the most enjoyable?

Hearing it in the author's own voice, with his wonderful vocal talent.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Gabriel - as a child. I wanted to reach back through the years and hug him

What about Gabriel Byrne’s performance did you like?

How he brought his acting skills into the performance with the vocal changes for each character (it was like the actual people were there in the room with him). His occasional singing and poems - wonderful.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"The many lives I've lived and encountered"

Any additional comments?

If you're expecting a typical movie memoir of who's who's then you'll be disappointed. However it is rich with wonderful stories of Gabriel's upbringing, but also including the horrible treatment of the Nun at school, his various jobs before getting into acting as well as his own poems and reflections of those who have touched his life. He is very much a great writer, as far as I'm concerned and should write more!

Feeling lifted

I have enjoyed Gabriel Byrne over the years. His face and Irish brogue. I'm certain that I would have enjoyed reading this autobiography. But to listen to him tell it - not just in his own words but also with the expression that only his true experiences could impress - made me enjoy it even more!

Heartwarming

Would you listen to Pictures in My Head again? Why?

Those pictures come to life. Whether it is through the wondering eyes of a boy or through the searching eyes of the man, always looking with the eyes of love and compassion.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, the author, because there is no hint of sarcasm or cynicism in the book, even though the book is quite honest.

What does Gabriel Byrne bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It's much better than just reading the book because of the way he brings the words to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are moments he made me laugh out loud, but there are also moments that really moved me.

Any additional comments?

Well worth the listen and much better than the average celebrity biography.

Fall in love with the Irish brogue

This is not so much an autobiography, although there are autobiographical features, rather it is Gabriel Byrne recounting random pictures in his head of his experiences in life, whether in Dublin or New York. My mother came from the same part of Dublin as himself so the accent and story telling of the Irish community had a poignant familiarity to me. This is one of the best examples of an author reading their own works that I have come across. Byrne has an incredible facility for impersonation. If you're looking for a straight autobio from Byrne this is likely to disappoint. However if you're looking to listen to an Irishman muse on what's most important in life and the contrasts between their youth and their adulthood then this will appeal. It is a joy to listen to Byrne's voice paint the pictures in his head. It becomes clear that this is partly a gift from Byrne to his children, telling them about the experiences that shaped him.

MUST HAVE.. I lLOVE IT!!

If you were only fan of Gabriel Byrne before listening to this.. you will be in LOVE with Gabriel Byrne after hearing it!! I LOVE the book and I LOVE hearing him reading it!! BUY THIS!!!!!!